Caring UK December 2010

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December 2010

incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

no.175 • £4.75 In association with

Judicial review to look into council fees

By Dominic Musgrave A HIGH Court judge has granted permission for a judicial review of how Pembrokeshire council sets the amount it pays in care home fees.

A hearing in Cardiff heard that the weekly £390 it pays per resident is not enough to cover costs. The owners of four homes claim they face closure without more money and that the fees structure is unfair.

At the hearing, the homes – Pencoed in Saundersfoot, Langton Hall in Fishguard, Woodfield Care Home in Narberth and Woodland Lodge in Tenby, which are trying to claim extra payments of £90 per resident per week – were refused a temporary increase in fees until the judicial review.

Care Forum Wales, which represents independent care providers, provided written evidence on their behalf.

Senior policy advisor Barry Latham said: “These cases appear to be symptomatic of a wider problem in the social care sector which is causing a postcode lottery in relation to the provision of care in Wales.

“As around 75 per cent of residents in care homes are publicly funded, the fees which local authorities pay

‘Substantial interest’ expected

for their supported residents have a critical impact on the financial viability of care homes.”

But he council’s legal defence claims the homes' financial problems are not a consequence of how the fees are set.

Councillor John Davies said that the situation with the homes was not caused by the level of fees paid by Pembrokeshire, and also revealed that at least six local authorities in Wales pay lower fees than those of his council, while seven pay at a similar level.

He added: “Some people have incorrectly assumed there is a recommended rate for fees.

"The national organisation, Care Forum Wales, has a view on fee levels but this is not one which is widely adopted. The responsibility of Councils is to set fees. It is not a negotiating process.

“We are firmly of the view that we have done this fairly and we have used a nationally recognised financial model to assist us. We are confident that the Council's position will be upheld by the court when the full facts are explained in the final hearing in December.”

Doctor Hilary Jones officially opened a new care home in Henley-on-Thames. Best known for his regular appearances on GMTV, he was joined by the town’s mayor Jennifer Wood at the event at Carebase’s purpose-built Acacia Lodge Care Home, which offers elderly nursing and dementia care. The 55-bed facility also offers a hair and beauty salon, bar, library, cinema facilities, treatment rooms and garden.

JOINT administrators from accountancy firm PKF have said they expect “substantial interest” in the Southern Care Group, which operates nine care homes in North Wales.

PKF is now running four companies trading as the Southern Care Group, which has homes in Wrexham, Colwyn Bay and Prestatyn. It has also appointed Healthcare Management Solutions, a specialist care home management company, to assist it in running the homes. In a statement, PKF said: “Steps have been taken to stabilise the trading position and lines of communication have been opened with the relevant regulatory authorities. The administrators are committed to ensuring that all care standards are maintained and all homes remain open.

“Once the financial position is stabilised, the administrators intend to offer the businesses for sale. The homes have enjoyed a high occupancy level and substantial interest is expected.”

The company employs 270 people and cares for up to 300 elderly people.

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CARINGNEWS

Plastic animals? Pull the udder one ...

LIFE-SIZED plastic livestock in a North East care home’s grounds are causing quite a stir with the local community.

Buttercup the cow and Tuppence the sheep were named by the residents at a fete held at the Ascot Care owned St Annes care home in Whitley Bay after being purchased by owner Trevor Nesbit.

Manager Julie Charlton told Caring UK the farm animals have attracted a lot of interest from passers by.

She added: “The owner asked me what I thought about getting them and I said they are a good idea to have them in the grounds to put a smile on residents’ faces when they wake up in a morning.

“We have done a lot of work on the front garden which looks out to the coast this year, and the residents have enjoyed getting out there when they can to be with them.

“One lady here was brought up on a farm, and it was her job to milk the cows, so it has proved really therapeutic for her.”

The animals helped the home scoop third place in the residential care or sheltered accommodation category of North Tyneside in Bloom, but they have also attracted some unwanted attention.

Julie added: “Recently we had a queue of traffic on the road by the home because people were stopping their cars to take pictures, and we have also had

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry National Sales Executives: Rebecca Hazell Tel: 01226 734685 Email: rh@whpl.net Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734333 Email: mandye@caring-uk.co.uk Fax: 01226 734477

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

Editorial Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 Reporter: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458

Resident Audrey Waters with Buttercup the cow schoolchildren, residents’ grandchildren and even a couple of policeman on horses come for a look.

“We have also taken several calls from passers by asking why they are there. I always respond by asking if they put a smile on the person’s face, and every one has said ‘yes’.

“There is so much negativity in the world, and unfortunately somebody thought it would be funny to push the

animals during the night so we have had to chain them up, but apart from that all the feedback has been positive.”

Julie says Trevor is always coming up with new ideas for the residents, though she is not sure what his next venture will be.

Have you come up with a quirky idea like this for your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or ring 01226 734407.

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

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CARINGNEWS

Conference focuses on depression BRUNELCARE jointly hosted a conference with Age Concern Bristol which focused on the taboo subject of depression in the elderly and the isolation it can cause.

The forum included presentations and discussions by Mary Godfrey from the University of Leeds who spoke on wellbeing in later life and the challenge of depression and Jill Manthorpe from Kings College London, who discussed the mental wellbeing of older people from black and minority ethnic groups.

Alisoun Milne from the University of Kent concluded the event with a look at depression and older people in care homes.

Attendees also had the opportunity to openly discuss their experiences on the difficulties of the issue and how to move forward.

A key theme to come from both the presentations and subsequent discussions was the issue of isolation, citing it as being one of the most prominent contributors to the condition. A series of research forums are planned for next year., with topics including helping to create a sustainable social care system and improving mental health care for older people in a general hospital ward.

Live job board A CARE provider has updated its website to include a live job board which displays vacancies across the company’s 18 care homes and home care services on the south coast.

Care South’s working in care section also shows possible career pathways and staff case studies, and gives information about the skills and development opportunities available to the company’s employees.

Michael Peden, director of HR and training, said: “Over 1,600 staff are employed and consequently our recruitment needs are varied. As well as care and support workers they also include managers and administration and catering staff. We hope job hunters will find the new feature informative and easy to use.”

Regents Court manager Karen Hancox and her deputy Becky Dallimore with resident Bill Sly at the memorial rose arbour.

Home’s floral tribute to former care worker

By Dominic Musgrave A BROMSGROVE care home has created a tribute to a former member of staff who died in a car accident last year.

Residents and staff at Alpha Care Homes’ Regents Court describe Tina Irish, who worked as a care assistant for 14 months, as a ‘beautiful wild flower, climbing as high as she could’.

So they have planted a rose arbour and unveiled a plaque in memory of the 45-year-old, who died at the end of September 2009 when her car crashed into a tree.

Manager Karen Hancox said: “Tina was a lovely person who had

a troubled life, but came into dementia care and really shone.

“She used to go in every morning singing a song by The Stylistics to the residents, and had a natural way with people with the condition.

“As well as being very pretty she was also has a bubbly, outgoing personality and, as her confidence grew, she decided to work in the community.”

The mother-of-four achieved her NVQ Level 2 in care during her time at the home. She left to develop a new career as a community carer six months before she died.

Karen came up with the idea for

a memorial area for Tina so the residents who knew her could go and remember her.

She added: “We originally discussed raising money for Tina’s children but, after a meeting with her daughter, it was decided that a memorial here would be the most fitting tribute.

“It took us a few months to get the money together through various events, and she was so popular that some of the relatives gave us money to put towards it.

“We hope that as the roses grow the residents will be able to go to the memorial area and enjoy the smells while remembering Tina at the same time.”

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Silver surfers’ club proves a hit at home A GLOUCESTERSHIRE care home has launched a silver surfers’ club to teach residents how to use computers and the internet.

The fortnightly club at Caring Homes Group’s Mill House in Chipping Campden was set up with the help of Campden Hub, a local network that supports older people in the community.

Sessions are designed to help residents feel more confident using technology, and enable them to keep in touch with their friends and relatives who send emails and messages via

Residents are shown how to work the computer the web.

Manager Jodie Wright told Caring UK the subject for each lesson is decided by the residents, depending on the skills they want to learn most.

She added: “Something that started off as a small project has really taken on a life of its own. It’s wonderful how Silver Surfers has helped everyone develop new skills and stay connected with their family and friends.

“Topics so far have included emailing, creating new documents, downloading and organising photos, talking over the webcam and internet

shopping.

“At least 20 attend on a regular basis. The club uses a computer that links to a main television screen, so all the silver surfers can learn together. There are also two laptops that residents can use to practice on and put their new skills into action.”

The sessions are also open to members of the local community, and Jodie says it is a good way of showing people what the home has to offer.

She added: “Hosting the club is part of the broader goal of getting people to come into the home, and for us to

show them that nursing homes aren’t smelly old places.

“We want the home to be at the centre of the community, and children from the local schools regularly visit us to entertain and spend time with the residents.”

The home regularly hosts physio classes and discussion groups as part of a varied activities programme, while also welcoming entertainers.

Do you host a club at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

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CARINGNEWS

Owner hits out at CQC over ‘flawed process’

By Dominic Musgrave

PCSO Kris Killelay-Chevous and PC Sally Loftus with residents Brian Head and Anthony Ward

Residents cop for station tour ELDERLY residents of a Sanctuary Care home experienced a day in the life of a police officer when they visited Suffolk Constabulary’s headquarters.

Residents and staff from Shaftesbury House enjoyed a guided tour of the Martlesham building, where they saw demonstrations on the work of

police officers and had a look round the force’s museum. Activities leader Julie Clifford organised the trip after seeing how much the residents enjoyed visits from her local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Paul Sermons, who advises the residents about safety and also gives talks at the home’s gents’ club.

Embroidery service on contract linens for care homes TOWELSDIRECT has been supplying the care sector for the last 20 years and provides premium Turkish quality towels that last up to 150 washes.

Most towels that you see in a retailer will only last 60 washes. We also provide minimum iron bedlinen that is constructed of easy care polycotton, again designed to last longer than your average bedsheet and save your staff time.

Bespoke embroidery designs are available along with matching bedlinen and curtains.

Since Towelsdirect’s inception, we have always tried to focus on our uniqueness.

Customers are reminded that we offer free delivery on orders over £150, operate a no minimum order policy and next day delivery from stock.

We recognise that our customers’ needs are ever changing and it is with this in mind that we are updating our website daily.

Enquiries: Telephone 0800 018 6935 or visit www.towelsdirect.co.uk

A FRUSTRATED care home owner claims he could be left thousands of pounds out of pocket if he is forced to pull out of the purchase of another existing home.

And Adam Hutchison, director of Belmont Sandbanks, which is made up of two care homes and a day centre in New Romney, Kent, says his problems, which he estimates could cost him in the region of £35,000 if he withdraws his offer, have been caused by the CQC’s ‘fundamentally flawed’ registration system.

He told Caring UK that he was offered no advice or instruction and just referred to the website after writing a letter of complaint to the inspectorate’s Newcastle helpdesk.

Adam added: “I began the process of adding a new care home to my current group in May. I am a current care home provider and the business I am attempting to purchase is an existing care home business.

“What this has shown is that this process is flawed because between inspectors/compliance officers and the helpdesk in Newcastle no one

really understands their own process.

“You are consistently guided to the website, which is ambiguous at best, and in my particular situation they do not have a clean process.”

Adam says he has been advised to add a location to the service provider and deregister then re-register the existing manager, which he believes shows the CQC has a lack of understanding of how businesses are run, and how takeovers of an existing operational business take place.

He added: “I have to do a new CRB, get new medical reports and new professional references all before I can even sign to take over the business. All of this information is already with CQC as the manager is already registered. I believe this element to be a waste of time on our part and resource for the inspectorate. Under normal business practices this actually makes it impossible to carry out a business purchase as the business cannot be purchased until the CQC approve the new registration. Yet I cannot really register a new manager until I own the business and am able to gain the information required to register the manager.”

Reader’s letter

Recruitment difficulties Kristel Gardner, Whickham Villa, Newcastle-upon-Tyne I AM writing in response to your article in the November issue of Caring regarding the recruitment of home managers, and can confirm we have had difficulty recruiting a one for more than three years.

We offer a very competitive salary with bonus and have an ‘excellent’ CQC rating and resources available, and have tried numerous methods of advertising, including local and national press, journals, and agencies, without success.

My personal opinion is the job has become extremely difficult due to the

level of responsibility and accountability above and beyond that of a nurse’s professional accountability. The services are 24 hours seven days a week, and the manager has the in hours and out of hours responsibility.

The job appears to ‘suffocate’ and ‘strangle’ managers over a period of time, as most appear to be in a catch 22 situation, between MDT bodies, commissioners and inspectorate.

There is also the financial element to consider as most nurses (managers) are not sales/marketing focused, and when put in that position often feel compromised as a professional.

If you would like to advertise in Caring UK please contact: 01226 734479

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Marsha Tuffin (third from the right) and Browns Field House staff with their award

Cambridge home scoops team prize

By Louise Cordell A CAMBRIDGE care home scooped the team of the year prize at the International Dementia Excellence Awards.

The Abbeyfield Society owned Browns Field House was recognised after demonstrating how they have developed individual carer skills that benefit the team and enhance the care provided for the 27 residents, 85 per cent of whom have some form of dementia.

Registered care manager Marsha Tuffin told Caring UK her team have employed creative and innovative ways to support the residents.

She added: “ We very much focus on a person’s past and do a lot of life history work with them before they become ill, and have also paid a lot of attention to the aesthetic surroundings of the home. This has involved us creating a traditional sweet shop, old fashioned telephone box with a phone that still works, post office and kitchenette.

“The staff have done it all themselves, and many of them roped their husbands in at weekends to help put it together voluntarily. We are looking at getting an old car for the male resi-

dents to tinker with or give a wash.”

Marsha said the themed areas combined with the keeping of chickens, rabbit and guinea pigs has led to a massive reduction in the use of antipsychotic drugs used within the home after working closely with the council’s mental health team.

She added: “Sometimes you have to use these drugs as a last resort when nothing else has worked, but we have seen a major decrease in the amount we now use here.

“One lady who lives here used to be a social worker and she now goes back to it and rounds up the staff and answers the phone if there is no one around to pick it up.

“Another lady was on the drugs for many years but, since we introduced the themed areas, she is now off them and we have seen a massive improvement.”

All of the 33 staff that work at the home are trained in the same way, with some going on to Open University study or qualify in other areas such as massages or manicures for the residents’ benefit.

Marsha, a former hairdresser, has also trained several members of staff to give the residents basic haircuts and styles.

Long-serving staff rewarded A BURY St Edmunds residential care home has rewarded its long serving staff who have achieved almost 250 years of service.

Run by East Anglian independent care provider Healthcare Homes, Fornham House in Fornham St Martin near has a team of 63 staff, 25 of whom have worked at the home for at least five years. The home itself is more than 270 years

old and has an ‘excellent’ rating from the CQC. Activities co-ordinator Val Crascall has been at the home for the longest period, having just celebrated 22 years. Donna Goodman joined the home 20 years ago, originally as a night carer. She is now senior housekeeper responsible for purchasing, maintenance and training.

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Warning over ‘pockets of poor practice’

By Louise Cordell

Residents Betty King-Deacon, Pearl Hobson-Davys, Irene Barrett and Roger Tessier enjoy a trip on a horse and carriage.

Nostalgic trot for residents A DOZEN residents at a Norfolk care home enjoyed a horse and carriage trip around their village.

The nostalgic trot was arranged for the Hill Barn in Sparham residents by deputy manager Sue Barnard, whose friend uses them for a wedding company She said: “We like to try and do something different for the residents each week, and try to get them out

and about as much as we can in the summer.

“I thought it would be nice for the residents to take a ride around the village and, judging by their reactions, they all really enjoyed themselves.”

Previous activities arranged for the 25 residents at the three-star home have included a boat trip on the Norfolk Broads.

THE head of the inspectorate says she is ‘greatly encouraged’ by new figures in a report that revealed an improvement in adult social care services in the last two years.

But CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower also has warned that the regulator has the power to get tough on those remaining ‘pockets of poor practice’.

She added: “Where we have concerns about quality we will not hesitate to act swiftly, using our tougher enforcement powers.

“The pressures of the current economic climate mean it is particularly important for providers and councils to work together to develop local care markets and anticipate future long-term care needs.

“Policy makers should also ensure future social care strategies encourage capacity building for commissioners to develop markets, which will require innovation in the light of economic and budgetary constraints.”

The national analysis of the adult social care market report found the overall quality of social care commissioned by councils in England increased, with 83 per cent of care homes, home help services,

nursing agencies and other schemes rated ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ in 2010, compared to 69 per cent in 2008.

But it also found that more than 20,000 adults are living in councilfunded care homes rated no better than ‘adequate’, with nursing homes for elderly residents among the worst for quality of care, with nearly one in five rated ‘adequate’ or ‘poor’.

These homes failed to give patients their medicine, provided poor quality meals and fell short of basic standards for hygiene.

Overall, 21,000 people were in residential or nursing homes rated no better than ‘adequate’, and another 1,900 were receiving care at home from services graded less than ‘good’.

The report also found: More than a quarter of nursing homes for elderly people – 28 per cent of the total – were failing to meet minimum acceptable standards for overseeing residents’ medication.

One in five nursing homes was failing to provide residents with enough social contact and activities during the day, the same proportion as was criticised for the standard of meals and washing and lavatory facilities.

Thirteen per cent fell short of national minimum standards for hygiene and infection control.

Tai Chi teacher Jacqui Fisher with residents Iris Robson, Bessie Derby, Annie Moran and Sylvia Buller.

Tai Chi proves a winner ...

RESIDENTS at a care home near Walsall have been enjoying a spot of exercise with a difference.

Waters Edge in Great Wyrley has been holding regular Tai Chi sessions for its residents, which are based around a series of slow, controlled movements to help develop strength, balance, posture,

and calm.

Activities coordinator Jenny Cowley said: “The residents really benefitted from these sessions – they found them very enjoyable.

“They learned breathing techniques and movements, which I will now incorporate into our own exercise routines.”

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The manager of a care home has paid tribute to her staff after two of them were recognised at the inaugural Great London Care Awards. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Double win celebrated at Ashbrook Tony Becker and Pat Bacon receive their awards from Holby City actor Mark Moraghan and category sponsor.

PAT Bacon and Tony Becker from Carebase’s Ashbrook Court in Sewardstone were named care home worker and ancillary award winners respectively at the event at The Emirates Stadium.

Pat has worked as a carer within the dementia unit at the 70-bed two-star home for three years and, despite being 62 herself, is currently working towards an NVQ level two.

Manager Glenda Barker, who nominated them both, told Caring UK she is ‘one of life’s characters’.

She added: “Pat has a natural ability to put a smile on everyone’s faces, and it isn’t uncommon for her to arrive at work wearing a grass skirt or bright red curly wig.

“She is always trying to raise money for charity, and residents and staff recently poured baked beans over her for charity. On fancy dress day she always makes sure all residents have an outfit to wear, most of which she has put together and made herself.

“But it is the extra things that makes Pat that bit special. A relative came to visit her mum recently and her dementia had caused her to be particularly restless. Pat called her

later that day, which she didn’t have to do, to let her know that she had settled.”

Tony has worked at the home for just over a year, but Glenda said he is much more than your average maintenance man.

“Tony is always extremely supportive to both the staff and residents,” she added. “He decorates their zimmer frames to make them laugh and enjoys talking with them about football or any other subject.

“He always invites them to sit with him while he is working, giving them a small job such as unscrewing nuts or sanding down a bit of wood to make them feel like they have achieved something.

“Last Christmas when the weather was bad he spent hours picking up and dropping off staff to ensure the home was always fully covered, which again isn’t part of his job description.”

Do you have a member or members of staff that you feel deserve to be featured in a forthcoming Caring UK issue? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

Sanctuary’s success prompts expansion plan A NEW multi-faith sanctuary at a North East care home has proved so popular that plans are in place to expand it in future.

The new facility at Cleveland Park, a 66-bed dementia specialist home in North Tyneside, was developed at the request of the residents.

The former unused lounge now boasts artefacts to represent all of the major faiths, and even has its own traditional church pews.

Manager Maggie Scott told Caring UK the room is a also used as a quiet area for residents and their relatives.

She added: “We talked with the residents about what they wanted to see in the home and the place of worship was the most popular choice.

“A lot of our residents used to go to church, but many of them are unable to get out any more so we decided to bring it to them, and it has been a huge success.

“We have been in contact with the local churches and different religions

across Newcastle and North Tyneside, and when the local bishop came to bless the room it was standing room only.”

Maggie says the area, which hosts services several times a week, is also used by the staff, who come from all over the world, as a place where they can relax.

She added: “It is a very emotive place and, as part of the redevelopment plans we have for the home, we are going to try and extend it so we can get more people in.

“We plan to split the home into four 15-bed units to incorporate a palliative area so that we no longer have to move people to other homes when they become too ill.

“We are going to take away six bedrooms and in there place we will put in a kitchenette for residents to maintain their independence and a guest bedroom for relatives.

“Buy splitting the home up we hope that the care we offer will improve even further.”

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‘Activity and exercise the best medicine’

By Christina Eccles CARE homes should have an employee who is trained in keeping residents active, it has been claimed.

Dr John Searle, chief medical officer for the Fitness Industry Association, says exercise can make a massive difference to residents, reducing the need for sedation and making them co-operate more.

Speaking at the annual Care Show in Birmingham, he said: “We are all going to die, but inactivity moves you up the queue and activity and exercise are the best medicine we have.

“We are not talking to gyms, where it is easy. I have done classes with people in their 80s so it can definitely be done in a care home setting where bags of sugar and tins of beans can be used as weights.

“I do know of some homes that take a group of residents to gyms and it can become a social gathering where they go for a coffee afterwards.”

John said there are numerous health and wellbeing benefits of exercise for the elderly, as well as helping with independence and encouraging social interaction.

He added: “Once you hit the age of 40 you lose 10 per cent of your strength every decade, but with exercise you can offset it significantly.

“Residents need to keep moving and not sit still and, if they are mobile enough, using the stairs instead of a lift can be a great benefit.

“Another task they could do if possible is cleaning their teeth while standing on one leg to improve balance.

“They can use one hand to hold on to the wash basing at first, but then gradually reduce the number of fingers until they don’t need to use any.”

Do your residents do regular exercise? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.

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‘Activity and exercise the best medicine’

By Christina Eccles CARE homes should have an employee who is trained in keeping residents active, it has been claimed.

Dr John Searle, chief medical officer for the Fitness Industry Association, says exercise can make a massive difference to residents, reducing the need for sedation and making them co-operate more.

Speaking at the annual Care Show in Birmingham, he said: “We are all going to die, but inactivity moves you up the queue and activity and exercise are the best medicine we have.

“We are not talking to gyms, where it is easy. I have done classes with people in their 80s so it can definitely be done in a care home setting where bags of sugar and tins of beans can be used as weights.

“I do know of some homes that take a group of residents to gyms and it can become a social gathering where they go for a coffee afterwards.”

John said there are numerous health and wellbeing benefits of exercise for the elderly, as well as helping with independence and encouraging social interaction.

He added: “Once you hit the age of 40 you lose 10 per cent of your strength every decade, but with exercise you can offset it significantly.

“Residents need to keep moving and not sit still and, if they are mobile enough, using the stairs instead of a lift can be a great benefit.

“Another task they could do if possible is cleaning their teeth while standing on one leg to improve balance.

“They can use one hand to hold on to the wash basing at first, but then gradually reduce the number of fingers until they don’t need to use any.”

Do your residents do regular exercise? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.

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CARINGNEWS

Eileen climbs Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate her 60th birthday A MARLOW care home manager has celebrated her 60th birthday by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for two charities.

When Eileen Spiers was asked by her daughter what she was going to do for the landmark occasion the last thing she expected to say in response was scaling the world’s highest freestanding mountain, but that is what she did.

Eileen, who had never tackled anything like this before, told Caring UK she was fed up of the usual parties so decided to do something different to raise £1,500 for Alzheimer's research and Cancer research.

She added: “I was fed up of having a party with flowers and champagne, but I think my daughter thought I had gone mad when I said I was going to do the climb.

“I had a party at the home, but instead of the staff and residents buying me presents I asked them to make a donation towards my charity for the climb.

“A lot of my friends have lost relatives to either Alzheimer’s or can-

cer, which is why I opted for the two charities and, once I had raised enough money for the trip, I decided I had to do it.”

A trainer at Eileen’s gym that she regularly attends devised a special programme to help her prepare for the seven-day expedition, and she also did six-hour walks at weekends.

She said the hardest part of the trek was the altitude sickness.

“It is pure luck, and there is nothing you can do to prepare for the altitude sickness,” she added. “Two people younger than me out of our party of 12 had to turn back because they were so ill, but it mainly made me feel breathless rather than sick.

“Every step felt like I had got lead boots on and, because it hadn’t rained there for a while, the only water we had was to drink so we weren’t able to have a wash, which wasn’t very nice.

“I’m glad I did it because I would have regretted it if I hadn’t, but I have said to my friends that if I ever say I am going to do this again

Eileen at the top of Kilimanjaro

I want them to phone the Alzheimer’s Society and have me checked out.”

Residents at the home created a

model of Kilimanjaro to keep up with her progress with daily updates from Eileen’s husband.

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Retiring Annie shortlisted for achievement award A RETIRING activities co-ordinator has been shortlisted in a national competition.

Annie Gillett, who has worked at Thamesfield Retirement Village for the past 25 years, 19 of which have been in her current role, has been nominated in the lifetime achievement in care category of the National Care Awards.

Now on the shortlist, she has undergone an interview by the judges who will choose the winner – to be announced at a glittering ceremony at a London hotel later this month.

Annie, who retires from her position in December, was nominated by village manager Rhona Price, said: “I originally worked nights when I started here, but when the job came up as a new role I applied for it and was lucky to get it.

“It has been a challenge over the years because we have a mixture of residents and all enjoy different things. Some enjoy the group work we do, whereas others won’t join in even though I know they would enjoy it if they did.

“Those that won’t or cannot join in the group events I tend to spend oneto-one time with and do reminiscence work with them.”

Quizzes, crosswords, discussions on the news and games of scrabble are

Annie Gillett does a crossword with resident Barbara Meyer. some of the things Annie organises, friendships. It can be frustrating as well as visits from entertainers, when residents decide they don’t music groups and trips shopping or want to come to the activities I put to the cinema. on. When a resident tells me they Annie, who was treated for cancer have enjoyed a particular activity it is last year, says the job has not what my job is all about.” changed much over the years.

Once retired, Annie says she plans She added: “All residents need the to travel with her new husband. same thing – conversation and She added: “I would happily carry on working here forever, but my company – and moving into a care husband and I really want to travel home is not easy for resident, many while we still can. Being shortlisted of whom find it difficult to make for the award was fantastic, but to new friends. win it would be amazing, though I “I see my job as getting people doubt I will.” together to try and create new

Homes show appreciation for staff A NATIONWIDE group of care homes has celebrated Staff Recognition Week to acknowledge and appreciate staff in each home for their hard work.

From awards ceremonies to karaoke, each Hallmark Healthcare home honoured the event in their own individual way. In addition to certificates and awards, goodies handed out to staff included bottles of wine, chocolates and beauty treatments.

Each was visited by a staff member from head office, who was there to share their appreciation of the teams. Head office staff were also on hand to dish out prizes to the winners of Hallmark in Bloom, a company-wide gardening competition, while managing director Avnish Goyal crowned Bryn Celyn care home in Maesteg the overall winner.

The “thank you” initiative proved enjoyable for residents too, as they were encouraged to join in the celebrations. Residents at Ashgrove and Ashleigh care homes in Wrexham enjoyed live music and a buffet in the gardens.

Six members of staff at Goodwins Hall King’s Lynn were presented with gift vouchers and certificates to celebrate 10 years’ service at Hallmark Healthcare.

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CARINGNEWS

Life stories help foreign workers LIFE stories of older people living in a Wimbledon care home have been collected to help foreign care workers better understand the residents and their cultural heritage.

The older people’s life stories are being gathered as part of the ‘Collected Short Stories’ project at Queen’s Court, where 38 of the 55 staff come from outside the EU from as far afield as the Philippines, South Africa, India and Sri Lanka.

It was created by Many Happy Returns founder Sarah Reed, who found that her Chatterbox flashcards of British life in the 1940s and 1950s prompted older people’s memories and help carers understand more about their lives.

The home’s manager, Shaaron Caratella, said: “The project has had a number of benefits for the care home, with the main one being the building of relationships between the staff, residents and their families.

“It has helped the staff to learn more about the residents’ lives, and they can use the books to trigger conversations and are much more confident to ask questions without being too intrusive. Relatives also ask the staff about their lives and cultures. It has been a whole team approach and, because they are works in progress, they are always being added to.”

Carer Charles Veloria looks through a book with resident Marjorie Davies.

In the project, care home staff spent time speaking with residents and their families, collecting their stories and old photographs into an autobiographical album.

As well as getting the basic background to a person, the books allowed the residents to focus on periods in their life that meant the most to them.

Shaaron added: “Some of the residents enjoyed speaking about their school days most, whereas others talked about their family or when they went travelling to other countries once their children had grown up.

“The residents really enjoyed talking about themselves, not only with the staff but also with the other residents, and it has been

very interesting to see how relationships have built in the home.

“The books are also a central part of the memorial tea parties we have for the residents who have passed away, and are passed around among relatives.”

Results of the project have also been filmed and the videos put on YouTube.

Elderly and vulnerable need to be protected amid spending cuts LOCAL authorities should remember elderly and vulnerable people when they have to make spending cuts, it has been claimed.

The Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire) says it will be those who suffer most if councils cut spending on social care.

The group’s chair Mike Padgham said: “During the recent spending announcement the Government revealed an extra £2bn for social care in this country, a very welcome cash injection.

“But the Local Government Association is saying that even with that extra £2bn there will still be a £4bn shortfall in budgets for adult social care by 2014.

“The government is cutting its support for councils in England by 27 per cent and the very real fear is that councils will then cut back on the amount of social care that they are prepared to pay for.

“The obvious knock-on effect will be more older and vulnerable people in hospital because there is no council-funded care to look after them and that block beds for people needing treatment in hospital.”

Nigel Edwards, head of the NHS

Confederation, recently warned that “bed blocking” was a real threat as a result of the current spending cuts.

He added: “Less support from council services will quickly lead to increased pressure on emergency services and hospitals.

“Hospital beds will be blocked for those who badly need care because the support services the elderly require after discharge will not be available.”

Mike has called on the Government to ring-fence social care funding as it does health spending.

He said local authorities, NHS trusts and independent care providers would have to work more closely together to overcome the problems that lay ahead.

He added: “We all appreciate that spending cuts are happening, but it is vital that people who commission social care remember that it is some of our older and most vulnerable residents whose well-being could be put at stake.”

“The independent sector has many solutions to the current situation and it is vital that commissioners work closely with us to protect the people who need care most.”

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Staff raise cash to pamper residents Jo Scriven and Hilary Lee in the new pamper room.

By Louise Cordell

bit of pampering whenever they feel they need it.

RESIDENTS at a Worcestershire care home can now enjoy pampering sessions after the transformation of one of its rooms.

The hair salon and pamper room at Tutnall Hall, which comes complete with foot spas, manicure equipment and a massage cushion, has been transformed thanks to the efforts of two members of staff from the home.

“Hilary is even doing a course at college so she will be able to do residents’ nails. It is just our way of giving something special back to them.”

Senior care assistant and dignity lead Jo Scriven, and care assistant and dignity champion Hilary Lee raised £460 through a 10-mile sponsored walk in June to raise money to equip the room.

Jo said: “As dignity champions we ensure that our residents are treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve and they have earned. We make sure they feel individual.

“Everyone needs a bit of a treat in their life, so we thought the pamper room would be a good idea. We can just take them in and let them have a

Jo said that if the massage cushion proved a hit, they were planning to get a massage chair to help relax residents even more.

The pamper room’s officially opening also coincided with a Halloween fancy dress party.

Jo added: “We brought out the Halloween decorations and invited everyone to dress up. We also gave prizes for the best costume and live entertainment was provided by John Dale. People also got to try out the new facilities. We made a real day of it and our residents loved every minute.”

Have you or are you planning to transform one of the rooms at you care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 6734407 or email dm@whpl.net

Success for director Melissa A LEICESTER social enterprise director has been selected as a regional winner for a highly acclaimed vinspired award for her work with Learning for the Fourth Age (L4A).

The charity provides one-to-one education and learning activities to care home residents in the area and, as the executive director, Melissa March has recruited, trained and supported more than 200 volunteers since January 2008 when she started the organisation along with another director. The national awards recognise and reward individuals who have made a difference to other people or the environment.

Melissa said: “I started L4A almost

three years ago to give something back to my community. I am proud to support our volunteers to provide mental stimulus to care home residents and to help them to make such a fantastic impact each week.

“The residents really do enjoy the time spent with them and the activities not only help them to have a bit of fun, but they help to boost their self esteem, and uplift their spirits.”

Kevin Lloyd-Evans, development manager at UnLtd, nominated Melissa in the energy category for the amount of time and effort she puts into providing innovative and different volunteering opportunities for people in the city and the county.

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Actors Alan Halsall and Lucy-Jo Hudson visited two of a care group’s North West homes.

Alan, best known for his role as Tyrone Dobbs in Coronation Street, visited Ideal Care Homes’ Widnes Hall for a residents and families ‘afternoon tea’ with reallife wife and ‘Wild At Heart’ star Lucy.

The couple then helped nearby Hatton Grange in Hyde celebrate its first birthday by cutting a cake.

Widnes Hall is home to 66 residents – 36 for those requiring dementia care, while the 70-bed Hatton Grange has 30 dementia beds.

The couple are pictured with Hatton Grange resident Marian Lomas, who won a signed photo of the Coronation Street cast in a raffle.

All change as care home makes dementia decision

By Dominic Musgrave A LOWESTOFT care home has undergone a major refurbishment and had a change of name to coincide with a move towards becoming a specialist dementia service.

The new name was chosen from a list put forward by staff and residents at the Kingsley Healthcare owned home, with Kirkley Manor replacing Kensington House.

Director of operations (nursing) Debbie McGovern told Caring UK that, despite the group owning the home since 2003, it still has a reputation locally of being county council run.

She added: “We are moving away from being a nursing home because that is the way the market is taking us, and part of that has included us changing the name to reflect this.

“A new extension was added to the home five years ago, but extensive refurbishment work is now going on internally to make it more dementia

Kirkley Manor friendly.

“We have worked with David Sheard on this, and are part of the Dementia Care Matters ‘Butterfly Service’, which looks at improving the staff’s time with the residents, and moving away from their jobs being task orientated to being more about looking after their emotional well-being.”

Diane Walker, who has a primary

care background and personal experience of dementia, joined the home as manager in July, and she is instilling some of what she has learned into the home.

She added: “We have set up an action team that will speak with the residents and gather as much information about their pasts, such as occupations and interests.

“It is in its very early stages, but as part of the refurbishment we are also going to create areas to make the residents’ days feeling fulfilling and to ensure they are not just sat staring into space.

“One lady was a keen seamstress so we have installed an old sewing machine and got some fabrics and bobbins for her.”

For those residents with the latter stages of the condition a sensory area with a variety of materials is to be created.

Diane said the feedback to the new way of thinking has been mostly positive from the staff.

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

In this issue: Award-winning

solicitor helped reclaim £10m fees Page 20

New dementia

facility opens Page 22

Nesting birds

delay work on expansion Page 23

£6m home revamp completed A CHARITY’S £6m redevelopment of a Whitstable care home has been completed.

MHA took over the 1920s mock Tudor property (formerly Granary House) in 2005, which had been a 17bed residential home for more than 30 years.

Work at the now 50-bed Bradbury Grange home has seen the listed building restored and extended in conjunction with the local planning department and heritage experts. A new two-storey wing has been added to increase the number of beds, and the home was closed temporarily to be purposely re-built.

The home replaces the nearby Cliff Dene care home, which MHA opened in 1946. All residents have moved to Bradbury Grange.

Five homes sold JONES Lang LaSalle has completed the sale of five care homes in the North West for an undisclosed price on behalf of Watson Group Healthcare.

Located in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, the portfolio consists of 255 beds ranging from residential, dementia and longer term care for adults with neurological illnesses.

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Make a difference to your bottom line

By Paul Wheatley AS THE social care sector assesses the fallout from the Government’s recent Comprehensive Spending Review, the need for tighter cost management could not be higher on the agenda for care homes across the private, public and notfor-profit sectors.

Regardless of the extent to which they are reliant on state funding, organisations throughout the care industry can identify – and eliminate – significant cost savings by following the Government’s lead and conducting their own Comprehensive Spending Review.

However, based on our experience of helping organisations reduce their costs, there is a need to focus on all expenditure areas, big and small, in order to achieve this. Care homes of all sizes must drill down deep into their organisations to identify and, where possible, reduce their cost base. Nothing

should be left unaccounted for.

The following 10 tips offer simple ways of making a real difference to the health of your bottom line without compromising service levels: Create a ‘cost-aware’ culture, where senior staff lead by example and all colleagues are encouraged to balance value for money against the operational requirements of the items they purchase.

Manage your major contracts carefully, highlighting end dates and notice period. Always tender your contract before the roll-over to ensure you are getting the best deal from your suppliers.

Challenge all mid-contract price rises and ask the supplier to justify them before they are accepted.

Only use first-class post when absolutely necessary. For example, second-class mail posted on a Friday afternoon will arrive at the same time as first-class mail posted on a Monday.

While a franking machine

undoubtedly offers a flexible way of sending mail, beware of hidden costs such as topping-up charges, tariff rate chips and ink cartridges which may detract from their value.

The rateable value of your property is based on a five-year revaluation by the Valuation Office Agency. If you feel your business rates may be too high, you can appeal against it.

Avoid calling directory enquiry numbers as this information is usually available online for free. If the call is necessary, never accept the offer to be connected by the operator as you could pay 50 times more per minute for the call than if you dialled the number yourself.

Instigate a proactive energy management system. Avoid simply reviewing incumbent suppliers and instead investigate the market and benchmark against your peers.

Separate out recycled and nonrecycled waste. Sending waste to landfill is expensive and should be

Paul Wheatley minimised.

Finally, remember to continue looking for new cost saving ideas – even when you need them the least.

Paul is a consultant with Expense Reduction Analysts, a global leader in cost, purchase and supplier management.

MP helps celebrate ‘topping out’ milestone at new development

Award-winning solicitor helped reclaim £10m fees A CARDIFF solicitor who helped to reclaim £10m in wrongly paid care home fees has won a top industry award.

Lisa Morgan, a senior associate at law firm Hugh James, who heads a 21-strong team representing 2,000 clients, was named the Law Society's junior lawyer of the year after being selected from a shortlist of lawyers from Wales and England.

She told Caring UK the company has helped to reclaim the money in wrongly paid care home fees over the last three years for those who qualified for free care but had paid for it out of their own pockets.

Lisa added: “I am thrilled and honored to be recognised by my peers for the work I and the nursing

care department have done.

“The calibre of the finalists was extremely high and I am delighted to have won.

“It was costing an elderly person about £600 a week to stay in a home, and many of those who were wrongly paying for care had been forced to sell their homes to pay the bill.”

Lisa was presented with her award at the ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London by the society's president Linda Lee, who said she was “extremely impressed” by the high standard of entries.

“Winning an award is more than recognition from their professional colleagues, it is also a symbol of quality for members of the public,” Linda added.

WIRRAL South MP Alison McGovern placed the last tile on the roof of a new £5.1m development in Bromborough.

She visited Mendell Court extra care scheme for older people to join the project’s partners in a celebration to mark the ‘topping out’ milestone in the development.

The facility has been built through a partnership between Housing 21, Wirral Council, NHS Wirral, Older Peoples’ Parliament and the Department of Health and, when complete, will provide 49 one and two bedroom apartments.

Support for people with a range of needs will be provided by an on-site care team which will be available 24 hours a day.

Mendell Court, which includes options for rent and for purchase on a shared ownership basis, will provide facilities which can be used by older people within the local community, including a hairdressing salon and restaurant.

It is the second of two new extra care schemes being provided by Housing 21 in Wirral. The other, Willow Bank, opened last month.

MP Alison McGovern places the last tile on the roof with members of the project partners.

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CARINGCOMMERCE

New dementia facility opens A CARE group that previously specialised in developing and running independent living retirement facilities has opened a new dementia facility in Dorset.

Archstone Lifestyle Care’s Waypoints in Verwood will house 40 residents in four different units specialising in different types of dementia which need different styles of care.

Each will have its own communal facilities – a kitchen, lounge and nurse’s corner, but every resident will have the freedom to walk around the whole of the building, inside and out, whenever they want.

Home director Lesley-Anne Clements said: “People suffering from dementia can still live full and active lives and the provision of the type of resident-centred care on offer here is crucial to this.

“Residents will be able to eat a

meal at any time, be it day or night, do what they want when they want and be given as much independence as they wish.

“Friends and relations can visit freely and there is a wi-fi system throughout the building, so grandchildren or busy sons and daughters can access the web should they need to while visiting.”

Communal facilities include two restaurants, library and terrace with greenhouse, large activities room, hairdressing salon and small shop.

Chess, sewing, cooking and gardening clubs will be on offer, and residents can do wine tasting or woodwork if they fancy.

In the grounds there are fruit trees and flowers to help residents know what the time of year is, a pets’ corner, bird feeders and nesting boxes, plus potting shed and vegetable patch, which residents will be encouraged to use.

Archstone chief executive Martin Young with home director Lesley-Anne Clements at Waypoints.

Appointments at care group A WEST Yorkshire care group has appointed Gillian Sangster its operations manager and Barbara Walker nursing consultant.

The Czajka care group originally advertised for an operations manager but, having received applications from two individuals who had been interviewed by managing director Konrad Czajka and given individual presentations to the management and administrative teams, the overall conclusion was reached that both candidates could fulfil key roles in the company.

Konrad said: “To have not just one but two outstanding candidates apply with the dedication and ability that both Gillian and Barbara have in abundance is a great reflection of the work we are doing both in our homes and the community.

“Both Barbara and Gillian have the experience and knowledge to help us build upon our 100 per cent ‘excellent’ CQC ratings in nursing

and residential care and our CQC ‘good’ ratings in the community and navigating us through regulatory changes.”

Gill joins the group from her previous role of local area manager for the CQC in Leeds.

She was a regulator for 14 years, and previously managed the 98 bedded Greenslades Nursing Home in Exeter.

Barbara was the regional manager and operations manager for Eldercare, where she was responsible for the running of 16 care homes.

Previously she worked for BUPA and Regency care group in an operations director role.

The Czajka Care Group runs five care homes in the Bradford and Airedale area – three in Nabwood Shipley and one in Steeton and Cross Hills.

Czajka Community Care Services is a home/domciliary care provider in the Leeds and Bradford area.

The foundation stone for a new care home at The Moat House in Leicestershire was officially unveiled by local MP Sir Alan Haselhurst.

Once complete, the care home on the Retirement Villages site will include 60 en-suite bedrooms grouped around four separate lounges and dining rooms. One suite will specialise in dementia care.

The new building also incorporates a clubhouse for the prospective residents of the extra care apartments being created in the second phase of redevelopment.

The facility will be completed next summer, with the first residents moving in shortly afterwards.

Innovation from Zest Care Systems MAKING staff and business management processes efficient and accessible in the care sector is Fusion, a user friendly software innovation, from Zest Care Systems.

Reported at the NEC Care Show as a real working solution for the care home industry Fusion is fresh to the market relieving the ever increasing pressures and demands on owners and managers as they battle to manage quality of care, compliance and making a profit.

Fusion specifically aids the sector in improving best practice and personal centred care by allowing mangers to control rotas, staffing budgets, recruitment, training and reporting and legal compliance at the touch of a button.

Fusion is a web based software technology with an easy to operate modular software system.

With live updates and system back-up and on-site training it really is a case of just switching to a simple system to gain greater efficiencies and profits.

For more information call: 0844 504 4883.

A new care home being developed on the site of a former Dorset creamery is set to create 60 jobs once it is fully opened. Colten Care, which owns 17 facilities throughout Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, are building the state-of-the-art 60 bedded care home in Sturminster Newton. Due to open in late 2011, it is being built in conjunction with sister company Colten Developments.

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Completed phase one, with work on phase two to the left

Nesting birds delay work on expansion

By Dominic Musgrave PHASE one of a Brighton care home’s expansion plans have been completed despite nesting birds delaying the work for more than a month.

Valerie Manor owner/manager Zoe Bates had hoped to have the development, which includes a new dining room, kitchen and two bedrooms, completed by August.

But work was delayed due to jackdaws nesting in a chimney that was to be demolished at the 17th century former manor house.

Zoe said: “We had to wait until the birds had fledged, but now the work has been completed it is definitely worth it.

“The workmen are ahead of time on phase two, which will include 11 new bedrooms, a conservatory, staff room, laundry and two new communal bathrooms.

“We have also received a grant of £13,600 through SCIE’s Get Connected scheme and are purchas-

ing four touchscreen computers for residents to keep in touch with relatives, and for staff training. They will also be on portable trolleys so nursing clients can use them.”

The work is set to be completed by February and, once complete, will almost double the home’s registration to 23. Zoe has started the process of recruiting for new staff.

She added: “It was very difficult to get the funding in place for the work, and probably took us around half a year to get it.

“The bank manager has regularly visited the home to make sure all was going to plan, but has also been very supportive as well.”

Zoe was one of five people who shortlisted for the Worthing business person of the year awards after being nominated by her financial adviser.

Have you or are you planning any expansion or redevelopment work at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

Fee consultation document outlines main proposals THE inspectorate has launched a consultation on the fees it proposes to charge providers of health and adult social care.

These cover CQC’s work in registering providers and monitoring their compliance with essential levels of safety and quality.

The consultation sets out proposals to simplify fees and put in place a single long-term scheme that will cover all providers registered now and those who will be registered from April 2011. It proposes a framework for how fees will be charged based on principles such as fairness, simplicity and proportionality.

Chief executive Cynthia Bower said:

“We do not underestimate the impact on providers of paying fees, especially in the current economic climate. We have looked carefully at our costs and will continue to do so.

“We have a responsibility to collect fees from those we regulate and to demonstrate we are an efficient and effective regulator.”

The consultation document outlines three main proposals for: Categories and bandings for fees, including fee amounts A single annual fee that incorporates registration and variation fees Streamlining the payment date for annual fees.

The consultation runs until January.

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CARINGNEWS

Three approaches to improving communication

By Dr Sarah Hean USER voice and patient involvement is a key element of the modern health and social care agenda.

One of the most empowering things for any individual is to be given a voice and to know that their thoughts and opinions are counted and valued.

For older people this is especially true and effective communication can form a significant part of supporting well-being and quality of life for older people. Quality of life of older people is achieved through maximising factors that make people happy with their current, past and future lives.

People working with older people in a caring setting should place as much emphasis on communication and social well-being as they do addressing physical health.

At Bournemouth University's Centre for Wellbeing and Quality of Life we have established the Older Person's Programme (OPP) which aims to work in partnership with older service users and service

providers to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of older people.

There are three core approaches that we are using that practitioners can adopt to improve communication when working with older people: interprofessional working and education; generation of social capital; and humanisation.

Interprofessional working not only refers to communication between two or more care professionals aimed at improving continuity of care, it also refers to how the service user can be seen as a key and active member of the care team. In a care setting an older person should be considered as part of the interprofessional team rather than simply the recipient of the actions of this team. This gives them a real opportunity to have their voice heard and to influence the nature of their care.

Simply being involved in part of a team also provides significant wellbeing benefits. This is referred to as social capital, which is the sustainable advantage gained by individuals through membership of a social

network or group.

For older people this includes the health and social care team working with them. Building a strong social network within your care setting can have a lasting benefit on resident's wellbeing.

This benefit touches on the final approach – a humanistic approach – which puts emphasis on the lived experience and personal history of the older service user.

Everyone is unique as an individual and a system of care needs to reflect this. Rather than a purely professional focused definition of problem based care, care practitioners should also look at the life goals and values of the individual and address these in their care policy.

Taking the time during the working day to consider communication and its impact on the quality of life of older people can make a huge difference to their social wellbeing.

The three approaches outlined above should give all practitioners working with older people a start-

By Dr Sarah Hean ing point to improve communications in their working life and create a stronger social environment in the care setting.

Sarah is associate professor and associate director for the Centre for Wellbeing and Quality of Life at Bournemouth University.

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CARINGDEMENTIA CARE

Report looks at dementia care programme ONE of the country’s largest providers has launched the first report of its kind about dementia care in care homes.

The PEARL specialised dementia care programme developed by Four Seasons has achieved both significant reductions in the requirement for anti-psychotic medication and improved patient well-being.

It records the highlights of the journey from concept to programme implementation, and covers the thinking behind the approach, staff selection and training, the criteria and the inspection process for a home to achieve PEARL accreditation and both statistical and anecdotal evidence of the positive outcomes of the programme.

Dr. Pete Calveley, chief executive of Four Seasons Healthcare, who initiated the programme, said the report also includes insights from staff members specialising in dementia care and feedback from families.

He added: “A fundamental part of the challenge facing us was to

redefine what we mean by good dementia care, before we could know if we are providing it.

“Then to find ways to help those living with the symptoms of dementia to let us know when we are making a positive difference for them – and when we are not.

“Healthcare professionals and wider society have made a lot of progress in the understanding and practice of dementia care in the past few years – but perhaps that only serves to indicate how much more there is to learn.”

Four Seasons has invested heavily in developing the new PEARL service, and spent the last two years putting the theory to practice by implementing the engaging specialist approach to dementia care.

The team of seven, led by dementia services director Caroline Baker, has won numerous industry awards, and the PEARL service was recognised for its market-leading excellence by being awarded the prestigious 2009 Guy Rotherham Care Home Award by The Improvement Foundation.

Dual training makes Jenny a cut above WHEN Harlow-born Jenny Twigg was approached to work in a local care home as ‘the hairdresser’ in 2001, little did she know that nine years later she would be sharing a stage with one of the most feared ‘Dragons’ from the TV series ‘Dragon’s Den’.

Jenny originally qualified as a hairdresser as a mature student in 1992 and eventually began a mobile business working with the elderly in the community.

She said: “When I started hairdressing at Elmhurst Residential Home in 2001, I was asked to train as a carer – so I underwent dementia training.

“I had never experienced such job satisfaction and was then determined to fulfil my dream by combining my two passions, working with this client group and hairdressing.”

Having two such complementary skill sets soon led to a demand for Jenny’s services in other care homes locally and she decided to start her own dedicated business,‘Care 4 Hair’.

She added: “I soon took on an assistant – a fellow carer and qualified hairdresser – as I grew busier and my reputation grew.

“My extensive research into the care industry revealed that being dementia trained is not a requirement of outside service providers such as hairdressers, beauticians and the like.

“My mission is that all residential and care homes will have the choice to have their own personal hairdressing and beauty service provided to them by fully trained, qualified staff who not only care how their clients look but also how they feel.”

2009 saw Jenny re-brand and

Jenny Twigg launch her company Lily Pins Ltd. She added: “It was a very exciting year all round for us.

“I entered ‘The Pitch 2009’ and was shortlisted from over 100 applicants for the London Regional Final, eventually winning the ‘wildcard’ place to the national final in London.”

This £50,000 pitching competition involved Jenny presenting to, and being grilled by, a panel of top class business talent, including former TV Dragon Doug Richard who subsequently invited her to share her experience on stage with him at the launch of his own ‘Perfect Your Pitch’ event.

Honour for honorary president DEMENTIA UK honorary president John Suchet has received an honorary master of arts degree from the University of Worcester.

The honour is in recognition of his successful career in broadcast journalism, his scholarly work in classic music, and his recent personal contribution to raising

awareness of dementia and the need to improve care.

At the same ceremony the University honoured Peter Ashley, who has lived with the diagnosis of Lewy Body dementia and campaigned tirelessly for the direct voice of people with dementia to be heard.

Pioneering new cabinet furniture supports dementia patients NEW from Knightsbridge Furniture is a pioneering range of cabinet furniture developed to help support the specific needs of dementia patients within nursing homes and residential schemes.

The Caspia collection forms part of the firm’s extensive healthcare portfolio of seating, tables and bedroom furniture and includes wardrobes in various configurations, together with drawer cabinets, a dressing table and a ‘memory box’.

Created exclusively for Knightsbridge Furniture by designer Catherine Hawcroft, the collection is manufactured in the UK using timber from renewable sources.

Advocating the positive role which furniture can play in supporting the confidence and orientation of dementia patients, Catherine trained alongside carers and clinicians to progress her own ideas in line with the latest research into person-centred dementia care.

Features of the new collection include the use of colour and contrast to aid those with visual and sensory impairments, and domestic styling to convey a feeling of security for residents in often confusing and unfamiliar settings.

Enquiries: Telephone 01274 731442 or e-mail enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

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CARINGDEMENTIA CARE

ECCA chief executive Martin Green discusses his new role as independent sector dementia champion.

Proud of the services and honoured to champion them FOR too long the valuable contribution of the independent sector to dementia services had been at best overlooked and at worst ignored.

In my new role I have an opportunity to see some of the best services that our sector is delivering, and a structural role to feed this back into policymakers so that the vital contribution that our sector makes to improving the lives of people with dementia is better understood.

A third of people with dementia live in care homes and more than three-quarters of all those older people in care settings have some form of dementia.

This is an enormous challenge for a system that is resource constrained and the ‘Cinderella’ in comparison to the bigger healthcare sector.

I have been delighted to see at first hand some of the tremendous services that our sector is delivering and to watch as our colleagues deliver personalised, dignified care to some of the most vulnerable and cognitively impaired citizens.

The way in which care staff connect with their residents never ceases to amaze me, and the way in which care services strive to connect with people who are often regarded as locked in their own world is truly humbling.

I recently heard of a case where an older person was becoming very agitated and trying to take the keys out of doors and windows.

The care staff did an in-depth examination into this lady’s background and discovered that during the war she had been an admin

officer in a prison.

Suddenly the staff understood what was motivating this particular resident and they produced five locks on a piece of wood in her bedroom and encouraged her to lock up every time she left her room.

This sounds like such a little thing, but in reality it was the piece of care that reduced the lady’s anxiety and relieved her agitation.

Examples like this are going on day in and day out in care settings.

I am so proud of the work that our sector is doing to support people with dementia and their carers, and I am so honoured that I have been asked to champion it.

Martin Green

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CARINGNEWS

Owner claims she has been ‘starved of residents’

By Dominic Musgrave

Michael Le Vell with 100-year-old resident Mrs Millie Stringer

Coronation Street actor opens home ACTOR Michael Le Vell officially opened Avery Healthcare’s new Acacia Lodge care home in the Moston area of Manchester.

Best known for his roles as Coronation Street’s Kevin Webster, he unveiled a plaque and toured the 60-bed home,

seeing its dementia facilities and en-suite rooms before enjoying a buffet lunch with residents, relatives and staff.

Michael also presented a bouquet to the first three women to move into the home: Vera Mellor, Meg Kaye and Marie Kyriakoulis.

THE Caring UK newsdesk has been inundated with calls and emails from frustrated care home owners and managers regarding the story in the November issue on bed blocking.

All have agreed with Care Forum Wales’ senior policy officer Barry Latham that, given the opportunity, independent care providers could save the NHS money and prevent hospital bed blocking.

Kate Jackson, owner of Seaswift House Retirement Home, Seaton, said in the past she has written to and telephoned her local hospitals to inform them when she has empty beds, but no one ever gets back to her.

She added: “I think there should be some scheme where care homes should be able to register their empty beds with the hospitals, but they are not on the ball at all. At the moment I have two beautiful rooms available ready to provide a lovely home to two elderly residents. Surely it is much better for elderly people to be in here than a hospital bed?

“My current charges are £550 per week, much better than £350 per day, but still it goes on and on.

I would be very happy to contribute to

a scheme that helps sort out bed blocking in hospitals, but I have to say and, with some experience, that some relatives look on it as free accommodation.”

And Irene Steele, owner of Oakdene in Birkenhead, believes it would secure the future of care homes and make hospital beds available for emergency admissions.

She added: “We have been starved of clients due to the local councils using care agencies to keep elderly people in their own homes.

“While this may work for some people, the majority are being given inadequate care packages solely due to costs and, in many cases, there are people who are not suitable for homecare.

“I have had two clients admitted to my home via hospital due to homecare being totally unsuitable for these people.

“I would like to have a contract with my local hospital whereby people come in and are looked after while suitable arrangements are made for their future.”

What do you think? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.

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CARINGNEWS

Home dementia chat evening introduced

By Christina Eccles A SURREY care home has launched a dementia chat evening to give residents’ families and local people an opportunity to find out more about the condition.

Moorlands Care Home, which provides nursing and residential care in Surrey, held the event to not only provide people with a source of information but also to give relatives of people suffering from the condition a space where they can share their experiences and offer each other support.

Hillary Dyce from the local Alzheimer’s Society branch gave a talk on the condition at the Caring Homes Group owned home’s inaugural event, with those attending able to ask questions afterwards.

Olivia Pritchard, the groups’ marketing account manager, has been instrumental in setting up the programme.

She said: “Relatives of the home’s residents mentioned that they were concerned that they didn’t understand enough about dementia at one of their monthly meetings, so we decided to put on an informative event where they could learn more.

“It was opened up to the local community, and some of the topics discussed included what signs can be

looked out for, and what can be done to help people who have the condition.

“Guests were given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of Hillary’s presentation about the condition, and talk through how they had been affected by it.”

The home’s manager, Lydia Makuyana, added: “Dementia is a complex and life-altering condition that touches many people’s lives.

“Although there is information around already we’ve found that people really value being able to talk through not only the details of the condition, but also how it’s affected them and their relatives.”

Plans are in place to make the informative evenings regular events throughout the year, covering topics to be decided by the relatives at their meetings.

Olivia added: “We are open to their suggestions, but it could be in future that one will have nutrition as a topic and another could be designing rooms to benefit elderly people or those with dementia.”

Do you host similar events for relatives and the local community at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or ring him on 01226 734407.

Family team raises £700 A CAMBRIDGE care home worker and her 12-year-old daughter raised more than £700 when they competed in a half marathon walk.

It took them more than four hours to complete and included a threemile impromptu diversion when they took a wrong turn on the course.

Nicola Munns, who works at Abbeyfield Society’s Browns Field House, and her daughter Katie, participated in the inaugural Royal Parks Foundation Hearts and Heritage half marathon walk in London.

Katie’s feet were so sore at the end they had to be treated by St John’s Ambulance crew on the finishing line.

The money will be used to make Christmas extra special for the home’s residents.

Nan Thomas plays tiddlywinks at the toy event.

Playtime remembered ...

RESIDENTS of a Wrexham care home have been transported back in time to their childhoods thanks to the town’s museum.

Learning and access officer Karen Teasdale took along some toys of yesteryear that she looks after at the museum and told residents of Pendine Park’s Highfield Unit all about them.

The event was organised by activities manager Gerry Humphreys.

She added: “Some of our older residents were talking about the sort of toys they played with when they

themselves were small children, so I invited Karen along to give a talk and to show some of the toys and games held as exhibits by the museum.

“It has certainly brought some fond memories flooding back for some residents who were enthralled by Karen’s talk as well as being allowed to handle and even play with the toys. Children today play with computers and electronic games so it was great to see old spinning tops, tiddlywinks and puppets, toys and games that were really common back then.”

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CARINGCARE AWARDS

The Great North West Care Awards at Old Trafford

Unpaid carer Alfred, 89, hailed a winner CUMBRIA Care and CLS Care Services scooped two awards each at the annual Great North West care Awards at Old Trafford.

Cumbria Care’s Catherine Watters and Karen Dalton won the care home registered manager and care nutrition and hydration awards respectively, while CLS’ Belinda Jones from Nantwich and Julie Angus from Knutsford were named dementia carer and ancillary worker of the year respectively.

Seventeen awards were up for grabs on the evening, with Alfred Hales from Bolton winning the inaugural unpaid carer’s prize. The 89-year-old, who was awarded an MBE earlier this year, cares for his wife Eunice who suffered a stroke in 2002. He has also raised almost £50,000 for charity in the past eight years.

The awards, which support The Maggie’s Centre charity, were presented by leading compere Steve Walls, while the Singing Waiters also entertained guests.

Other winners: Care employer (less than 250) – Lynne Griffin and Nicola Tooke (Richmond Village, Nantwich); Care employer (more than 250) – Ken Nolan (Springhill Care, Accrington); Care home worker – Alison Bevan (Hazeldene, Blackburn); Homecare worker – Sally Morgan (Mears Care Ltd,

Workington); Care newcomer – JonPaul Grimes (Allied Healthcare Group, Salford); Homecare registered manager – Darren Guy (Domus Healthcare Group, Oldham); Dignity in care – Carole

Wardle (Care UK, Crewe); Care team – Lancashire Care Trust liaison team; Care activity organiser – Orla Adamson (Meridian Healthcare, Hyde); Care trainer – Nursing care home liaison team,

Lancashire Care Foundation Trust; Care innovator – Martin Clark (Care Concepts Group, Manchester); Outstanding contribution to social care – Gillian McGuirk (support worker, Cumbria county council).

The Great East of England Care Awards at the Imperial War Museum

Holby City actor recognises care award winners THE Imperial War Museum in Duxford was the backdrop for the finals of the inaugural Great East of England Care Awards.

Fifteen award winners from all corners of the sector were announced at the event, which was presented by Holby City actor Mark Moraghan.

Sector support included the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), Skills for Care, Ceretas and ECCA. Caring UK magazine is the media partner.

Award winners will be invited to attend the national finals for either the home care or care home sector, which will take place next May and June at the prestigious Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Winners: Care employer – Peterborough Care Ltd (Peterborough); Care home worker – Susan Cox, Southern Cross (Oakington); Homecare worker –

Sharon Dixon, Anglia Case Management (Bury St Edmunds); Care newcomer – Zara Hardwick, Housing 21 (Kesgrave); Care home registered manager – Jackie Wright, Raveedha Care Ltd (Linton); Homecare registered manager – Nicola Rowland, Ultimate Care UK Ltd (Stutton); Care nutrition and hydration – Jason Parker, Care Home Service (Norwich); Dignity in care – Nelson Sibanda, Sure Care (Southend on Sea); Dementia carer – Maureen Hudson, Bramley Court care home (Histon); Care team – Service placement team, Essex county council (Colchester); Activity co-ordinator – Peter Turner, Housing 21 (Kesgrave); Care trainer – Helen Arney, Kingswood care services (Burnt Mills); Care innovator – Steve Knight, Essex County Council (Chelmsford); Putting people first/ personalisation – Kirk Wells, PALS Ltd (Witham); Outstanding contribution to social care – Maggie Hawley, Great Yarmouth.

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CARINGCARE AWARDS

The Great South West Care Awards at the Old Passenger Shed

Tovic Care take the honours DORSET-based Tovic Care were the big winners at the inaugural Great South West Care Awards held at the Old Passenger Shed in Bristol.

Becky Johnson won the care home worker prize, while her boss Natalie Adams won the registered manager award.

Sixteen awards were handed out on the night, which represent all areas of the care sector, whether it be older people or specialist services and from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training, specialist care in areas such as dementia and innovation.

Former EastEnders and Extras actor Shaun Williamson presented the awards.

Winners: Care employer – Ian Salter and Sharon Workman, Aspirations Care Ltd (Weymouth); Homecare worker – Jessica Scott, Platinum Plus Healthcare Ltd (Torquay); Care newcomer – Kaisei Evans, Brandon Care Ltd (Exmouth); Homecare registered manager – Jasmine Broome, Medico Nursing and Homecare (Paignton); Care home nutrition and hydration – Amanda Elliot and

Karen Place, Avon View (Christchurch); Dignity in care – Julie Hughes, Park View Nursing Home (Swindon); Dementia carer – Tina Marsh, Barchester Healthcare (Stroud); Care team – The Swaps team, Newton Abbot; Care home

activity organiser – Wayne Thompson, Craegmoor (Llantristant); Ancillary worker – Kathleen Stacey, Barchester Healthcare (Yeovil); Putting People First/ Personalisation – First City Nursing Services (Swindon); Care

trainer – Ann Dando, The Grange Care Centre (Stonehouse); Care innovator – Jane Raeside, Swindon Borough Council; Outstanding contribution to social care – Brian Westlake, Altogether Care (Weymouth)

The Great Yorkshire and Humberside Care Awards at the National Railway Museum

Double success for Allied Healthcare in York ALLIED Healthcare scooped two prizes at the third annual Great Yorkshire and Humberside Care Awards held at the National Railway Museum in York.

Rebecca Brooke took the care newcomer award, while Theresa Constive won the homecare registered manager category at the event, for which Caring UK magazine was the media partner.

The ceremony, which saw 18 awards handed out covering every aspect of the care sector, was presented by comedian Helen Lederer and local BBC news presenter Harry Gration.

Other winners: Care employer (more than 250) – Paul Philips, Springfield Homecare (Garforth); Care employer (less than 250) – Westward Care Ltd (Leeds); Care home worker – Jan Cooper, Barchester (Knaresborough); Homecare worker – David Oxley, Autism Plus (Sheffield); Care home registered manager – Tracey Fullard, North Yorkshire council, Harrogate; Care home nutrition and hydration – Jane Williams, MHA (Hull); Dignity in

care – Val Sutton, City of York Council (York); Dementia carer – Jo Edmond, St Celia (Scarborough); Care team – Supported Living Team at Sun Health (Barnsley); Care home activity organiser – Christine Watson-Adams,

The Wilfward Family Trust (Leeds); Ancillary worker – Leslie Donno, Elizabeth Finn Homes (Harrogate); Putting people first – Personalisation Forum – Rebound (Doncaster); Care trainer – Andrea Bayston, HICA

(Hull); Care innovator – Tina Sanderson, Emerald Activities (Bradford); Outstanding contribution to social care – Ann Smyth, director, The Carer’s Resource (Harrogate).

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Inquiry into human right protection

By Dominic Musgrave THE Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched an inquiry into the human rights of older people requiring or receiving home-based care.

It will investigate whether the current legislative, regulatory and quality control systems offer enough human rights protection as well as people’s experiences of and confidence in the system to protect their human rights.

The inquiry will also explore the legal obligations of different players, including care providers, local authorities, the CQC and central government.

Commissioner Sally Greengross said they will be looking at the case for reform to ensure vulnerable older people are comprehensively and robustly protected.

She added: “Against a backdrop of budget cuts and public sector reform, local authorities are playing an everdecreasing role as direct providers or funders of care and support, with the majority of older people receiving care from private and voluntary sector organisations or individuals.

“The complex web of provision has left older people and their families unclear whether and how their human rights will be protected.

Equally, we believe those providing, commissioning or regulating care are unclear of their legal responsibilities and how to discharge them.”

The inquiry aims to provide clarity and confidence for all who have rights and responsibilities that human recommendations will then

HomeCall’s Tony Robinson and Joanna Caton show off the new dementia safety devices.

Sally Greengross be used to inform the practices of local authorities, regulators and providers of home based care, as well as the Commission's own work.

It will also influence the Independent Commission on social care reform and the independent Commission on a Bill of Rights.

Sally added: “By highlighting deficiencies in the present system, as well as learning from examples of good practice, the Commission’s inquiry will ensure that the legal and regulatory framework in which home care providers operate protects and promotes the human rights of older people, preventing abuses and transforming the way that social care is delivered in England.”

Responses are being sought from the elderly, their relatives, care agencies and public authorities, and findings and recommendations will be published in December 2011.

Coventry agency changes hands AUDLEY Care has acquired the Coventry-based Loving Care Services agency.

Established in 2008, Loving Care Services has a range of private and direct payment clients which will continue to be served under the new ownership. Rebranded under Audley Care, all staff will be retained and the

head office will stay in Bilton.

Barbara Hobbs, Director of Care at Audley Care, said: “We look forward to expanding the business in the area. Audley has just had planning permission on the Binswood Hall site in Leamington Spa, so having a well respected care operation already in place is a huge asset for us.”

New support scheme launched HOMECALL, the telecare division of Coast and Country Housing, has launched an innovative new service with Redcar and Cleveland Council supporting those who live with dementia.

The new scheme will give alarmed safety devices to those who suffer from memory loss and who have been referred by dementia specialists at the council, allowing them to live independent lives.

Using GPS software similar to that used in car sat-nav systems, HomeCall’s 24-hour customer contact centre will be able to locate people after an alarm is triggered using satellite positioning on a computer screen.

The staff based in Redcar will either call the alarm holder and guide them back to safety, or liaise with a family member to

coordinate finding and safely returning the individual.

Head of tenancy services Jason Lowe said: “The new service will allow us to offer innovative support to a number of residents in the borough who have been referred by specialists to the programme.

“Using state-of-the-art technology we will be able to locate the device holders should the need arise offering a safety net to those who may get in to distressful situations or wander unknowingly and put themselves in danger.”

The device can be activated by the customer as well as a family member or carer who can raise the alarm if they become concerned about their whereabouts.

It can also be triggered automatically if the person goes too far away from their home.

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CARINGINDUSTRY NEWS

20,000 specialist holidays a year BOND Holidays provides over 20,000 holidays per year welcoming guests with varying degrees of disabilities.

They offer specialist facilities throughout all venues to make sure that every person is individually catered for, including the free hire of hoists, commodes and cot sides as well as fully accessible ensuite wet rooms and full disabled accesses to all public areas.

Bond Holidays has three unique venues, Blackpool, St Annes and Marton Mere which all offer a great service, full accessibility and a fantastic holiday guaranteed that’s bespoke and personalised to every individual.

Throughout the year Bond Holidays welcomes a variety of top tributes and famous faces for its

specialist breaks including the most recent visit of Michelle Connor (aka Kym Marsh) from hit soap Coronation Street.

New for 2011, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson will have his very own three night tribute weekend including a free trip to Maddame Tussards Waxworks.

For your chance to join the trip for free, simply answer the following question.

Michael Jackson has recently released a brand new single – is it called: Hold My Hand?

Back For Good?

Knocking On Wood?

E-mail your answer to: competitions@bondhotel.co.uk with the subject ‘MJ Competition’.

CAREDOCS keeps ahead of the curve, in touch with subscribers, listening to their needs and suggestions, and building these into the system whenever and wherever possible.

Kym Marsh

Couple set up care sector business agency A HIGHLY EXPERIENCED husband and wife team have set up a new national business agency for the care sector.

Paul Burford, who has been selling and acquiring care home businesses for over 23 years, and has worked for many of the large specialist healthcare agents in the UK, has launched Burford Care Homes with wife Vicky.

She has worked for some of the largest commercial agents in London, and since having a family has flourished in a number of sales roles.

Paul said the company’s mission is to offer the highest quality service in the industry.

He added: “Confidentiality and seamless handling of every detail is what makes the difference when selling or buying a care home, and it is this which will make us stand out

Better service HAIGH has successfully rolled out a cutting edge service system to support their UK network of service engineers.

The Eagle Field Service system, provided by EXEL Computer Systems plc, allows engineers to plan, respond, diagnose and provide realtime parts ordering for Haigh customers through a PDA system Customers are set to benefit from this through shortened response times from the placement of an initial call through to rectification and removal of the associated administration hassle, resulting in minimal downtime of Sluicemaster and Incomaster disposal equipment.

There are many installations around the UK which date back up to 20 years, even more in some cases, so proper maintenance to prevent unnecessary replacement is increasingly important in an age where budgets are being squeezed. This system allows improved response and delivery to allow healthcare providers to focus on their customers.

Paul and Vicky Burford from the crowd.”

Although we are in financially turbulent times, it is still possible to achieve a very good price for a high quality home which offers accommodation that is future proof.”

“There are plenty of purchasers who are able to access funds although the constraints on their levels of borrowing remain a challenge.

Much of our time is therefore spent vetting potential purchasers to ascertain their financial capabilities.”

Paul’s clients in the past have ranged from owners of single care homes through to multi operators and large corporates.

Some of the UK’s largest care home operators have acquired and disposed of parts of their portfolios through him.

John Strowbridge, managing director of Avery Healthcare, said: “I have always found Paul to be attentive, professional and discreet in all my dealings with him and I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending him to anybody thinking of selling their home.”

Small in size, big on service L’AIDE Back may be a small family company but we are big on our level of service.

How do we know? Our customers tell us so.

Established 12 years ago we built our reputation on providing high quality products at the lowest price.

We provide a huge range of products specialising in moving and han-

dling and pressure care.

With VAT rising in January now is a good time to make additional savings on items you may have thought about purchasing next year.

Our wheelchairs are currently on offer at only £85 each ex Vat and, with new hoists from only £630 ex VAT, considerable savings can be made.

Identifying Christmas presents WITH Christmas approaching, many of your residents will be receiving new clothes as presents, so now is the time to make sure you have a robust and effective identification system in your laundry.

Labelling clothes is such a time consuming task that often garments are left inadequately named and consequently they can easily get mislaid.

Attach-a-Tag is a simple, cost effective method of labelling clothing and

CareDocs: listening to subscribers

soft objects, and is an ideal way to quickly label short term and respite residents’ clothing as well as normal laundry.

Replicating a button, it attaches in seconds to the garment seam or laundry label, making it discreet and comfortable to the wearer.

Suitable for industrial laundry and iron proof, Attach-a-tag is reusable, making it even more cost effective for your care home.

One thing that has been mentioned more than a few times is that subscribers would love to be able to use CareDocs for everything within their homes, so, to meet this need, enter CareDocs 2011, complete with its new documentation section.

Documentation will be the one place where all the paperwork you use every day in your home can be stored, accessed, completed and printed.

Not only will it hold templates for all the standard forms you use, it will automatically produce these when triggered by the addition of a relevant event report or daily occurrence to the system.

It will automatically filling in whatever details are known by the system, update existing reports, taking inputted information and automatically adjusting reports to keep them up to date.

Interactive facility launched ONE of the world’s largest manufacturers of corporate name badges and Britain’s market leader has launched a new, user-friendly, fully interactive online design facility, enabling customers to design their own name badges and create their own designs instantly.

Badgemaster first introduced a specialist, professional, free design service 18 years ago, and their designers regularly support many top designers, corporate clothing suppliers and leading companies across every industry.

Now this new and innovative website makes all the professional skills, experience and resources used by top badge designers available to everyone with internet access.

Via a user-friendly, step-by-step programme, it allows users to explore different looks for their new badge and to create their chosen options without any of the delays or costs involved in the need to use a designer.

Once happy with their chosen design, users can send it electronically straight to Badgemaster to receive a no-obligation quotation by return.

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Pressalit installed at Morewood Centre

Woodlands by Mosaic

SPECIALIST bathrooms from Pressalit Care have been installed in the Morewood Centre, a newly built community respite home run by Derbyshire county council.

Providing short stay accommodation for adults with learning difficulties and a wide range of special needs, the new centre and its facilities have been designed to enhance resident’s self confidence and increase their skills for independent living.

Allowing the 43 regular residents to benefit from the very latest advances in flexible bathrooms, Pressalit Care has installed height adjustable, ergonomic washbasins, toilets, hand rails and grab rails in 11 bathrooms and shower rooms in the centre.

Two of the assisted bathrooms also benefit from the innovative track system, which allows for items such as the washbasin to be horizontally adjusted, providing space and ease of movement for wheelchair users and their carers.

For more information, visit www.pressalitcare.co.uk or email uk@pressalitcare.com

THE woodlands scattered across the UK stimulate all our senses – the vivid fresh green scents of spring, balmy blue/green hues of summer flowers, the glory of abundant gold in autumn or the mysterious, still calm of winter.

Woodlands, the new healthcare collection from Mosaic, captures these senses with remarkable resonance, in a dramatic depiction of our woodlands at their best.

Elegant alliums Grandiflora, playful tumbling branches Arbour, endless rows of trees Aspen and Sylvana - select leaves pressed forever in our memories.

With a colour palette specifically selected to aid the healing process this outstanding collection is printed on inherently FR furnishing fabric, suitable for curtains or bedding and washable to NHS disinfection temperatures.

Bioprotex antimicrobial treatment can be applied to this product.

Mosaic by Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and, as the healthcare division of Skopos Design Ltd, Mosaic has over 30 years’ specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics for the healthcare sector.

Enquiries: Telephone 01924 436666 or visit www.skoposdesignltd.com

Simple solutions

Knightsbridge rewarded for commitment to sustainability

SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems.

The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition.

With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur.

Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry!

It’s that simple...

The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone.

Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749

Impey makes a huge advancement in level-access showering IMPEY UK are no strangers to innovation – in fact when they released the Level-Dec floor former for level-access showers over 10 years ago it sparked a revolution in the healthcare showering industry.

Now this leading level-access shower specialist has done it again with their latest product Level-Dec Advance.

Ground breaking advancement Level-Dec Advance boasts a weight saving advantage of at least 28 per cent over the original Level-Dec design while retaining the same thickness of 22mm. It is perfectly suited for suspended timber floor applications as well being suitable for concrete screeds.

By using a new moulding process Impey have been able to produce a solid-core product that is not only finished to a high standard but it is also extremely strong.

Installation is easy Level-Dec Advance has a unique feature that allows the installer to position it in almost any location whilst avoiding under-floor obstructions such as joists, pipe-work and electrical cables.

This impressive time saving feature is made possible by a separate centre plate section which features an offset drainage outlet for the trap. The installer simply positions the ‘Dec and then rotates the plate to the required position before securing it into place.

Enquiries: Visit www.impey-uk.com, email info@impey-uk.com or telephone 01460 256080.

Rug Doctor remains firm favourite RUG Doctor Pro continues to be a favourite choice for carpet and upholstery cleaning amongst the care sector.

The secret to its success is the outstanding performance of its machines and cleaning solutions coupled with the minimal time and effort required in using them.

In recent years, Rug Doctor has delivered a number of key initiatives designed to make carpet and upholstery cleaning even easier for operators, and the latest additions to the Pro range of cleaning solutions will be launched at the NEC Care Show in November.

The new Rug Doctor Pro Spot and Stain Remover and the Rug Doctor Pro Urine Eliminator have both been specifically formulated to perform well on their own or as a pre-treatment to Rug Doctor Pro machine cleaning.

Rather than having two separate solutions, the new Rug Doctor Pro Spot and Stain Remover has been specially developed to remove both stubborn spots and stains from carpets and upholstery.

For more information contact: Commercial Sales Executive Helen Sacre: on 01903 285853, email: helen.sacre@rugdoctor.co.uk or visit: www.rugdoctor.co.uk.

THE whole-company commitment of Knightsbridge Furniture to environmental issues has been recognised with the presentation of the FIRA Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP) certificate at the House of Lords.

The certificate was presented to company chairman Margaret Miller, by Lord Hoyle, host of the annual FIRA event during which the award was made.

Knightsbridge Furniture has been designing and manufacturing contract furniture for over 70 years, balancing traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology and materials to create some of the finest British-made furniture available for healthcare, residential and hospitality environments.

Production continues to take place at Knightsbridge headquarters in Yorkshire using timber sourced from renewable sources: in addition to FISP certification, the company holds ISO 14001:2004 for its environmental management system, BS EN ISO 9001:2008 quality management accreditation and FSC/PEFC certification.

Enquiries: Telephone 01274 731442, e-mail enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk or visit www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

Gerflor’s healthcare solutions now in one new exciting brochure GERFLOR has launched the new SPM International brochure.

The brochure showcases SPM’s well respected and reliable range of products including protective panels, wall protection, ergonomic handrails, as well as door and corner protection.

It is user-friendly and easy to navigate, with tabs for each part of the brochure making it easy to go straight to the relevant section.

The brochure reinforces how widely applicable SPM products are in the healthcare industry; from hospitals to care and retirement homes. Lifestyle photography demonstrates examples of the protective and decorative elements of the product portfolio.

As well as showing the extensive range of versatile product SPM has to offer, it provides critical information about the ranges in terms of their safety, easy maintenance and optimum hygiene properties.

Gerflor’s extensive portfolio of vinyl floorcoverings is also recognised and installed in the marketplace for extreme durability, high design options, ease of maintenance and high performance slip resistance.

Enquiries: Telephone 01926 622600, visit www.gerflor.co.uk or email contractuk@gerflor.com

Company reveals record sales figures BEAUCARE Medical Ltd has achieved record sales of its Beaucare Electric Profiling Beds, Beaulifts (hoists) and slings, proving that its customers continue to trust in the company’s low cost, high quality products.

Beaucare has been supplying beds to the healthcare sector for more than 10 years, with the majority of customer purchases still being in good working condition after seven years of use.

The Beaucare Electronic Profiling beds are designed with end user comfort and safety in mind; are easy to operate for healthcare professionals; meet EN 12530 standards (casters); include an MRSA resistant coating on the headboard and are purchased with free assembly by fully trained Beaucare service engineers.

The ‘Beaulift’ hoist range has also proved to be a top seller this year, with increased sales in the mini, maxi, stand up and bath hoist, as the companies range keep providing customers’ with a wide range of products for numerous healthcare needs.

Enquiries: Telephone 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

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Caring UK A-Z Directory Art Print and Framing

Catering Equipment

Holidays/ Excursions

Nurse call/Patient Safety Systems

Easy Art Unit 1-4 Tylers Business Park Lewis Road Blackboys Uckfield PN22 5LF Tel 0845 1662 732 customercare@easyart.com www.easyart.com

Alfamax ltd.

Watchmoor Trade Centre Watchmoor Road Camberley Surrey GU15 3AJ Tel: 0844 357 4030 Fax 01276 62696 www.alfamax.info

The Bond Hotel 120 Bond Street Blackpool 01253 341218 karen-dixon@bondhotel.co.uk www.bondhotel.co.uk

Safety Systems Distribution Ltd Unit 11B Hobson Industrial Estate Newcastle, NE16 6EA neilrobson@safetysystemsdistribution.co.uk www.safetysystemsdistribution.co.uk 0800 3282951

Bathrooms/ Hygiene Cistermiser Unit 1 Woodley Park Estate 59-69 Reading RG5 3AN pr@wardturner.co.uk www.cistermiser.co.uk 0118 9691611

Business Services Network Care 15-16 Queen Square Leeds LS2 8AJ Tel:0113 281 6772 info@networkcareuk.com www.networkcare.com

Care Monitoring Systems CM2000 4 Oakhouse 160 Lychfield road Sutton Coalfield B74 2TZ Tel: 0121 3083010 www.cm2000.co.uk

Clothing Boyd Cooper 3 Long Acre Willow Farm business park Castle Donington DE74 2UG Tel: 01332856566 catalogue@boydcooper.com www.dimensions.co.uk/Boyd_Cooper

Construction Jab Enterprises 1 Bickenhall Mansions Bickenhall Street London W1U 6BP Tel: 0800 0141 366 jon@jabenterprises.com www.jabenterprises.co.uk

Furniture Specialists Care Chair Enterprise House Cranswick Industrial Estate Driffield YO25 9PF Tel 01377 271700 sales@carechair.uk.com www.carechair.uk.com

Catering

Health Care products

Fowler UK Unit 9 Link 59 Business Park Deanfield Drive Clitheroe BB7 1QJ 0800 6199337 david@fowleruk.com www.fowleruk.com

Beaucare Medical Ltd Crimple Court, Hornbeam Square North, Hornbeam Park,Harrogate North Yorkshire HG2 8PB Tel: 01423 873666 Fax: 01423 873444 sales@beaucare.com www.beaucare.com

Home Care Providers Caremark Domiciliary Care Providers Unit 4 The Colonnades 17 London Road Pulborough West Sussex RH20 1AS Tel 01798 873770 info@caremarkuk.com www.caremarkuk.com

Infection Control Environmental Hygiene Solutions 65 Riverside 3 Medway city estate Rochester Kent ME2 4BH Tel: 08000 434270 www.enhys.com

Insurance Towergate Patrick Britannic House 230 Burlington Road New Malden Surrey KT3 4NW Tel 020 8336 0099 www.carehome-insurance.co.uk carehomes@towergate.co.uk

Laundry

Sensorcare Systems TP House Prince Of Wales Business Park Vulcan Street Oldham, OL1 4ER 0870 4214288 Paula.matsikidze@tpgroup.co.uk www.sensorcare.co.uk

Safety & Security Universal Hardware Direct UK Ltd Unit 202 Kingspark Business Centre 152 178 Kingston Rd New Malden Surrey, KT3 3ST Fireco 31-32 High Street Brighton, BN2 1RP 01273 696007 Alan.buckle@b3partnership.co.uk www.firecoltd.com

Solicitors/Legal Services Bates Wells & Braithwaite 2-6 Cannon St, London, EC4M 6YH 020 7551 7652 020 7551 7741 s.marchant@bwbllp.com d.tuck@bwbllp.com www.bwbllp.com

Training Healthcare Training College 7200 the Quorum Oxford Business Park North Oxford, 6X4 2JZ 0844 8006801 info@healthcaretrainingcollege.com

Electrolux Laundry Systems 99 Oakley Road Luton Bedfordshire LU4 9GE Tel: 08444 631 260 info.elsuk@electrolux.co.uk www.laundrysystems.electrolux.co.uk Miele Fairacres Marcham Rd Abingdon OX14 1TW 0845 3650555 slawrenson@themediashop.co.uk www.miele.co.uk

Transport

No.1 in used Wheelchair Accessible Transport ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Follow us on twitter @CaringUK

• We specialise in the sale and purchase of quality used wheelchair accessible and ambulance vehicles.

• They can be bought as seen or refurbished and signwritten to your own requirements.

• 12 months MOT Class 5, and 12 months warranty.

• Independent engineers report supplied FOC. • Delivery service available.

• All buses fitted with seatbelts and comply to seatbelt legislation.

Always wanted late wheelchair accessible vehicles Gardiners Lane North, Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951 • sales@hwpickrell.co.uk

Visit our website for photos of current stock www.hwpickrell.co.uk

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