Caring UK December 2011 by Script Media

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December 2011

incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

no.187 • £4.75 In association with

Council broke law over fees claims judge By Dominic Musgrave A LOCAL authority broke the law when it froze payments covering the cost of care for elderly people in care homes, a High Court judge has ruled. And the landmark decision against Sefton council could affect 140 local authorities which froze or reduced care payments to thousands of care home residents, the head of the local association has claimed. Dan Lingard says the ruling may double the potential shortfall in the budget for care of the elderly in England and Wales to £2b, but it could mean justice for older people who have been forced to raid their savings or assets to cover the cost of good quality and dignified care. He added: “This win gives us no great pleasure – but it does provide a tremendous sense of justice for the most vulnerable of people. “It is an action which should not have had to be taken out in the first place, but clearly has massive implications for care. It may well be the tipping point which reprioritises the way care is funded and provided in this country. “We may well be living and operating in a very tough economic environment, but the judge has effectively ruled that the financial

environment is not a good enough reason for a council to impose a freeze on payments to massively vulnerable people.” His Honour Judge Raynor QC ruled in the High Court that the typical middle-sized authority should not have frozen payment levels to 1,600 elderly people in care in the borough, and that it did not pay due regard to the actual cost of covering care in making its unilateral decision. A council spokesman said the judgment provided clarification around the difficulties of making such important decisions in such a short period of time. He added: “The judgment does not say that we have made the wrong decision. It is merely critical of some elements of the process we went through. The proposal not to increase fees for care homes has not been criticised. “This has been a very complicated legal process. It shows that the speed at which we needed to make cuts last year has meant we did not consult with care home providers early enough about the possible freeze in their fees. We accept that. “Given more time, we could have had further discussions with care providers - we have already learned lessons.”

Activities brochure launched

Actor Geoffrey Palmer has lent his support to a campaign that offers elderly people free overnight stays in a care group’s homes over the festive period. Abbeyfield’s ‘Companionship At Christmas’ campaign follows a successful pilot last year, and more than 100 homes nationwide will open their doors and offer their spare rooms and lunches to people who may be alone or lonely.

TWO leading care associations have joined forces to develop a good practice guide. The National Care Forum, NAPA and The Baring Foundation have published ‘Creative Homes: how the arts can contribute to quality of life in residential care’, which includes case studies as well as resource information on arts organisations committed to working with older people. NCF executive director Des Kelly said: “Creative Homes has been produced to celebrate existing good practice in the use of the arts in residential care. We know that a great deal of activity is already taking place amongst the best providers. “This publication is also intended to demonstrate the value of art to improving the quality of life for people in care settings. “We hope the practical style of the guide will inspire managers and practitioners to develop and extend arts activity for the benefit of residents, their families and staff.”

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Sector must do more for its future

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@whpl.net

By Dominic Musgrave

National Sales Executives: Rebecca Hazell Tel: 01226 734685 Email: rh@whpl.net

THE care sector needs to do more to force the Government to implement the findings of a report which would reform the system, according to its author. Andrew Dilnot, chairman of the Commission on the Funding of Care and Support, whose report was published in July, has urged care home operators to write to their local MP in a bid to get the £2bn a year he says is necessary for the report’s proposals. The report calls for a ‘fair’ lifetime cap of £35,000 on individuals’ contributions to their care before the state would step in, with those with assets worth less than £100,000 receiving full local authority funding of their care costs. Speaking at the annual ECCA conference in London, he said: “We have to be less polite and a little more cross, and as a sector say ‘come on this really needs to happen’ and that we need to be taken seriously on this. “The way we care for people with needs is a sign of the decent society we can be. “All three political parties want to do it so lets show when at a time where there are difficult things going on elsewhere that we can be bold and do something that can be world leading. “Had we published the report three years ago I am sure it would have been implemented without question. Surely this is important enough to have the

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

Andrew Dilnot courage to take the necessary steps and do it now.” He also called for a change in attitude to elderly care in the UK. “People living to an older age is seen as a burden, which I believe is utter nonsense. “It is something that should be celebrated and, as a competent sector, we need to see it as a challenge that we will make changes to cope with. “Putting the tricky report together has been fund and enjoyable to do because rarely do you work with people who look after people at their most vulnerable. I’ve been moved by people’s passion and commitment.”

Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@whpl.net Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458

Bollywood came to a Staines care home when it held a special themed day. The event at White Gates Care Centre included traditional dances from members from a visiting academy, while the residents were decked in garlands and were treated to a variety of Asian dishes. Previous events at the home have included French and Italian themed days and entertainment from a ventriloquist and pantomime.

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

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Elsie Lynch with a bird of prey

Provider praised for pet policy A LEADING provider has been recognised by the RSPCA for its innovative and open approach to bringing pets and animals into its care homes. Sanctuary Care, which owns more than 40 facilities nationwide, was awarded the runner-up spot in the Innovator in Animal Welfare Award at the animal charity’s annual Community Animal Welfare Footprints Awards. They recognise the hard work and

commitment of those who improve animal welfare in their area of work. Sanctuary’s director of care Len Merton, who often brings his pet Shitzu, Cassie, to his office at Hatfield Nursing Home, said the group has launched a drive to actively promote the inclusion of at least one pet in every home. He added: “At Sanctuary we recognise the importance of pets to our residents’ psychological and emotional wellbeing. They can

provide a settling influence, offering some continuity when residents move in, helping them to feel more at home in their new surroundings and enabling them to adjust to a new routine more easily. On top of that, looking after animals has been shown to have therapeutic effects for residents, promoting good health and helping to reduce both stress and blood pressure levels.” Sanctuary Care’s homes boast a large and varied selection of animals

including cats, dogs, guinea-pigs and fish, to name but a few, and with so many animals now being cared for at the homes the welfare of the animals had to be monitored . This led to the creation of the ‘Pets in Care Homes’ policy which formalised the implementation of ‘Pet Agreements’ and care plans for the animals. These agreements ensure welfare is monitored and maintained and allow residents to play a full part in looking after the pets.

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Home staff take part in creative workshop STAFF at a Somerset care home have completed an innovative ‘Creative Care’ workshop. Part of the programme at Brunelcare’s Glastonbury facility included regular sessions of creative care and therapeutic activities for the residents, including sensory integration, movement and dance for body image and self esteem, creative communication through puppets, art and clay expression, drama for interaction. Home manager Joy White said: “We are committed to a person-centred approach, rather than a task or symptom-centred, where the individual’s unique creative potential can be developed with patience and respect. “As people we require stimulation and communication or we become withdrawn or apathetic. “It is well recognised that positive relationships are the very fabric of social support and care.” Creative Care was created by Dr Sue Jennings, who first developed the approach in Romania in large institutions before expansion into the UK. The methods aim to re-stimulate brain cells and keep elderly people more alert and interested in those around them, especially those who have dementia. Creative communication enable the building of meaningful relationships that maintain the integrity of the individual. The group, which is run as a charity, recently celebrated its 70th anniversary with a party attended by mayor of Bristol, Geoff Gollop.

Have you got news for us? Call our healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave on 01226 734407

Latest technology for new dementia unit By Dominic Musgrave A YEAR’S hard work came to an end at a South Yorkshire care home when the local mayor cut a ribbon to officially open a new EMI Dementia Unit and day care centre. The work at Thornhill House in Darfield, on the outskirts of Barnsley, has been carried out since it was taken over by Harpreet Banwait last year. The 40-bed home is the first the former economist bought under his newly created company Strong Life Care, though his extended family have extensive experience in the care sector and own homes in Leicestershire. The new dementia facility ‘The Rose Wing’ has 11 bedrooms, while the day centre will initially be able to accommodate approximately a dozen people. All of the other corridors around the home have been named after flowers and upgraded. Harpreet said: “I set up the business to provide good value care for people in Barnsley and South Yorkshire, and we will not discriminate on anything for any service user, be them privately funded or from the local authority. “All pay the same fee and we provide the same care to all, and we won’t charge any extra if someone has a larger room than another resident. “I believe in quality and care, and that if you get those right and employ the best staff that are well trained both in house and externally, everything else will fall into place. “We have people working here who have been here almost all of the home’s 27 years, and the average tenure at the moment is five years, which is almost unheard of in this industry, so there must be something keeping them at Thornhill.” The new dementia unit features the latest in technology, signage, reminiscence objects and memory boxes, while Harpreet has also used advice from Stirling University during the upgrade of the home on things such as colours, carpets and avoiding reflective surfaces. He added: “The home has come a long way since we took over and, with many local authority homes closing, we are moving away from the traditional care home model to offer all services apart from nursing, although we may look at adding an extension to accommodate this later. “We will be looking to employ several more people once the home is fully up and running, and I’d like to

Mayor of Barnsley Karen Dyson cuts the ribbon with directors Harpreet and Gian Banwait. grow further on this site so we can increase in size up to around 70 beds. “We’ll be working closely with the council because I don’t want to have a good or excellent care home but want to have the greatest in Barnsley that is used for people to come and see how we do things for best practice. “After that I would like to think we could acquire other care homes if there is a good deal to be taken. I’d like to stay in Yorkshire initially but the Scottish and Irish care markets do also appeal to me, but building up the reputation of Thornhill is of my immediate concern.”

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Councillors gain insight into council services By Christina Eccles

Social life co-ordinator Geraldine Bunning with resident Dorothy Molland and a volunteer from the barge.

Families join canal barge trip RESIDENTS from a Bridgnorth nursing home experienced life on the riverbank during a canal barge trip along the West Midland’s waterways. The group from Morris Care’s Oldbury Grange facility, which included residents’ families, began their journey near Wolverhampton, before spending the afternoon

journeying along the waters and learning about the barge. Geraldine Bunning, social life coordinator the home, said: “We think it is really important that family are able to share days out such as these with our residents, as they would have done before they came to stay with us.”

A NORTH West county council has launched a groundbreaking scheme to give councillors a taste of the services they represent. As part of the ‘Back to the Floor’ campaign, Lancashire county councillor Renee Blow visited Lady Elsie Finney House in Preston to gain an insight into the work of frontline staff and find out more about the services provided there. She said: “The centre was very clean and the facilities were superb. “There was even an outdoor garden and green house facilities where service users were encouraged to grow their own vegetables and look after chickens. “The whole place had a very homely feel and the staff and people who used the centre were very friendly. “A lot of the activities focused on encouraging people to reminisce, which is really important for encouraging people to retain as

much memory function as possible. “I have found taking part in Back to the Floor very helpful and feel I will now be able to provide more information about dementia care to residents in the area I serve.” Lady Elsie Finney House is a specialised care home for 45 people with dementia. The centre offers residential accommodation for 45 service users. The home, which was opened in 2007, also includes day care facilities for 25 elderly people. Manager Alison Walker said she is looking for volunteers to provide activities for service users. She added: “Dementia affects people in very different ways, so we focus on offering everyone here a specific care package which meets their individual needs. “We have three separate units here, each catering for 15 people. We offer a variety of activities that help to reduce the effects of the condition.”

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The chefs at The Red Lion

Paul cooks up a win ELM Bank Care Home chef Paul Burch won the first heat of a care group’s own version of Masterchef ‘Cook Off’ held at the The Red Lion in East Haddon, Northampton. The event was the first of several that Avery Healthcare are running at the pub, which is owned by Michelin star chef Adam Gray over the upcoming months. Hayley Strowbridge, commissioning and hotel services manager for the group, said: “Our chefs are selected for being extremely talented individuals with a true passion for food. Meal times are an important time for residents and our chefs are required

to create first class food for a range of palates – it’s no easy undertaking and we value the work they do. As part of their training programme we have planned a series of short courses at Adam’s Cookery School where our chefs will be required to prepare their interpretation of a set dish under his careful tutelage.” The Masterchef ‘Cook Off’ will see chefs from Avery homes across the country participating in regional heats culminating in the final, where the winner will secure a weekend away for two at Stapleford Park Country House Hotel near Melton Mowbray.

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Care group rewards staff for work achievements

Annette Hornsby receives her volunteer award from trustee Millie Wentworth-Stanley with her dog Ki.

MORE than 200 of a care group’s staff have been recognised for their work achievements at awards ceremonies. The Orders of St John Care Trust, the UK’s second largest not-for-profit care home provider, held its annual Wiltshire Care Awards at the Corn Exchange in Devizes, while the Oxfordshire event took place at The Kings Centre in Osney Mead. At the Wiltshire ceremony, the care and quality accreditation award was presented to Willowcroft in Salisbury after staff met Trust accreditation for medication following a recent audit. The team award was presented to Su Bishop and her staff at Townsend Court in Malmesbury and to three handymen – Simon Sadd, Steve Ellis and James Booth – who work across the group’s 19 homes in the county. And Keith Telling was presented with an award for special recognition of voluntary service for his efforts at Marden Court in Calne. At the Oxfordshire ceremony, Annette Hornsby, who is blind and regularly visits Longlands care home in Blackbird Leys with her guide dog Ki to offer aromatherapy sessions to residents, was named volunteer of the year. The unsung hero award was presented to Claudio Catarino, care leader at St Edburgs in Bicester and Stephen Dempsey, care leader from Orchard Meadows in Banbury, while

Krzysztof Gilowski, carer at Townsend House in Headington, took the learner prize. Certificates were also awarded to staff at both ceremonies who achieved NVQs in Health and Social Care, Housekeeping and Catering, as well as City and Guilds, Moving and Handling and Supervisory Management qualifications. Other winners (Wiltshire): Carer (under 25) – David Taylor (Ridgeway House, Wootton Bassett); Carer (over 25) – Kerry Hunt (Willowcroft, Salisbury); Unsung hero – Muriel Richards (Hungerford House, Corsham); Hospitality – Linda Jefferies (Hungerford House, Corsham); Manager – Anna Lovesey (Florence Court, Trowbridge); 30 years’ service – Jennifer Rymell (Athelstan House, Malmesbury), Jill Mitchener (Wiltshire County Office), Jane Ridgwell and Sally House (both Seymour House, Chippenham); Voluntary long service (25 years) – Ann Sillers (Athelstan House, Malmesbury). Other winners (Oxfordshire): 25 years’ service – Vivienne Smith (Henry Cornish Care Centre, Chipping Norton), Delia Bowen (Isis House, Oxford), Diane Davidson (Marston Court, Marston), Jayne Trinder (Mayott House, Abingdon), Julie Allum and Sheila Digweed (both Westgate House, Wallingford); 30 years’ service – Mary Shannon (Larkrise, Banbury), Patricia Pomroy (Marston Court, Marston); 35 years’ service – Jean Snuggs (Stirlings).

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USA exchange visits offer retirement living insight A LEADING retirement village specialist has completed a social experiment to compare UK communities with those in the USA. Working with American retirement living provider, Senior Resource Group, Audley initiated an exchange programme which saw residents swapping lifestyles to gain further insight into how retirement communities are managed, dispel myths and challenge stereotypes of ‘old folks’ homes. Nick Sanderson, Audley CEO, said: “For too long there have been negative stereotypes attached to retirement living and we wanted to address these with the exchange programme. “At Audley, we have pioneered a new UK concept, a village environment which offers a chance to downsize and maintain independence, but with the security and peace of mind that when extra help is needed, it’s readily available without having to move again.” As part of the trial, Tony and Carol Gregory from Audley St Elphin’s Park near Matlock in Derbyshire travelled to California to live in two SRG communities; Maravilla, Santa Barbara and Park Lane in Monterey for 10 days. At the same time, Lou and Muriel Schloss, left Maravilla to travel to England and spend time at Audley’s Clevedon village in Ilkley and St Elphin’s Park in Darley Dale. The couples participated in a full schedule of events including entertainment evenings, trips to local attractions as well as chance to spend time with the staff and residents. Carol said: “Apart from the obvious difference in

Tony and Carol Gregory with Lou and Muriel Schloss weather, which allows the community to do a lot more outdoors, one of the main contrasts is the scale. “Maravilla has more than 350 residences, so there is always something going on, which certainly kept us busy. “We were interested to find out how the rental model worked and were impressed by the services included, but the British seem to favour ownership as opposed to renting so this could be difficult to replicate.” SRG provides a variety of living options with independent and assisted living, as well as special

‘Memory Care’ which offers specialised support for those with Alzheimer's or related conditions. The company has 16 communities located in Oregon, California, Arizona and Florida. Lou added: “Retirement communities are commonplace in the US, but as a nation we share the same UK concerns about moving to one. People are afraid to do it and it’s the brave ones who make the decision to downsize while they still have time to enjoy their retirement. “With that in mind, the social makeup of the villages is very similar and we’ve met some great friends who we hope to stay in touch with.”

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Authority backs down after legal challenge threat By Dominic Musgrave

Residents Richard Lea and Edna Allamby take part in the session.

Residents enjoy exercise class RESIDENTS at a Shropshire nursing home moved to the music during an action packed afternoon of exercise and activities. Morris Care’s Stretton Hall in All Stretton held an ‘Extend’ seated exercise session as a way of helping residents to stay active. Using a parachute, hoops and pompoms as aids, residents followed a routine of exercises led by the group’s social life co-ordinator Alison Hearle.

She said: “It is very important that our residents keep active and the Extend class gives them the chance to take some gentle exercise and have great fun at the same time. They all really enjoyed the parachute and pompoms.” The class is a routine event arranged by the home, taking care to choose movements that address residents’ specific needs, allowing those who took part to indulge in some gentle mobility exercises.

A LOCAL authority has agreed to carry out a fresh review of the way it sets its fee rates for care homes after being threatened with a legal challenge. Staffordshire County Council made the dramatic U-turn after facing a date at the High Court in a case bought by the Fairer Fee Forum, who was representing more than 200 providers in the area. The agreement means a fresh decision on the fees the council pays will be undertaken, coupled with an independent review to ensure it has complied with all its duties. The Forum was represented by Raman Purewal and Kashif Majeed, directors of Aston Brooke Solicitors. Welcoming the council’s decision, Raman said it was a more beneficial outcome for the Forum than any court ruling. He added: “We recognised that no local authority was taking account of the true cost of care and this practice had gone on for too long. “I welcome Staffordshire county council’s decision not to proceed with litigation and agree with the Forum to make a fresh decision on fees for care homes which has more importantly, ensured that our client was able to secure a wider scope than just a review of care home fees. “We were able to secure an independent review of the council’s review process for standard rate fees. We also avoided the unnecessary financial costs of a judicial review and burden on the public purse.” The council confirmed it would relate the decision of its review to

Raman Purewal setting 2012/13 fees and incorporate a fresh one for 2011/12. County councillor Matthew Ellis, cabinet member for adults and well being, said: “We live in challenging times and have been working closely with the care home sector in Staffordshire to look at ways to assist them in meeting some of the financial challenges. “This agreement is a common sense solution which has the potential to put the care home sector in the county on a firmer footing for the future.” The Forum, which is chaired by ECCA chief executive Martin Green, confirmed it is currently representing other care providers across England in their campaign to achieve the trust of care. He urged other care providers who were faced with a freeze or reduction in care home fees to come forward and make their case.

Scottish homes to be inspected annually Administrators take over running of care group ALL care homes in Scotland will be subject to an annual unannounced inspection. Cabinet secretary for health Nicola Sturgeon unveiled the plan, saying the additional level of scrutiny is intended to ensure that standards and quality of care do not deteriorate between inspections. Inspectors will also be able to increase the number of times they visit a care home over a year should they be concerned about performance. Nicola said: “I believe that in general care services in Scotland are of a good quality and respond well to the needs of both older people and the people who care for them. “I also believe that the arrangements in place for the regulation and inspection of care homes are fundamentally robust. However, I have also been clear that there are aspects of the care regime in Scotland that are worth further consideration.

“That is why I have announced a strengthening of the regulation and inspection regime and work to provide protection against the challenges presented by circumstances such as the failure of Southern Cross. “I recognise that until the transfer of former Southern Cross homes to the new operators is complete that there will be anxiety and concern. But I want to reassure people that we will continue to work with both Southern Cross, the landlords and the inspectorate to ensure we get the best result for all Scottish residents.” Two Scottish care homes run by Southern Cross, Belhaven in Troon and Forth View in Leven, have yet to find new operators. The homes cater for about 100 residents between them. Nicola also announced that Social Care and Social Work Inspection Scotland would now be known as the Care Inspectorate.

A SCOTTISH care group which owns 12 nursing and residential homes has gone into administration. PKF has been appointed to take over the running of the Argus Care Group, which comprises of five companies and employs more than 700 people. Administrators have appointed two experienced care home operators to assist them in continuing to professionally operate the care homes. Kerry Bailey, joint administrator and corporate recovery partner with PKF, said: “We will continue to operate the homes as normal while they are in administration. We will ensure that all residents, their relatives, and staff are kept fully informed of any

developments as well as notifying the relevant local and regulatory authorities. “We appreciate that these are not like any other businesses but are the homes of the residents and ensuring there is continuity of care is our priority.” “Unfortunately the group had debts and cash flow problems which were exacerbated by creditor pressures which led to the administration of the company. While trading we will be seeking buyers for the business trading from the homes and will market them as going concerns.” She added that the homes have all been visited and assessed as to quality and standards of care and to ensure that residents, staff and relatives are fully informed.

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Residents trial new skin product By Dominic Musgrave RESIDENTS at a Devon care home have taken part in a trial of a new product that aims to prevent the common problem of skin tears in the elderly. Palm Court in Dawlish, South Devon, took part in the project after being approached by Dermatuff owner Peter Thornton, who has suffered with serious skin tears and leg ulcers himself caused by ‘thin skin’. During the six-week trial none of the five residents taking part suffered a skin tear, which can be caused by long term use of steroid crams or tablets, sun exposure, skin disease or just ageing. Assistant manager Jo Broderick, who led the trial

from the home’s side, said the stockings, which are now in full production, are causing a lot of excitement in the county. She added: “For us the sticking worked really well, so well in fact that we have put in an order now that they are in full production. “Peter kept in touch with us throughout the trial, and every day the staff recorded what time in the morning they put the stockings on and what time they took them off in the evening. “They also had to record any injuries such as bruises but, as there wasn’t anything, we didn’t have a lot to give to Peter at the end.” Jo said the residents that took part in the trial were all highly dependent who were at

risk of developing skin tears, and she has no hesitation to recommend them to other homes. She added: “The stockings are a bit like thick rugby socks, and none of the residents complained that they were uncomfortable at all. Skin tears are a regular and painful problem among the elderly. Some of our residents are so frail that you barely have to touch them to break their skin or for them to bruise, so having an extra layer of protection can only be a good thing.” If you taking part in a trial at your care home then why not get in touch. Call healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave on 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

Celebrity gardener Charlie hosts In Bloom awards Green-fingered residents at a Shropshire nursing home are getting closer to nature with a new gardening club. Over the last couple of months residents at Stretton Hall in All Stretton have been getting outdoors to spend time nurturing plants. Picture: Carers Debbie Allamby and Caroline Tarbuck with residents Pamela Passant and Betty Butler at Stretton Hall.

CELEBRITY gardener and a star of ITV’s 71 Degrees North Charlie Dimmock hosted the annual Barchester in Bloom gardening awards. The event at Birmingham Botanical Gardens promoted the imaginative planting of flowers, trees and shrubs in the gardens of all 200 of its care homes across the UK.

Winners: Hanging Basket or container – South Grange (Dundee); floral or vegetable display – Newton House (Lincolnshire); sensory garden – Highview House (Inverness); residents’ project – Oulton Park (Suffolk); winter garden – Iddenshall Hall (Cheshire); best garden – Prestbury Beaumont (Cheshire).

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New ‘five-star’ home opens in Newmarket By Dominic Musgrave A NEW care home which promises ‘five-star hotel facilities with five-star care’ has opened its doors in Newmarket. Kentford Manor is the flagship of Executive Care Group’s homes, and has 97 rooms that can take up to 104 people in a variety of different accommodation which includes luxury apartments. The home, which is managed by Wendy Harvey, can cater for a variety of people, and boasts its own dementia facility. She said: “We aim to provide a home where people move in to begin a new life, and don’t think it marks the end. “Quite often it is felt that a care home is somewhere a person goes to live their last few days, but we aim to change all that and are involving the wider community here as much as possible by inviting the local women’s institute and parish council meeting here. “It’s about keeping a homely atmosphere and thinking outside the box so

we will look at each person as an individual, and believe that when they arrive here they should already believe they are at home. “Many people that come to us will have had a bad experience either at another home or in their own home, so when they arrive here with their relatives we say to them give us a chance to prove ourselves.” Facilities at the home include a beauty and well-being suite, bar and coffee shop area, a cinema with a jukebox, a post office and an old room filled with items from when the residents were young which the home’s owners purchased from a nearby museum. A butler is also on hand to fetch residents the newspaper or make them a cup of tea in the morning. He is also available to take residents to and from town or the surrounding area in the home’s classic car. Wendy added: “We believe it is the little things that can make a huge difference, which is why we have strived to go that extra mile for our residents.”

Residents in a Sunderland care home are thrown in at the deep end when it comes to taking part in activities. As part of the varied programme at Glenholme House in Roker, residents are regularly taken to the nearby aquatic centre. Manager Kelly Watt said there is never any shortage of volunteers wanting to go swimming. She added: “Aside from it being a lot of fun for the residents, swimming is great for health and wellbeing, which is very important when people get to this stage of their lives.” Picture: Glenholme residents Pat Heslop, Mary Eastern, and Jean Colling have a splashing time with activities co-ordinator Jo Hardwick.

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Care homes gather for conference and awards CARE homes from across England will gather for the annual Gold Standards Framework Care Homes conference and awards ceremony in January. The event is an opportunity for commissioners, health and social care professionals, as well as care home managers, to share best practice and the success of the latest homes to receive GSF accreditation. Ninety homes have applied for the coveted GSF in Care Homes Quality Hallmark, joining the 250 homes to have already been accredited. Speakers at the event include Barbara Pointon MBE, Alzheimer’s campaigner, Dr Clive Bowman, medical director, Bupa Care Services, Dr Nick Warner, consultant psychiatrist and dementia specialist and RNHA nursing director Andrew Makin. The event takes place on January 25 in London.

Local authorities are ‘looking over their shoulders’ in Wales By Dominic Musgrave LOCAL authorities across Wales are looking over their shoulders to try to avoid being taken to court over care home fees, it has been claimed. The care of vulnerable people has been "chronically underfunded" for years, according to Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, which represents more than 500 independent care providers. But he says the association is beginning to see a change in attitude from some local authorities worried about the possibility of being subjected to judicial reviews in the High Court. “The past few years have been difficult economically for everyone and it’s posed massive challenges for the social care sector because we’ve seen year on year chronic underfunding,” added Mario. “At the same time we are faced with higher general costs, higher regulatory costs, inflation and significant increases in dependency – so in a way it is like the perfect storm.

Mario Kreft “Commissioners and regulators are taking no account of the cost of providing quality. The driver is and has been for many one of cost and not quality. “The sad fact is that the care home fees and domiciliary care fees are not and have never been a priority for local authorities – even though the care of vulnerable people is a statutory responsibility. “There is statutory guidance from the Welsh Government and all too

often this is ignored.” Mario’s comments follow the recent decision by Conwy councillors to increase payments to private residential and nursing homes from £346 to £448 per elderly resident per week – an increase of 29.5 per cent. Payments to homes for elderly and mentally ill residents (EMI) will be raised by 8.1 per cent from £442 to £478. Nursing home costs will also go up from £561 to £598, and EMI nursing home patients from £603 to £637. Mario said there are two more judicial reviews against council in the offing at the High Court in Cardiff – a second one against Pembrokeshire and a new one against Neath Port Talbot. “I think it’s fair to say that the provider in Pembrokeshire who had the guts to take on the might of the local authority has changed the landscape. There is a different narrative now and we are starting to see local authorities look over their shoulders and do what they can to avoid a judicial review.”

Former resident Vicky Howard.

Path opens in Vicky’s honour A NEW footpath complete with seating areas and a water fountain has been laid at a Crewe care home in memory of a former resident. Vicky Howard used to spend many hours in the garden at Doddlespool Hall enjoying the sun and fresh air but, because she walked using a wheeled walking frame, was unable to visit the orchard area as there was no path. Following her death in May her family made a donation to the home to create a path in her memory, and it was recently opened on the day she would have celebrated her 90th birthday. Manager Joanne Abbotts said: “Vicky often told her son Charles that

she was unable to admire the large lawned area of the home, and regularly asked us why there was not a footpath leading down there. “We were delighted when the family made the kind donation and thought it would be very fitting. “Charles set up a website ‘Vicky’s Way’ so all could keep up to date with the progress of the new footpath and, after many long and hard working hours of work put in by the work men, the footpath looks great.” More than 30 members of Vicky’s family joined the home’s residents and staff at the official opening of the new walk way, which has a plaque set in stone in memory at the beginning of it.

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Care group celebration recognises residents’ dignity A MIDLANDS care group celebrated the dignity of its residents by holding a week of special activities. Alpha, which owns 12 homes, arranged its own ‘Dignity in Care’ event to show that in addition to specialist tailored care, dignity is an integral part of the service provided to residents at all of the group’s sites. Spokeswoman Tracey York said: “Dignity is a fundamental part of the service we provide, so we decided to arrange a week-long celebration for all our homes to take part in. “We tried to make it as fun and interesting as possible for our residents, to remind them that their dignity is of the highest importance to us, and to show them that we value them as individuals. A purple day kicked off the week, with staff and residents encouraged to wear something purple and the homes decked out with purple balloons and decorations. The following day residents took part in a pamper day, and on the Wednesday they were encouraged to make a wish to attach to a ‘wish tree’. Staff were also encouraged to make a wish for their residents to attach to the tree, and some will now be chosen at random and staff

Home sets up visit group A CHESHIRE care home has set up a homes from home group to encourage residents to visit other facilities owned by the group. The idea derived from CLS staff at New Milton House in Alsager realising residents often had interesting past times, as well as fascinating stories to tell, such as places visited and wartime tales. Activity co-ordinator at the home, Chris Cull, believed a group should be formed for residents to discuss past experiences as well as sharing current hobbies and interests with others from nearby homes. He said: “The residents have been really enthusiastic about the group and love the idea of visiting different towns, making new friends and sharing their interests with others.”

£500 boost Tracey York as Tinky Winky with Westley Court resident Jonathan Gray will do their best to make them come true. Thursday saw a purple coffee morning take place with lots of food and drink on offer, including blackcurrant juice, blackberry cheesecakes and purple iced cakes

for residents and their families and visitors. The week was rounded off with a simultaneous balloon release and tea party across all of the homes. Staff at the group’s Redditch head office also joined in the fun.

A BENFLEET care home raised £500 for the Crossroads charity following a weekend of events. First Choice’s Oakdale Residential Home held a Best of British day to coincide with UK Older People’s Day, with staff, residents and families dressing up and enjoying classic British foods like cockles, mussels, pie and mash. The Mayor of Castlepoint opened the celebrations which also included music, entertainment and a garden party.

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Cherry Wilkinson and Christine Motley with residents Elsie Brown and Elaine Minchin

Life on the Home Front revisited at Horncastle care home ... ‘LIFE on the Home Front’ was the theme for a reminiscence session held at a Horncastle care home. Residents at Tanglewood enjoyed refreshments while chatting about their memories of the ‘Dig for Victory’ and ‘Make Do and Mend’ campaigns. They also recalled their experiences in the Land Army and talked about evacuees and rationing. Activities co-ordinator Cherry Wilkinson said the home hosts regular reminiscing sessions as part

of their activity programme, with facilitator Christine Motley leading residents through their memories and experiences of various subjects. She added: “Christine always dresses appropriately for the chosen subject and brings in a variety of objects and photographs to jog our memories. “It’s a great opportunity for our residents to chat together, have a laugh and share their thoughts and experiences.”

Meriel Andrew and Simon Buttle from the WNO

Opera hits the right note RESIDENTS of a Wrexham care home were treated to a feast of opera. Members of Welsh National Opera, soprano Meriel Andrew and tenor Simon Buttle, raised the roof at the Hillbury Care Home after taking to the stage in the chapel to an audience of more than 50 people. The visit was part of a three-year WNO residency in the town. They are creating Nine Stories High, a soap opera which is being performed and filmed on the streets of Wrexham.

The concert was organised by the home’s artist in residence Sarah Edwards. She said: “They were enraptured; everyone was caught in the moment. We have people here with complex conditions such as dementia, but music can have a connection. “We feel the arts play a role in enhancing people’s lives. Coming into a care home is not the end it’s a new start. We want the best quality of life for our residents.”

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Backing for Dilnot proposals PRIVATE care home operators have backed the Dilnot Commission’s proposals on insurance to help resolve the long-term care funding crisis in the UK, a new report has revealed. A survey of more than 100 private operators carried out by Barclays Corporate and risk consultant Lockton found that 61 per cent of operators believe insurance is the best solution for funding care in the future. The Dilnot Commission outlined a proposal for the insurance industry to step in and support those paying for care themselves up to a £35,000 cap on care costs, with the State meeting the financial burden above this level. Paul Birley, head of healthcare at Barclays Corporate said: “It is encouraging that the Dilnot Commission’s recommendations on reforms to care funding have found support with private operators. “Good quality care can produce incredible results in the improvement of

Paul Birley the quality of life of those that receive it but it is vital that a viable solution is found to ensure care is affordable and sustainable for the UK’s ageing population. “Private operators have every reason to be confident in their futures. They’ve proven over time to be both flexible in approach and able to adapt quickly to

changing conditions.” Nineteen per cent suggested the Government should increase taxes, while a further 20 per cent said they believe residents should use their own personal equity to pay for future care. The survey also asked operators what they saw as the greatest challenges for the sector. The results confirmed that the squeeze on margins remains the biggest challenge, with the majority - 60 per cent - citing cuts in fees and a further 46 per cent saying staff costs were the two most significant challenges. Despite the uncertainty around the care funding system and the wider economic outlook, private operators remained optimistic about the prospects for their own organisations, with 57 per cent of providers confident about the future. What do you think? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

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

In this issue: Firm more than

doubles in size with takeovers Page 22

New Coleraine

care home to create up to sixty jobs Page 23

Royal visitor

opens £9.5m development Page 24

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Firm more than doubles in size with takeovers By Dominic Musgrave

Arden Lea nursing home

Family makes first acquisition HARPREET Virk and Ranjit Singh, trading as Virk Family Limited, have made their first acquisition with the purchase of Arden Lea nursing home in central Nottingham. The established care home, which is registered for 27 service users, has been purchased for an undisclosed price. Harpreet said: “As the new owners, going forward Virk Family Limited is committed to working with residents and staff to further improve standards at Arden Lea.

“We will work together to strengthen the quality and level of care provided to residents so that it becomes the home of choice in Nottingham. “We will strive to make the stay of all our residents as homely and caring as possible.” DC Care was instructed to market the home on behalf of Nimal Atheray, who is retiring after 30 years. Funding for the purchase was arranged by Chandler and Co.

Existing operator buys home CHRISTIE and Co has sold Abbeydale Nursing and Residential Home in Liverpool to an existing local operator for an undisclosed sum on behalf of Doson Ltd. This is the second care home deal

the company has completed within the region in recent months. The home, which operated with a fully qualified RGN manager, is registered to provide care for 36 service users in single bedrooms.

Taylor National has completed the sale of the 61-bed Philbeach Care Centre in Hythe, Kent. The purchasers, Tony Barnes and Phil Barker of the locally based Premium Healthcare, acquired the shares in the existing company, which increases their existing representation in the town to three homes and a total of 134 beds. Tony said: “I was delighted with the manner in which June Willoughby handled this matter on behalf of the selling agents and we were very pleased that the buying process was so smooth in this case.”

A HERTFORDSHIRE based care operator has more than doubled in size after taking over the running of 23 care homes from Southern Cross. Almost 1,300 of the 1,737 registered beds Life Style Care has acquired are in London, and new lease agreements have been negotiated between the company and the Jersey based Regency Care Investment Ltd, who previously leased them to the collapsed operator to reflect market conditions. The other sites Life Style Care will run are along the M4 corridor in Slough, Reading and Swindon, Nottingham in the Midlands and Sheffield and Leeds in the North. An 83-bed facility is due to open in York next May. Chief Executive Ramesh Sachdev said consolidation will be a major feature of the months ahead. He added: “The new rent levels agreed with the landlord’s funders have been set at a level which allows us to put in place a significant refurbishment programme within each of the homes. “We anticipate this will cost in the region of £2.1m in the first year and a minimum of £1m in subsequent years. “A large number of the homes we have surveyed have shown the adverse effects of a lack of investment in equipment, carpets, chairs, beds and general decoration. In some cases the lack of repairs were significant, leaving rooms uninhabitable, or roofs leaking badly.” The group, which has been operating since 1987, has strengthened its management team to cope with the acquisitions, which

Ramesh Sachdev has seen it go from 14 homes with 1,112 beds to 37 currently with 2,849. Chief Executive Ramesh Sachdev says with the opening of the York home (83 beds) the total number of beds within the group will go to 2,932. Ramesh added: “As many of 10 of the homes which transferred either had no manager, or only an acting manager. so a priority has been to recruit strong and experienced management for each of these homes. “This process is well under way with a total of five permanent appointments already being made. “In general we have been pleased with the quality of staff we have inherited, and they in turn have expressed enthusiasm about joining us because they can see the future of the homes they work for is secure, with clear direction from the centre to rebuild staff morale and a desire for close co-operative working with residents, relatives and purchasers.”

Tax reclaims for care home owners... CAPITAL allowances are among the most valuable and least exploited methods of reducing property owners’ income tax or corporation tax liabilities. Capital allowances arise from capital expenditure on purchasing or constructing a new property along with extensions and refurbishments. We comprehensively survey the property which allows us to identify any qualifying items that, for numerous reasons, have previously not been claimed. Don’t delay as the government are considering closing this opportunity for retrospective claims. Call now for your free appraisal. Have you made a Vat reclaim? If you were operating between 1993 and 2002 call now to start making your claim. We will quickly identify the validity of a claim without obligation. If it does not proceed there will be no fee. Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com

Glan-Yr-Afon Nursing Home

Couple add eighth home to portfolio SPECIALIST business transfer agents Taylor National has completed the sale of Glan-Yr-Afon Nursing Home at Blackwood, Mid Glamorgan for an undisclosed consideration. The home, which offers 39 all single bedroom accommodation set in one-

and-a-half acres, has been acquired by the Monmouthshire based Dr and Mrs Bansal. This brings the number of homes under their ownership to eight and over 300 registered beds.

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How care operators can take advantage of government assistance By Tim Leeman Saving tax at a rate of 52 per cent PLUS crystallising a Government tax give-away PLUS protecting your personal assets … all in a single transaction? THIS may well sound like every businessperson’s dream, it is, however, currently within the grasp of a great many care home operators who are currently trading as a partnership. A few basic facts Unless you are trading as a LLP (Limited liability partnership) you and your partners are in legal terms the business. If the business incurs any debts that cannot be paid out of the business assets the creditors can sue you personally. As a partner in a partnership (including an LLP) your share of the partnership profits is assessed on you personally and you pay personal income tax on the profits. In short your share of the business profits are added to all of your other personal income and the total is taxed on you personally. The rates of personal tax and class 4 national insurance are as follows: Income above £42,475 and below £100,000 – 42 per cent. Income above £100,000 and below £114,950 – 63 per cent. Income over £114,950 and below £150,000 – 42 per cent. Income over £150,000 – 52 per cent. As can be seen, anyone operating a care home business which is hitting the industry benchmarking key performance indicators (KPIs) will most likely be in the 52 per cent tax bracket – not a nice place to be? The Government and taxes The recession is here for a while and the country’s finances are in a poor state, there is too little tax revenue to balance the ever increasing government expenditure. As a result I cannot see any scope to reduce personal rates of tax (personal taxes apply to partnership income). However, the current Government appears to be committed to assisting businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship. In the last budget it announced that it was committed to maintaining the highly favorable tax regime available for entrepreneurs disposing of a business for the life of the current government. Anyone disposing of a business (subject to certain criteria) will only pay 10 per cent capital gains tax on any gain made on the sale up to a maximum of £10m. This is called Entrepreneurs Relief. The opportunity to avoid the 52 per cent tax charge In the right circumstances there exists a perfectly legal opportunity for partners within a care home partnership to dispose of their

Tim Leeman business to a limited company (which they in turn own). This will ensure that the profit of the business will no longer be instantly subject to personal tax (maximum of 52 per cent) – instead it will be subject to corporation tax at the following rates: Profits below £300,000 – 20 per cent. Profit over £300,000 and below £1.5m – 27.5 per cent. Profits over £1.5m – 26 per cent. Many commentators have expressed surprise at the generosity of the Government setting a rate of just 10 per cent and a limit of £10m on a business sale. What will happen after the term of the current government is anyone’s guess, however there must be a strong likelihood that the favorable tax regime that currently exists may well change. By transferring the partnership business to a limited company and taking advice as to how this should be undertaken, the partners will be deemed to have sold the partnership business. The newly-formed limited company will have purchased the business and will have a debt in its accounts to the partners. This debt is able to be repaid to the partners free of any taxes. The partners will be charged just 10 per cent on the sale. The opportunity to reduce personal exposure and thereby protect personal assets There exists an opportunity for current partners to sell their business to a limited company (owned by themselves). A limited company is a separate legal entity. An instant advantage here is that any debts or claims on the company stay with the company and the owners are not personally liable as they are as partners in a partnership. Practical aspects of the sale of the business to a company You no longer need to pay the 52 per cent tax rate. Business profits are only charged at corporation tax rates. You will have a large debt owed to you by the company, you can withdraw this free of tax in place of any taxable income from the business. You will have secured the favourable 10 per cent tax rate on a business sale. Tim Leeman is a member of the specialist team at Mitchells accountants.

Tracy Henry with UTV newsreader Gillian Porter.

New Coleraine care home to create up to sixty jobs NEWSREADER Gillian Porter officially opened a new care home in Coleraine which will create up to 60 jobs in the area. The Priory owned Bohill, built on the site of a former hotel with the same name, is a purpose built nursing home with beds for 80 residents needing nursing or dementia nursing care. It will be managed by the experienced Tracy Henry. Care will be provided in single, ensuite accommodation, while there

will also be a choice of lounges and dining areas and a secure, enclosed landscaped garden. The dementia house will reflect the very latest research in dementia care, focussing on a person’s abilities. Dementia-signposting will assist with orientation and a reminiscence room is planned. All residents will have access to carefully planned activities and a wide range of professionals including a hairdresser, chiropodist, optician and GP.

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New home ‘like a five-star hotel’ A NEW £7m care home in North Dorset which has created 85 new jobs has been likened to a five-star hotel. TV’s Doctor Hilary Jones was speaking during a launch open day at Colten Care’s 59-bed Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, which has been built on the site of a former creamery. The broadcaster and author described the home’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a cinema, sun therapy room and an indoor potting shed and workshop, as ‘absolutely superb’. He added: “This is like the Savoy for people who need extra care and attention. “It’s a wonderfully warm and welcoming home and I know people are going to be very happy here.” Newstone House is the 18th home to be opened by the firm, and 31 rooms will be used to care for people with dementia.

Doctor Hilary Jones with town crier Kevin Knapp, Newstone House manager Claire Brownless and Colten Care managing director Ian Hudson.

Poole care home makes business award shortlist A POOLE care home has been shortlisted for the annual Dorset Business Awards. Colten Care’s Canford Chase in Poole is one of three companies, from all business sectors, to be selected for the Natwest Excellence in Customer Service Award.

Home manager Angie Stewart said: “We place great emphasis on providing the best possible service to our residents and it is wonderful that our staff have been recognised for all their hard work. “It is a fantastic achievement.” The winners will be announced on November 24.

Royal visitor opens £9.5m development HRH Princess Alexandra officially opened Larkrise and Orchard Meadows, the new £9.5m state-ofthe-art care development run by The Orders of St John Care Trust in Banbury. The Princess toured the development, which comprises the Larkrise Care Centre and Orchard Meadows extra care apartments, before unveiling a commemorative plaque. Larkrise provides nursing care, a specialist dementia unit and respite care for older people who may need a short stay at the home. The 60-bed care facility also includes a number of features to promote reminiscence as therapy, including a beach-themed reminiscence room which has a

seaside mural, ice cream machine and other sensory elements to evoke the smells and sounds of the sea. A shop, hair salon and 1950s themed lounges add to the recreational areas for residents to use. The extensive gardens have also been specially designed to evoke past memories, with an old fashioned washing line, bus stop and chicken enclosure. An orchard and vegetable patch have been created with involvement from the residents. Nearly 100 guests attended the opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of the 18-month project, including residents, staff, local dignitaries and executives from OSJCT, bpha, and the county council.

HRH Princess Alexandra is presented with flowers by 97-year-old Vesta Avery, a tenant of Orchard Meadows.

25 Taylor National

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An independent evaluation has found singing does provide improvements to the health and well being of those affected by dementia and other age related mental health conditions. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Music charity hits right note SING For Your Life has taken music to care homes and the wider community for the last six years. The charity, founded by Stuart Brown does this by running Silver Song Clubs for people living in their owns homes, and has now made the Silver Song Music Box machines available to make the activity more cost affective as they can now be led by a trained member of staff instead of bringing someone in. Stuart told Caring UK the sessions have many benefits. He added: “The sessions not only provide people with a more enjoyable experience, but also helps care homes meet CQC targets for improving activities and, most importantly for residents, supports the Government’s initiative to reduce the ‘chemical cosh’ and the need to use anti-psychotic drugs. “One of the advantages of having a system is like this is that it is very flexible rather than care homes booking an entertainer to come come in for the residents to perform at a particular time. “There are so many pressures put on care homes that there is always a chance that something might happen at the last minute such as a member of staff calling in sick or a doctor deciding to do his visits at that time, meaning the entertainer has to be cancelled but still paid.” The modified karaoke system uses different software and music that has been recorded by a pianist on to a memory stick to create the oldfashioned ‘gathering around the piano’ feel. The home just provides a plasma screen or TV

Elderly people taking part in a singing session. for the residents to read off. As well as the traditional songs from the 1940s and 50s, Christmas carols and hymn sticks are also available. Stuart said the study into the sessions, which also recently appeared on Channel Five’s ‘Celebrity Wish List’, was the first of its kind. He added: “We knew that singing can be particularly helpful for reminiscence because

that part of the brain is one of the last to go. “The trial, which was funded and evaluated by the NHS, looked at a group of singing residents against a group that didn’t found. “It found that there is a clinical improvement in the health and well-being of the people who sang, not only in the time they were singing, but had a lasting affect, which is really important.”

A cafe to help elderly people with dementia has been opened at a care home in Rickmansworth. The ‘Best Friends Cafe’ was officially opened at the Quantum Care owned Meresworth facility by district council chairman Chris Whately-Smith. It is designed for residents and their families to enjoy a real cafe environment, and was developed as part of the group’s Intermediate Dementia Training Programme which encourages staff to find ways of improving the well-being of people with dementia.

Simple way to label clothes RESIDENTS with dementia often experience distress if they cannot find the clothing that they are familiar with and, as with all residents, it is important that an individual’s garments are correctly returned to them after washing. With new clothes being given for Christmas and more than 1,200 garments going through the care home laundry this is not an easy task, especially if the garment is not named adequately. Attach-a-Tag is a simple, cost effective method of labelling clothing and 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. The patented design is easy to attach but difficult to remove, and cannot be taken off by accident or come off during the laundry process. Each tag has the owner’s name etched onto it, which is guaranteed not to wear off in the wash. This combined with the unique fixing method of Attach-a-Tag means the owner is identified every time. Special Christmas offer: Free Attach-a-Tag cotton bags for residents’ new clothes, when you buy five packs of 50 tags. Offer applies during November and December but only to multiples of five packs.

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County first for Skipton care home

Sheraton Court activities co-ordinator Chris Ord, home manager Carole Thomson and resident Elsie Linton.

Home installs interactive aid A NORTH East care company has installed an interactive reminiscence aid which has been designed to enable people to recall moments from their past. Dementia Life has been installed at Sheraton Court in Hartlepool, the first Helen McArdle Care home to adopt the software, and it is also believed to be the first care home in the region to make it available to residents. The system provides digital reminiscence therapy software, games and sing-along-packages to help provide

person-centered care. The touch screen technology makes it easy for elderly people to use and staff to manage. Lynne Gray, head of strategic development at the group, said: “We have invested in this new technology to provide residents who have some degree of memory impairment with a tool to enable them to relive certain aspects of their life. “Many of our residents have had fascinating lives and Dementia Life will be able to help them to trigger memories of their life experiences.”

Group opens new service in city A SHEFFIELD care group has opened a new dementia service in the city. Sheffcare, which owns 11 sites in the city, has opened the 12 bed unit at Knowle Hill in Mosborough. Manager Diane Harrison said: “All our specialist team have received full dementia care training and all the services we will be providing are tai-

lored to individual needs. “We believe in providing a safe but stimulating atmosphere in the unit and in our garden and we have a full range of activities and a specially trained activity worker who will be able to identify what each of the residents needs to make their life more rewarding.”

A Farnham care company was named employer of the year at a local business awards ceremony. Woodlands and Hill Brow Ltd, which runs two residential care homes for the elderly and a new nursing and dementia home, scooped the accolade at the Inspire Business Awards in Basingstoke. The award recognised a business that could best prove a genuine dedication to the development and welfare of its workforce. This was judged on the business culture, benefits, training and outstanding innovation in staff care and progression. The company was also a runner up in the service excellence category.

Have you got news for the Dementia section? Call our healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave on 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

“Not only is the system great for residents but it will also be a comfort to relatives and friends as they will be able to communicate more effectively with those they care about. “The software will also boost staff morale as they will see a big difference in the work that they are doing with residents.” Sheraton Court is one of 12 homes the group owns in the North East. Organised across three floors, the 80 bed care home provides residential, dementia and respite care.

A SKIPTON care home has become the first in Yorkshire to receive Dementia Care Matters’ prestigious ‘Butterfly Service’ status for the outstanding and sustained dementia care it provides. The Barchester owned home successfully demonstrated its ability to deliver high quality dementia care through applying a relationship focused feelings-based approach. Val Gains, general manager of the home, told Caring UK person centred care is provided in a comfortable and specially created environment called a Memory Lane Community. She added: “We’ve been working towards this award for six years and this is a very proud moment for us. “The service we provide here has no artificial boundaries; it’s all about promoting people’s independence and having a meaningful quality of life. “Our staff demonstrate a great depth of knowledge about the people living here and encourage the development of friendships with genuine affection.”

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If you would like to advertise in our home care section please contact: 01226 734479 or email rh@whpl.net

Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council plans to integrate health and social care services in their new model of care. Paul Davies, executive director of adult social care and inclusion, discusses how telehealthcare is fundamental to this service redesign

Two become one: Integrating health and social care in Walsall WITH the concerns of an ageing population, improved life expectancy and an increase in people living with complex conditions, how do you find a solution that meets the care needs of the population and supports independent living, whilst making the best use of available resources? This is the situation we face in Walsall, where the local NHS has approximately 37,000 patients with long-term conditions. Of these patients, an estimated 3,300 created 4,000 emergency admissions alone in 2009/10, equating to approximately 25,000 bed days and an annual commissioning cost of £12.9m. Combined with improved life expectancy and an increasing number of people living with longterm conditions, the pressures on local health resources will continue to grow at an unsustainable rate. Walsall needed a solution that would meet these growing needs, and would support people in living fulfilled lives whilst making the best use of local resources. We decided that in order to more effectively meet the needs of our clients, we needed to introduce a model of care that integrates both health and social care services into one manageable solution. The Department of Health recently identified four quadrants of an ideal health and social care service, combining social capital, telecare, individual choice and prevention.

Business sold A PRIVATE investor, represented by Savills, has sold Henley-based Primary Healthcare LLP to domiciliary care provider Enara for an undisclosed sum. The business was established in 2003 to provide services throughout Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Established in 1996, Enara provides a range of critical services delivered at home or in the community in order to enhance people’s lives. Focusing on care for the elderly it operates predominantly in the South of England and South Wales.

Paul Davies Our plans are to develop a service that integrates these key principles by representing the latest thinking in social care, using technology to enable change that allows us to cater for individuals in a way that health and social services have never done before. We want to be able to maximise the potential for individuals to take control of their own lives and allow all people, regardless of background, to access mainstream services and provisions. By providing clients with telehealthcare as standard, we hope to allow people to live independently for as long as

possible, safe in the knowledge that help is at hand whenever necessary. Telecare and telehealth solutions, such as those from Tunstall Healthcare, support the priorities of a joint health and social care service, providing the essential back up that people need to support them at home, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and ensuring a systematic shift towards early intervention, prevention and a service modernisation in the context of rising expectations. The benefits of telehealthcare are far-reaching, with positive results in reducing hospital admissions, supporting early discharge and reablement and enhancing community safety. Too often, when someone becomes ill, the solution is to automatically admit that person into hospital in order to reduce the burden on residential care homes and transfer responsibility to the health professionals. Walsall Council and NHS Walsall have made a joint £2.5m investment over two years in telecare, telehealth and a new responsive service, believing that it will deliver a much more efficient use of resources and give better outcomes for people. We intend to further develop the integration with health partnerships and once embedded, will look at further partners in the fields of housing and wardens, joining up all the partner agencies.

Criticism as £1.3bn slashed from budget THE Government and local authorities have been criticised after it was revealed that £1.3bn has been slashed from social care spending. UKHCA chair Mike Padgham said thousands of people were now being denied homecare because local authorities are commissioning less care. He added “At our recent conference in Birmingham we warned that spending was being cut and it was damaging care. We now have the evidence - £1.3bn cut from spending by local authorities on providing care for older, vulnerable people. “What do we have to do to get people to listen to the plight of social care in this country? Thousands of people are being denied care because local authorities are commissioning less and less care. “We need to see action on funding for social care and we need to see it quickly. We have sympathy with the difficult choices faced by Government and local authorities. However, we do need to see a real shift in resources towards social care.” Mike said Government promises of a White Paper reforming adult social care were too far away. “That reform won’t even start to be revealed until next year and there is still no hint of whether the necessary funding outlined in the Dilnot report will be implemented,” he added. “Our fear is that by the time action is taken many thousands more people may have reduced care and many more providers will perhaps have disappeared.”

Providers urged to show ‘robust resilience’ HOMECARE providers are being warned to show “robust resilience” in facing the challenges of personal budgets. Steve Dunn, CEO of healthcare distributor Williams Medical Supplies, believes fears about the Government’s plan to roll out personal budgets next October are unfounded. Some critics claim the scheme will be too expensive to implement, patient choice will be limited, and existing services could be destabilised if enough patients choose to spend their money elsewhere.

Others fear it is more susceptible to fraud and that patients will put their health at risk by choosing non-medical, or less medical, forms of care. But Steve told Caring UK the challenges ahead are outweighed by the potential benefits to patients. He added: “Homecare providers must be robustly resilient in the face of concerns – let’s not forget this scheme aims to maintain personal independence as an alternative to residential, nursing home care or over long stays in hospital. One way home care providers can keep con-

trol over this is by streamlining procurement through a reliable, experienced supply partner. By reducing auditing complexity and benefiting from better terms, they can reassure the government and stakeholders that the money is being well spent.” Steve added that efficiency holds the key to success, and that a strategic supply partnership can reduce waste and save time and money – from online ordering and reduced invoicing to the use of powerful management information.

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Tapestry created from memories By Dominic Musgrave A WOOLWICH care home is displaying a tapestry representing the story of a group of Asian residents’ lives and the journey from their homeland to the UK. The tapestry will then be sent on a jet-setting European trip as it is toured in both Finland and Barcelona as part of a European Reminiscence Network (ERN) project, before returning home in January. At the start of this year Sanctuary Care’s Ashgreen House, in conjunction with the Memorial Hospital Community Mental Health Team and the ERN, set up a reminiscence group specifically for Asian Elders. The intention was to run the group for six weeks with a possibility of an extension to 12 weeks. The home sent letters to the relatives of their clients in their native language and employed the services of three interpreters to assist with translation from Punjabi, Guajarati, Bengali, Hindi and Urdu during the sessions. Manager Philip Smith said the group proved very popular and in the end ran for five months. He added: “We believe this is the first time a group like this has been set up for Asian Elders and we were all rather taken aback by just how popular the group proved to be. “Many of the members had shared

The shop front at Ashgreen House similar experiences throughout their lives which helped to trigger memories in others which might otherwise have remained ‘locked away’ and we are really pleased that, thanks to the group, we have been able to record the life of one particular resident who is unable to speak due to a stroke. “Reminiscence therapy is some-

thing we are looking to continually integrate into the care of our residents, with previous reminiscence projects including the building of an old-fashioned sweet shop in the home.” At the sessions residents were encouraged to discuss their journeys throughout their lives which had brought them to the UK including

their childhood and school days, leaving their country of birth and settling, raising children and growing old in England, with many sharing similar experiences. The group then came together with the help of ERN artist Madhumita Bose to produce a handmade wall tapestry which tells each member’s life story.

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Provider in job swap scheme CARERS and residents from one of the country’s leading care providers have been viewing life from the other side of the desk as they took part in job swaps as part of National Customer Service Week. The events, across a number of Sanctuary Care’s homes, saw management teams and activity leaders swapping jobs with receptionists, chefs and domestic assistants. At Hatfield Nursing Home, the manager Sally Kalaiarasu and her senior team donned aprons and rubber gloves as they took over the cooking and cleaning duties for the day. She said: “It’s been a really enjoyable and educational experience to do the job swap and has enabled me to see things from my staff’s point of view. I hope it will make me a better manager.” Time Court Nursing Home in Greenwich got residents and their families involved, with some serving up dinner as others manned the reception desk. They met and greeted visitors as they arrived and handed out cupcakes which had been specially made by the home’s chef. Events also took place at a number of Sanctuary Carr-Gomm’s supported housing schemes including a pyjama day and Guess Who from baby pictures at the Southend Parent and Child Project.

A media room, 24-hour access to a concierge and health and well-being centre are a few of the features available at a new concept in care in Suffolk. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Home gives residents luxury in their later life NOWTON Court on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds is a 19th Century manor designed to give people luxury in their later life. The 25 bedroom facility is owned by Heritage Manor and, while it does not offer any nursing care, domiciliary care can be arranged, paid for by the resident. The site, which is a former Boys Prep School and latterly a Language School for Japanese students learning English, is run by Margaret Friel. She said: “What we have here is a totally new concept in care for people who no longer want the worry of staying in their own homes. “We take care of all of their activities for daily living such as washing and cleaning, and they can come and go as they please. “Should a resident wish to pop into town then the concierge will pick them up and drop them off, but if they are not available we will always pay their taxi fare.” The home can also be used by people over the age of 55 as a hotel,

Nowton Court with stays available from anything from days to years. Margaret, who has run the home for 16 months, added: “One lady is staying here for the winter because she doesn’t fancy another cold winter back home in Scotland, while others come here for a short break or a bit of respite care following an operation. “Quite a few people that stay with us are in their 90s, but you would never know it as they take part in the activities our organiser puts on, as well as the exercise classes. “The food the chef prepares is all

locally produced, and the residents also have access to treatments in the Heritage Wellbeing Centre that has been created in the former wine cellar. This is also open to the general public.” Plans are now in place to create a nursing home on the site to offer a variety of care including dementia so that once people move in to Nowton Court they do not need to move elsewhere should their needs change. There will also be rooms available for residents’ families to stay.

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Bosses sample life as carers DIRECTORS and managers of a South East and East Anglia based group of homes went back to the floor for a few hours. Carebase marketing manager Maria Treadaway and marketing executive Suzannah Tolba spent the afternoon at Acacia Lodge in Henley as carers, helping with meal times and also taking part in the various activities, including pampering some of the residents in the beauty salon. Operations director Andrew Mangion and director Keith Hawley got green fingered and helped the residents in the garden and allotment at Amber Wood in Cheltenham, while managing director Nicola Coveney spent the afternoon at Aspen Grange in Braintree as a cleaner.

She said: “It’s always a delight to visit the homes and spend time with the residents. We all had lots of fun with the staff at the homes who all made the most out of having us there for the afternoon.” Elsewhere, Mike Hirsch, properties director, and Phillipa Morley, HR manager, worked as waiters at Acorn Court in Redhill. Mike and Phillipa gave residents a five star treatment serving them a full lunch.

Middleton Hall director Lesley Henderson, estate manager David Richardson, MD Jeremy Walford and head of care and quality Debby Lamont with the awards.

The ‘back to the floor’ campaign saw the four homes win help from the central office directors and managers following a raffle draw.

Awards glory for village

The other prizes for the homes included iPads and a helicopter/ plane lesson for the staff to enjoy.

Senior appointments unveiled A NEW operating company that will take on the running of a third of Southern Cross care homes has unveiled several senior appointments. Anne Williams CBE, former national director for learning disabilities for England and the first ever president of ADASS, joins the HC-One executive board as a non-executive director. The senior management team

will also be joined by former Southern Cross regional directors Pam Finnis and Michael MacIntosh, who will assume managing director roles. And Liam Scanlon, former regional regulation manager with the Welsh Government's Care and Social Services Inspectorate, has been appointed as the independent chair of the firm’s new safeguarding board and its quality forum.

A NORTH East retirement village is celebrating after receiving a glittering array of awards. Accolades accrued by the Middleton Hall Retirement Village, which is based between Darlington and Yarm, range from praise for its people management to a gold medal for its grounds and gardens. The achievements include the Investors in People Gold Award – putting it in the top 200 IIP accredited companies in the UK – and a gold award as well as the Ron Grubb memorial trophy at its first time of entering the Northumbria in Bloom awards. Middleton Hall provides for inde-

pendent living, assisted living, residential and nursing care through 49 apartments, 32 bedsitting rooms and 20 specialist rooms, with facilities including a swimming pool, spa, gym library, bowling green, croquet lawn, woodland walks area and restaurant. In September the owners were granted planning permission for an £8m expansion of accommodation and facilities. This will include a development of zero carbon rated independent living bungalows, the creation of a dementia community, a new cafe, bar and shop and the re-building of the main entrance gatehouse.

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New octenisan® wash mitts Efficient and reliable whole-body washing Time-saving, convenient and cost effective Reduced risk of cross-contamination as one pack is used for each resident THE first antimicrobial wash mitts containing the active ingredient octenidine are now available from schülke. octenisan® wash mitts are ideal for use with bed-bound residents who are unable to shower or bathe. Each mitt is designed for single use and there are 10 in a pack – eight are usually sufficient for full body decolonisation.

SensorCare clinically proven to reduce falls MOBILITY is an important part of everyone’s quality of life. However for the vulnerable, vacating a bed or chair unassisted can mean that unnecessary risks and dangers exist. SensorCare Falls prevention sensors provide an early warning that alerts the carer that mobilisation is being initiated, thus enabling appropriate attention to be given with the aim of preventing a fall and the subsequent injury that may occur. The systems are generally easy to use and provide the carer temporary respite and the confidence and freedom to carry on with their daily routines. SensorCare falls prevention system can be used as a stand-alone system; relayed to a pager giving the carer more freedom; or interfaced to an existing nurse call system. The monitors consist of two components; a pressure sensing panel which is located beneath the mattress or chair cushion and a control unit which is placed in a convenient position for the carer to operate. Enquiries: Visit www.sensorcare.co.uk, email enquiries@sensorcare.co.uk or telephone 0845 863 9570

LaundryPods from PKL

The pack of wash mitts can be heated to body temperature in a microwave before use. octenisan® is effective against a broad range of micro-organisms but, unlike some antimicrobial washes, its skin friendly formulation is gentle on the skin. The efficacy of octenisan comes from the unique active ingredient octenidine, which has been shown to have a broad antimicrobial effect, including multiresistant strains. The new octenisan wash mitts proved highly popular in evaluations at three different units. More than 80% of carers using the mitts rated them as good or excellent in terms of convenience of use. Comments about the antimicrobial wash mitts included: “time-saving”, “less clutter at the bedside”, “disposable, less messy, saves on towels and water” and “nice on skin, leaves skin soft”. Enquiries: Telephone 0114 254 3500, visit www.schulke.co.uk or email mail.uk@schuelke.com

SimplyUnite unveils new features for Gem SIMPLYUNITE is proud to announce the release of version 2.0 of its Gem service. This launch combines new ideas and also feedback SimplyUnite has taken on board from existing customers. The overall aim is to make the Gem computer service even more accessible, engaging and user-friendly. Among a host of other improvements to the service, there will be a wider choice of games and reminiscence activities. This will benefit residents who are keen to get involved in internet based activities providing cognitive stimulation, which has been proven to slow degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The new ‘SimplyUnite App’ will allow families to connect with Gem and send messages and photos through their mobile phone – great for relatives when on the move or unable to visit. Through the website, the ‘SimplyUnite Volunteer’s Portal’ will link care homes to local volunteering organisations to help them find computer buddies to support residents using Gem. Enquiries: To arrange a free demonstration call 0845 388 4453 or email us at info@simplyunite.com

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

INTRODUCING LaundryPods, the latest innovation from PKL the UK's leading provider of temporary kitchens and commercial catering equipment. LaundryPods enable existing laundry areas to be converted into revenue-generating space, such as additional bedrooms, making them ideal for the care sector. Each LaundryPod is a permanent modular laundry building which can be delivered within six weeks from the date of order. LaundryPods come fully equipped with high-performance, energy-efficient commercial washers and dryers. Available on a fully inclusive contract hire basis, LaundryPods can offer guaranteed fixed laundry costs, including all maintenance of the building and the equipment. They are fully compliant with CQC requirements for care and nursing home laundries, and can be relocated, moved or extended as required. They are available in a wide range of external finishes, including custom colours and brick or wood cladding, so they can compliment surrounding buildings Enquiries: Visit www.pkl.co.uk or call 0845 8404242.

Urgent medication delivered in three hours HAVE you ever been in a situation where the doctor has had to come in on a Sunday or a Bank Holiday to attend to a critically ill resident? The doctor has issued a prescription and the patient needs to start the medication as soon as possible. But your chemist is not open and you may have to wait until the next day or sometimes longer. We can delivery 365 days a year and on most days we aim to deliver urgent medication such as anti – biotics within three hours. All of our care and nursing homes have access to on call pharmacist who can help out of hours with emergency dispensing. Enquiries: Telephone 0845 5577008 or visit wwwyakubchemist.co.uk

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A bathroom for all situations: flexible design from Pressalit Care to save you money

New Prestige Cabinets extend Knightsbridge Care collection

HIGH quality bathrooms for residential care homes which actually save you money in the long run. It sounds too good to be true. Yet it’s not. At Pressalit Care we are confident that care home managers, developers and architects will be rewarded for their long term investment by a variety of benefits. The basis of our products’ return on investment comes from our unique design, offering the flexibility to meet the changing needs of the people who use them. Pressalit Care’s bathroom products work on a horizontal track system, as well as being height adjustable in many cases, making it easy for both users and carers to adapt the layout according to their specific requirements. Toilet support arms, shower chairs, handrails and wash basins – all can be adjusted to the specific needs of the user and to make life easy for the carer.

A NEW collection of bedroom cabinets for use in care homes and residential facilities has been developed by Knightsbridge Furniture. The company’s ‘Prestige’ range meets rising demand for versatile cabinet furniture which combines assurance of durability with classic design appeal. The Prestige family includes double, single and combination wardrobes, three, four or five drawer chests, a writing desk and neat bedside cabinets in various configurations. Matching headboards for both single and double beds are also available. Key features include 18mm carcases with solid backs for maximum rigidity, 25mm vinyl-wrapped tops and PVC edging to protect against impact damage and water ingress. A timeless look is assured by the crisp, clean lines which characterise the entire Prestige collection. Classic chrome bow pull handles are fitted as standard: options include lockable doors and drawers. Prestige is available in Natural Beech, Oak or Walnut with colour coordinated interiors and the collection teams effectively with the Knightsbridge portfolio of upholstered seating, particularly with the company’s recently-introduced Jasmine chairs and settees. Enquiries: Call 01274 731442, e-mail enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk or visit www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

Enquiries: Visit www.pressalit.com, email uk@pressalit.com or telephone 0844 8806950.

Safe and shine CONSORT has added the TRF25C chrome heated towel rail to its ever expanding and popular Low Surface Temperature product range. This 25 watt heater comes complete with three chrome wall mounting brackets, fitted cable and is a double insulated class II appliance, thereby eliminating the need for supplementary bonding. Its compact size H: 410 D: 86 W: 465 makes it ideal for small bathrooms and it provides the luxury of warm, dry towels – all day, every day – economically and safely. The Low Surface Temperature range also includes a variety of wall mounted fan heaters and the 30 watt TRF30 white finish towel rail. Consort’s Low Surface Temperature products are especially suitable for care environments, having a maximum surface temperature of 430C to comply with Department of Health guidelines and European safety standards. Enquiries: Contact Consort Equipment Products Ltd on 01646 692172, fax 01646 695195, email enquiries@consortepl.com or visit www.consortepl.com

Active Minds launches latest activity product for dementia SPECIALIST dementia care supplier Active Minds continues to have a strong presence in the healthcare market. New activity products designed specifically to encourage reminiscence and dialogue in people living with dementia have made Active Minds a popular brand among both home and professional carers. The company is also experiencing huge demand for its latest painting product, Aquapaint. Developed with Barchester Healthcare, the product provides an achievable and engaging activity for people living with dementia. By painting water onto the Aquapaint canvas it reveals the colourful image below. And once complete the age appropriate images help to stimulate memories and encourage conversation. In response to this demand, Active Minds has developed another three sets of Aqaupaint. These include Pets and Animals, Marvelous Machines and Classic Sports. Active Minds is giving Caring UK readers an exclusive Christmas discount of 15 per cent using promo code AMXMAS. Enquiries: Visit www.active-minds.co.uk, email info@active-minds.co.uk or call 0207 688 6636.

Electric beds from Highgate THE welcoming comfort of the Memory King excellent memory foam mattress is further enhanced by the fact it is an electric bed that tilts to five different heights, ideal for reading, watching television or simply relaxing. The adjustable motion has five settings which gently lift head, shoulders, back, calves and thighs. This is also ideal for people with movement problems, gently easing you into sitting position so you can get in and out of bed without any stress. Supplied as part of the Healthopaedic® range the mattress features a layer of luxurious memory foam. Enquiries: Visit info @ highgatebeds.com or email 01924 454 678.

Company helps you create your own uniform THE Uniform and Leisurewear Company are dedicated suppliers of quality garments for all personnel within the care industry. Specialising in providing a personal service, customers are allocated to a member of our sales team, ensuring prompt service at all times. Having our own in-house embroidery and printing facilities means we can replicate any bespoke logo if required. PICK AND MIX CREATE YOUR OWN LOOK

Three easy steps to a whole new look: Select the body and trim colour of your choice. Choose either a zip or a stud fastening. Sit back and relax - we can do the rest. *Terms and conditions apply. Enquiries: For more information or to request a brochure, telephone 01524 388355, visit www.ualonline.co.uk or email sales@ualonline.co.uk

Beaucare® now stocking Clinell® BEAUCARE® Medical Ltd is the UK leading supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts. Beaucare have added the Clinell® Universal Sanitising Wipes to our comprehensive nursing disposables range. These wipes are NHS approved, developed by doctors and used by professionals. They can be used to clean and disinfect hands, surfaces and equipment. The wipes are proven to kill at least 99.999 per cent of germs according to European Standard tests EN1276 and pr EN12054, effective in 10 seconds. They contain a mix of biocides with different mechanisms of action preventing bacterial resistance and super bug formation. Our extensive hygiene and janitorial range provides a solution for all situations, ensuring high levels of cleanliness and infection control. Enquiries: Telephone 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

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Resident Dennis in staff awards first By Dominic Musgrave A RESIDENT from a Lincolnshire care home has been recognised for his individual achievements at an awards ceremony to celebrate staff achievement. Dennis Cotton, 78, who lives at The Poplars in Market Rasen, received his accolade at the 2011 Chairman’s Commendation Awards organised by The Orders of St John Care Trust. Taking place at the Chapter House in Lincoln Cathedral, the awards celebrated the hard work and dedication of staff across the Trust’s 72 care homes. Dennis is the first resident to ever receive an award aimed at staff. Speaking of his nomination, home manager Jacqui Luke said: “Dennis often helps out around the home and in the garden and allotment. “He also collects the morning’s papers and other shopping for residents.” “He is a very popular resident and is more than happy to show new residents around the home.” Sandra Hamblett (assistant cook, Southfield House), Joyce Duerden

(housekeeper, Fosse House) and Georgette Kissane (cook, Hartsholme House) were also presented with awards for their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the care of elderly people. Based at the Trust’s head office in Wellingore, training manager Mark Turton, financial administrator Ted Lucas and Amanda Burrell, PA to the chief executive and the finance and IT director were also recognised at the ceremony. Gregory House in Grantham was presented with the Earl of Gainsborough award for quality, which recognises excellence in all aspects of care delivery. This award is given to homes that achieve all three of the group’s care quality accreditations in care, medicines management and infection prevention and control, as well as gaining an overall excellent rating in its internal audit.

Care Home Software

Consultants

Alarm Systems

Residents from a Banstead care home visited Bognor Regis on holiday. The service users from Greenacres enjoyed ice-cream, walks on the seafront, a trip to the shops and evening entertainment as part of the trip.

Chairs

Fitness equipment

Computer Software

Signs

Occupancy specialist

Business Solutions

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Homes revive games from yesteryear

Richmond Villages’ Letcombe Regis facility.

A third of village’s properties sold within hours of release MORE than a third of the final phase of properties at an Oxfordshire retirement village were sold within hours of the details being released The final phase of 34 apartments at Richmond Villages’ Letcombe Regis site were unveiled at a launch event, with properties ranging in price from £310,000 for a large one bedroom apartment to £620,000 for the largest, two bedroom apartment measuring 1,460 sq ft announced off plan. The company’s managing director Paddy Brice said in the current economic climate it was ‘amazing’. He added: “It certainly bucks the trend in the property market at the

moment, and underlines the importance of having the right product at the right price and at the right time. “These properties are ideal for those thinking about living independently yet like the idea of being in a safe and sociable community with care and assistance close at hand if required. “We listened carefully to our residents, who told us they particularly want a large living space and up to two bedrooms, especially important if they are downsizing, and it looks as though we’ve got it about right.” Facilities at Letcombe Regis include a wellness spa with swimming pool, gym, health and beauty treatment

rooms and a hair salon. There’s also a restaurant offering excellent dining, a village shop and a café, IT and craft rooms, a library, bowling green, beautiful nature reserve with lake, and a kitchen garden and greenhouse for green-fingered residents. The company offers its own domiciliary care team who are on-site 24 hours a day to provide tailored care to individuals, while a care home at the heart of the village provides 24 hour nursing and dementia care. A ‘try before you buy’ scheme is also available for prospective purchasers.

Helen Bell, Bev Mansfield and Alison Hunt receive the award on behalf of the palliative care team.

Palliative team wins annual award A PALLIATVE care team based in Somerset has won the dedication to end of life care award in the annual Care Focus awards. The accolade, which was presented to Care South at a gala event in Taunton, was sponsored by St Margaret’s Hospice, which provides support to patients in the hospice

and also in their own homes in conjunction with GPs and other health and care services. The specialist team, which forms part of Care South’s homecare service, has received a variety of additional training from the company’s in-house division, local hospices, and the Primary Care Trust to com-

prehensively prepare them to support clients and families alike. Also at the ceremony, Maria Kneeshaw of Somerset and West Dorset Home Care was a finalist in the Tim Catley-Day Award for outstanding individuals who demonstrate excellence in a care at home capacity.

GAMES from yesteryear are being brought back into play by a leading care provider. Aiming to keep traditions alive and rekindle memories, Bupa’s care homes have invited families, friends and members of local communities to join in a variety of games days, from shove ha’pennies and tableskittles through to cribbage and quoits. Community affairs assistant Laura Hardaker said: “Taking part in these traditional games will bring back memories that matter and it’s a great way for our residents to reminisce. “We also have lots of volunteers from charities, such as Age UK, and schools and community groups who will be joining staff and residents to help bring the games to life.” In a bid to prove that the old favourites can rival any Xbox or Nintendo Wii, some of the care homes will be going head-to-head with more modern games to decide whether the old ones are the best. A recent survey commissioned by Bupa of more than 1,000 residents revealed dominoes is the most popular game, followed closely by traditional card games and Snakes and Ladders.

International recognition for village A BATH retirement village received international recognition after a delegation visited from Korea. Hongmin Park and Joon Huh, from Seoul’s first dedicated retirement research centre at the Samsung Life Insurance Company, travelled to the UK on a fact finding mission and to build relationships with organisations serving older people. Having discovered Avonpark on the internet, the pair set aside time in their schedule to pay a visit, where they were welcomed by Jon Gooding, chief executive of Retirement Villages Ltd, the company which owns the site. He said: “Retirement communities are still in their infancy in South Korea. As the company which introduced such communities into the UK we were perfectly placed to explain how the concept has matured in the 30 years since then. “The type of communities we build can work anywhere in the world. We would love to see people in Korea offered the same lifestyle choices our residents enjoy.”

Have you got news for us? Call our healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave on 01226 734407

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With the CQC reporting that one in seven care homes is failing to give the elderly enough food and water, Lee Sheppard, divisional manager care homes for apetito, looks at how to ensure your residents are sufficiently nourished.

Food can be the best medicine THE CQC’s damning report is a stark reminder that many of Britain’s care homes are still struggling to get to grips with a basic, yet essential, element of care. As well as being one of life’s simple pleasures, food really can be the best medicine and the benefits of a healthy intake of food – especially for the elderly and vulnerable – are well documented. However, while it may sound obvious to say that care homes need to make sure they are offering residents a balanced, nutritional diet that is tailored to an individual’s needs and tastes, this is not always as easy as it sounds. Take into consideration special dietary requirements such as gluten free, low salt or low fat, medical conditions such as dysphagia,

which makes swallowing difficult, and put that alongside cultural diversity not to mention a wide range of personal likes and dislikes, while all the time needing to adhere to tightening budgets, and the catering operation can, in fact, become very complex. This is the reason apetito has developed a range of more than 200 dishes generating menus that all meet NACC standards and allow care homes to provide an interesting and varied menu for all diets. For example, our world-leading soft and puréed range for those with dysphagia has been created to retain both the taste and appearance of a normal meal so that residents are sure to enjoy their selection with both their taste buds

and their eyes, while taking in a nutrient and calorie-dense meal. The introduction of this range has led to reports of weight gain by up to 20 per cent from to some of the 120 care homes we work with. While guaranteeing to save money on their catering provision, apetito’s specialist team further eases the burden on care home operators by providing them with their own dedicated consultant. Offering advice on all aspects of their catering services, from nutritional guidelines to catering for special diets and protected mealtimes, our consultants are there to help homes ensure that each resident receives a truly worldclass service.

Lee Sheppard

Equipment encourages residents to keep fit in Winter

Dennis Goodes at the Building Centre in London.

Bath specialist acquires London base ONE of the UK’s leading assisted bath specialists has taken a permanent exhibition space at London’s contemporary Building Centre, giving the British firm a major marketing presence in the capital. Redditch-based Gainsborough Specialist Bathing joins other innovative global manufacturers at the prestigious venue, to showcase its range of powered and walk-in baths to the professional specifier audience. Director Dennis Goodes said: “This

AS Winter draws in it can be difficult to get residents to step outside, but fitness expert Lappset Playworld (LPUK) offers equipment that encourages users to stay active, maintain co-ordination skills and balance, and have fun. The 65 Plus range, which can be customised to suit the needs of residents, has been extended and now includes new functions and colours. LifeTrail, suitable for users aged 50

plus, consists of 21 activity panels with user-friendly instructions for basic, intermediate and advanced levels of exercise. Managing director Chris Jones said: “Our ranges are designed to help users develop functional fitness and cope with everyday tasks such as opening a heavy door or a jar, or getting up from a low seat. “The benefits of fresh air and regular activity cannot be denied, even during the winter months.”

new permanent exhibition means that our core professional customers, industry policy-makers, as well as overseas visitors, will be able to see firsthand the state-of-the-art developments in the increasingly important area of assisted bathing. “The move is an important one for our business and shows that we are proud and confident of our worldclass products as well as providing a convenient facility for professionals in the South East.

College reduces subscriptions Award winning range for healthcare professionals THE Royal College of Nursing has significantly reduced its subscription rates to £4.06 per month for healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners. As the largest union and professional body in the UK dedicated solely to the nursing and health care profession, the RCN offers: Assistance inside and outside of the workplace, as well as expert support and counselling from nursing professionals who can advise

on personal issues such as stress, ill health or debt. Learning and development opportunities to ensure continuing professional development and that patients receive the best possible care. HCA and AP network to connect with like-minded colleagues and share best practice. The services are provided to ensure members feel supported and motivated to deliver the highest quality health care.

FOR award winning, top quality room and residents’ door signs be sure to look at the Badgemaster range. It’s already the choice of thousands of residential and nursing homes. There are gold or silver plates with smart, replaceable engraved inserts – clear, durable and easily changed. Choose from two sizes (25mm x 200mm or 50mm x 200mm), now with handy end-stops that make for secure, tamper-proof identification of room use or occupier. Just let Badgemaster know your

requirements, e.g. name of room or name of room user. Your handsome doorplates should be with you in five days or less. If room use or details change, the service for replacement inserts is just as quick and efficient. A full range of recognised international symbols, directional arrows and Braille is available. Also slide-across room status facility e.g. Vacant/Engaged, Do Not Disturb etc. Corporate logos can be added for a small extra cost.

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