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no.266 • £4.75 incorporating
December 2018
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Minister of Care visits care home in Solihull
Providers are priced out of jobs market A SOCIAL care leader is calling for urgent reform to enable care homes and home care companies in Wales to compete with the NHS when it comes to recruiting staff. Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, revealed that the NHS was paying staff up to £1.50 an hour more for doing the equivalent jobs. He is calling on the Welsh Government to introduce a system similar to the one in Scotland where providers who pay more to their staff are paid more in fees. Mario was speaking in response to a new report, The cost of caring for an ageing population, by the Finance Committee of the National Assembly for Wales. He welcome the report as an important contribution to the debate about how social care is going to be funded. It again raised the prospect of introducing a new levy to pay for social care at a time when the number of people over 85 is forecast to double in the next two decades. According to Mario, fundamental changes to the “chronically flawed system” were needed before any levy was introduced otherwise it would be like throwing good money after bad. Because of the way funding was calculated for publicly-funded individuals, care providers could usually only afford
to pay around £8 an hour to care practitioners while the NHS in some parts of Wales were paying £9.50 an hour, plus enhancements. At the same time supermarkets were also paying more so care staff were being attracted away by bigger pay packets. Mario said: “We did give evidence to this committee and their report is important and very timely, not least because of the Welsh Government’s decision to recognise social care as one of the four foundation sectors in the economy. “We agree with many of the conclusions and recommendations, particularly about valuing the wonderful people who work in social care and recognising the real cost of providing services when they are being commissioned. “Unfortunately, the workforce is not valued economically by our public bodies in Wales. Both health boards and local authorities who commission need to recognise the real costs borne by independent care providers. “When it comes to recruiting their own staff they obviously pay significantly more which is totally unfair. People doing a vital job in social care are not recognised in the same way and rewarded financially in the same way as those in the NHS.”
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Home Instead Senior Care has launched a series of new recipes with top chef Rosemary Shrager (pictured above) as part of an initiative to get older people eating again. The campaign has been created in response to new research that says nearly one in 10 (nine per cent) of older people admit they rarely get to eat their favourite nostalgic dishes. Full story on page 4.
MINISTER of State for Care Caroline Dinenage MP visited The Royal Star & Garter Homes in Solihull to see the specialist care it provides. She was given a tour by The Royal Star & Garter Homes’ chief executive Andy Cole and home manager Cheryl Harbourne. The charity provides 24-hour care for veterans living with disability or dementia and recently increased the number of people it helps by launching a day care service. During her visit, the Minister was shown around Roundel House, which provides round-the-clock specialist care for people living with dementia, and the activities room, where she saw the day care service in action. She also viewed residents painting poppies on 100 pebbles as the home prepared for Remembrance Day and the Armistice centenary. The tour finished with a visit to the physiotherapy department, before Caroline chatted to several residents. The Royal Star & Garter Homes’ chief executive Andy Cole said: “We’re always looking at how we can adapt our care to meet the needs of veterans living with disabilities, so we’re really pleased the Minister was able to see our new day care service in full swing. “This is allowing us to help even more veterans.”
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Show to return after huge success of first event MIDDLETON Hall Retirement Village’s first show was such a success that organisers have promised it will return again next year. The hugely popular event, which was masterminded by residents and staff at the retirement village in Middleton St George near Darlington, featured a host of traditional activities, workshops and entertainment in addition to a barbecue served on the lawns. A marquee in the grounds showcased 26 competition classes for arts and crafts, cookery, flowers and prize vegetables, as well as a best in show trophy. Audra Hunt, living well and training manager at Middleton Hall, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to see the village enjoying the big day together in this way. There was so much activity, so much talent on show and there were big smiles all round. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.” There was a wide range of entries from people from the local area and residents proudly displayed produce they had grown in the Middleton Hall allotments and crafted in the Hall’s art and pottery studios. Another highlight was a dog show with six classes including the waggiest tail and best dog categories. Judges, who included members of Middleton St George WI, the councillor for Sadberge and Middleton St George, Doris Jones, representatives from The Dogs Trust, members of Middleton Hall’s Allotment Society and the retirement village’s MD, Jeremy Walford, were very impressed by the breadth and quality of entries in all competition categories. The show attracted crowds of visitors from Middleton Hall’s surrounding communities as well as residents and their families, who also enjoyed entertainment by the Texas Toe
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Middleton Hall MD Jeremy Walford with Middleton Grove personal assistants Christine Fishburn, Caroline Frater and Joanne Watson, overall category winners. Credit: Chris Booth. Tappers and Morris dancers and a number of market stalls, tombola and information stands, laid on for the day. The organising committee of residents and staff from Middleton Hall Retirement Village were delighted with the popularity and success of the show and are in unanimous agreement that it is an event to be repeated.
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CARINGNEWS
Nostalgic food is key to tackling elderly malnutrition, study finds HOME Instead Senior Care has launched a series of new recipes with top chef Rosemary Shrager as part of an initiative to get older people eating again. The campaign has been created in response to new research that says nearly one in 10 (9%) older people admit they rarely get to eat their favourite nostalgic dishes. Traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding topped the mealtime charts for Britain’s over 75s, with nearly a quarter (24 per cent) choosing the Sunday roast as their favourite nostalgic home-cooked meal, with regional stew (11 per cent) and fish and chips (10 per cent) coming in second and third respectively. Other popular choices were cottage pie (eight per cent) and corned beef hash (seven per cent). Rosemary has used the research, which was undertaken by YouGov to create three recipes based on these popular traditional favourites to help families and CAREGivers inspire older people to fall back in love with food. The recipes are curried cod goujons, grilled lamb chop with a mint yoghurt sauce and chicken and parsley patties with braised leek and cheesy sauce. The recipes have been
commissioned by the home care provider as part of it’s Stay Nourished campaign which was launched earlier this year following research that showed over a third (34 per cent) of 75s and over are skipping meals once a week or more. Rosemary said: “Eating well should play a significant part in all our lives and we know that a good diet and regular, nutritious meals are essential to keep older people healthy and at
home for longer. “As we age our tastes change, cooking can become difficult or we become jaded by repetitive meals, which can cause many older people to lose their interest in food. “These simple, tasty and nostalgic recipes have been designed with these people in mind, and to help families or carers inspire older people. Starting the conversation about what people like, what they
remember and getting them involved in the food they eat can reignite tastes and memories.” According to other research, around one-in-10 (about 1.3 million) older people in the UK are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition – with malnutrition costing the NHS an estimated £19.6bn a year. Martin Jones, managing director of Home Instead Senior Care, which provides home care support for 13,000 older people across the UK, added: “We already know that malnutrition in older people can have significant impact on physical health and wellbeing and it is on the rise. Our research earlier this year showed that significant numbers of older people are skipping meals and this is something we felt we needed to address. “The Stay Nourished campaign was launched to help both families and CAREGivers understand the importance of keeping older people well nourished and interested in food. “Food and nutrition play such an important role in our wellbeing and health and we’re delighted to have worked with such an high profile chef to help get older people excited by food again.”
TV programme inspires link-up with nursery
Borough Care staff recently took part in an Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk, which took place at Heaton Park in Manchester. The group of 12, along with one of the team’s dog, walked a total of seven kilometres around the park. So far, the group has raised over £500 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Kate Oliver, personal assistant to the executive team at Borough Care, who coordinated the company’s entry, said: “It was a great day, with lots more people taking part in the walk this year. The weather was also on our side, as unlike last year it stayed dry so there was no need for wellies.”
CHILDREN from Little Rascals Day Nursery in Worthing are enjoying play dates with a difference as they spend time getting to know residents at a nearby care home. These weekly visits are hopefully the start of some new friendships with people living at St George’s Lodge Residential Care Home. Similar to the TV programme Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds on Channel 4, residents sang along to nursery rhymes, helped with arts and crafts and played fun games with the children from the nursery, which is on the same road. Linda Young, registered manager, said: “I love the idea, I saw it on TV and think it is a brilliant idea for our residents.” The older children from the nursery, aged three and four, spent time doing drawings of fireworks to break the ice and took it in turns to say their names, although it may take a few more weeks before they manage to learn everyone’s. Emma Wood, head of
“We feel this has benefited our residents tremendously and has helped to improve mood and reduce loneliness and isolation.”
administration for the care home, said: “We feel this has benefited our residents tremendously and has helped to improve mood and reduce loneliness and isolation. “I believe the children have also enjoyed the company of our residents and are always excited to show us new songs and dances they have recently learned.” The same children are going to visit every week, so the two generations can get to know each other. The children were shy when they first arrived, but began to warm up and chat to the residents after a little while, and they all said they are excited to return. The residents also enjoyed a singing visit from the children as part of harvest celebrations recently. Mandy Hawkins, St George’s Lodge activities coordinator, said: “This brings the residents out to join in and it is lovely to see the interactions. “This is something we have been planning for a while, and when we saw the programme it seemed great. Our residents look forward to it every week, it is lovely to hear and see and is good for both sides.” The care home and day nursery teams are planning to introduce lots of different activities to these sessions, and they hope these visits will continue to bring the two generations together and increase their confidence.
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New CEO Mark to drive growth and excellence
Provider pilots digital ‘experience table’ STONEWATER, in partnership with health game software company SovaCare UK, has piloted an innovative interactive digital ‘experience table’ aimed at helping older residents, including individuals with dementia, improve memory recall, brain function and communication. The social housing provider, which operates retirement and supported living schemes for older and vulnerable people across the country, is the first in the UK to trial the multitouch ExperienceTables which have been placed in five of its retirement living projects in Southampton, Milton Keynes, Solihull, Leamington Spa and Dudley. “ExperienceTables look just like real tables, but with a digital touch screen surface in the middle,” said Joanna Gooch, Stonewater’s assistant director of housing strategy. “They offer a wide range of entertaining interactive activities aimed at boosting memory function and social engagement from sudoku, drawing and colouring, to reading
about local history and listening to familiar tunes from the 60s and 70s. Residents can play alone or with friends and family. “The tables have had an overwhelmingly positive response from all of our residents. Many have formed new friendships through the multi-player activities which encourage people to chat, share memories and have fun together, while others have enjoyed playing games at the tables with their grandchildren. “Perhaps the most rewarding part of this experience has been seeing our residents with dementia discussing the old adverts and shopping brands they used years ago. “It’s sparked some great conversations and helped them to relax, reminisce and engage in a meaningful way with other residents, their families and our staff.” SovaCare’s ExperienceTable, is already a success in the Netherlands, and the product is gaining traction in the elderly care sector in Europe and South Korea.
CAREWATCH Care Services Ltd, has appointed Mark Stephenson, a healthcare professional with more than 15 years of leadership experience, as its new CEO to drive growth and service excellence. Mark has managed businesses across a range of industry sectors including clinical home care, dentistry and pharmaceuticals, and has a clear understanding of the healthcare market. He joins the homecare and companionship provider at an exciting time, as it seeks to grow its private pay business as well as continue to serve its local authority customers nationwide. “I am delighted to join a care provider that puts quality first and continually invests in its staff and operations to stand apart from the competition,” said Mark. “Carewatch employees care passionately about the vulnerable service users they support and form the backbone of the business, so I feel honoured to lead them. “Challenges facing the care sector, such as funding constraints and recruitment, make it a tough market, especially with local authority commissioners where acceptable margins and on-time payment seem more and more challenging. “Privately funded care is showing good growth and is an area that this business can really thrive in – whilst never forgetting its heritage in local authority. “I will work tirelessly to build the business, maintain quality and communicate the importance of care
Mark Stephenson in our society.” Mark will be responsible for managing all of Carewatch’s owned and franchised operations and will spearhead the company’s growth, utilising new technology and systems to drive expansion. Carewatch Care Services Ltd’s former CEO Scott Christie remains at the company as a non-executive director to support its strategic and quality agendas, as well as continuing to chair staffing agency business RMR. Over four years as CEO, Scott successfully led the strategy to position Carewatch as a provider of home care both for privately and public funded clients. This has been facilitated by delivering innovations in technology and upgrading the group’s core operating platforms. The group refinanced in March 2017, and latterly Scott led the strategic focus on private pay and other higher margin services to ensure quality care remains affordable with motivated staff.
Home closed by inspectorate
THE Care Quality Commission has taken enforcement action to cancel the registration of a care provider. Viewpark Care Home Ltd is now no longer legally allowed to provide care at its service in Moston, Manchester. Inspectors visited the home in November 2016 and found residents were at risk of serious harm, three subsequent unannounced inspections took place throughout 2017 and 2018 to check if improvements had been put in place. The provider failed to sustain improvements and people living in the service were placed at risk. The home was rated Inadequate at each inspection and the provider was also fined £1,250 for failing to notify CQC of a serious injury. Inspectors worked closely with Manchester City Council who supported the safe relocation of the home’s 12 residents prior to CQC’s action and its closure. The decision to remove the
provider’s registration was completed on September 17. Debbie Westhead, CQC’s deputy chief inspector for adult social care, said: “The provider was given every chance to improve the service and provide high quality consistent care. “On several occasions we found the home putting people at risk by not taking the advice from health care professionals. We also had serious concerns over the management and leadership of the service. “Taking enforcement action of this nature is not something we take lightly, nevertheless the safe care and treatment of people using services is our highest priority and they deserve safe, effective high-quality care. “We appreciate this action will have caused stress and worry for the families and for those involved, but our priority will always be to ensure consistently safe, effective and responsive care for people living in services.”
Tree marks group’s return RAPPORT Housing & Care planted a Christmas tree alongside councillors and the local community group to symbolise their return to the community. Ahead of the community’s festive celebrations, the operator’s chief executive Leon Steer joined the Larkfield community group and local councillors, including Kent County Council Councillor for Malling Central, Trudy Dean, to plant a tree as a contribution to the community light switch on. After two years of building work taking place in the square, Rapport Housing & Care was thrilled to
open the doors to its new extra care housing scheme, Lawson House, this summer. Leon said: “We have had a presence in the square for many years, with our previous care home and now our extra care housing scheme, Lawson House. “We believe it is greatly important for us to actively contribute to the community and of course, for our residents to be given that choice too. “We are very happy to be involved with the Christmas celebrations and are looking forward to supporting the community for many years to come.”
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Andrea announces her departure from CQC
ANDREA Sutcliffe CBE, chief inspector of adult social care at the CQC, has announced she will be departing at the end of the year to take up a new appointment as chief executive and registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council in January. Celebrating five years as CQC’s first chief inspector of adult social care following her appointment in October 2013, Andrea has been an inspirational leader in transforming the regulator’s approach for registering, monitoring, inspecting and rating over 21,000 adult social care services across England. Andrea is known for championing the ‘Mum Test’ in the regulation of adult social care to ensure CQC’s focus is on what matters most to people using services. She was instrumental in bringing together a coalition of organisations and national bodies in 2017 for the launch of ‘Quality matters’. Over the last year Andrea has kept up her challenge and support to the sector by playing an important role in CQC’s local system reviews and simplifying and strengthening the way the inspectorate regulates adult social care services as part of its next phase approach. Her commitment to adult social care was recognised in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List with the award of a CBE. She said: “I am very sad to be leaving CQC after five challenging but very rewarding years. It has been
When an 88-year old resident of Belong Crewe care village announced that he wanted to ride the world’s fastest zip wire to raise money for charity, people told him he was crazy. Four months after whizzing down the Velocity 2 at over 80 miles per hour, however, John Harvey has been awarded the ‘Growing Old Disgracefully’ prize at the fifth annual National Activity Providers Association gala. Also taking an award home for Belong was 39-year old Caroline Newton, lead senior support worker at Belong Atherton, who won ‘Best Carer who Contributes to Activity Provision’ for encouraging customers and staff to engage more within the community. Andrea Sutcliffe a great privilege to be the first chief inspector of adult social care and I would like to thank everyone for their support. “Working with colleagues across the organisation, past and present, and in co-production with the public, providers and our partners we have achieved a great deal in the last five years. “There will always be more to do, but I know that the strong team I work with will continue to drive improvement for people who use services, and I am confident that with Ian Trenholm and Peter Wyman at the helm the CQC will continue to go from strength to strength.” The recruitment process for Andrea’s successor will begin shortly.
Canford Healthcare appoints new COO CANFORD Healthcare has appointed Laird Mackay as its new chief operating officer. Laird has a great deal of experience in the sector having previously been the managing director for Caring Homes for eight years and a trustee and board member of Care England. He also has experience in the health and social care and learning development and mental health sectors and holds an MBA from the Open University. Laird will have responsibility for the operational running and support of our current portfolio. He will report directly to CEO Brian Cooney. Laird said: “I am excited to be
CEO Brain Cooney welcomes Laird Mackay. embarking on this new venture with Canford Healthcare and very much looking forward to supporting the company in its future growth and aspirations and playing my part in making it a great success.”
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CARINGNEWS
Tower abseil raises funds for hospice
The team at Overbury House residential home in Wroxham was delighted to arrange a visit for 97-year old resident Bob Marshall to the City of Norwich Aviation Museum; enabling him to recall personal memories of his time in the Royal Air Force. Overbury House, which is part of the Healthcare Homes Group, works with residents to provide person-centred activities, and were pleased to be able to arrange the visit for Bob who has many memories of the time he spent in the RAF. Bob, who reached the rank of Corporal, spent eight years with the RAF, where he would inspect aircraft for damage or repairs on returning from raids.
Staff who ‘loving coming to work’ key to provider retaining gold standard STAFF at the UK’s third largest private care provider who told inspectors from Investors in People how much they ‘love coming to work’ are the reason why the company has retained the gold status first awarded to them in 2015, according to CEO Carole Edmond. “This is a great result for us since only 46 per cent of firms with the Investors in People gold award succeed in retaining it when reassessed after the statutory threeyear period,” she said. “We are delighted, though not surprised, to learn that almost all interviewees talked about high levels of job satisfaction and how interesting, challenging and inspiring they find their work. “It was also great to read how our staff feel encouraged to take initiative, with support workers in particular – and they comprise the vast majority – seeing themselves as empowered to do their work to the best of their ability, including making decisions.” Investors in People inspectors assess the way an organisation invests in its people in relation to the effectiveness of leadership and management at all levels, support and acknowledgment for good work, and the creation of platforms for improvement across the business which includes responsibility for learning and development. The inspector’s findings are based on interviews with staff from across the whole organisation – randomly selected by the inspector, not put forward by the organisation – and they are encouraged to talk openly about how their company meets the Investors in People standard. Interviews at the Regard Group revealed that over 90 per cent of employees share Regard’s values and said they are proud not to have to compromise their values to suit their work, with many citing this as one of the reasons they enjoy their work. This latest assessment reports
CEO Carole Edmond that Regard’s management values differing views, that ideas for continuous improvement are not only welcome but expected, and that challenging and questioning are seen as essential to secure the best outcomes for the individuals supported by Regard. In a sector where ‘whistle-blowing’ is frequently a contentious issue, the inspector reported that Regard is committed to an open culture where people at all levels can challenge and do not feel afraid to do so. The inspector also noted staff’s “deep-seated commitment” to the people they support, and their expressed conviction that Regard delivers truly person-centred support, re-enforced at every step. Several interviewees volunteered that Regard would be their own choice of service provider if they were in the situation where a relative required this type of support. As far as training is concerned, the report reflects that Regard has an explicit commitment to staff development and provides a wide range of training – audited internally and cross-checked by CQC – which helps staff develop in and outside their role, and recognises the group’s in-house e-learning platform as “a rich source of technical and some personal development.”
FEARLESS Rosalind Nicklin joined a group of fundraisers for the Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People to climb the 189 steps up Derby Cathedral – the second highest cathedral tower in the country, before abseiling 212ft back to the ground. The Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People is the only hospice for children and young people in the East Midlands, a place where children with life limiting illnesses and their families can find care and support. The hospice was chosen as ‘charity of the year’ by the residents at the Richmond retirement village in Aston-on-Trent, where Rosalind works as the community relations manager. She said: “I couldn’t wait to get started. Looking down from the Cathedral tower was a bit daunting, but once I had stepped over the edge and started abseiling it was such an adrenaline rush, and all for such a brilliant cause. “We ask our residents to choose a charity of the year, and it’s easy to see why they picked the hospice. They’re an incredible team who do
Rosalind begins her descent. so much to help young people, while also supporting parents and siblings. I was delighted to do my bit for our residents’ charity.” Joanne Wilson, village manager of Richmond Aston-on-Trent added: “Rosalind always goes above and beyond for our residents, but this really was a courageous feat. Huge congratulations to her and her team members for raising money for such a worthwhile cause in this way.”
Renowned journalist Kate Adie was guest judge at the charity dog show held at Colten Care’s Castle View.
Journalist Kate turns dog show judge at care home ONE of Britain’s most famous TV news reporters turned guest judge at a Dorset care home’s charity dog show. Microphone in hand, Kate Adie gave an entertaining running commentary on the canine contestants at Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury. She then presented rosettes to the winners of categories such as ‘Dog most like owner’, ‘Most appealing eyes’ and ‘Best mover’. The former BBC chief news correspondent accepted the home’s invite after learning that the show was in aid of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, a charity she supports. More than 100 people attended the Castle View event, including Dorchester Mayor David Taylor. There were 58 dogs registered in 10
categories. Home manager Sarah Harper, whose own dog Alfie, a cavapoo, is a regular visitor to the home, said: “We’re thrilled that Kate was happy to come and support us. The residents loved meeting her. The show was a lot of fun, full of community spirit and it was a great day. “We thank the local businesses who donated raffle prizes and all our visitors who were so generous on the day.” Aside from the competitions, residents and visitors enjoyed a demonstration from dog training club the Purbeck Agility Group. More than £400 was raised for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, a charity Castle View residents chose to support.
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CARINGNEWS
Residents at care homes and flexicare sites and users of day services across Hertfordshire are at less risk of suffering a potentially life-changing fall thanks to a scheme run by the county’s Care Providers Association. Caring UK found out more.
Residents take part in chair-based exercise sessions to reduce falls PEOPLE living at Ware retirement living complex Ermine Court, Tara’s Retreat care home in Sandridge and users of the Broxbourne Day Service in King Arthur Court, Cheshunt, are among those to be benefitting from taking part in 90-minute chair-based exercise sessions as part of HCPA’s StopFalls Campaign, which is fully funded by Hertfordshire County Council with the aim of reducing falls. The campaign also targets individuals living in community settings or receiving homecare who have a high falls risk. Set to a soundtrack including the Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra, the residents and service users have really felt the benefit of their weekly exercise class, with improved posture, increased balance, strengthened joints and boosted confidence reducing their risk of falling. The classes were delivered by HCPA postural stability instructors Dan Marsh and Andrew Latimer. There is an average falls risk reduction of 14 per cent at community sites as well as increase in wellbeing, while the sessions also help to prevent social isolation. In care homes that take part, there is an average falls risk reduction of five per cent, with other big wins coming in the shape of increased grip and increased confidence when standing up for those individuals taking part at least 50 per cent of the sessions. And all this comes as HCPA and
HCC have been marking Good Care Month, where service providers were encouraged to hold special events to celebrate good care in the county. HCPA use the Quantitative Timed Up and Go assessment device, which is nationally accredited by the NHS, to measure an individual’s falls risk before, during and after the 14-week session. It assesses their ability to stand from a seated position and vice versa, and measures the time taken to walk three metres. Susan White, house manager at Ermine Court, said: “They do the measurements with the knees when
they first start the course and again at the end, and everybody has had an improvement in their stability and when they’re walking there is less chance of them having a fall. “I hear them talking about how good it is and how they feel better now. Even those using a walker or a frame feel more confident. It’s good all-round really.” Much like other areas of the country, Hertfordshire’s main reason for ambulance call-outs for those in receipt of care are falls, but it is generally felt that 70 per cent of falls are preventable. Tips to prevent falls include
increasing activity levels, aiming to eat two to three servings of calciumrich food a day, fall-proof your home by spotting potential hazards and clearing away clutter, and to check with your GP that you are on the right medication as the side effects of some can increase your risk of a fall. The sessions were also very well received at supported living care site Constance Place in Knebworth, with the residents really noticing how much they had benefited when the course came to an end. This highlights the importance of HCPA securing further funding to offer more courses in the future to help keep individuals in this type of accommodation for longer before the need for full-time care. HCC has limited funds, so HCPA needs support from other organisations and is attempting to secure funds from the likes of Sport England and the NHS. “They all really liked Dan because they all improved and noticed how useful the sessions were now that they have stopped,” said Constance Place house manager Virginia Garvin. “Dan is very friendly and not imposing, he respects what they can do and not do but helps them to gain confidence whilst trying. “He keeps them motivated and they have noticed that even though he left them with instructions and guidance for them to do the routines on their own, they don’t really do them as they need the motivation they got from him.”
New office is officially opened
A part of Warrington was transformed into the Wild West for a few hours as residents and staff at the state-of-the-art Belong care village in Warrington donned cowboy boots and Stetsons to welcome the public to a themed party. Line dancing, barbecue food and country music by acoustic guitarist Jane Rigby were part of the afternoon’s events. Pictured are Belong Warrington experience coordinator Kerith Pepperdine and experience day support workers Brenda Jenkinson, Elsie Carrodus and Sue Waldron.
MAYOR and Mayoress of Kingston, Councillor Thay Thayalan and Lata Thayalan, officially declared the new Radfield Home Care office open The branch, situated in Kingston upon Thames, offers specialist home care services to older people in the communities of Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor Thayalan praised the hard work and dedication of carers in supporting vulnerable people living in their own homes. Owner and director, Shamsah Lalji, said: “I decided to open a Radfield Home Care branch as I had been looking for a change in my career after working in the pharmaceutical industry for a number of years. “I grew up in a household living with an aunt who has physical disabilities and witnessed the importance of carers first hand and the impact they had on my entire family’s quality of life and peace of mind. “With this came my inspiration to wanting to make a difference to people’s lives and I became passionate about providing a highquality home care service.
Kingston Mayor Thay Thayalan and Radfield Home Care branch owner and director Shamsah Lalji cut the ribbon. “We strive to make a real difference to our clients, which is why we are selective when it comes to hiring carers who then become part of our family. The new branch is looking to create 100 new jobs over the next few years.” Radfield is a family-run franchise business led by GP Dr Hannah MacKechnie and her brother Alex Green and has been providing high quality care to people with various needs for over 35 years.
CARINGNEWS
Mary McEvoy with Shadow, one of the youngest of the Sled Dog Rescue Huskies.
Therapeutic rescue dogs visit care home residents
FURRY friends have been helping care home residents with dementia by providing company and cuddles. Reach Sled Dog Rescue recently visited Stocks Hall Care Home in Skelmersdale to meet the people living there. Reach is a sled dog rescue founded in November 2015 focusing mainly on Huskies and Malamutes. Its five founders are all experienced sled dog owners with prior experience in animal rescue. Mark Clintworth, activities staff
at the home, said: “These gentle giants use their special skills to bring comfort to residents and take their work very seriously. “Younger family members also came along for many cuddles, while spending quality time with their relatives. “It was just wonderful to see the faces of the ladies and gentlemen brighten up and their eyes sparkle.” As the event has been so successful, Stocks Hall Nursing and Care Group has organised for the dogs to return on a monthly basis.
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Quarter of councils have stopped offering meals on wheels service ALMOST A quarter of the UK’s local authorities have stopped offering a meals on wheels service since 2014, new research has found. And 42 per cent of local authorities now offer any kind of service to elderly and vulnerable people. The survey of the higher tier authorities in the UK shows a steady decline in the provision of meals on wheels services since the NACC first commissioned the research in 2014, when 66 per cent of UK local authorities provided a service, and again in 2016, when the figure was 48 per cent. The research also shows that the number of councils subsidising the service financially has decreased from 80 per cent in 2016 to 58 per cent in 2018. This reduction in the provision is due to the drastic reduction in adult social care budgets, estimated to be over £2billion by the Local Government Association. The NACC is calling on the Government to increase funding to communities across the country to secure the future of the meals on wheels services, whether provided by a local authority, charity, voluntary group or private enterprise. The service brings considerable benefits to its users and is also proven to reduce the pressure on health and social care services by improving the overall health and wellbeing of service users and allowing people to continue living in their own homes. Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “Meals on wheels is a vital part of social care and a lifeline that helps elderly and vulnerable people to keep a level of independence in their own homes. “It’s therefore disappointing, if not unexpected, to see a further decline in service provision across the UK. The meals provided by these
Neel Radia
services are carefully tailored to meet customers’ dietary requirements, and their loss could lead to malnutrition, greater social isolation and loneliness. “Meals on wheels isn’t just about delivering a meal. Service providers regularly check upon elderly and vulnerable people to make sure they are fed and hydrated and that their health isn’t deteriorating. For many older and vulnerable people, the meals on wheels delivery might be the only friendly face they see from one day to
the next.” As highlighted in the research, the North West is now the worst area of the country for meals on wheels, with only 13 per cent of councils providing the service, down from nearly half of councils in 2014. It is also slim pickings in the North East, where 17 per cent of councils offer meals to older people at home. In the East Midlands, nearly four in every 10 councils have cut their meals on wheels service in the last four years. Neel added: “Just a few weeks ago, the Prime Minister asked postal workers to check on elderly and vulnerable people as part of her new loneliness strategy. “Meals on wheels already provides this vital contact, but when it comes to concrete action to support this efficient and beneficial service, we only see shrinking budgets. “The Government has claimed they will bring about the ‘end of austerity’, but vulnerable people are seeing services they depend on disappear because of the squeeze in local authorities’ budgets. “The Government should safeguard meals on wheels services by making sure councils have the funding and resources necessary to provide them. “On a positive note, NACC members and providers across the country are not giving up on the meals on wheels service easily. “We have seen exceptional examples of providers thinking differently and finding alternative approaches and models that have enabled them to continue to run the service, and most importantly, continue to benefit the community and the people they serve both today and in the future.”
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Care Providers Conferences 2019 The way to ‘Outstanding’ care
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Deputy Mayor opens home following transformation LAUREATE Court in Rotherham has opened its doors following a significant investment. The town’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jenny Andrews, joined residents, staff, families and friends to officially reopen the new units. As a result of the refurbishment, the home has expanded its specialist care unit from eight beds to 17. The project has also allowed new lounges and dining room areas for the residents to enjoy to be created. To celebrate the reopening, staff, residents, friends and care professionals were treated to a buffet lunch and refreshments, followed by songs from local singer Rebekah Austin, who entertained with a variety of wartime classics. Samantha Armstrong, regional manager, said: “The two units have
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CARINGNEWS
Care sector ball raises £140,000 for charities HALLMARK Care Homes in association with Care England raised £140,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK and The Care Workers Charity at a glittering fundraising event in Mayfair. Around 250 people attended the ball at the Grosvenor House Hotel in a sell-out event. The special event hosted by Hallmark Care Homes chair and chair of Care England Avnish Goyal featured a silent auction, with many prizes and pledges donated by the care sector with a generous donation of £20,000 from a guest who wished to remain anonymous. Hallmark Care Homes agreed to match fund the pledges on the night with a further £50,000. Avnish said: “We are absolutely
delighted that we had a sell-out event and I would like to give a huge thanks to our lead sponsor CareTech and everyone else who supported the event by buying tables and giving so generously on the night.” Throughout the evening, guests also enjoyed a four-course meal and entertainment from Glam Slam, who performed songs from The Greatest Showman, light show Feeding the Fish, party band Madhen and comedy troupe The Noise Next Door. Speakers at the event included director at Alzheimer’s Research UK Tim Parry and CEO of The Care Workers Charity Alex Ramamurthy, who spoke about the critical work they do and the impact these charities have had.
Buckinghamshire carer wins Outstanding Care award AMY Collins from Buckinghamshire based Ashridge Home Care has been named Outstanding Carer 2018 at the prestigious Care Campaign for the Vulnerable Awards. Announced at a gala dinner in Gerrards Cross, the accolade recognises the exceptional work of individuals in the UK care sector. Amy, 30, received the most nominations as a carer who put clients at the forefront of all she did, going beyond the call of duty when delivering dedicated care to all her clients. The award and a £500 cash prize was accepted from celebrity guest actress Aimi Macdonald by Amy’s mum Christina Graham. One of three finalists, Amy has worked for Ashridge Home Care for two years and is responsible for providing care to clients in their own home. She has taken a lead role caring for one lady, providing companionship and care services. Director of Ashridge Home Care, Trudi Scrivener, nominated Amy, and said: “If the world had more Amy’s it would be a better place. Amy gets paid for caring but if she didn’t I get the feeling she’d still
do it. “She goes above and beyond and for instance always makes sure she knows her clients’ birthdays and will never forget. “It doesn’t matter that she might hear the same story over and over again, she’ll always take time to listen as if it’s the first time she’s heard it.” Amy is a strong advocate for caring for people in their own home and avoiding the need for people to be placed unnecessarily in residential care homes. She added: “I love my job, caring for people and making a difference means the world to me, so it’s an honour to be recognised for my work. “I have met many amazing people and count myself lucky to be a part of their lives. “What we do is hugely important and I believe the people we care for deserve the upmost respect, care, dignity and companionship. I am grateful to Ashridge Home Care who have supported me fully – I am proud to work for a good, honest family run business who have such outstanding values when it comes to care.”
Care Providers Conferences 2019
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CARINGNEWS
NACC national chair to run Marathon NEEL Radia, the national chair of the National Association of Care Catering, will run the Virgin London Marathon to raise vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice, Harrow & Brent. His marathon effort on April 28 is the spearhead of many fundraising activities being undertaken by NACC members across the country for its chosen charity, which include bake sales, tea parties, special events and more. Neel said: “I’m incredibly proud to be running the Virgin London Marathon for St Luke’s Hospice – a charity that means so much to me. My family and I have experienced St Luke’s remarkable contribution to the community firsthand. “Firstly, six years ago when my dear Nan passed away at the hospice after
a short illness. And, sadly, we found ourselves there again in May 2018 for the final days of my auntie’s life. “This is a huge challenge for me. I’m certainly not a runner and I’m also asthmatic! But, I strongly believe that hospice care is what a compassionate society should provide, and I’m determined to help this fantastic cause. I have six months of hard training ahead and I will accomplish this great personal challenge and give back to the charity that I have the upmost respect for and has helped me and my family so much. “I’m delighted that St Luke’s is the NACC’s chosen charity and I thank our members for all their support and I look forward to hearing about the fundraising activities taking place across the country.”
A social care champion has been given a lifetime achievement award for his “remarkable and outstanding contribution” over three decades. Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales and the owner of the Pendine Park care organisation, was honoured at the prestigious Wales Care Awards at City Hall in Cardiff. The former Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, was also presented with a lifetime achievement award at the glittering ceremony, dubbed the social care Oscars. Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales (centre), is pictured with compere Wynne Evans and Mary Wimbury, chief executive of Care Forum Wales.
Home presents resident with special medal ASHFIELDS Care Home in Norwich held a special medal presentation ceremony for 95-year-old resident John Frew where Sergeant Major Rushton of the Royal Anglian Regiment presented him with a medal for his contributions to the war, and honoured him with a new title; the rank of Chevalier (Knight) of the French army, Ordre National De La Legion D’honneur (National Order of the Legion of Honor). The ceremony came about after John’s son Dennis Frew told Ben Rogers, general manager at Ashfields, that his father had received a letter that wanted to honour him for his contribution to the war. He said: “We think it is important to celebrate the life and work of our residents before they chose to live at Ashfields, and we love to find opportunities where we can celebrate with them. “We encourage life stories to be passed on to help us get to know each and every individual.” John had fought in the 5th Seaforth
51st Highland Division and also fought in the D-Day landing at Normandy, across France, Belgium and Germany. Sergeant Major Rushton, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, presented the medals to John in front of all of his family and friends from the home, and were joined by members of the local community including the Sea Cadets, members of the Help for Heroes charity, and children from the local school, who provided him with a signed photo to congratulate him on the medal. The care team at the home went all out for the event by dressing up in costumes from the 1940s, and sang and danced along to a Vera Lyn tribute act. John has lived at Ashfield’s Care Home since May. Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, who operate the home, wrote a touching letter to him and his family which expressed the honour of having a distinguished soldier as part of the Barchester family.
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Protect your home by ensuring Right to Work By Jonathan Davies A £20,000 fine would potentially be enough to put most care homes out of business, yet every day residential and nursing homes put themselves at risk of fines much larger than this by ignoring the legal requirements of Right to Work checks. In August 2017, the Home Office produced a document entitled ‘An Employer’s Guide to Right to Work Checks’ which detailed the statutory legal requirements of every organisation in determining and then effectively recording their employees’ right to work in the UK. But despite this prescriptive approach for organisations to follow, it is clear that the guidance has, largely speaking, been ignored. Employers should not make assumptions about a person’s right to work in the UK or their immigration status on the basis of their colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, accent or length of time they have been a resident in the UK. Ensuring that all of your employees have the right to work in the UK and carrying out the necessary checks is similar to taking out car insurance – we all know that it is something that we should do but we only truly understand the value of it when something goes wrong. Checking an employee’s right to work in the UK is not as simple as asking for a copy of their passport, photocopying it and storing it in a filing cabinet. Depending on their nationality, there are so many different pieces of paperwork that can be used to determine right to work that it is little wonder that many office managers or HR staff opt for the easier option of simply checking a passport and assuming that this is all they need to do. There have been some recent examples of homes who have undergone inspections by CQC that have resulted in the authorities uncovering employees who were not only unqualified for the work they were carrying out but who didn’t have the right to
Jonathan Davies
work in the UK. In these cases a simple quality inspection resulted in the management of homes being fined for their oversight and the home itself being put in jeopardy. The Home Office has published a Right to Work checklist that can help to establish what is and what is not an acceptable form of identification and also gives guidance on the checks that must be carried out on these, including ensuring that the pictures and dates of birth are consistent, and how to store the checked information appropriately. You can find all of the information on their website (https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/right-to-work-checklist) which gives a simple guide as to which information is acceptable.
However, for a relatively small outlay per employee, there are comprehensive tools that will walk managers through the process of carrying out the most comprehensive checks. These systems will unequivocally establish an individuals’ right to work and then store the evidence securely on a cloud-based system that is easily accessible should the need arise to provide evidence. These tools have been designed to adhere to all of the Home Office requirements and even use the very latest techniques to identify a person from their paperwork (such as visas, passports and identity cards). These systems are a simple way to ensure that you have a record of what information has been taken and this acts as your continuous statutory excuse against liability for a civil penalty. All managers understand the importance of ensuring that DBS checks are completed before employing someone but the new Right to Work checks have almost fallen under the radar. The fact is that if you are employing someone without the correct checks in place, then you are leaving your business open to significant fines (up to £20,000 per person) and even criminal proceedings if the Home Office chooses to pursue the case. There are cost effective systems available that can help residential homes and domiciliary care agencies to adhere to the correct checks and I would certainly encourage any manager to seriously consider these to offer reassurance and protection from any future investigation. With Brexit looming large on the horizon the situation is likely to get more confusing in the short to medium term so ensuring that you have a comprehensive system in place now that you are familiar with will help you to prepare for this uncertainty. n Jonathan Davies is the director of workforce management at Human Recognition Systems.
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To find out more visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk/WDF
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Local football London nursing home is named stars attend GSF Care Home of the Year celebration RESIDENTS and staff at a care home were welcomed two Lincoln City FC players at a celebration event for the home’s recent extension. Neil Eardley and Sam Habergham joined residents, family members and guests at Bernadette House for an afternoon of exciting activities which included sausage and beer tasting. Visitors and residents had the opportunity to chat to the players, have their photos taken, as well as be in with a chance to win a signed football shirt. Owner Elizabeth Stephen said: “We were delighted to see so many people attend the celebration event. “It was a real testament to the hard work that has been put into improving our home over the last few months. “Being part of the community is important for our residents and they love nothing more than welcoming new faces into the home.” Bernadette House has recently been extended with three new bedrooms and a new lounge. The 35-bedroom period care home is situated in an acre of gardens to the south of Lincoln city centre.
A CLAPHAM nursing home where personalised care is a reality not a catchphrase has been named care home of the year by the National Gold Standards Framework Centre for End of Life Care. Nightingale House fought off stiff competition from the other nine homes on the shortlist which also demonstrated long term, sustained quality care, being accredited by GSF for the fourth time. The judges, who included national independent experts from the care homes sector, assessed the 10 finalists all of which received their first GSF Quality Hallmark 12 years ago. They found high standards of care embedded in all of these front-running homes, as well as a commitment to continually improve
care for all residents. As well as the Care Home of the Year Award, 14 homes were receiving the GSF Quality Hallmark for the first time, while a further 62 were being accredited for the second or third time. Professor Keri Thomas, founder and clinical director of the GSF Centre, said: “Against the backdrop of an average of 30 per cent staff turnover and stringent financial pressures on social care, for these homes to embed, sustain and improve care year after year, using GSF as a vehicle for quality improvement, is a really fantastic achievement and one that we could only have dreamt of 14 years ago when this first began. “I feel so proud of these outstanding homes being accredited for the
second, third and fourth time, like Nightingale House. “They are genuine exemplars of excellent, proactive, person-centred care.” Three thousand care homes have completed the GSF Care Homes programme since it was launched in 2004 and more than 700 have gone on to become accredited. The GSF Centre launched a revised version of its Care Homes Programme earlier this year. Drawing on the learnings of the Vanguards and the experience of GSF accredited homes, the new more accessible and affordable version is being delivered by 18 regional centres across England and is even more focused on better outcomes for patients.
Swashbucklin’ Pop-up choir perform in market fun at home’s pirate party A PIRATE party brought the old and young together at Barnes Lodge Residential Care Home in Tonbridge when residents and year one pupils paired up for some adventures. The hearties spent the afternoon alongside the residents adventuring through various challenges, in an attempt to get their pirate passports fully stamped. Residents and staff helped with the challenges, which included boat races, hooking ducks, colouring and making eye patches and hats. After their hard work, the shipmates were rewarded with a cupcake, before heading back to school. Nicky Pett, general manager, said: “The residents absolutely love when the children visit, and the children enjoy it just as much. “Their faces always light up when they arrive and it’s just wonderful to see them engaging and learning from one another. “We’re all looking forward to the next visit.” The pupils of Bishop Chavasse Primary School have been regularly visiting the residents of Barnes Lodge over the past couple of years, and headteacher Donna Weeks is keen to further the relationship with other year groups.
A POP-UP choir made up of residents and staff from care settings has taken its sound to Newcastle for the first time. Celebrating its first anniversary, the Gateshead Care Home Choir, made up of 75 care staff and older people living with dementia, performed to shoppers and businesses in Newcastle’s busy Grainger Market.. It is the first time they’ve taken their songs, rehearsed and created alongside professional musicians Liz Corney and Nicky Rushton, across the river following their debut performance at Sage Gateshead earlier this year. The choir was created by creative ageing charity Equal Arts, based in Gateshead, to improve older people’s
wellbeing and support care staff to bring creativity into their work with those living with dementia. Alice Thwaite, the charity’s co-director, said: “Involving care staff has been key to the success of the choir and we’d love to see a choir in every care home. “Musical aptitude and appreciation are two of the abilities that remain intact in people with dementia, while research has shown that music can enhance people’s cognitive abilities.” Equal Arts was commissioned by the Tyne and Wear Care Alliance to create the choir after funding from Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group to support care staff training. Talking about the benefits of
the choir, open to all care homes in Gateshead, Dr Guy Pilkington, assistant chair of NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “Participating in a musical activity can improve communication between staff and residents as well as reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness for the patients. “Music can help make life happier – and that’s what we want for all people living with dementia. “The evidence regarding the value of singing for people with dementia and memory problems is well documented. “Music is well known to lift our spirits and can improve a patient’s sense of wellbeing.”
Group scoops accolade for service business of the year BALHOUSIE Care Group was named Service Business of the Year at the prestigious annual Courier Business Awards. The Perth-based group, which runs 25 care homes across Scotland, won for its leading-edge elderly and specialist care, which focuses on inclusive, person-centred programmes. These include a Participation Charter, which gives care home residents and families
a say in everything from policies to recruitment, and Together We’re Great, another person-centred project which supports the needs of every individual within the organisation. Chairman and Balhousie Care founder Tony Banks said: “We’re delighted to be named Service Business of the Year, since providing excellent service to our residents is our number one priority.
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CARINGREMEMBRANCE DAY
Brownies and Guides from Middleton St George joined forces with Middleton Hall Retirement village’s residents, families and staff to put the finishing touches to art installations that pay tribute to animals killed in warfare. As part of the village’s activity to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, two horse figures were created that featured a display of purple poppies alongside the classic red ones. Purple poppies commemorate the animals that were injured and lost their lives in conflict and were first introduced in 2006. They can be worn alongside the traditional red one, as a reminder that both humans and animals have been, and continue to be, victims of war.
Children of Bishop Chavasse Primary School in Tonbridge made their fortnightly visit to the nearby Barnes Lodge Residential Care Home, to join the residents for some Remembrance Day activities. The year one pupils visited their friends at Barnes Lodge to learn about Remembrance Day and join in some creative activities. The children and residents spent the morning making a poppy wreath, as well as writing prayers about Remembrance Day, before sharing them with the group. The children were also thrilled to visit 101-year-old resident, Brian and resident, Sidney, who was very happy to share a photo of him flying a Spitfire during WWII.
A poignant tale of true love was told at a Skelmersdale care home to commemorate Remembrance Day. For the third year, The Lovers have returned to the reception area of Birch Green Care Home, Skelmersdale as residents and staff continue to follow their story in the next chapter of their lives. This year they sent congratulations to the pair who appeared with a babein-arms with the little one’s dress starting off the sea of poppies. With almost 1,000 poppies to be seen in the care home reception display, staff said they are proud to show off the residents’ efforts who all got involved in creating them.
Nearly 300 handmade poppies cascaded through the hallway at Royal Court in Cheltenham as the centre piece of the home’s commemorations for Remembrance Day. Every part of the Royal Court family ot involved after manager Lesley Dowden had the initial idea. For weeks residents created poppies in a myriad of ways. One resident put her knitting skills to the task and others have painted, cut, stuck and shaped them together. At half term staff also brought in their children for a special crafting session with the residents, while the kitchen staff, care staff and admin teams also contributed to the special display.
Three residents at Sunrise of Southbourne marked this year’s Remembrance Day by reminiscing about their time during WWII. The community, which provides personalised dementia care and assisted living, has created a special display featuring amazing photos of Norma Bebbington at age 20, Joann Milton at age 21 and Josie Butler at 17, all taken during their time working in the war. Their photographs remained on display in the foyer for the Remembrance Day celebrations, after being put together by fellow residents as a special thank you. Sian Gregory, associate director of community relations at Sunrise of Southbourne, said: “We were truly humbled by Norma, Joann and Josie’s stories, and are honoured that they have shared their experiences with us”
Residents and staff at a Warwickshire care home have paid a poignant tribute to those who died in service as the country marked the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. Willow Tree was decked with a poppy wall, comprised of 1,347 hand-knitted poppies made by the residents, carers, friends and family. The home commemorated the 100th Armistice Day with an afternoon tea for residents and wartime songs performed by Eleanor Mattley. The knitted poppy wall took four months to make. Residents were also invited to record details of loved ones who fought in the First or Second World Wars in a memory book which was placed next to the wall.
Optalis customers took part in a poppy making workshop at Boyn Grove Community Centre in Maidenhead to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. The poppies were then displayed outside the Guildhall in Windsor as part of the Remembrance Day activities. The customers were assisted in their artistic endeavours by Creative Junction, who engage people and communities through combined art, festivals, projects and events. They ran the specially designed workshop, helping customers put together a poem of remembrance and to create a number of poppies for the installation in Windsor on Remembrance Sunday.
A D-Day veteran was among members of the public and community organisations who joined residents and staff at Belong Crewe care village to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War and remember those who lost their lives in conflicts since. The ceremony featured a unique 3-D art installation, made from over 700 handmade poppies contributed by members of attending organisations, in the shape of one of the first ever tanks, which were manufactured at the Crewe Works during the First World War. Bernard Morgan, aged 95, who took part in the Allied invasion of Europe on June 6 1944, was special guest for the occasion.
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CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT
Luxury home creates jobs for local people
Virtual Dementia Tour visits home
A CARE home in Romsey welcomed the Mobile Virtual Dementia Tour – an innovative training programme which gives people the opportunity to experience what it is like living with the condition. Described as a dementia Tardis, staff from Abbotswood Court, the families of residents and local carers were given the opportunity to take part in the pioneering mobile simulation. Entering a strange environment, participants were required to wear clothing and items which replicates the sensory symptoms of dementia. This included uncomfortable insoles that mimic the pins and needles of peripheral neuropathy, gloves that blunt sensation to fingers, goggles that block peripheral vision, and headphones playing normal sounds that are too loud and too uniform to fully differentiate. Improving understanding of the illness, the Virtual Dementia Tour is medically and scientifically proven to provide the closest simulation a healthy brain can experience of what dementia might be like. Helping people to understand dementia from the person’s point of view, the tour aims to change practice, reduce issues and improve
lives. It has already been adopted by care providers, NHS trusts, Councils, Fire Service, Police and Prisons across the UK. Abbotswood Court engaged the virtual dementia tour with the aim of helping care professionals and local carers to better understand dementia, improve practice and enhance care. Gemma Rideout Bowden, general manager at Abbotswood Court, said: “The virtual dementia tour was a real eye-opener for our team and the local carers who took part. “It has given us a better understanding of how disorientating and distressing dementia can be for sufferers, something which we can now use to improve the specialist dementia services we offer to locals and residents.’’ Over the last three years, Abbotswood has introduced a range of dementia initiatives, offering pioneering care to people in Romsey and the surrounding Hampshire community. It is home to a specialist Dementia Care team and Namaste Care Programme, which uses sensory stimulation and meaningful activities to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.
A NEW luxury residential and dementia care home in Wetherby is bringing a raft of employment and career opportunities to the area. Windsor Court, which is due to open early next year, will employ nearly 50 people once it is fully staffed and will provide exciting and fulfilling roles for people who are both experienced in the care industry and those looking to begin their care career. Construction began on the two floor 66 bed home by LNT Care Developments earlier this year, and locals have watched the home emerge throughout this time. Home manager Paula Mountjoy is overseeing all recruitment including deputy managers, care assistants, the kitchen team, domestic, hospitality and administration staff. As well as recruiting, Paula is developing Windsor Court as a key part of the local community and is seeking groups, schools, churches and volunteers to visit the home and take part in regular activities and events with the residents. Paula has been employed by Ideal Carehomes, who will operate Windsor Court, for nearly eight years. She has worked her way up from care assistant to deputy manager and is now an experienced home manager. She said: “It is so exciting to be with
“I am extremely keen to promote care as a positive career choice with plenty of progression for the right people.” Windsor Court right from the start and to be recruiting our caring staff team. “I am extremely keen to promote care as a positive career choice with plenty of progression for the right people. “I am regularly visiting our new home to keep an eye on the progress and I have actually been inside for the first time recently, which was brilliant. “We will have an amazing building to work in so once I have my full staff team, everything will be in place to provide a great place to live for our future residents.” Windsor Court staff will complete an intensive induction programme and have access to supportive and advanced care technology to ensure the best working environment for them and the best home for their residents.
Duo lead new team at care home Homecarers celebrated A SKELMERSDALE care home has made two senior appointments to lead it forward into the next phase of its development. Vicky Sudworth has been promoted to general manager at Birch Green and Emma Kay becomes deputy manager to lead the 100-plus strong team. With many years of experience in the NHS, Vicky will be developing a diverse range of services including nursing and personal care, specialist dementia care, mental health conditions and end of life care. Emma also has wide experience as a qualified mental health nurse at Birch Green where she has helped to develop services for the last seven years. Vicky said: “Emma and I relish the opportunity to develop the wide range of services we offer at Birch Green to make sure we are serving the needs of the local community.
with Care Certificate
Birch Green’s Emma Kay (left) and Vicky Sudworth. “As an organisation, we want to provide the very best quality of care possible and to that end we commit a lot of time and resource in the quality of training of our staff at all levels and ultimately how that benefits our residents.” Birch Green Care Home is part of the award-winning Springhill Care Group, which also operates homes in Accrington and Bristol.
HOMECARE support workers at Walnut Care are celebrating after their dedication and hard work was recognised by the Deputy Mayor of Skegness. Fourteen care workers from the provider gathered in Skegness for a celebration event to mark the completion of their initial training. The care workers from Alford, Chapel St Leonards, Louth, Old Leake, Skegness, Wainfleet and Winthorpe were presented with their care certificates by Skegness Town Councillor Maggie Gray and Skegness Town Crier Steve O’Dare. Walnut Care holds the annual event each year for its new recruits. The event is organised by the care provider’s workforce development manager Laura Kent, whose job is dedicated to staff development and
support. “It’s important for us to recognise the achievement of all of our carers and celebrate their success,” said Laura. “Our team of over 200 care and support workers are the heart of our business and we return our thanks and gratitude by holding celebratory events like these and encouraging personal development through a range of training courses.” “Working in home care can be demanding but we all support each other which creates the best outcomes for our service users.” Before presenting the certificates, Councillor Gray congratulated the certificate winners in her opening speech and highlighted the importance of community care services
28
CARING CLEANING & HYGIENE
Advertiser’s announcement
Beaucare launch CareClean™ Premium Laundry Range BEAUCARE® Medical announces the launch of their CareClean™ premium concentrated laundry range, the new lines include bactericidal laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, destainer and sanitiser dedicated for use in professional environments including the care industry. The range is a cost effective solution which incorporates a powerful bactericidal action, along with the capability to work at low temperatures and deal with severe soilage problems. The detergent incorporates a spring fragrance
for long lasting freshness. All of the range is designed for use through Beaucare’s automatic dosing machines, ensuring ease of use for the care home laundry staff. They are available in 20, 10 and five-litre durable plastic tubs with secure screw lids for safe storage. Full product information literature is available on the range. Enquiries: For further details on the CareClean™ Laundry, contact the sales team on 01423 878899.
Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odourfree, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
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THE laundry facility is a central process within any care home and it is vital to make the correct procurement decisions. With care homes carrying Category 5 Fluid Risk, they are deemed by the water board to pose the highest risk of contamination. Consequently, washing machines need to be fully WRAS compliant and must reach and maintain the requisite high temperatures to kill all viruses and bacteria. Domestic washing machines are unsuitable within the care sector as they do not meet the stringent hygiene requirements. As such, any care home using domestic machines would fail to meet CQC guidelines and would fail an inspection by water board officers. It is essential to choose a trusted service partner that will provide appropriate commercial laundry equipment in order to ensure adherence to logistical and regulation requirements. Established in 1926, Forbes Professional has a solid understanding of care sector requirements and delivers comprehensive commercial laundry
solutions to care homes across the UK. Proud partners of Miele, Maytag and Primus, our washing machines can provide both sluice and thermal disinfection, as well as employing dump valves, to fully adhere to CQC and WRAS regulations. In order to maintain a hygienic process at all times it is also vital, for instance, to allow for areas within the laundry room that enable the segregation of clean and soiled items. Forbes Professional always provides a complimentary on-site survey and applies our industry expertise in order to devise a bespoke solution for any environment. Where required, we can assist with planning and deliver CAD designs to ensure adherence to the necessary regulations. After delivery, our clients have the peace of mind afforded by being fully WRAS compliant and they also have access to a first-class, ongoing service support. Under our Complete Care package we provide premium equipment with no costly initial outlay and with a comprehensive same day engineer response service.
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THE challenges in delivering consistently hygienic cleaning in the care sector are considerable. Budgets are limited, while there is growing demand for services. Truvox International is a global manufacturer and supplier of floorcare machines, with specialist options designed to tackle the unique floorcare challenges facing care homes. While various machines are available, the experience of our clients in the healthcare sector shows that scrubber dryers often become indispensable players in the cleaning team. This is mainly down to the versatility and manoeuvrability of multi-purpose scrubber dryers like our Multiwash range. Quiet in operation, they wash, mop, scrub and dry hard and soft floor coverings in a single pass.
You can easily change and colour code the brushes for different areas – preventing cross contamination whilst providing outstanding cleaning results. They apply clean solution to the floor, and remove soils and used solution, leaving a surface that’s dry and safe to walk on in minutes. The rotating drum cleans deep into grout lines where bacteria can easily multiply. The smallest model in the range, the Multiwash II 240 is ideal for confined spaces, whilst the cordless, battery-powered Multiwash II 340 Pump/Battery works even more quietly and flexibly. Enquiries: Visit www. truvox.com/sectors/ healthcare
CARINGNEWS
Conference brings together people from across sector BLUEBIRD Care held its annual conference at the De Vere Orchard Hotel in Nottingham recently. All franchise owners, team members and other senior members of the operator’s team were invited to join sector leading experts, and a number of exhibitors at the conference. The event was centred around a Pride, Passion, Progress theme. Paul Tarsey, founder and chairman of Bluebird Care, said: “It is very exciting to see Bluebird Care growing and I welcome all the new and enthusiastic people who are clearly extremely passionate about providing the best care for people who really need it. “I am very proud of everyone who works at Bluebird Care and would like to thank every single person for all their hard work and dedication.” A variety of awards were also presented to those who have gone above and beyond in their work over the past year. These awards were presented by Paul and his wife Lisa. n The Founders Award was presented to John and Jane Perry, founders of Bluebird Care Edinburgh and Bluebird Care Glasgow South. n The Spirit Award was given to Anoop Sekhon, the director of Bluebird Care Greenwich and Bluebird Care Docklands, Stratford & Wapping. n The Newcomer of the Year Award was given to Amardeep Heer, director of Bluebird Care Walsall. n The Spotlight Award (for medium size businesses) was presented to Melanie and Juliet Cohen who run Bluebird Care Bournemouth. n Norman and Claire Murphy, directors of Winchester, Eastleigh and Alton were presented with two awards – the Limelight Award (for large
businesses) and Franchise of the Year 2018. The Bluebird Care national awards recognise staff from across the Bluebird Care network and took place at Fortnum and Mason earlier in September, where judges met the finalists and decided on the winners. The Bluebird Care Awards Winners were invited to the Conference to be presented with their awards. The winners were: n Nicola Pullen, a care assistant at Bluebird Care Croydon, won ‘Team Member of the Year’. n Fearn Jones, a registered manager at Bluebird
Care St Helens won ‘Registered Manager of the Year’. n Karen Monckton, a community team lead care assistant, at Bluebird Care Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey, won ‘Carer of the Year’. The Bluebird Care team also introduced a new lip sync inspired challenge that will be going round the network over the next few weeks. It has been introduced by the senior team who performed by lip syncing to a well-known song and have challenged others in the Bluebird Care network to do the same.
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www.requiredsystems.com
Accreditation shows team is well cared for
Sir David Behan with HC-One chairman Dr Chai Patel CBE.
Former CQC head joins HC-One FORMER Care Quality Commission chief executive Sir David Behan CBE has joined HC-One as a non-executive director, effective immediately. The appointment marks his only residential care sector post after departing from the inspectorate in July. Sir David was chief executive of the CQC for six years. His previous roles include director general for social care, local government and care partnerships at the Department of Health and director of social services for the London Borough of Greenwich, and before that for Cleveland County Council. He was knighted for services to health and care in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list.
In his new role he will be working with the board to ensure that the company continues to maintain and develop its strong quality record, provide the kindest care to its residents, and build on HC-One’s existing work to develop industryleading career opportunities for its staff. Sir David said: “I am delighted to be joining HC-One as non-executive director. “I have been impressed by HC-One’s commitment to ensuring their residents are safe, happy and well cared for and that their staff are well supported and trained. “I am very much looking forward to working with the HC-One Board to maintain and develop safe, kind, high quality care.”
High Peak wins award A SANCTUARY Care home in Warrington has received a prestigious industry award. The team and residents at High Peak Residential and Nursing Home has received the 2018 Gold Standards Framework’s platinum status after attending a glitzy awards ceremony. The status recognises how the team at the home consistently support and care for residents who are nearing the end of their lives and their loved ones to the highest possible standard. Home manager Sharon Brennan said: “I am so proud of our platinum GSF status. I have an absolutely amazing team who genuinely care for our residents as if they were members of their own family, so to achieve a hallmark of excellence in the care area is a real testament to them and the care home as a whole.” The award is reviewed every three years, in which assessments and regular audits are carried out with the home’s team during that time. Sharon added: “There is a lot of hard work that has gone into achieving a platinum status and it is
with Czajka for many years, advancing into senior positions. Konrad Czajka, managing director of Czajka Care Group, said: “We are very proud of the Investors in People accreditation and the comments from the report. “Having well qualified, experienced staff that love their job and progress within the business is great news for all the residents we care for and our business as a whole.” Czajka was also praised for its communication throughout the group, the specialised induction programme for new staff and the high standards of excellent care delivered, which are in line with the Care Quality Commission guidelines. Konrad added: “Compassion, adaptability, respect, excellent and safety are the essence of our core values, and the report recognised that everyone fully understands and works with these things in mind. The inspector also found a culture of trust and ownership at operational level, with people feeling empowered to make decisions and act upon them, which is really great feedback. “We’ve recently begun to introduce an IT care management software system that starts from assessment and assists to plan and evaluate every aspect of our resident care, which we hope will have a further positive impact, and the report highlighted how this will further enhance the service we provide. We put the people we care for at the heart of everything we do, but we can only do that through providing quality training, support and encouragement to our team at every level, and the Investors in People recognises this success.”
Deputy manager Kate Harvey and home manager Sharon Brennan with the award. something I am very proud of. We all aim to deliver the best possible care and to receive such a recognition identifies we are doing just that.” The GSF is a national training programme that offers comprehensive, evidence based quality improvement training for all generalists delivering care, including care homes, acute and community hospitals and domiciliary care.
New Required Systems KLOE Audit Tool AN online cloud-based Audit Tool giving you instant access, that will assist you to evidence compliance to the way the KlOES are being inspected by CQC. Very easy to use and will save you time. Go to our web site to see the comprehensive on-line demo. Enquiries: Call 01236 782477, visit www.requiredsystems.com or email peter@requiredsystems.com
A PRESTIGIOUS accreditation scheme that recognises businesses that invest in the development of their staff has been awarded to Czajka Care Group. It is the second time the care group has achieved The Investors in People status. The West Yorkshire care company owns and operates Fairmount Nursing Home, Brookfield Care Home and Staveley Birk Leas Nursing Home, which are all in Nab Wood near Shipley, as well as Currergate Nursing Home in Steeton and Beanlands Nursing Home in Cross Hills. Czajka also provides purpose built retirement homes and operates The Clubhouse at Fairmount Park, which is a members only club with a wide range of leisure facilities. The familyrun business employs 350 people. After being put through a stringent assessment process by the assessors, Czajka was applauded for its high level of professionalism and the passion that emanated from the team. The Investors In People assessor visited all Czajka’s homes and interviewed a cross-section of the company’s employees. In addition, they took an in-depth look at the company’s business strategy, development opportunities for staff, the effectiveness of the management team and its recognition and reward schemes. The assessment revealed that staff found Czajka Group to be a good place to work, with everyone being very committed to seeing the business succeed, which has resulted in the company’s excellent reputation, and a large number of staff remaining
Memory Walk fundraising success STAFF from Wetherby Manor care home in Wetherby have raised £1,500 for the Alzheimer’s Society by taking in part in three of the charity’s Memory Walks. The 11 walkers took part in 6km walks at York Racecourse, the National Trust’s Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire and Temple Newsam in Leeds. Judith Scurr, manager of Wetherby
Manor said: “We’re thrilled to have raised so much money for the Alzheimer’s Society and would like to thank everyone who sponsored us so generously. “We all have first-hand experience of the effects of dementia, not only caring for those of our residents who live with it but also with family and friends who have been affected.”
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CARINGNEWS
Group prepares for night in freezing temperatures EMPLOYEES from Balhousie Care Group are set to once again brave sub-zero temperatures as they participate in this year’s Sleep in the Park, an initiative to raise funds to help tackle homelessness in Scotland in aid of Social Bite. As sponsors of the Dundee Sleep in the Park, 200 colleagues, family and friends of Balhousie Care Group - from carers to senior management – are supporting the event by taking part in the mass sleepout in the city’s Slessor Gardens on December 8. This is the second time the awardwinning care home group has supported Sleep in the Park. Twenty members of staff, including company chairman Tony Banks, braved “brutal” temperatures as they bunked down in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens last year. Raising more than £15,000, Balhousie was one of the top corporate fundraisers at the 2017 event. Tony is hoping that, as sponsors and participants, Balhousie Care Group can help to build momentum in Social Bite’s mission to completely eradicate homelessness in Scotland. Tony, a native of the Dundee and Angus region, will be braving the freezing temperatures again this year
in Slessor Gardens. He said: “Taking part in last year’s Sleep in the Park was a massively humbling experience for myself and my colleagues. It was a genuine struggle to cope against the elements and it is shocking to think there are people faced with this struggle every single night in Scotland. “Caring is, literally, our middle name here at Balhousie, so it’s natural that we stepped up as sponsors of Sleep in the Park Dundee. It’s vital we draw attention to this serious social issue and raise money to help aid Social Bite’s excellent work.” Sleep in the Park is taking place across four cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee – with an estimated 12,000 people participating. Social Bite, which addresses homelessness through its cafes, restaurants and free food distribution in Scotland, is aiming to build on last year’s fundraising total of £4million. Amy Macdonald and KT Tunstall are ‘busking’ at all four venues, travelling between each by helicopter. Other performers across the cities include Eddi Reader, Frightened Rabbit, Lulu and The View’s Kyle Falconer.
Mayor opens indoor beach and garden LOUGHTON mayor, Councillor Stephen Murray, officially opened two new sensory rooms that bring the sounds and smells of the beach and the garden into a care home. Woodland Grove has brought the outside in for the 20 residents living with dementia on Snowdrop, its dementia care floor, to stimulate their senses and bring back memories. The beach room allows them to sit with their feet in the sand, dig sandcastles and smell the sea air, while in the garden room residents can walk on the grass, listen to birdsong and pot seedlings. Both spaces have been designed by the home’s dementia care manager Jane Hare. “People with dementia can’t always access the garden independently but the sensory stimulation it gives them can help them to feel relaxed and happy,” she said.
“By bringing the soil and the feel of grass into the home they have a space they can access safely. Because they can go into the room whenever they want to it also gives them greater independence. “These familiar settings remind them of pottering round the garden or family holidays by the sea so they also help people to feel good and reduce feelings of anxiety.” People’s behaviour in the rooms gives Jane and her staff essential information about their likes and dislikes. She added: “Seeing what people enjoy helps us to learn more about them – what they like, who they are especially when they are non-verbal and can’t tell us what they’re feeling. “Their body language and expressions tell us a great deal so we can provide the tailored, personalised care they deserve.”
Ready, steady, bake at Tonbridge care home
99-year-old Olwyn Hopkins and pilot Liz Russell before she took to the sky.
RESIDENTS of Barnes Lodge Residential Care Home have been inspired by the Great British Bake Off by getting stuck into weekly baking sessions. As the weather turns colder the residents are trying their hand at some new indoor activities and recently have been enjoying a weekly baking class.
Each week they throw on their aprons and dig out their mixing bowls, eager to find out what treat they’ll be baking. So far, with the assistance of activity staff, they’ve enjoyed making homemade shortbread, blackberry and apple pies, fruit scones and cheese turnovers, to name a few, all completely from scratch.
Care home makes wish come true for resident Digital transformation and THE team at Davers Court care home in Suffolk reached for the skies to make the wish of a resident come true. Not content with organising an exhilarating sail in a two-person dinghy or a spin round the park in a rickshaw for other residents, the team members took things up a notch when they fulfilled the wish made by 99-year-old Olwyn Hopkins, who lives at the Care UK home in Bury St Edmunds – they arranged for her to take to the skies. With the help of Rattlesden Gliding Club, Olwyn travelled to the airfield for her chance to take to the skies once more with experienced pilot Elizabeth Russell. Leaving from the site of an old WWII American airbase
in rural Suffolk, the 99-year-old was able to take in the views of the county beneath her. Like most Care UK homes, Davers Court actively encourages residents to submit wishes of memorable things they would like to do. Regional director Phillip Steyn said: “Olwyn’s desire to take to the skies is just one of range of wishes that we have lined up to fulfil across our homes. “We pride ourselves on really getting to know residents and helping them to get the most out of life. People outside the home are often surprised at the adventurous things residents want to get up to but why not? Living in a care home is just another chapter in someone’s life.”
how it can help care homes RUNNING a care home in the current economic climate can be tough: even when you possess near infinite entrepreneurial spirit and your occupancy rate is high, finding continuing funding for your business, either personally or with loans and investments, isn’t as easy as picking it from the money tree. There will always be challenges to overcome and budget cuts to be made, hence streamlining has always been an integral part of any business. By taking an innovative approach and embracing a digital care planning solution, demonstrating continued
value for money to stakeholders becomes easy. When choosing your tech partner, consider its development plan for not just now, but for the future. A digital care management solution that adopts an in-tune approach to both; can help not just turnaround any challenges but prevent them too.
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CARINGNEWS
Michael Curtis QC and Neil Grant consider two recent Tribunal Decisions affecting the learning disability sector which appear irreconcilable.
Registering the right support – the right way and the wrong way WHEN the Care Quality Commission published the first draft of Registering The Right Support (“RTRS”) for consultation in respect of the learning disability sector, many consultees objected that although the guidance was well-intentioned, it was overly prescriptive: it seemed to say that where an application for registration was made in respect of a service which did not meet the strict guidelines, it would be deemed to fail to comply with the Regulations and so be refused. Although the June 2017 published version of RTRS appeared to say in places that there might be circumstances where CQC would register a home even if it did not comply with the guidelines, the suspicion was that in reality CQC would adopt an Orwellian approach: “One home on one site good; two homes on one site bad”. In particular, the guidance seemed to suggest that as far as CQC was concerned, the question whether something would count as a campus or as a congregate setting would depend primarily on the service’s geographical setting. RTRS defines campuses as “group homes clustered together on the same site and usually sharing staff and some facilities” and congregate settings as “settings … separate from communities and without access to the options, choices, dignity and independence that most people take for granted in their lives.” The suspicion that this remained CQC’s intended approach was confirmed in August 2018 by the report of the appeal in Care Management Group v CQC [2018] UKFTT 0434 (HESC). In that case, CQC’s approach appears to have been to reject the application for registration of an extended service and to oppose the subsequent appeal on the basis that the application infringed the guidance in RTRS from which it necessarily followed that the application would not comply with the Regulations unless there were “exceptional circumstances” and there were not. Unfortunately, it seems that despite what the Tribunal said about the need for an application to be judged on its merits based on an holistic approach,
Michael Curtis QC (left) and Neil Grant. in reality the Tribunal allowed itself to be persuaded that CQC’s approach was the correct approach. In particular, the Tribunal appears to have been persuaded to approach the appeal on the basis that the question whether there was a campus or congregate setting depended primarily on the geography of the site. The Tribunal decided that there was such a setting and so dismissed the appeal. This was despite the fact that the Tribunal accepted that at the 2017 inspection the services were rated as good across all five domains. Rather tellingly, Tribunal responded that “there are far wider issues at stake that need to be considered in overall context”. However, two months later in October 2018 in Centurion Healthcare Limited v CQC [2018] UKFTT 615 (HESC) a differently constituted Tribunal took a very different approach. The appeal, like the Care Management Appeal concerned an application to extend the services already provided at the site by the appellant. CQC’s approach and the reliance CQC placed on RTRS appears to have been the same as in the Care Management Group case. The Tribunal noted that there was little in the way of disputed facts and that the real issue was the application of the guidance in RTRS to those facts. The Tribunal accepted that the two buildings on the same site would be runs as two separate homes. The Tribunal found that although
the two homes were on the same site, they would not create a campus type environment. The Tribunal then went on to consider CQC’s argument that the existence of two homes together created a congregate setting which fell foul of the guidance in RTRS. The Tribunal said that CQC’s approach appeared wrongly to define a congregate setting solely by reference to its geography; the Tribunal thought that this was wrong saying “We understand what the phrase is trying to convey. It anticipates a conglomeration of Homes isolated from the community, where personal client centred care gives way to an institutionalised approach to care. Where everyday activities that assist in moving towards independence and maintain dignity are lost to an institutionalised corporate approach to service users. In other words the very approach that Winterbourne enquiry highlighted and led to the guidance as it currently stands. We fully endorse this.” The Tribunal then said that the difficulty was that there was no sign that this was the way CQC had approached the application, that there was no evidence that CQC had considered the particular service users and that instead CQC had simply insisted that it was a “congregate setting”. The Tribunal also noted that CQC’s assertion that the service was geographically remote was at odds with the evidence about how the appellant ensured that the service
users were part of the community. Finally the Tribunal noted that CQC’s assertion that there was no need for the service was at odds with the evidence and undermined the objectivity of CQC’s decision making. Accordingly the Tribunal rejected CQC’s arguments that the service was a congregate setting for which there was no need and allowed the appeal. The Tribunal concluded that CQC had fallen into the very trap which RTRS purported to warn CQC not to fall into: “We do not wish to be overly prescriptive, and it is not our intention to create a ‘one size fits all approach’.” It is suggested that the Tribunal’s approach in Centurion Healthcare is the right one. The right question to ask is whether or not the proposed service will comply with the Regulations, not whether it provides for two services on the same site. Adopting the approach which the Tribunal took in Centurion Healthcare permits the Tribunal to answer the right question in the right way by carrying out an holistic and fact sensitive assessment instead of forcing the Tribunal into CQC’s geographical straitjacket. If CQC believes that the proposed service will not comply with the Regulations, CQC must explain why and, on an appeal, must lead evidence to prove what it says. As we pointed out in an earlier article dealing with CQC’s proposal to change who it regards as a provider and so who has to be registered, CQC is a regulator, not a legislator. CQC is not empowered to amend the statutory scheme and until the scheme is amended by those who are, it is CQC’s job to apply it. n Michael Curtis QC works out of Crown Office Chambers in London. He has 30 years’ experience in the registered care arena, having worked for regulators and providers on many notable cases. n Neil Grant works at Gordons Partnership LLP and is an expert in the regulation and funding of care services, only acting for providers. He has a wealth of experience in this field, having acted in the past for inspectorates and other public bodies at a very senior level. Before joining Gordons in July, Neil worked at Ridouts Solicitors for seven years.
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bandwidth to meet your needs for both computing and telephony services. In the care home this means not just the computers on desks, but staff, guests and residents might have devices such as mobiles or tablets that all require an Internet connection. Do you have enough bandwidth to meet their needs? Then, we look at how you would like to provide this connectivity. Do you offer wi-fi facilities for residents
and guests? Is it managed and secure, or simply an open network? How separate is the public wi-fi from your management and staff network? Organising these options correctly can not only save on costs but will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Your phones are also crucial to the story: what happens when several people call in (or out) at once? Do you have enough phones and lines
available for all calls, or do people complain about hearing the engaged signal and staff have to wait until a phone is free? Our hosted phone systems mean that you will never run out of phones and so everyone can remain in contact. You can even take your office phone with you by using an app on your mobile. Email happytohelp@connect-it.co
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Actor officially opens Middlesbrough care home
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Octopus Healthcare to fund care home development in York Page 35
New luxury Harrogate care home set to open
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CARE HOME SALES NATIONWIDE
Family-run care home operator expands its business AN award-winning, family-owned care home provider has expanded its portfolio, bringing a new care experience to Essex for the first time with support from Clydesdale Bank. Westgate Healthcare has been operating for 25 years and has seven care homes in the Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire area, with a core focus on family in each of its developments. The eighth facility is located in Braintree – a 32-bedroom property which overlooks the River Brain. Riverdale Care Home is a luxurious home which offers a range of support needs, including respite breaks and dementia care. It also has been designed to provide lifestyle options for residents, with features including a sensory garden, potting shed, spa salon, cinema room, fine dining room and a café. The development has employed a team of 20, with the majority being recruited from the local area. Tara Teubner, Westgate Healthcare director, said: “Our goal is to provide excellent quality care to our residents in each of our developments. “We want people to feel at home and ensure our residents have the freedom to plan their own day, safe in the knowledge they have the support there
if they need it. Riverdale Care Home is a beautiful property and we have taken the time and care to develop a proposition that we think is unique to the Braintree and the Essex area. “We have also recruited a strong team who have embraced our core values and are embodying our belief that our facilities are a home and we want people to join our family.” The team at Westgate Healthcare has received funding support from Clydesdale Bank for this expansion. Mike Day, director of health and social care at
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Clydesdale Bank, added: “Westgate Healthcare has developed a unique proposition in the healthcare market and their approach to creating a safe and homely environment for their residents is exemplary. “We are pleased to support their expansion into Essex – Riverdale Care Home increases the caring options available to the local community and has also provided employment opportunities.” Westgate Healthcare was founded by husband and wife team, Pushyant and Anji Patel, who bought their first care home in 1993.
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Opening of new care home brings jobs to Edinburgh
Actor officially opens Middlesbrough home JOHN Middleton, actor and former Emmerdale star, spent the day talking to staff, residents and invited guests of Montpellier Manor as the community marked the official opening of its new care home. The facility, which is providing residential and dementia care to people in Stainton and the surrounding area, is the 90th MHA home across England, Scotland and Wales. The opening of Montpellier also falls during MHA’s 75th birthday year. The day was especially exciting for the home’s resident Emmerdale fans, who were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the much-loved actor. John played the role of Ashley Thomas in the popular television show for over 20 years. Joined by him to kick-off the event was Sam Monaghan, chief executive
of MHA. The momentous occasion was marked by an official ribboncutting ceremony and cutting the cake, led by John, in front of Montpellier with residents cheering on. Following this, guests enjoyed cake and tea and the opportunity to take a look around the home for themselves. Home manager Gail Starling, who has 40 years of experience in the healthcare sector, said: “I’m delighted with the feedback we’ve received from our residents already enjoying life at Montpellier and pleased guests could get a true feel for how we run the home, our residents’ home.” With private en-suite bedrooms, a café, spacious lounges, dining rooms and a hair and beauty salon at Montpellier Manor, the aim is to make residents feel at home and at ease in their new home.
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NATIONWIDE
EDINBURGH’S newest care home has officially opened its doors and welcomed its first residents. The much-anticipated Cramond Residence offers 74 luxury en-suite bedrooms and provides the highest quality person-centred nursing care for older people in the capital. Now, having filled a number of key positions before opening, the Residence is recruiting for a further 50 roles, including care assistants (SVQ2 and above), team leaders, nurses, laundry and domestic staff, and food service assistants. The care home comprises nine distinct houses to promote small community living, each of which has been uniquely designed to reflect well-known areas of Edinburgh. It also boasts a wide range of lounge, dining and activities rooms, as well as a hairdresser, nail bar and cinema. Thanks to an exclusive partnership with physiotherapy provider Balanced Edinburgh – specialists in functional rehabilitation and fall prevention for older people – residents will be given a thorough assessment on arrival, which will be used to create bespoke care and fitness plans, tailored to individual needs. The team will be led by general
manager Eileen Gray, who is well established in the care industry with over 20 years’ experience. She said: “We are very excited to have opened our doors at Cramond Residence and are really looking forward to welcoming our first residents into their beautiful new home. “We are now moving into the final stages of our recruitment campaign and are seeking talented and compassionate individuals to fill a further 50 roles. “We are passionate about delivering the finest care and it is hugely important to us that our residents feel independent and have as active and fulfilling lives as possible, so we are looking for the highest calibre of person to fill each and every role. “Cramond Residence is a place where people can really enjoy their later years and we would encourage anyone with a passion for caring who is interested in working with us to enquire as soon as possible.” Cramond Residence is managed by Walker Healthcare, which has over 20 years’ experience leading successful healthcare partnerships and operational management of wellrespected care homes.
Luxury development opens first completed apartments THE finish line is in sight for Hampshire’s newest retirement village with the announcement that potential homeowners can now view two of its apartments nearing completion. Titchfield’s Friary Meadow, named in reference to the nearby Abbey and the likely historic use of the fields around it, is inviting members of the public to view its newly opened properties, including its first townhouse, ahead of its muchanticipated opening in January. Situated between Southampton and Portsmouth, in the heart of Hampshire, the retirement village will offer a selection of 86 luxury homes, comprising of apartments, bungalows and townhouses. It is based on the ‘extra-care’ living model, as recommended by the Department of Health, which aims to give older people the opportunity to retain their independence for longer, including financially, by enabling them to own their own properties,
thereby protecting their equity. Dr Stephen Ladyman, founder of Oak Retirement and a former Minister of Health responsible for Social Care, said: “It’s a very exciting time at Friary Meadow with completion now on the horizon and so, with construction almost finished, I’m extending a warm invitation out to anyone who would like to view the properties we now have available. “A visit to Friary Meadow will give people the chance to see first-hand how the village will offer many benefits to ensure an independent, worry-free retirement.” The £35m development is a joint project between independent retirement living specialist Oak Retirement and real estate fund manager Frogmore. Construction was launched in June last year, during an official groundbreaking ceremony attended by the former Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Geoff Fazackarley and former Mayoress, Tina Fazackarley.
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Octopus Healthcare to fund new development OCTOPUS Healthcare has completed a new deal to fund the construction of a 64 bedroom care home in Fulford, York. Using in-house development expertise, the company secured the land and planning permission for the £11m care home development, which will be forward funded by the Octopus Healthcare Fund. Award-winning McGoff Construction will deliver the development for Barchester Healthcare to lease and operate at completion. The state-of-the-art care home will replace an old facility at Fordlands, York, and the McGoff team has worked closely with Octopus Healthcare, Barchester and the City of York to design a suitable scheme that is sympathetic with the surrounding areas. Declan McGoff, operations director at McGoff Construction, said: “We are once again delighted to be working with Octopus Healthcare and Barchester to deliver a stunning, state-of-the-art 64 bedroom care home in Fulford. “We are already working on similar projects for Octopus and Barchester in Melbourn, Cambridgeshire and for Barchester in Eastbourne and Denmead with others to follow in the coming months, so to add York to the portfolio is great news. We find both organisations very professional and a pleasure to deal with.”
The 64 bedroom care home will be arranged over three floors, and built to traditional construction methods by McGoff Construction on piled foundations with a part basement for plant. The external façade has been specifically designed to reflect York’s architectural heritage, incorporating red facings, timber cladding, timber window and doors as well as slatestyle roof coverings. The building will be aesthetically attractive with a carefully considered, practical and spacious internal layout. Richard Dooley, development director at Octopus Healthcare, added: “This genuinely was a team effort in obtaining the planning permission for the development. “We worked closely with the local authority and community to design a much needed facility for the area. “Our professional team worked diligently to really make sure that we are creating a great future for the health population of Fulford. This is a great example of how we can add value to our operator partnerships securing sites and planning.”
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PENMENETH HOUSE, CORNWALL
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DC Care is delighted to announce the recent successful sale, by way of lease, of Penmeneth House, a highly regarded Grade II listed care home located in Hayle, Cornwall, registered for 14 residents within the categories of old age and dementia care. The business has been leased to local operator MPS Care, on behalf of Mr and Mrs Richards, who first established the business in 1987.
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New luxury Harrogate care home set to open LUXURY elderly care provider Hadrian Healthcare Group is set to open its latest care home, The Manor House Harrogate, to residents in the near future. The development, representing an investment of over £13m, is part of the prestigious Duchy Estate. It will provide residential, dementia and respite care for elderly people. Around 100 full and part-time jobs have been created within the local area. Stephanie Foulds, manager of The Manor House, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the first residents to their wonderful new home soon. “People have been visiting by arrangement over the last few weeks to meet The Manor House team and to find out about our approach to individualised care.” The Manor House has 87 large private rooms overlooking landscaped gardens. Facilities include a wellness lodge with hydrotherapy pool, hair and beauty salon, bowling green and wifi throughout. There are library areas and an oldfashioned sweet shop which will sell everyday items such as greetings cards, newspapers and magazines. As well as the restaurant there is a traditional style tearoom where residents will be able to enjoy time with families and friends, and private dining rooms for special family occasions, all catered by the award
winning in-house chef and their team. A lifestyle co-ordinator will organise social and special interest activities for each resident. An appointed chauffeur service will be available, to help make trips into town much easier. The Manor House Harrogate has been sensitively designed and carefully built with traditional materials to integrate with the local character of the area. The unique gothic facade of the original building on the site, a grand Victorian house named Waldernheath and the first property to be developed on Cornwall Road in the 1890s, has been retained. The building, which now houses the wellness lodge, is also part of the original development. There are a number of protected trees in the gardens and the new landscaping has been designed to feature them. Harrogate is Hadrian Healthcare Group’s seventh purpose-built Manor House care home. Jas Gill, managing director of Hadrian Healthcare Group, added: “Our homes are all individually and thoughtfully designed to blend with their surroundings and to allow our residents to enjoy life to the full supported by great care. “Rooms are arranged in small living groups to help create a home-fromhome, and throughout the interiors are luxurious and comfortable.”
Carterwood’s specialist agency team, on behalf of older person’s charity MHA, has completed on the sale of a development site in Exmouth, Devon, to Barchester Healthcare Ltd. The sale of the 1.87-acre site completed in just over four months from agreeing heads of terms. Carterwood associate director, Matthew Drysdale, said: “We were delighted to expand Carterwood’s longstanding relationship with MHA to include agency services. This development in Exmouth is in a beautiful setting and represents an excellent opportunity for Barchester to develop a market leading care home, and we wish them every success.”
Disposal for development in York IN what has become an extremely active local marketplace, HPC oversaw the recent sale of Moorlands in York on behalf of Astonbrook Care Homes. Following on from initial strategic consultancy advice, HPC was the chosen advisor for the marketing of the long established Moorlands Nursing Home, Strensall, York. With 68 registered beds in predominantly single storey purpose built accommodation, the home received a wealth of interest with parties attracted both by the strong local market and extensive site area. A competitive bidding process
The New HPC Location Report Assess the feasibility of proposed care home development Used by investors, operators and developers Over 100 reports issued annually In depth market analysis incorporating key competitor imagery Highly visual data provision and analysis Interactive map offering Target Area options Additional Micro and Macro market identification and comment Concluding Director comment to each report
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involving parties keen to either comprehensively refurbish or redevelop (both for care and housing) led to a swift conclusion of the process with completion being achieved in early November. The outcome is likely to see future provision of registered care on the site with the local population benefiting from a modern environment fit for purpose. While price remains confidential, Nigel Newton Taylor, director of HPC, confirmed that client expectations had been more than met through the structured marketing campaign targeting a range of buyer profile.
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CARINGNEWS
Firm offers communities a total exercise solution
Collection now online FOLLOWING the successful launch of new pieces at the Care Show, Shackletons is proud to announce its new furniture is now available to view online. Visit the Shackletons website to discover the stunning new ranges, including the comfy and curvy Girona, a stunning signature chair which sat centre stage at the show. The Girona features a beautifully curved wing back and button detailing. Shackletons has also begun the release of its new range of chairs
called Mijas. Now online you can discover the high back and compact versions of the Mijas. Follow Shackletons on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram to see the launch of further pieces to this collection. Product samples and new literature are also available on request. Contact the office for further details. As 2018 draws to a close, 2019 will see the launch of further new pieces; mark the 60th anniversary for the business and much more.
ServiceSport is the UK’s leading fitness equipment service provider and remanufacturer. An intensive remanufacturing process offers an affordable alternative to buying new equipment, whilst retaining the look and feel of new apparatus. ServiceSport remanufactures customers’ own assets, as well as offering full ranges for sale. The company offers a total exercise solution for retirement, extra care and other communities working with older people, helping to keep the UK’s population fit and healthy during their later years. ServiceSport’s managing director Colin Marriott is eager to forge links with the care industry. “Our main aim is to lengthen the lifespan of gym equipment, helping care providers avoid costly repair and replacement bills,” he said. “We do that via regular maintenance contracts or by bringing the equipment back to Chorley and remanufacturing the product before redeploying it back to the customer.” ServiceSport provides independent technical and maintenance support designed to maximise the life of
A cinema turned into a dance hall for elderly care home residents during a dementia friendly screening of hit musical Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Residents from Waverley Lodge Care Home, in Lemington, leapt out of their seats during one of the film’s climactic hits to strut their stuff in the aisles. The screening specifically for those with dementia was the first of its kind at the Metrocentre, in Gateshead. It included a 15-minute break, no adverts and reduced sound levels. Pictured are Patricia Vasey, Veronica White and Irene Bolam.
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Dignified, waterproof scarf bibs from Care Designs CARE Designs’ pashmina scarf style clothes protectors combine the look of a stylish ladies’ scarf with the waterproof practicality of a bib and so and can be worn all day with a high level of dignity. The two silk-like fabric layers on the front are highly absorbent whilst the waterproof layer on the back keeps clothes dry and it has quick fastening Velcro for ease of fitting. Available in three pebble prints colours and two plain colours. Get 15 per cent OFF; use code CARE-CUK6 at the web-shop checkout! Enquiries: Call 01223 840236, email purchasing@bibetta.com or visit www.caredesigns.co.uk for a brochure.
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