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December 2014
incorporating
no.222 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Bosses back report’s call for reform By Dominic Musgrave CARE home bosses in Wales have backed a call for urgent reforms of the way services are commissioned and paid for. A review into the quality of life and care of older people in care homes in Wales conducted by the Older People's Commissioner has revealed worrying flaws in procedures for commissioning social care. According to Sarah Rochira’s report ‘A Place to Call Home?’, the way care is procured is often more about “contractual frameworks and service specifications” rather than the quality of life of older people. Care Forum Wales, the organisation that represents 500 independent care providers, welcomed many of the findings which reinforced what they had been saying for years. Chair Mario Kreft MBE said the report also highlighted the fact that it was less viable to run care homes in Wales than it was in England. As a result, an increasing number of homes were closing because they were not viable at a time when the need for them was growing because of the increase in the number of older people in Wales. Mario added: "The report is an
important piece of work but it does not fully recognise what is being achieved despite the system and does not give enough credit to the good quality care being provided by many good people across Wales. “Yes, the standard of care can be inconsistent in places and where there is bad practice it should be rooted out, but the majority of providers are doing a remarkable job in the circumstances. “Most care homes and nursing homes provide a very good standard of care while there are many examples of excellent, life-enhancing quality care taking place, often under difficult circumstances and with extremely limited resources because of the chronic underfunding of social care in Wales. “Many of the report's findings and recommendations, however, chime with what Care Forum Wales has been working hard to achieve, particularly in relation to importance of treating vulnerable people with dignity and respect and designing services to improve quality of life.” Care Forum Wales, he said, supported Sara Rochira's demand for a new approach which would see services being commissioned for quality.
Tea party is named best ever at awards
Hallmark Care Homes has launched two highly anticipated facilities in Rugby in Warwickshire and Lightwater in Surrey as the group continues to expand its portfolio. The 70-bed Anya Court in Rugby was opened by John Craven, and 58-bed Lakeview in Lightwater, opened by local resident Brian Blessed, will provide residential, nursing and dementia care. Facilities at the homes include hair salons, cinemas and cafés serving complimentary drinks and homemade treats.
A 60’s themed afternoon tea party organised by Tickford Abbey care home in Newport Pagnell has been celebrated the best ever at a ceremony. The best ever tea party award was launched this year by NAPA and supported by Unilever Food Solutions. It encouraged care homes to involve residents in organising the tea parties and to open their doors to the local community. Tickford Abbey, operated by the Greensleeves Homes Trust, pulled out all the stops, decorating the main house with bright colours and 60’s slogans and playing music from the decade. Staff, residents and family members all joined in the fun by wearing fancy dress. Residents were involved from the early stages of planning to the tea party itself. Amie Leveridge, activity co-ordinator at Tickford Abbey, said: “ Everyone involved in our event put a huge effort into making sure it was a success, and the residents really enjoyed themselves.”
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‘Henpower’ introduced to benefit residents By Dominic Musgrave A SHROPSHIRE care provider has welcomed some new residents to its homes – a brood of chickens that are helping to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Coverage Care has introduced a flock of feathered friends at Barleyfields House in Shrewsbury, and at Lightmoor View, in Telford, to stimulate and engage residents, especially those with dementia. The scheme is now being rolled out across its other homes across Shropshire. The project started with the introduction of a brood of Speckled Pekin chicks – a miniature breed known for its friendly disposition and love of being handled, making it ideal for older people and those with dementia. Residents help to feed and look after them and collect the eggs, which are then used in the home’s kitchen. At Lightmoor View, Coverage Care's home in Lightmoor which specialises in dementia care, the chickens are part of a dedicated outdoor area created for residents. As well as the chicken coop, there is a caravan in the grounds where residents can 'holiday' and enjoy al fresco refreshments under the awning. The chickens are the latest animals to be welcomed at Coverage Care homes in the county. It already encourages families
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Carer Lorraine Hollins and resident Audrey Whittaker. to bring in their pets and also organises visits from donkeys, ‘pat a dog’, guinea pigs, and birds to interest the residents. David Coull, chief executive of Coverage Care, said: “Pets and companion animals in residential homes bring great benefits to elderly residents and people with learning disabilities. “It has also been proven in many research reports that people suffering with dementia-related conditions benefit from the presence of animals. It can be a great distraction and help to reduce anxi-
ety as well as giving families and visitors something to focus on. “Providing both outdoor activities and a chance to interact with animals offers a stimulating environment that can reduce depression and loneliness, and gives people an increased sense of wellbeing, especially those living with dementia. “There will be some residents in our homes who have kept chickens or worked around animals and this could stir up memories which promote lovely reminiscence discussions.”
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Residents get smart with state-of-theart technology
The team at Coed Isaf Nursing Home who took part in the ‘Calendar Girls’ style calendar.
Care staff bare all for charity MEMBERS of staff at Coed Isaf Nursing Home in Llanrhos, Deganwy have literally bared all for charity. The nine women have produced a ‘Calendar Girls’ style calendar raising £2,285 in the process. Registered nurse at Coed Isaf, Karen Marshall, said: “All the Calendar Girls have played their part in gathering sponsors. We have had an amazing response from local businesses and individuals with regards to the sponsorships and have raised enough money to pay for the
printing of the calendars so all the money raised will be total profit and go to our chosen charity.” The photos on the calendar have been taken and edited by former photography student Rachel Sharp, who is a carer at Coed Isaf. The calendars will be on sale at local Tesco supermarkets, service stations, beauticians and the care home itself. So far the calendars have raised more than £2,250 for the Alzheimer’s Society, to raise awareness of the disease.
STATE-of-the-art technology designed to track fitness progress was trialled by residents at a North East retirement village when they took up a series of health challenges. Eighteen residents at Middleton Hall near Darlington, took part in walking, cycling and aqua walking challenges while using an innovative mobile app developed by Londonbased de Salve, owned by entrepreneurs Dr Dylan Jenkins and Neil Bunting. The event was part of Move Week, a European wide initiative to promote the benefits of being active. Each of the residents was allocated a wristband registered to them with a unique ID so that when the band was swiped on a phone, it logged their progress and a table of results could be produced. Using the same technology as contactless credit cards, it meant the residents could track their achievements throughout the day. The technology has already been widely piloted in schools across the UK, but Middleton Hall thought it would also be useful for their residents. Neil, a director at de Salve, said: “It’s about finding a way to motivate people who may not necessarily be into sport and getting them active.
“The residents loved tracking their progress and they were also keen to encourage and support each other.” Working with the residents has been about teamwork and the social aspect of supporting each other. It’s been a fantastic day with great results.” The event tied in with Middleton Hall’s Living Well philosophy, which encourages residents to enjoy maximum health and wellbeing. The day ended with a drinks reception and prize presentation by Middleton Hall’s managing director Jeremy Walford, director Lesley Henderson and Neil. Jeremy added: “It was a really interesting experiment in that every single person did more than they normally would when they used the technology, and there was a sense that they were competing with themselves. The residents loved tracking their progress and they were also keen to encourage and support each other.”
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Residents put through paces by footballers Stocks Hall Care Group was a finalist in three categories at the Be Inspired Business Awards at Preston College. The group was presented with certificates after being shortlisted in the Business of the Year, Employer of the Year and Inspirational Business of the Year categories. Advertiser’s announcement
Pillows improve accessibility SNUG Positioning Pillows are uniquely shaped cushions designed to secure stable and comfortable body positioning of long term bedridden or chair-bound people. Durable, comfortable, washable and flame retardant, the Snug Positioning Pillows also improve accessibility to patients during nursing. Perfect for use in all care situations, the Snug Positioning Pillows enhance patients’ alertness, self-awareness and perception of surroundings, leading to better interaction with the carers and more active participation in physiotherapy, occupational
therapy, rehabilitation and daily activities. Snug Positioning Pillows are intended for long term bedridden and chair bound people, including people in a coma after brain injuries, apallic syndrome victims, dementia sufferers, visually impaired people, hemiplegia sufferers, people with limited mobility, people at risk of pressure ulcers, frail elderly people, terminally ill people and more. Available in several shapes to meet different needs, the Snug Positioning Pillows improve quality of life of the most vulnerable people.
RESIDENTS at Ingersley Court care home in Bollington were put through their paces by training staff from Macclesfield Town Football Club. Representatives from the club visited the CLS-run care home to get residents in the competitive spirit with games based on hand-eye co-ordination. As an organisation committed to the highest standards of care provision, CLS trains all carers to provide residents with meaningful, rewarding activity and high quality of life. The games session with Macclesfield Town was arranged as part of the home’s continuing drive to provide residents with interesting, engaging activities that are both fun and beneficial to health. Activities involving memory, handeye co-ordination, or any form of mental activity have been shown to significantly slow down the onset of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Staff will continue the sessions in future, getting more residents involved, and holding similar game
sessions more frequently over the next few months, both with and without the club’s participation. Cheryl Brooks, activity co-ordinator at Ingersley Court, said: “At first I wasn’t sure if the residents would be too keen, but they absolutely loved it. We played a target game with bean bags, and it got quite competitive between the residents. A few people were also glad of the excuse to talk about Macclesfield Town’s performance this season.” On top of their work with the residents, Macclesfield Town have agreed to provide free tickets for a number of residents to attend a couple of their home games. Sue Duckers, home services manager at Ingersley Court, added: “I think getting the club involved with some competitive game activities is a fantastic idea. Not only will it help with the residents’ physical and mental health, but it is great for the residents to have such variety in the activities done here at Ingersley. The free tickets are really the icing on the cake.”
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Richard becomes third in family to join fire service
Residents at Tegfield House in Winchester had fun taking part in National Techie Day. The day is planned to be an annual celebration of all things ‘techie’ and as such, the team at Tegfield organised a wide range of ‘high-tech’ activities for residents to participate in. They started the day using iPads to look at various websites and Facebook pages. Many of the residents have recently taken part in a professional photo shoot for Hartford Care and were delighted to see images of themselves online. Later in the day residents were also given the opportunity to try out Skype, find out about Twitter and by suppertime many of them had even learnt how to play Candy Crush Saga. Residents Molly Allnutt and Enid Boyd are pictured with home manager Shirley Bartlett. Molly was looking at one of the photos of herself meeting Fred Dinenage recently.
A CARE home worker has become the third member of his family to join Dorset Fire and Rescue Service. Richard Upshall, guest services coordinator at Colten Care's Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, has completed his initial training as a retained firefighter. The 22-year-old follows in the footsteps of his father Carl, 54, who became a retained firefighter in 1986, and brother Simon, 29, a full-time firefighter based at Christchurch. Richard, who joined the group three years ago, said: "The fire service has always been a part of my Iife thanks to dad's involvement. “It's something I've always wanted to do and I'm really pleased my application was successful and that my initial training has been completed. “My mum, Theresa, is very proud, as is my dad. Since becoming a retained firefighter I've already been on 11 jobs including fires and road accidents so it's been fairly busy.” Residents at Newstone House enjoyed a behind the scenes look, after Richard arranged for a fire engine to visit the home. Richard, together with his dad, Carl,
Retained fireman Richard Upshall with dad Carl. demonstrated some of the onboard equipment including cutting machines and pumps. He added: “Colten Care has been very good in giving me a role with a degree of flexibility which allows me to respond, when possible, from the workplace without compromising my work as guest services co-ordinator. "My training as a retained firefighter will continue for another three years. It's hard work and intense at times but very worthwhile. I really enjoy it."
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Recipe book to provide support to care caterers THE National Association of Care Catering has produced a new Fortified Meals Recipe Book to provide additional support to care caterers in this specific area. Demand for fortified diets to support the health needs of the elderly is increasing, and with it the requirement for caterers to offer a variety of fortification options in care settings. The NACC’s recipe book gives care caterers the knowledge and confidence to meet this demand and effectively create fortified menus that enhance an existing diet with caloriedense foods, and also taste great and are visually appetising. The comprehensive recipe book offers inspiration and a helping hand in preparing successful fortified meals. It features a wide variety of easy-tofollow recipes, advice on adapting meals already being prepared for others, nutritional analysis to enable caterers to trace calories consumed, portion guides, a useful one-week menu planner that covers each mealtime and includes ideas for snacks and drinks for variety, and tips from an expert chef on how to present
dishes to ensure meals are eaten. NACC national chair Neel Radia said: “For people at risk of malnutrition a fortified diet plays a vital role in maintaining weight and overall health. “Fortification, however, is one area where there is currently little or no understanding. We therefore were compelled to produce this recipe book to give caterers the know-how and capability to deliver this increasingly important element of care catering. “The Fortified Meals Recipe Book will inspire caterers, with a varied repertoire of delicious fortified meals, snacks and drinks that are easy to make and ensure calorie-dense meals that meet the dietary needs of residents – and are, of course, always enjoyable to receive and eat. “It also supports on a practical front with nutritional information that is crucial for monitoring the calorie intake of residents and a handy menu planner that will allow for a variety of fortified options to be introduced and easily incorporated into existing menus.”
Care assistants Debbie Morris and Michaela Power explore the new minibus.
Legacy to take St Faith’s House residents for a ride SUCH were the fond memories that former Cheltenham resident Ronald Crump had of his mother’s care at St Faith’s House that he remembered the home in his will, bequeathing a legacy that has resulted in the charity being able to purchase a new, 15seater minibus. The vehicle was immediately put to good use by the Cheltenham based charity Lilian Faithfull Homes’ run facility with an afternoon trip to Cirencester. The new minibus has special adaptations to make it fit for purpose including easier wheelchair access, better all-round visibility for passengers and better seating. Manager Nicholas O’Reilly said: “We are delighted with the new minibus,
which will be used by all of our homes for regular and special treat trips. “Everyone likes to get out of the house from time to time and our residents are no different – they love to get out and about and the new minibus will make it much easier to take them for a ride. “They look forward to their outings which include trips to the coast, garden centres, and rides through the wonderful Gloucestershire countryside. “We are deeply grateful for this generous legacy and delighted the late Mr Crump had such good memories about the quality of his mother’s care.”
Proceeds lead to fun and games
Hadrian Healthcare Group is sponsoring the newly formed under 16s section at Gosforth Bohemian Football Club, thought to be the first in the club’s 120-year history. Around 20 boys are now involved in the section, and the team is competing in the North East Youth Development League this season.
RESIDENTS at Bupa’s Craigbank Care Home in Glasgow are enjoying new entertainment and games facilities thanks to the proceeds of a successful summer fete fundraiser. The residents were able to make specific requests for a collection of particular recreational items including DVDs, music, books – and even a snooker table – from the £500 raised for the home’s activity fund. The success of the exercise prompted staff, residents and family members to work together to transform one of the home’s spare rooms into
an entertainment hub to house the items. Plans are also in place to add extra activities such as a dartboard, board games and a karaoke machine. Manager Alan Twigg said: “The home is dedicated to providing residents with the best care and support. “Having a specific entertainment room will be stimulating for residents and give them a great new space to get together, play together and enjoy each other’s company. We are looking forward to adding even more equipment to the room, allowing the residents to enjoy even more activities.”
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Home’s healthy meals achieve catering mark
Bluebird Care South Gloucestershire managing directors Jack Whitfield and Sophie Rowland-Jones receive the award from Fiona Williams, head of operations.
Business scoops prize at awards on first birthday A SOUTH Gloucestershire business has won the top prize at an annual UK care award ceremony. Bluebird Care South Gloucestershire, who operate from their offices in Chipping Sodbury, have been named South West Newcomer of the Year following a year of continual success. The award came in the same week as the organisation celebrated its first birthday. Set up in October 2013, the care provider has consistently prioritised excellent customer service and high standards of care. Managing director Sophie Rowland-
Jones said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved at Bluebird Care. We won this award as a result of the hard work and dedication of our team, and the work put in on a daily basis. “For us, this extremely positive CQC report is the minimum acceptable for our service and so we strive to do even more. Our strong links with the community, and the continual work we do to build positive links with others has meant that the organisation has already become well stabled with a excellent reputation in just the first year.”
NAZARETH Lodge in Sturminster Newton, Dorset is the first residential care home in the South West of England to achieve the Soil Association’s Silver Food for Life Catering Mark for serving fresh and healthy meals, using local and organic ingredients. The achievement represents a major commitment on the part of the home to ensure food remains an essential part in the daily lives of their residents. The Silver award provides an independent endorsement that the food served by Nazareth Lodge meets high standards of traceability, freshness and provenance. The à la carte menus served at the home now include organic milk and flour and locally sourced ingredients. In addition, eggs come from free range hens, all meat is farm assured and fish is sustainable. The Food for Life Catering Mark brings together all of the issues people care about – health, climate change and animal welfare. It means that residents and their families can be confident they are eating freshly prepared meals which are free from undesirable additives, whilst supporting local producers and, importantly, reducing the environmental impact. Camilla Trimble, proprietor of Nazareth Lodge, said: “I am delighted
that we are the first residential care home in the South West to achieve the Silver Food for Life Catering Mark for the meals we serve to our residents. “After winning the 2013 South West Regional Great British Care Award for Nutrition & Hydration, I felt that applying for this Catering Mark was the next logical step. “The food I serve to my residents has always been important to me, in fact I have no fixed budget when it comes to food. “ With the many challenges care homes have in supporting their residents, diet is often overlooked and this catering mark highlights the link between healthy food and healthy residents. “By achieving the Silver award, we are supporting sustainable, organic agriculture, which has a significant positive impact on our environmental footprint.” Rob Sexton, Chief Executive of Soil Association Certification, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by Nazareth Lodge Residential Care Home who is leading the way in the drive to change food culture in the care of the elderly. “Serving menus to Silver Catering Mark Standards supports local businesses and reassures residents and their families that all meals are free from GM ingredients.”
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Company, college and education firm to join forces in sector first By Dominic Musgrave
A SHROPSHIRE domiciliary care company has become the first in the sector to set up a formal link to help county students into work. Bosses at Carewatch (Mid Shropshire), based at Stafford Park, Telford, will offer a work experience placement for students at Telford College of Arts and Technology and SBC Training, based in Shrewsbury. This is another first for the company, after it was asked into Telford College to deliver a talk on the care industry. Steve Harris, director of Carewatch (Mid Shropshire), said: “Some time ago I was approached as a care ambassador to go into the college and talk about getting into care, the industry, what it is like and how it works. This was about six months ago and we have been working with the college ever since. “We organise mock interviews as well and I felt it was a huge boost to the industry to have these people doing this course and learning about the care industry. “As with most jobs you learn more whilst on the job and seeing other people at work, so I felt offering work
experience was another way we could get involved.” The placements, which will be getting into work training days, have been created in conjunction with the Job Centre Plus and Reed Recruitment. Graham Reynolds, senior administrator for pre-employment skills at Telford College, said it was a huge coup for them. He added: “Going on work experience is really eye-opening for the students. “We work with students who are currently unemployed and while they get qualifications with us, quite often it is the actual experience that potential employers look for. “Having the opportunity to be part of a company that deals with care and get an insight into the company is more important than anything they learn in the classroom. “It has become increasingly difficult for students to get work experience in this field, for reasons we understand as regulations are vital, but there has to be some time for them to get experience.” He added that this partnership could benefit up to 100 students in total.
Bohill’s Iris Millican and service user Anne Stewart with students from Dunluce School.
Students join activities BOHILL House care home in Coleraine is bridging the generation gap by inviting students from nearby Dunluce School to join in their activities. Fourteen students, under the supervision of two staff members, visit for an hour each week. The aim is to promote and enhance the lives of the residents as well as give students an opportunity to develop their skills within a caring environment. Tracy Henry, manager at Bohill House, said: “It is heart-warming to see the young people and our residents working together and interacting with each other. “Forging relationships with organisations in the community contributes
to the quality of life residents enjoy at Bohill. This scheme helps bridge the generation gap by enabling the students to mix with older people and learn a little about caring for older people and treating them with respect and dignity.” Following each visit, students are given learning ‘tasks’ and, at the end of the six-week programme, awards will be presented to outstanding students. This will further enhance their career development and their CVs. The initiative is supported by the Prince’s Trust. One of the first projects the students and residents worked on together was making a scarecrow for the home’s Harvest Festival celebrations.
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Societies join forces to launch approved Understanding Dementia qualification ALZHEIMER’S Society Training and Consultancy and The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) have launched an exciting co-developed, Ofqual approved qualification to help people understand more about dementia. With 80 per cent of people in care homes living with dementia or memory problems, the Level 2 Award in Understanding Dementia helps to respond to the real need for a recognised standard for people working directly in dementia care. Ideal for care professionals who want to improve their knowledge or skills to understand and care for someone living with dementia, the Understanding Dementia Award enables participants to comprehend
how the experience and progression of dementia is unique to the person. The Award helps participants gain an understanding of how the wellbeing of a person with dementia can be improved, including how
society can have a positive influence on people living with dementia. The award is also open to anybody keen to broaden their knowledge about dementia, including Dementia Friends.
MP Zac helps home launch recruitment initiative STAFF and residents at Galsworthy House Nursing Home have launched a new recruitment and training initiative with help from Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith. Galsworthy House was chosen by Caring Homes Group to host the launch of a range of new initiatives designed to attract the best members of staff and to ensure they receive the very best training. The initiatives launched included a dedicated recruitment website and the Helena Jeffery Care Academy, which provides hands-on training to nurses and carers. MP for Richmond Park, Zac Goldsmith, said: “I was delighted to be able to meet with residents, relatives and staff at Galsworthy House. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with such important members of our community.” The company will also be providing additional resources for new employees, including the payment of professional fees and a new Voluntary Employee Benefits scheme, which offers retail discounts at over 8,000 locations nationwide. Managing director of Caring Homes Group, Laird MacKay, said: “It was incredibly exciting to be able to launch these initiatives with the Residents, relatives and staff at Galsworthy House along with our local MP, Zac Goldsmith.”
Two new infection control courses from C2C TWO new short courses on infection control in healthcare environments have been launched by national care training provider Connect 2 Care (C2C). The half day courses – Infection Control, and Infection Control for Cleaners and Domestics in Healthcare Settings – are tailored to cleaning, domestic or housekeeping staff in health or social care settings. They also enable care providers to meet statutory requirements whilst improving the skills and knowledge of their workforce. “All healthcare workers have a duty of care to their patients and preventing infection forms part of that duty of care,” said Sara Goldie, operations director at C2C. “There are no prerequisites for either of the new short courses, so they’re ideal for anyone currently working in a health and social care role with the willingness to learn.” Connect 2 Care offers a wide range of professionally recognised care skills, training and development options. Enquiries: To find out more, contact Connect 2 Care on 0800 954 2803 or visit www.connect2care.net
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A Bradford-based care group is backing a government-funded initiative that has recently been launched in the UK to combat malnutrition among elderly people. Dominic Musgrave reports.
Group provides food for thought with malnutrition awareness campaign CZAJKA Care Group will be promoting and sharing the firm’s best practice in order to help others understand the importance of providing both a choice of nutritious, appetising meals to residents as well as highlighting the support many people need to eat them. Area catering supervisor at Czajka, Gerard Raedcher, said: “The government’s Malnutrition Prevention Project aims to increase diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition and improve care and support for those at risk. “It plans to encourage whole communities, including care homes, hospitals and GP surgeries, to come together to raise awareness of malnutrition and ensure that those at risk do not fall through the net, and we are backing it all the way.” Funded by the Department of Health, the project is being run by The Malnutrition Task Force, a group of experts which include Age UK and the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. The approach is currently being piloted in five different areas across England, with the results from these to be disseminated nationally. The latest figures from BAPEN
suggest that 1.3 million people over the age of 65 in the UK suffer from or are at risk of malnutrition, and five per cent of these people live in care homes. Gerard added: “It is important to raise awareness of the dangers of malnutrition in the elderly which is usually caused by an inadequate diet and can often result in an early death. “Older people are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition for a number of reasons, including changes in body composition during ageing and reduction in appetite. A decrease in both taste and smell can cause a decreased interest in food and dental problems often make it difficult to eat certain types of foods. “There are many reasons why elderly people’s appetites diminish but despite this, a lot can be done to monitor their nutritional intake to minimise the risk of malnutrition. The Malnutrition Prevention Project represents an excellent opportunity for professionals, carers, organisations and the public to work together to improve the nutrition of all vulnerable people in our society.” Since the company was founded in 1983, Czajka Care Group has placed strong emphasis on the catering
Gerard Raedcher with Brookfield resident Molly Bamforth. provision of its residents. Menus are developed on a four week cycle and updated seasonally to ensure the best available ingredients are being used. Gerard said: “Food and mealtimes are an integral part of the overall service that we provide across our estate of nursing and retirement homes. We believe that the food we provide is just as important as the
care. Mealtimes form a fundamental part of our residents’ daily routine so this is an area where we can really work hard to serve their best interests. “When residents first move into one of our homes, they are interviewed about any likes and dislikes they might have. We then compile this information and use it to create our menus, incorporating their requests at every opportunity. We cater for the requirements of vegetarians, vegans, diabetics and those with religious diets, and have systems in place to gain feedback to further improve our operations. Menus are planned with a focus on nutritional and seasonal ingredients and our strong supply chain, which we have built up over several decades, allows such diversity. We always use local suppliers wherever possible to allow greater control and knowledge of the origin of our stock. All our meat comes from a butcher in Saltaire village and our fruit and vegetables are supplied locally from Keighley.” Czajka employs around 20 chefs supplemented by domestic staff in its kitchens who are all required to have full professional catering qualifications.
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£5m care homes open their doors By Dominic Musgrave TWO new care homes, built as part of a £5million investment, have been officially opened in Tain and Muir of Ord. Innis Mhor in Tain and Urray House in Muir of Ord are new, state-of-theart care homes, purpose-built for Parklands Group, one of the largest independent care home providers in the north of Scotland. They were officially opened by Janet Bowen, Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant for Ross and Cromarty. Built overlooking the Dornoch Firth, Innis Mhor offers 34 rooms and employs 58 people. Urray House also offers 34 rooms and supports 45 jobs. Both homes are built over three wings with each room offering ensuite facilities and a Smart TV with integrated camera so that residents can Skype loved ones anywhere in the world. Rooms are around 40 per cent larger than the minimum standard set down by the National Care Standards. Each wing has its own dining room and meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A coffee shop and family room are available for residents and visitors. Public areas have been furnished by a local design company and feature a contemporary Highland theme.
Both homes offer nursing and residential care for the elderly. Respite and day care services are also provided at Urray House. The new care homes replace the ageing local care home facilities formerly run by The Highland Council.Management of both care homes transferred to Parklands in May 2013. Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Group, which also has homes in Aberlour, Keith and Buckie, said: “We have invested heavily to provide the best possible living environment for our residents, with stateof-the-art facilities that we believe set a new benchmark for the care sector in the north. “We have listened carefully to our residents and their families and designed homes that provide a full range of services in modern surroundings that nevertheless retain a strong sense of Highland tradition. “Our new homes in Tain and Muir of Ord offer the latest in luxury accommodation, with en-suite rooms that are significantly larger than the industry standard. This investment is not only good news for our residents and their families, but for the wider community.” Parklands is also developing plans to open new care homes in Brora, Dornoch, Inverness and Elgin.
The Potteries care home in Poole.
Home marks first anniversary IT was party time at The Potteries in Poole when the Care UK home celebrated its first anniversary. Over 70 people including residents, their family, friends and every member of the team, gathered at the care home for a special party to celebrate a successful first year. Entertainment was provided by local singer, Dave Howes, who got residents singing and dancing, and helped the party go with a swing. Rebecca Hudson, customer relations manager at The Potteries, said: “It’s been an incredible first year and it was important to everyone here that we marked this milestone in style. I’m thrilled so many people joined us for our first anniversary
party and everyone had a day to remember. “Our first year really has flown by, with the team welcoming over 60 residents, and we have worked hard to help each person feel at home here. We have achieved a lot since we first opened our doors 12 months ago and we are all very excited to see where the next year takes us.” The Potteries provides a range of services from respite, nursing and residential care, to specialist care for those living with dementia. The purpose-built home offers residents high quality facilities and a focus on luxury living with a contemporary coffee shop, cinema and a hair salon.
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Artist prompts care village residents to get creative
Belong experience coordinator Lisa McLaughlin and resident Doreen Hunter enjoy the Five Senses workshop.
CUSTOMERS at a new community care village have been connecting with their creative side through an inspiring sensory art workshop. Aimed particularly at the needs of people living with dementia, the Five Senses workshop at Belong Warrington is designed to stimulate the senses and inspire participants to express themselves through art. Led by artist Christina Milarvie Quarrell, the session began with the use of essential oils to evoke memories and emotions associated with the smells. After a discussion around any memories that had been triggered,
participants were encouraged to choose colours that corresponded to these memories, using acrylic paints to express their feelings on canvas. In closing, the group read poetry and laughed at shared memories of their experiences growing up and raising families. Janine Curwell, general manager, said: “The sensory workshop and activities offered something for everybody that took part. “As well as the rewarding experience of so many people in the village translating their memories into beautiful pieces of art, Christina's poetry reading also moved us.”
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SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGYSPONSORED BY
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New CQC toolkits now available ... QCS are pleased to announce the launch of our new Fundamental Standards Draft Guidance and Stakeholder Surveys to enable you to prepare for inspection under the CQCs ‘Fresh Start’. In all, there are up to 300+ pages of new, easy to follow guidance and toolkits to prepare you for life under the new CQC Inspection Methodology. Within the system you will find: Policies for each of the five Key Questions: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-Led. Policies for each of the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs), including the 16 mandatory. A comprehensive PIR guide to assist you with completing your
Provider Information Return. All of the QCS policies within the management system have been indexed against the Key Lines of Enquiry. 20 new Stakeholder Surveys – one for each Key question for the stakeholder groups; 'service users and advocates', 'professional advisors', 'visitors', 'staff', along with instructions on how to use them throughout the year. CQC outcomes conversion chart to help you map out the changes. Coming soon: We are working on a new Mock Inspection Toolkit which will help you prepare for inspection and help you collect evidence to demonstrate compliance.
CoolCare has been designed with users in mind, making it an all-inclusive programme covering every aspect of care home management. It includes individual dashboards which are tailored to the needs of each user, whether a care assistant, marketing manager or chief executive. Care home management software has never been so user-friendly and comprehensive. Our software is compatible with multiple platforms, such as iPhones, iPads, and Android devices – you can even access the software remotely, enabling you to use the software on the move, wherever you are. CoolCare is a completely integrated product suite that covers every administrative and recording task in a care home. These include client records including assessments and care planning tools, staff records from an HR
perspective including training and time and attendance functionality. In addition, various financial tasks such as client billing, private monies and petty cash records are all included along with a host of other useful features. Part of the implementation of each CoolCare installation is its tailoring and configuration for each customer so that it fits in with existing systems and content naturally. This flexibility sets CoolCare apart from other similar systems and enables users to create a solution that suits their needs. With over 1,000 sites using CoolCare, we have the experience to help and support users appropriately It is a completely cloud-based solution with a simple pricing structure that includes training, support, data migration and configuration and is guaranteed to realise ROI in a very short space of time indeed.
Helping you to comply with the regulator IT IS not just CQC that require services in the care sector to be able to evidence compliance. Your bank and local authorities placing service users are becoming more demanding. The two major failures in CQC inspections are poor record keeping and drug administration. Required Systems Ltd has all the quality systems you need to be compliant, incorporating all the forthcoming changes from CQC. To find out more call 01236 782477 or visit www.requiredsystems.com
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Domiciliary firm to partner with review website
Stan Glazier with his model railway.
Stan builds railway in his room STAN Glazier, a resident at Dene Holm in Northfleet, has transformed his bedroom at the home in to a model railway village, with the help of a few recycled items. A lifelong fan of trains, he began building train sets around 10 years ago, using recycled items as the base for his model railways and villages. “I really enjoy it, it keeps my hands moving and keeps me busy,” said Stan. “Sometimes it can be a bit fiddly and I get frustrated but then I just
take a break and come back to it later.” The fully operative train set is the third Stan has built, and he has spent around 12 weeks perfecting the miniature town and railway, but it’s not finished yet. He has passed on his love for trains to his grandson, who comes to see him regularly. Stan added: “My grandson visits me each week and he loves to play with the train set, though I often have to rebuild it after he has left.”
EXPERTISE Homecare has become the first domiciliary care company to partner with independent review service Reevoo on an ongoing basis. The partnership will enable people searching for a care provider to see regularly updated, accurate and trustworthy customer satisfaction reviews. Reevoo will contact Expertise Homecare customers directly, collecting in-depth and impartial feedback and gauging satisfaction levels across a number of set criteria. They will then produce ‘Trip Advisor’ style reviews and star ratings that give potential customers an accurate assessment of the range of services and the quality of care provided, allowing them to make an informed care choice. The Reevoo reviews will feature on each Expertise Homecare franchise’s website. Expertise Homecare managing directors Natalie Richards and Harriet Smith said providing potential customers with this independent assessment service reinforced their commitment to building trust through transparency. Natalie added: “We want to revolutionise the UK home care sector by investing in innovative
services that increase care standards and add value to customers. Our partnership with Reevoo is just one example of our industry-leading actions. “This partnership will give people full, frank and honest reviews of our franchises across the UK rather than just cherry-picked soundbites that don’t really tell people anything useful. Though partnering with Reevoo we are enabling people to find out precisely what our customers have to say about the standard of care we provide and how we deliver that care. This service further demonstrates our commitment to our four core principles – trust, transparency, quality and support.” Harriet added: “Although we will have no control over the Reevoo reviews, we are confident that our customers will appreciate the steps we have taken to ensure we provide the highest standards of care. “We will keep a very close eye on all the feedback provided by Reevoo and immediately respond to any instances where our service is deemed to have fallen below the incredibly high standards we set ourselves.”
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Home celebrates 10 years of care RESIDENTS and the team at a Sanctuary Care home in Watlington celebrated a major milestone when they marked the 10th anniversary. Watlington & District Nursing Home opened its doors on July 23, 2004 and to mark its birthday the residents and their loved ones, the team and trustees of Watlington Hospital Charitable Trust came together to raise a toast to the last decade. The home, which provides dementia, nursing and intermediate care for 60 residents, stands on the site of the former Watlington and District Hospital. Its creation was made possible thanks to a fundraising appeal by the original trustees of the WHCT, which raised almost £2million in 2000. This enabled the site to be transformed into a beautiful, purpose-built care home, which was opened by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent in 2004. Watlington and its team are well known for providing intermediate care, enabling people to leave hospital following operations or illness and build up their strength and confidence, before returning home and regaining their independence. The event also celebrated the grand opening of the home’s stunning new orangery, which will provide a delightful setting for residents to
Youngsters with the time capsule at Moore Place in Esher.
Resident Pauline Willett with home manager Julie Cooper. spend time overlooking the home’s gardens. Pauline Willett, who has been a resident since day one, officially declared the orangery open by cutting a ribbon. Julie Cooper, who has managed the Hill Road home since 2008 and has worked there for 10 years, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have celebrated such a marvellous milestone. Our home has gone from strength-tostrength over the past decade and it’s been an honour to provide such high quality care to our residents. “It was very fitting that Pauline, who is one of three residents, and 20 members of the team who have been with us since we started, opened our orangery after months of hard work to get it ready.”
Children’s treasures buried in time capsule in grounds CHILDREN have spent weeks collecting items to be buried in a time capsule in the grounds of Moore Place care home. Pupils from Esher Church Primary School collated magazines, photographs and letters to capture the essence of modern life, as well as looking at the historical celebrations that have taken place in 2014, which were all buried alongside documents relating to the new Anchor care home, Moore Place. The time capsule was buried by Cathy Bell, headteacher of Esher Church Primary School, 10 pupils and Anchor staff at a special ceremo-
ny in the grounds of the new care home. Sonia Hamilton- Martin, from Moore Place, said: “Everyone has been looking forward to burying the time capsule as it will be an insight into life in 2014 when it is opened in 100 years’ time. “The pieces collected by the children and papers relating to Moore Place and Esher will be important historic documents when they are read in 2114.” Moore Place is opening in the Spring and will provide care for older people as well as specialist dementia care.
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A registered nurse has realised her dream of running her own care home after purchasing a Lancashire care business. Dominic Musgrave found out more.
Care comes naturally to new owner Melissa ASHLANDS Nursing Home, Rossendale, which provides care for 19 residents and has 25 staff, has been acquired by Melissa O’Rourke and her husband Jason, following the retirement of former owners Anna Mai and Arthur Marriott. Melissa, 35, has worked in the care sector since leaving school, and recently spent two years as nurse manager at The Manor House nursing home, Chatburn. Jason, 43, a former joiner and surveyor, will look after the financial and administration side of the home. The pair have been learning the ropes at Ashlands since January and Anna Mai and Arthur will continue working with them to ensure a smooth transition now that the ownership baton has officially been handed over. Melissa said: “Owning and running my own care home is something I’ve wanted to do from an early age. I was lucky enough to meet Anna Mai and Arthur on a nursing course and after
getting to know them they raised the idea of me taking over at Ashlands when they retired. “I feel privileged to be taking over from two wonderful people and will strive to maintain the excellent standards for which they have made Ashlands renowned.” Growing up, Melissa got her first taste of caring for older people when she used to visit a local care home to talk to residents. After leaving school she trained to be a nurse and worked for many years at Clitheroe Health Centre, also caring for her own parents, the late Anne and Albert Marsden, when they became ill with cancer. “I have always had a natural inclination to care for people,” added Melissa. “I cared for my own mum and dad when they were ill, so I know and understand what that feels like for family members. It’s made me want to treat everyone how I wanted my own mum and dad to be cared for when they were ill.
Melissa and Jason O’Rourke with Simon England from Harrison Drury solicitors. “The care sector often makes headlines for the wrong reasons, but many people never hear about the excellent job done by the vast majority of care professionals.” The detached, stone-built, Grade II listed property, situated off Turnpike, Rossendale, was built in the 19th century as a residence for local woollen manufacturer Samuel Ashworth Lord. Over the years it has been owned by a number of other local captains of
industry and businessmen, before being converted into a residential home for the elderly in the 1980s. The historic property was purchased by Anna Mai and Arthur Marriott in 1993 who re-registered the home to provide full nursing care following sensitive internal structural changes and refurbishment. Melissa and Jason were advised on the purchase by Simon England from the property team at Harrison Drury solicitors in Preston.
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Gloria opens £2m extension at Hastings nursing home GLORIA Hunniford officially opened the new extension at The Laurels Nursing Home in Hastings. Residents, family and friends were joined by guests from the medical, legal, financial and healthcare professions as the TV presenter performed the official opening ceremony. The guests then enjoyed drinks and a buffet lunch prepared in the home’s kitchen by The Laurels’ own cooks, and all the residents who were unable to attend the festivities in the
lounge due to health reasons were treated to a personal visit from Gloria. After taking 14 months to complete the extension at a cost of £2million, The Laurels’ new Rochester Wing has added an additional 24 rooms with private facilities, many having balconies and direct access to the private gardens. The new wing also includes a hair salon, mini cinema, two relaxing lounges, a bright and airy atrium, private patio areas and sensory gardens.
Gloria Hunniford at the opening with The Laurels owners Baljit and Jas Thind.
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Home launches refurbishment with open day By Dominic Musgrave Belinda Joyce-Ludlow, payroll manager at Sunrise Senior Living, was shortlisted in the ‘Best Boss 2014’ category at the Payroll World Awards following a surprise nomination from her colleague Suzanne Foody. She was praised for her supportive management style and for her initiative encouraging colleagues to improve their health by taking a 30-minute walk each day.
New design led ranges created by Angela Gidden MBE BRITISH healthcare manufacturer of motion furniture, accentu8, has unveiled six new rise and recline chairs designed to introduce new contemporary designs to the healthcare market. The new models are the work of furniture designer Angela Gidden MBE, who joined parent company, the Wilcare Group, in 2013 as consultant creative director, with the aim of introducing a design-led ethos to the company and its marketplace. The result is a new stand-alone brand in accentu8 and the simultaneous launch of six new models offered in a choice of powered or manual operation; ‘arc’, ‘cloud9’, ‘haven’, ‘horizons’, ‘lotus’ and ‘mode.’ accentu8 offers a diverse range of fabrics from the brand’s collection ‘cover and colour’ with an emphasis on the ‘crafted with care’ aspect of its products. Angela said: “This marks the start of a number of highly focused and considered design programmes, which will see further phased launches including
developments of new innovative motion mechanisms, static sofa and chair collections and complimentary furniture accessories within the accentu8 portfolio.” Enquiries: To view the online brochure visit www.accentu8.net or call 01446 776111.
SEALE Pastures House in Acresford, Swadlincote officially launched its new look with an open day for all the community. The care home, which specialises in residential care for up to 40 elderly residents, has undergone an extra-special refurbishment as part of Akari Care’s £15million investment programme in its homes throughout the UK. The home threw open its doors for visitors to take a look around the fresh new premises and attendees were joined by councillor Pat Murray, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council, and Rev Michael Yates. There was also entertainment provided by local harpist Emily Pilkington. As part of the refurbishment, residents are now able to enjoy a trip to the hairdressers in the comfort of their home, with a new salon that has been created in one of the rooms that was rarely used. There is also a coffee shop for resi-
dents and visitors to socialise in and enjoy sweet treats and refreshments. To make the communal areas more comfortable for residents, the home’s conservatory and lounge have also been extended. The facility has also benefited from a complete re-decoration, with new furniture, curtains, soft furnishings and upgrades made to the bathrooms, to improve the surroundings for residents. Seale Pastures House manager Diane Leary said: “Everyone at Seale Pastures House is thrilled with the new surroundings, so it was fantastic to show off our fresh new premises to the local community and be joined by Pat Murray and Rev Michael Yates. “The environment of a care home is extremely important and has a major impact on the residents’ lives and needs to be safe, fresh and comfortable. “This major investment will have a positive impact on the home, making the area more appealing and, above all, will offer an even greater standard of living for our residents.”
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Ranked top in the country by carehome.co.uk and shortlisted for care home of the year, The Willows has gone from strength to strength. Here, founder, chairman and chief executive Paul Swithenbank looks at the role food has played in making the home the success story it is today.
The ingredients of success ... “PROVIDING high quality care is the focus of everything we do at The Willows and the food we serve to residents is a real reflection of the passion and commitment we share in achieving that aim. When I first bought the home five years ago, the in-house chef would tend to cook things she felt like cooking – perhaps without enough consideration for the residents. For example, there would be cod, potatoes and cauliflower served on a white plate, whereas I knew we needed meals that were colourful and more appetising. I also believed we needed to offer a 28-day rolling menu, which is what we provide today. However, while I had strong views about the changes I wanted to make, the first step in the process was to talk to my residents and those closest to them about what they’d like to see on the menu. First things first – involving residents is key to success While it was time for a change, completely revamping our food offer was a big decision for us and one we didn’t approach lightly. I had long been aware of apetito‘s reputation for pro-
viding high quality meals for care homes, but before we decided to bring them on board, we organised a tasting session for residents and friends and family. As with any change, there was some hesitation about introducing a whole new catering service, but once people had the chance to experience the food for themselves – its attractive appearance, appetising aroma and delicious taste – we had 100 per cent positive feedback! This ushered in a whole new era for our catering services. We know how important it is to keep the menu fresh and exciting. We regularly refresh our menus and invite residents and their families to tasting sessions before doing so. Not only does this ensure we’re continuing to cater to individual tastes, it’s also a nice social occasion for the residents. Similarly, when someone new moves into our home, talking to them about what they like to eat is an important part of making the transition as smooth as possible. After all, moving out of their own home is often a very daunting experience for elderly people and welcoming them by serving their favourite food can make a huge difference.
Creating the right atmosphere Fostering a pleasant environment at mealtimes will greatly enhance residents’ enjoyment of their food. We make a point of turning the television off, playing some background music and Paul Swithenbank creating a real atmosphere. There are pictures of residents on the walls, adding to the homely feel, and they’re served by carers as we felt counter service was more institutional. Our mealtimes are protected, so if any visitors happen to arrive while food is served, they’re welcome to sit in the conservatory with a cup of tea and a biscuit until our residents have finished dining. That way, residents aren’t distracted from the enjoyment of their meals.
Setting high standards Our high standards are reflected in everything we do, from our policies and procedures to our menus. We set exceptionally high standards for staff at all times because if you get that right, everything else will follow. Partnering with a company like apetito not only provides the reassurance that our menus provide the nutritional intake residents need to remain healthy and well – while satisfying the requirements of the CQC – but the high quality of the food we serve makes sure mealtimes remain a highlight of their day. In fact, the food is so good here that our biggest problem is keeping our residents’ weight down! A lady recently joined us for a two-week respite period and her family told us that she had been struggling to maintain her weight. After her stay with us she had put on 7lbs and her family were so delighted they asked for a two-week extension with a view to her living here permanently. Examples like that are a valuable reminder of just how big a role quality food provision can play in making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of residents.”
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CARINGDEMENTIA
Iffat scores first with dementia studies degree By Dominic Musgrave
The team from Legal and General hard at work at the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society’s Belvedere House.
Volunteers transform garden A SEAFARERS’ care home in Banstead welcomed a team of volunteers from local financial services provider Legal and General for a day of gardening to revamp their grounds. Working in partnership with Business in the Community for this opportunity, the 12 employees from Legal and General spent a day revitalising the existing garden at the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society’s Belvedere House, which provides dedicated nursing care and accommodation for retired seafarers and their dependants. The team helped to revamp the home’s sensory garden, which is accessed and used by all the 68 residents, 25 tenants and 95 staff at the home. The garden particularly provides those residents living with
dementia with a calm and relaxing setting which is part of the home’s range of musical and reminiscence therapies, designed to help the residents. Music and the other therapies can help to relieve the feelings of isolation some dementia sufferers experience, as well as reviving forgotten happy memories. Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society chief executive, Commander Brian BoxallHunt, said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome local companies and businesses to the Society. The team from Legal and General have done a great job in revitalising the sensory garden, which the residents and staff appreciate tremendously. Their enthusiasm, even through the wet and windy weather, couldn’t be denied.”
IFFAT Manzoor is celebrating after becoming the first person to graduate from a pioneering dementia care scholarship. The senior care assistant at Bupa’s Seabrooke Manor care home in Ilford has become the first person to graduate with a BSc in dementia studies from Bradford University under the company’s new dementia care course. Iffat joined Bupa as a care assistant in 2006. She was one of just 11 successful applicants who joined the sponsored programme in September 2012, and has worked her way through the course of part-time studies while continuing to care for residents at Seabrooke Manor. Iffat has now taken charge of looking after residents in the home’s residential dementia unit so she can share her learning and expertise more widely. Celebrating her success with residents and colleagues, Iffat said: “I am very proud of myself for doing this and I am grateful to Bupa for giving me the opportunity. It’s been tough but now I have a far better understanding of different types of dementia, and that means I can help people to live a more joyful, happy life. “But it’s not enough for me to just
be able to provide better care for people living with dementia – I want to share what I’ve learnt with everyone I work with.” The scholarship programme, providing degree and postgraduate qualifications in conjunction with The University of Bradford, was launched by Bupa in September 2012. It builds on the dementia care training programme specially created for Bupa by Bradford University’s world renowned Bradford Dementia Centre. Managing director of Bupa care homes, Andrew Cannon, added: “From the day she joined us, Iffat has show great dedication to our residents and I’m delighted she’s our first Bupa dementia scholar. She’s worked very hard and deserves all our congratulations. “Committed, trained people are the key to providing excellent and stimulating dementia care for our residents. “We introduced this scholarship programme to provide a much more in-depth level of learning that builds on our sector-leading person first dementia training. “Iffat has a new challenge now – to share her expertise with her colleagues, and champion great dementia care in the home that further improves the lives of our residents and their families.”
The Bield team which completed the 24-mile stretch of the Fife Coastal Path.
Fundraisers go the extra mile A TEAM of sure-footed fundraisers – including an 82-year-old resident – have gone the extra mile to raise more than £2,000 for Bield, one of Scotland’s leading providers of housing and care services for older people. The company’s fundraiser Kevin Rowe put together an enthusiastic 12person team to complete a 24-mile stretch of the Fife Coastal Path. The exercise was aimed to mainly raise funds for Bield’s Flexicare service in Fife, which works specifically with those living with dementia. Kevin and Bield board members Mike Mackinlay and Jacqueline McCormick were joined by 82-yearold Davey Hunter who is a tenant of
Bield’s Quayside Court, a very sheltered housing development in Perth. Davey, whose daughter and son-in-law signed up for the trip, also wanted to acknowledge the good work done by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and their efforts raised more than £100 for the charity. In addition, Elizabeth Fox, the manager of Bield’s Hillcrest Court in Cumbernauld, also joined the walk, raising more than £200 to go towards the development’s Garden Club, as did Patsy Smith and staff from the Leven Flexicare team who raised almost £500 for their service. Flexicare offers people with dementia the opportunity to have experienced and qualified carers assist them – whenever they need.
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New £4.75m home opens in Brentwood A NEW £4.75m state-of-the-art care home is set to open in Brentwood. Howard Lodge II is a new 68 bedroom care home facility for the elderly owned and run by St Michaels Homes Ltd, who secured funding to support the project from The Royal Bank of Scotland using the bank’s Funding for Lending scheme. St Michaels Homes Ltd constructed the new facility in the grounds of its existing home Howard Lodge, which will be demolished as a result of the completion of the home. Incorporating a fresh and up-todate design, Howard Lodge II will provide residents and staff with much improved and modern facilities and more accommodation than its predecessor. Bed capacity has been increased from 44 to 68 and all rooms have ensuite facilities. Howard Lodge II
also offers its residents a hairdressers, sun terraces/balconies, activity and training facility, day care centre, tearoom, dining and living rooms on each wing and landscaped gardens. The new facilities will benefit existing residents as well as providing increased space for newcomers welcomed to the home. Sean Watson, director at St Michaels Homes Ltd said: “We are thrilled that the home is now ready to re-open and that all our hard work has come to fruition. It has taken well over a year for the construction work to complete but the new facility is excellent and exactly as we had hoped. “We have been extremely fortunate that our residents have experienced only minimal disruption during the build period and have not had to be re-housed at any point during the
Claire Watson (company secretary), Sean Watson (director), Sheila Watson (company director) and at the bottom Graham Tallyn (RBS). process. Our commitment of care to our residents has remained our utmost priority and their response to the new facility has been fantastic. “I’d like to thank RBS for their sup-
port with this project. The relationship we have developed with them during this period has been fantastic and the service and advice we have received has been excellent.”
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CARINGCOMMERCE
Homecare provider stung for £20,000 By David Waters
An artist’s impression of the new extra care scheme.
Firm secures first new build contract in Wales HOUSING and regeneration specialist Keepmoat has secured its first new build contract in Wales to build a 40-apartment extra care scheme on behalf of Hafod Care. Work on the new £5.7m housing scheme for older and vulnerable people got underway recently at Talbot Green, in Rhondda Cynon Taff, South Wales. The development, being built in partnership with Hafod Care Association, is situated on a brownfield site previously owned by Rhondda Cynon Taff Borough Council. The apartments are expected to be completed by summer 2016. The development will feature a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, offering independent living for the
over 55s. The complex will also boast a range of additional facilities and on-site health and care support including a restaurant, IT suite, lounge, library, craft room and a hair and beauty salon. Keepmoat regional director for the West Midlands and South Wales, Neil Baxter, said: “This is an important scheme for Keepmoat; our strategy for growing our business in South Wales is focussed on working with local suppliers and subcontractors wherever possible and maximising training opportunities. “By working closely with Hafod Care, the local supply chain and local community, we aim to deliver a quality scheme of which we can all be proud.”
OVER a third of claims received by PrimeCare Insurance last year relate to incidents where a staff member is injured in the course of his or her employment. These are known as employers’ liability claims and brought against the domiciliary care business owner, you! Employers’ liability claims can result from almost anything, such as somebody tripping over on a path, sustaining back injuries through driving or being bitten by a dog while visiting a client. They can cost thousands to settle, highlighting the importance of being comprehensively insured and operating a risk management strategy. An obvious but often neglected measure is ensuring carers have access to the resources they need to do their job easily and effectively. We recently had a case involving a carer working in the domiciliary sector who was provided with a torch, a headlight and spare batteries for both. One winter evening she chose not to use them when she went to visit a customer. The carer was sure she knew where the key cupboard was and could find it easily in the dark. Unfortunately she tripped over
a low level wall and fractured her leg. The carer was unable to work and had to make an employers’ liability claim against our client. It is a duty of employers to provide a safe David Waters system of work for all employees and this was evidently not the case here, although we were able to argue a large amount of contributory negligence as she had chosen not to use either the torch or headlight. This was accepted, but the cost, including legal fees, was still in excess of £20,000. The costs were covered under the terms of our client’s insurance but will inevitably lead to higher premiums upon renewal. Ensure that carers have the tools they need to do their job and that they use them. Also, encourage carers to be alert to risks and inform others about them, as each property they visit will be different. David Waters is managing director of PrimeCare Insurance.
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SureCare rolls out care sector’s first micro franchise The Bristol office of Christie + Co has sold the Old Vicarage in Frampton-on-Severn to experienced local operator Shenaz Butt and her husband Richard, of Geniecare Homes. Acting on behalf of Gary and Eileen Winchle, who had run the business for over 15 years, the company discreetly marketed the 37-bedroom residential care home, receiving a strong level of interest and multiple offers from existing operators. The facility, renowned locally for its excellent level of care and dedicated staff team, specialises in dementia care for older people. The acquisition of the Old Vicarage brings the number of care homes owned by Shenaz Butt to four.
£50,000 could be lost in five years £50,000 could be the money lost in just five years on the average £1m loan if you choose the wrong lender for your next refinance or extension. We have seen banks offering better deals to new customers while expecting existing customers to accept less attractive terms for their financing. At the worst end of the scale a lender offered a client a rate of base plus 3.5 per cent on a £4.6m development loan, but when leading UK finance brokers, Global Business Finance, put the deal to the same
bank they used their extensive buying power to obtain the offer letter at base plus 2.75 per cent for two years interest only, reducing thereafter to base plus 2.25 per cent on capital and interest repayments. With over £1.5bn in completed care home loans, Global Business Finance very often work with banks at national level rather than branch or regional level, and in this one case they saved the care home owner over £260,000 in loan interest on just the first five years of his loan.
A CARE company has launched the UK’s first micro franchise. The first SureCare Local micro franchise has opened for business in York and the firm says it is in talks about opening “at least another dozen”. The micro franchises – which typically cover a territory with a population of around 100,000 people – are proving particularly popular with experienced care managers who are keen to become their own boss. The first SureCare Local franchise will provide clients with a mix of home services – including gardening, DIY, cooking and cleaning, shopping and companionship – and children’s services such as mobile crèches for weddings and babysitting. SureCare Local in York will be led by Yan Huang, who has an extensive background in the care sector. Gary Farrer, managing director of SureCare, said: “The huge interest in SureCare Local is being fuelled partly by the continuing deep cuts in local authority services with many council care managers being made redundant or simply growing disenchanted with their working environment. “Many of these people are perfect candidates to become franchisees. They have management experience, sufficient funds to invest in a micro
franchise, know their local area well and already have a strong network. Add to this the desire to become their own boss and make a difference within their community and you have the ideal franchisee profile. “We are delighted to be rolling out our first SureCare Local franchise and we are currently talking to at least another dozen people who have expressed interest in joining us.” One of the big attractions is the cost of becoming a SureCare Local micro franchisee – £8,995 as opposed to £32,000 to buy a full SureCare franchise covering a much larger territory. Vikki Donnachie, SureCare’s Franchise Sales Manager, said: “The pool of talented candidates interested in becoming their own boss has never been greater. The beauty of franchising is that they are also assured of having an experienced team to help them get their franchise up and running and doing everything a franchise has to do in order to be successful.” Yan Huang, of SureCare Local York, said: “We are excited to be the first SureCare Local micro franchise. Our vision is to provide clients in York with the best possible home services and childcare. We aim to enhance people’s quality of life whether they are young or old.”
The Anchor team with deputy mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor Mrs Jan Fuller, and Castleoak chief executive Melville Knight.
Anchor celebrates construction milestone for new apartments ANCHOR and construction partner Castleoak have moved another step closer to delivering a luxury £12.4m retirement apartment development in Weybridge, Surrey, with a ceremony to mark the completion of the building footprint. Anchor chief executive Jane Ashcroft CBE and Castleoak chief executive Melville Knight welcomed deputy mayor of Elmbridge, councillor Mrs Jan Fuller, for a tour of the construction site. The new development, named Austin Place, will have 65 one-and two-bedroom luxury apartments which will be offered exclusively for sale. Communal facilities will include a hair and beauty salon, treatment room, coffee shop, lounges, a reading
room and landscaped gardens. As well as a thriving local community, residents will benefit from the peace of mind of an optional tailored care package and plan from Anchor. Jane said: “We are very excited that the building footprint is complete at Austin Place and the development is really starting to take shape. People will be able to make the most of living in a spectacular setting with the peace of mind that there are a range of housing and care options available to them. “Austin Place is another step forward in Anchor putting solutions in place that meet its customers’ aspirations and changing needs.” Austin Place will open in 2016.
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Group’s homes enjoy arts-led activities as part of BOLD Festival
Ian Trainor, activities co-ordinator at Redworth House, with resident Patsy Monk, her son Gary Monk, and a picture of her husband Tony Monk, who helped to build the home 10 years ago.
Care home celebrates its 10th anniversary A SHILDON care home has celebrated 10 successful years since it was built, with a fun-filled party. Redworth House, which is part of Bondcare Shaftesbury, held a party for its staff and residents in recognition of the landmark, with singer Kevin Royal providing the entertainment. One of the home’s residents, Patsy Monk, particularly enjoyed the celebration, as she is the wife of the builder, Tony Monk, who helped to build the home 10 years ago. Also at the party were the home’s longest standing members of staff, who have been there since it opened its doors in 2004. Robin Mortimer, the home’s
maintenance man lives near Redworth House and remembers watching it being built and Ian Dawson, catering assistant at the home, celebrated 10 years working there this year. Joan McNeil, home manager, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a decade since the home was built. The facilities we have on offer at Redworth House are excellent and we strive to provide our residents with the best possible care and support. “The party was the perfect way to celebrate the home’s 10 year anniversary and I would like to thank everyone for attending and especially Kevin for his performance, which the residents and staff really enjoyed.”
Home gets green fingered with City Council grant AN Aberdeen care home has successfully been awarded a grant from the City Council’s Great Outdoors Fund to transform an unused outdoor space into a beautiful garden for residents to enjoy. As part of their application for the fund, Four Seasons Health Care’s Laurels Lodge drew up plans to redesign the area in order to create a stimulating, accessible and attractive space for all of the home’s community to enjoy. It will include colourful flowers and plants allowing green-fingered residents to enjoy some gardening. There will also be a new patio with benches so that people can spend some quiet time alone or sit with friends or family. The home is also investing in work benches so residents can comfortably tend to plants. The new outdoor area will complement the home’s existing sensory garden especially designed
for those living with dementia. These gardens are specifically designed to take into consideration the impact of scent, light, colour, contrast, texture and sound in order to create a balanced and stimulating sensory environment. Home manager Sylvia Nicholls said: “We are delighted to have received funding from Aberdeen City Council that will enable us to have a new garden and outdoor space for residents and their families to enjoy. “The area will provide a tranquil environment in which everyone can relax and it will make a real difference to the wellbeing of people living in the home.” The Great Outdoors Fund bestows grants for therapeutic improvements to green spaces in Aberdeen, enabling organisations to engage with, care for and support the elderly. Located in the outskirts of Aberdeen, Laurels Lodge provides EMI nursing care for its 45 residents who live with dementia.
RESIDENTS at care homes across the North East have enjoyed a series of arts-led activities as part of BOLD Festival this autumn to celebrate the creativity and experiences of older people. Hill Care homes across the region joined forces with ARC, Stockton Arts Centre, to take part in BOLD Festival. Residents from Ingleby, Queens Meadow, The Beeches, Mandale House and The Gables care homes attended a variety of events, performances and workshops during the month-long festival. These included a special day trip to watch the production of Home Sweet Home, a stage play about the joys and challenges of life in a care home, which was based on the true stories and experiences of over 200 people across the UK. ARC also hosted activities at various Hill Care homes as part of the festival, which included a show by two BOLD performers at Mandale House. The show was based on the performers’ own inspirations and experiences, and was created over three days with director Ree Collins at ARC before being performed to the public. Other events at the homes included two ‘Silver Singers Workshops’ that were held at Ingleby and Mandale House. During the workshops residents sang songs to a musical accompaniment – an event that they
enjoyed so much that the sessions lasted for an hour-and-a-half. Mandale House also welcomed back ARC for a ‘ukulele workshop’, where the opportunity to play the Hawaiian instrument was a first-time experience for most of the residents. ARC also hosted a ‘creative arts’ session at Ingleby, which was attended by friends, family and members of the local community. Liz Jones, customer relations officer at Hill Care, said: “BOLD is a wonderful festival which proved extremely popular and we were delighted to be involved. ARC have held a range of events in our homes that have inspired as well as entertained our residents. “At Hill Care we put great importance on holding different activities at our homes and always try to involve the local community where we can. We were very pleased that through ARC and the BOLD festival we could connect with the community, partake in new and exciting events and organise a trip to the arts centre for Home Sweet Home. “Because BOLD celebrates older people and their creativity our residents have been able to relate to and thoroughly enjoy every event they have been involved in so we would like to thank ARC and look forward to working with them again next year.”
Lester gives art demo to home’s residents ARTIST and Abbeyfield Kent resident Lester Edenborough gave an insightful talk and painting demonstration at the Dynes residential home in Kemsing. He uses a technique called encaustic painting, in which images are created with wax using an iron. Lester gave a talk at the Dynes’ art club as well as a short demonstration on how the technique works. “I started painting around 25 years ago, I’d had oil painting sets before this but they’d never really excited me,” Lester says of his decision to take up painting. “I was at a Christmas fair with my wife and I saw a man painting with a travel iron, I was amazed and I said to my wife, ‘that is what I want for Christmas!’” “I sold my first painting to an impressed neighbour, then I decided to hold an exhibition in my garden. It rained so we had to move it inside but we had plenty of visitors and sales throughout the afternoon.” Despite never having any education in art, over the years, Lester has painted hundreds of paintings on a variety of subjects including flowers, landscapes and abstract, he also managed to sell many of them from a studio in Otford, where he lived, and even featured on the ITV news once.
Lester Edenborough with an example of some of his work. In a rather unusual coincidence, he even sold a starter painting kit to the Dynes’ home administrator Jane Debenham around 10 years ago. “I enjoy painting because it is creative and colourful. I am a Christian and I am certain my ability to paint was a gift.” Lester continues to attend the Dynes’ weekly art club and still sells many of his pieces of work, as well as cards and calendars.
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Call for sector-wide consultation after survey results are revealed By Dominic Musgrave HC-ONE has initiated a sector-wide debate on implementing an opt-in, visible camera scheme in care homes, following its consultation on the matter. Leading the way in restoring trust in the care sector following recent cases of malpractice towards residents, the UK’s third largest care home provider launched a consultation among its residents, relatives and staff to gauge their views on an opt-in, visible camera scheme. Based on the results received, HCOne is now calling for a sector-wide public debate on the issue. Over 12,000 residents, relatives and staff responded to HC-One’s consultation: 68 per cent of all respondents were in favour of introducing opt-in, visible cameras in homes. 87 per cent of relatives supported the use of cameras. 63 per cent of staff supported the use of cameras. 53 per cent of residents opposed the use of cameras. The consultation revealed a number of concerns about the implementation of such a scheme: Privacy for residents – 74 per cent. Who has access to the footage – 65 per cent.
HC-One’s chairman, Dr Chai Patel. Who watches the footage – 63 per cent. Where footage is stored and how secure it is – 60 per cent. Where in the home cameras are used – 53 per cent. This consultation was phase one of HC-One’s broader three-phase project. Phase two involves an industrywide debate on the above findings and possible ways to navigate the so
far inconclusive results. HC-One’s chairman, Dr Chai Patel, said: “At HC-One, we have long been debating how to stamp out malpractice in care homes and restore public trust in the care sector. “Having worked hard over the last three years to make a number of important investments and improvements to our homes, we felt now was the right time to discuss the use of visible cameras with the individuals who matter most to us – HC-One residents, relatives and staff members. “The results of this consultation are vitally important in initiating an industry-wide debate on the matter. The potential implementation of an opt-in, visible camera scheme is a very serious issue and one for the whole sector to debate in depth. “We welcome regulators, stakeholders and other interested bodies to share their opinions and ensure that our loved-ones up and down the country receive the kindest care.” The full report of HC-One’s consultation has been sent to regulators and stakeholders, including the Department of Health. HC-One is keen to receive feedback from these bodies, and any other interested organisation, by December 31. The full report can be downloaded from www.hc one.co.uk/resources/ camera-consultation
Care duo celebrate results
TWO members of staff at Wallside Grange Care Centre in Falkirk are celebrating after achieving valuable qualifications in care. Care assistant Terry Allan has gained his Train the Trainer for Moving and Handling qualification and Meghan Storrie, also a care assistant at the Canterbury Care Group owned facility, has completed her SVQ Level 3 in Care. Terry and Meghan were both assessed on theory work and completed practical training sessions to enhance their skills. Manager of the 36-bed facility, Stuart Waterfall, said: “It is important to have both a caring and well-trained and skilled workforce to ensure that the quality of care is high and consistent. “We are all extremely proud of Terry and Meghan for working really hard and gaining their qualifications. “The theory and skills they both learnt on their respective courses will be put to excellent use every day in their work as care assistants at Wallside Grange.”
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
Residents wear it pink for breast cancer charity
Forbes Professional’s Complete Care for the healthcare sector A FAMILY company established in 1926, Forbes take great pride in the level of service that is delivered from our nationwide infrastructure. Our Complete Care package offers clients access to Miele commercial laundry equipment with no costly initial capital outlay and a simple fixed monthly payment structure. An inclusive and fully comprehensive service backup relieves our clients of unexpected repair or maintenance costs. Miele’s latest range of commercial laundry equipment is designed to take cost efficiency to another level.
Indeed, some models can boast up to 73 per cent lower energy consumption and up to 56 per cent lower water consumption when compared to predecessors. As such we can provide machines that combine cost effectiveness with speed, whilst retaining an optimum wash quality and ensuring thermal and sluice disinfection. Care homes looking to cut ownership costs and upgrade to the latest premium commercial laundry equipment will financially benefit from our package, while optimising their laundry facility.
CARE home residents across the North East turned everything rosetinted in a bid to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Care. Queens Meadow in Hartlepool, The Beeches in Stockton-on-Tees and Mandale House, based in Thornaby, each held activities and donned hues of fuchsia, salmon and coral to raise awareness and funds for the charity on Wear It Pink Day. The Beeches served refreshments and cupcakes, which were, of course, decorated pink, and activities coordinator Shannon Burton-Cormack even braved an ice cold bath in the home’s grounds to raise funds for the cause. Queens Meadow hosted a flower stall and tombola to celebrate the day and each of the homes asked for donations and sponsorship for staff and residents to get dressed up in their favourite pink apparel. The homes raised hundreds of pounds for Breast Cancer Care, which
will go towards vital research into the causes, prevention and treatments for the disease which affects 55,000 people each year, more than 350 of whom are male. Liz Jones, customer relations officer at Hill Care, said: “We always love to support charities in any way that we can at our homes and it’s great that the residents and staff could do this whilst enjoying themselves too. “Everyone who got involved should be proud of themselves for the money that they have raised, especially our activities co-ordinator Shannon who really took the plunge... plummeting into the freezing cold ice bath in her pink outfit to raise further funds. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK; it affects thousands upon thousands of people each year and we at Hill Care felt it was vital that we joined the fight against this horrible disease and helped raise awareness and funds to tackle it head on.”
Cooper Healthcare opts to keep it in the family COOPER Healthcare’s Samantha Cooper, a healthcare consultant with over 20 years’ experience, has welcomed her brother Ian Catterall to the team to strengthen the firm’s presence locally and nationally. Ian joins from a national electrical wholesaler where he worked for 10 years, specialising in personal account relationships from one man bands to large corporate companies, many of which he looked after for the full duration of employment. Previous employment also includes a leading group of estate agents, specialising in the disposal of residential properties in the North West, where Ian prided himself on giving a personal touch. Samantha said: “I am thrilled Ian has eventually joined the company, we are a very close family and I wanted to work with someone that I could trust and mirror the commitment and dedication I give to my clients. “Ian has exceptional knowledge, expertise and focus for client relations, which I think will greatly benefit Cooper Healthcare as we continue to grow.” Ian added: “Joining Cooper Healthcare is a great opportunity to be part of a respected consultancy, enabling me to offer a more personalised and consultative approach within the sector.
A North East retirement village is celebrating after scooping a Northumbria in Bloom Gold Award for the fourth year running.mMiddleton Hall Retirement Village, near Darlington, clinched a gold medal in the Best Kept Grounds of a Care Facility in the competition, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Middleton Hall was also named overall winner of the category. Renowned plantsman Lord Howick, owner of Howick Gardens in Northumberland, presented the awards during a ceremony at Brandling House, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Middleton Hall’s gardeners James Stark, Alan Langburn and head gardener Dean Lazenby are pictured picking up the Northumbria in Bloom Gold Award for the fourth year running.
Work begins on four projects Ian Catterall “My knowledge of purchasers and customers has, to date, proved to be one of the main contributing factors behind my success, which I know will mature at Cooper Healthcare. “I am looking forward to understanding care home businesses and maintaining long term relationships, old and new.”
WORK has begun on four residential, nursing and specialist dementia healthcare projects across the UK as NorthStar gets on site to develop fivestar home from home environments. Totalling over £15million, the projects are situated throughout Britain and will see the company’s professional team come together to deliver a total of 220 beds, 17 studio apartments and 25 extra care bungalows to meet the needs of modern elderly care. The projects, which are based in Gloucester, Glasgow, and Norfolk, will provide specialist residential, nursing and dementia care for elderly people in environments that have been
designed to be as flexible as possible to meet a range of care needs. Danny Sharpe, director at NorthStar, said: “This certainly is a busy time for us, from the planning and design to now the actual construction start date, we are happy to get going and see these four projects completed within the next 12 months.” The developments will see Northstar sensitively manage issues ranging from working within a conservation area, following historical building lines, to being especially sensitive to other dwellings in a high population area of one development.
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
Are you paying too much? IF you’re seeking to restructure or increase your existing mortgage, Chandler & Co.’s status as an independent healthcare specialist means we have strong links with a comprehensive range of lenders. The combined experience of the partners including financial, management and care home ownership offers first-hand knowledge and expertise in the healthcare sector. As existing operators, you can consider the whole range of options available to you, including: Restructuring of existing loans. Equity release and debt consolidation. Purchase of additional businesses.
Refurbishments and extensions of existing business. Land purchase and new build schemes. Sale and leaseback finance. By combining finance for improvements with a restructure of your existing borrowings, it may be possible to enhance your business without increasing your monthly loan repayments. Terms include: Rates as low as 1.65 per cent. 75 per cent loan to value No arrangement fees 25-year loan commitment Make an informed decision with a FREE financial review from Chandler & Co.
Anchor Lodge receives the Shackletons touch
Beaucare’s Beauwash™ Range BEAUWASH™ is an efficient, cost effective and ecofriendly laundry cleaning products range, specifically formulated with healthcare establishments in mind. It is cleverly designed to provide superb cleaning performance at lower temperatures, shorter wash cycles and kill bacteria at just 30°C, providing a more sustainable laundry cleaning process in terms of overall running costs and for the environment. Available in powder or liquid form: 10kg tubs, 5lt, 10lt or 20lt liquid containers. When combining the laundry liquid with
automated dosing systems, it creates one of the most efficient laundry solutions available on the market today. Beaucare also offers advice on the most efficient way to run all healthcare laundry needs and provides expert fitting and maintenance of automatic dosing systems by its own service engineers. Enquiries call 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com
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.
ANCHOR Lodge care home in Sunderland was looking to create a warm and welcoming domestic environment that would specifically avoid the stereotypical look of a healthcare environment. Situated near the beach, on the scenic Roker seafront, Anchor Lodge has been designed to provide supported housing and respite care that will assist people with Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis in a relaxed, warm and welcoming environment. Shackletons was hired by the company as sole supplier of furniture to complete the entire project which included: nine fully furnished studio apartments, communal areas, lounge, dining area, activity room, fun pub, quiet lounge, and bedrooms. Shackletons supplied seating, bedroom furniture, occasional furniture and soft furnishings to provide Anchor Lodge with the identity they required. Carefully chosen healthcare specific
furniture and colour schemes were specified to aid residents with visual and cognitive impairment achieve a higher level of independence throughout the scheme. Owner Benice Slater said: “We found the Shackletons product very supportive of our needs; especially our specific requirements of finding products to suit the needs of our residents with dementia. To date we have had 60 enquiries and still counting. “We’re already planning our next contract with Shackletons. I highly recommended them, excellent service.” Sarah Thompson, regional sales manager at Shackletons, added: “As soon as I visited Anchor Lodge I knew it would be a special project. Fabulous sea view to the front and garden views to the rear provided a sense of tranquillity before we started. “We brought nature inside, while ensuring the residents would be fully supported by their surroundings.”
Caring staff raise funds for charity STAFF from Stocks Hall Care Group raised more than £1,000 by taking part in the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk at Aintree Racecourse. Geraldine Ball, Paris Sharples and Emma Fairclough of Stocks Hall Care Home in Ormskirk and Emma Hyatt
Claim VAT back on your home even if you are not VAT registered IT is true, care providers can reclaim VAT worth about £3,000 per bed for any residents who stayed in your home between 1993 and 2002 paid for by the local authority. You don’t have to be VAT registered to make a claim. We can usually find the information required with minimal disruption to your business. How is this possible? Well in 2002 a care provider called Kingscrest challenged the view held by HMRC and won. There is no cost to you unless we are successful. Typical claims: 50 beds – £240,000; 40 beds – £170,000; 287 beds – £1.25m. And the best part is that you get the money in your bank account before you pay us. Don’t forget the tax repayment is free of tax – it is extra profit.
Anchor Lodge care home in Sunderland.
Enquiries: Call 01233 640985 and ask for Howard to find out more.
and June Meadows of Stocks Hall Care Home in Skelmersdale walked either 10km or 2km. June said “We were all pleased to participate in the memory walk and help to raise money for a very worthy cause which is close to our hearts.”
Hands-free toileting for reduced contamination risk REGARDLESS of how thorough staff are in ensuring their clients wash their hands after toileting, the chances are there may be faecal deposits still under finger nails etc… That poses a potential risk when the client then touches anything- a chair, biscuit, carer, friend. The most effective solution is to avoid hand:body contact when toileting. Clos-o-Mat, Britain’s leading supplier of toilet solutions for elderly and disabled people, manufactures the brand-leading Palma Vita automatic wash and dry toilet. With its in-built washing and drying, the Palma Vita eliminates any need for manual contact/ cleansing after toileting. Thus it delivers a ‘handsfree’ answer to achieving a consistently high standard of cleanliness and hygiene for client and carer. The Palma Vita looks like, and can be used as a conventional WC. Simple pressure on the operating pad triggers simultaneous flushing and warm water douching, followed by warm air drying. The process means there is no need for manual cleansing with toilet tissue, and thus no risk of
faeces soiling clothing, and/or transferring to hands for onward contact. It also means the user is always cleaned to the same consistently high degree, and reliance on carer assistance is minimised or removed. Enquiries: Visit www.clos-o-mat.com or call 0161 969 1199.
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Care home hosts inaugural Event honours staff Flame of Forgiveness event COMMUNITY leaders, school children and care home residents gathered at an inaugural event to commemorate the centenary of World War 1 in the spirit of forgiveness. Marlborough Court Care Home in Thamesmead was the venue for the historic occasion of the first Flame of Forgiveness event, which was held as part of the Flame of Forgiveness Fortnight to commemorate the centenary of World War I. Flame of Forgiveness Fortnight is a new initiative between care homes and schools to commemorate the centenary of WW1. The project has been launched by the team at Four Seasons Health Care’s Marlborough Court Care Home in Thamesmead alongside their local MP Teresa Pearce and it is being supported by The Forgiveness Project charity and Care England. NAPA are also working with Marlborough Court on the project. A host of guests including Teresa Pearce MP, Bexley Mayor Howard Marriner, Care England’s professor Martin Green, Sylvie Silver from NAPA,
SOMERSET Care held its annual awards ceremony at the Somerset county cricket ground, Taunton, at which several members of staff were honoured. Over 170 guests, including award winners and their families, attended the event, where staff were recognised for
Community leaders, school children, guests and Marlborough Court residents gather at the Flame of Forgiveness event. Marina Cantacuzino of the Forgiveness Project, Linda Delieu of Trust Thamesmead and schoolchildren and teachers from the local school, Bexley Business Academy. Built on munitions land from Woolwich Arsenal, which still exists three miles away, Marlborough Court held a beacon lighting ceremony, where the local schoolchildren jointly lit torches alongside a resident at the home Catherine Thompson.
The home was decorated with artwork depicting forgiveness, which had been created by the children, and the pupils also read moving poems about forgiveness. Home manager Maggie Candy said: “It was a very moving evening, with the community joining together to commemorate WW1 in the spirit of forgiveness. I’d like to thank Teresa Pearce MP and all of our other guests for their support.”
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their long service and special achievements. Presentations were made to staff members who had been nominated by their fellow colleagues for going above and beyond, with a winner being announced in each category. Chief executive Alyson Martin was among the speakers.
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