Caring UK February

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February 2020

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Homecare firm in appeal for more carers A HOMECARE provider is appealing for more carers to join or return to the profession following the result of the General Election.

Heritage Healthcare’s #DoSomethingAmazing campaign has kicked off in the North East, inspired by The Health Foundation’s recent appeal to the Conservative Government to prioritise investment into the health and care workforce.

The organisation, which has devised the campaign to celebrate the vocational aspect of working in health and social care, explained that uncertainty around Brexit, combined with low pay within the sector, has resulted in a nine per cent reduction in the numbers of social care workers, and the shortfall is predicted to rise to 400,000 by 2028.

Glenn Pickersgill, CEO of Heritage Healthcare, said: “We now have some certainty around Brexit and hopefully the fact we have a clear parliamentary majority will give the country the beginnings of some stability.

“It’s therefore the ideal time to launch our campaign, which is a celebration because being a carer is more than just a job.

“Care workers and healthcare assistants take great pride, not only in the fact they are giving something back to their clients when they need it most, but also to their local communities by helping people

to live independently for as long as they can, which reduces the burden on the NHS and other social services. It’s a hugely rewarding career.”

The homecare company operates throughout England and Wales from 23 offices, offering a wide range of services including help with household and domestic chores, personal care and companionship.

He’s hoping to find four new healthcare assistants to work from the group’s North East base in Middlesbrough ahead of the campaign going national in February.

Full training is to be provided and the roles have competitive rates of pay and flexible hours.

Glenn added: “As life expectancy increases, the need for care will increase also, so while there is a great need for social care now, this will be the case even more into the future.

“In recent years, our work has been underfunded by local authorities, so many more people are choosing to stay in their own homes with additional support provided by professional organisations.

“The familiar environment and maintenance of their privacy can help individuals feel more comfortable and experience a greater quality of life than some of the alternatives open to them.”

TV and radio host Lauren Laverne has launched a new initiative to highlight the positive impact music can have for people living with dementia – with a series of guides on how to create the perfect personalised playlist. As Music for Dementia 2020’s ambassador, she is encouraging people to create playlists for their loved ones using new step-by-step guides, after research revealed the benefits of personalised music for people living with dementia.

Lauren created a nine-hour playlist with her dad shortly before his death and continues to listen to and update it.

Project returns with added sparkle A PROJECT aimed at pimping up elderly people’s zimmer frames has been reignited by a Shropshire care home – but this time with an additional dose of sparkle.

Coverage Care’s Woodcroft home in Market Drayton introduced the ‘Pimp My Zimmer’ initiative as a way of reducing the number of falls among residents.

The project encouraged those living at the home to personalise their walking aids by spray painting them different colours such as pink, purple

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CARINGNEWS

Carer makes Amazon best seller with chapter in book CATH Stock, a care village support worker from Macclesfield, has topped the Amazon best-seller charts as part of a collaborative authorship of ‘The Warrior Wellbeing Toolkit’: a book on the topic of best wellbeing practice.

Cath, who works part-time at not-for-profit care village Belong Macclesfield, has contributed to the book, produced by Carol-Ann Reid, with her chapter focusing on the Energy Alignment Method, which is a new holistic therapy aimed at getting people to tune into their own energy, to gain clarity on the issues that are affecting them.

In addition to being part of a chart-topping book, Cath is one of only 31 people in the world accredited to teach this new holistic therapy, following completion of a 10-month training programme.

She said: “Who would have thought that while I was working night shifts at Belong Macclesfield, I would also become a contributor to a best-selling book.

“It is a great personal achievement for me, and I am also truly proud to be one of only a small number of people in the world who can mentor on EAM practice.

“Using EAM is a way to get people to focus on their energies to get to the root

“Who would have thought that while I was working night shifts at Belong Macclesfield, I would also become a contributor to a best-selling book.”

Cath Stock with the ‘The Warrior Wellbeing Toolkit’ of why they may be feeling anxious or depressed.

“Working in the care sector involves dealing with incredible pressures while supporting those around you so anything we can do to promote positive mental wellbeing is invaluable.”

‘The Warrior Wellbeing Toolkit’ consists of 16

chapters that recount each contributor’s own mental health journey, with all the proceeds going to the Mental Health Foundation.

Caroline Ray, general manager at Belong Macclesfield, added: “We congratulate Cath for her successes with the new book and are delighted to have such a talented team member at our village.

“Belong takes mental wellbeing extremely seriously, both for our workforce and customers, and we are always striving to ensure our customers feel comfortable and at home.

“Our Admiral Nurses provide mental health care and specialist dementia support, and our experience day team provide interactive activities to ensure customers truly feel part of a community.” n The book can be purchased on Amazon in paperback and Kindle version via https:// amzn.to/2OVGCUz

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4

CARINGNEWS

Operator is fined after failing to provide safe care at nursing home

Home is voted Surrey’s best AN ELSTEAD care home has been voted the best in Surrey.

Bridge House, part of the Maria Mallaband Care Group, won the ‘Care Provider of the Year’ award at the prestigious Surrey Care Awards.

The annual awards ceremony celebrates and recognises the achievements of both individuals and teams in providing care excellence across the county.

Manager Annie Lewis said: “We’re delighted that the dedication and

commitment of our fantastic team at Bridge House has been acknowledged by winning this award.

“I’m so proud of all the staff who have worked so hard to make sure that our residents receive the best standard of care and its been an amazing way to celebrate the end of this year.”

Deputy manager Kim Doody was also an individual finalist in the ‘Frontline Leader of the Year’ category.

Professor Brendan McCormack has been appointed honorary nurse consultant for Veterans’ charity Erskine.

Professor McCormack is a nursing professor and head of nursing, occupational therapy and arts therapy at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. He works within the division of nursing and is a full member and Associate Director of the Centre for Person-centre Practice Research.

His internationally recognised work in person-centred practice development and research has resulted in successful long-term collaborations throughout the world including in Norway, Canada, Australia and South Africa.

THE Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution has been ordered to pay £50,000 plus legal costs, following an incident at a care home in which a resident sustained serious injuries.

The care provider – which runs Cornwallis Court, Bury St Edmunds – was fined at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court having pleaded guilty to failing to provide safe care and treatment, resulting in avoidable harm to a resident of the home.

Cornwallis Court is a nursing home accommodating older people, including people living with dementia.

The prosecution was brought by the Care Quality Commission.

The court heard that Avril McCreeth fell at Cornwallis Court on January 10 2016 and became stuck against a hot pipe, inflicting significant burns to her back.

A subsequent CQC investigation found the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution – as provider of the service – failed in their duty to implement systems and processes to protect people from hot surfaces, meaning the incident could have been avoided.

Jemima Burnage, CQC head of inspection for adult social care, said: “Avril McCreeth and her family had every right to expect safe care.

“This is a distressing case and our

“We hope this result sends a message to all care home providers that they must always ensure people’s safety and manage risks to their wellbeing.” thoughts and sympathies are with her family.

“While we welcome the fact that the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution accepted responsibility in this case, we would always rather not be in the position of having to take action because vulnerable people have been failed by those providing their care.

“The risk of people sustaining serious burns from uncovered pipes is something all care homes should be aware of. We hope this result sends a message to all care home providers that they must always ensure people’s safety and manage risks to their wellbeing.

“When a care provider has put people in its care at serious risk of harm, we will hold them to account, using our powers to bring prosecutions where appropriate.”

Avril has since died. Her death was not linked to injuries sustained at Cornwallis Court.

6

CARINGNEWS

Campaigners angry over social care action delay

Team members at Regency House Care Home celebrate the special day.

Home celebrates 20 years REGENCY House, Hallmark Care Homes’ facility in Ely, Cardiff, recently celebrated 20 years since it first opened its doors, with a party for residents, relatives and members of the local community.

The residential, dementia and nursing home, which welcomed its first residents in 1999, recognised individuals who have contributed to its success at the event with champagne, canapes and entertainment from a local harpist.

The milestone event, which also unveiled its recent £650,000 refurbishment to guests, was concluded by speeches from the home’s general manager Kay Mitchell and the care homes’ owners, Ram and Avnish Goyal.

Kay said: “I can’t tell you how proud I am to be the manager of Regency House.

“When you get up in the morning and you want to go to work, that says a lot.

“It is a wonderful place for the residents to live and I would like to thank each and every team member for the passion and dedication they bring to work every day. It ensures we can continue to provide the highquality relationship-centred care that each resident deserves.”

Also in attendance at the special event was the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Jacqueline Parry, who and took a tour of the newly refurbished cafe area, bedrooms, dining room and cinema room.

CAMPAIGNERS are angry after the Government admitted it could be up to another five years before it tackles the crisis in social care.

The Independent Care Group says it is dismayed at Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s admission in a BBC interview that it could take a full parliament to deliver action on social care.

The Group’s chair, Mike Padgham said: “This is a huge disappointment after all the promises to tackle social care that were made when Mr Johnson took over as Prime Minister and during the General Election campaign.

“To hear that social care could be fobbed off for up to another five years is a kick in the teeth for the 1.5m people who can’t get the care they need today.

“The social care sector deserves

Children from Northfleet Nursery School have joined residents at Dene Holm Residential Care Home for an intergenerational project that will see them participate in bi-weekly visits to one another. In addition to the visits from the children, two of the home’s residents have trained to be Beanstalk Volunteers, which enables them to visit the school and assist with reading.

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better and tackling this crisis should be the Government’s number one domestic priority.

“If we are forced to wait up to five more years then more providers will close and even more people will start going without care.”

Mr Johnson said a plan would be brought forward this year but admitted it could take up to 2025 to have it implemented.

“We don’t need any more plans, documents or proposals, we need action,” Mike added.

“For a start, the Government could alleviate some of the financial pressure on care providers by making social care zero-rated for VAT. “If the Government can consider intervening to aid the airline Flybe by cutting air passenger duty on domestic flights then it can consider helping social care providers too.”

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8

CARINGNEWS

‘Outstanding star’ Vera wins prestigious care accolade

Bluebird Care won the prestigious UK Over 50 Housing Award for ‘Most Outstanding Home Care Provider in 2019’.

The UK Over 50 Housing Awards aim to reward those who enhance the overall customer experience and enjoyment using innovative techniques. The formal awards ceremony was held at the Courthouse Hotel in London, and managing director Yvonne Hignell and projects and contracts manager Carol Marshall represented all Bluebird Care’s franchise owners and staff members. n Bluebird Care managing director Yvonne Hignell is pictured with the award.

AN experienced nurse manager has scooped a top regional care award for her consistent approach, outstanding clinical knowledge and kind personality.

Vera Almeida, clinical lead at Colten Care’s Bourne View in Poole, was named Care Home Worker of the Year at the Bournemouth Daily Echo Proud To Care Awards.

Readers of the newspaper sent in hundreds of nominations across 13 community care categories recognising staff, volunteers, residential and nursing care homes, homecare providers and specialist care givers.

A shortlist of three finalists for each category was decided by a panel of judges ahead of a final winner being picked.

Vera said she was ‘surprised and delighted’ to hear her name read out at the awards ceremony at Bournemouth’s Marsham Court Hotel.

“This award is a reflection of the amazing team I work with and all the support I have had from Colten Care over the years. It’s also about the amazing residents who help us all to keep going and feel motivated,” she added.

Vera’s citation highlighted her knowledge, dedication and personality, explaining: “Vera is

Vera Almeida with her Care Home Worker of the Year award.

consistent in her approach to both residents and the staff she works with.

“Her clinical knowledge is outstanding, gained through her studies in her native Azores and working both in the NHS and in the private care sector.

“Vera has worked for Colten Care for nearly three years, starting as a senior nurse and within a year being promoted to clinical lead, currently commissioning Colten’s new home Bourne View.

“A recent respite resident at Bourne View described her as a star and stated that she trusted her judgement implicitly.

“Vera has a lovely persona. She is calm, friendly and kind. She is 100 per cent dedicated to her role and is a role model to all of the staff working with her and an excellent mentor.”

As clinical lead, first at Amberwood House in Ferndown and now at Bourne View, Vera is responsible for leading the team of registered nurses and carers to meet the individual needs of residents through the delivery of consistently high levels of clinical care.

Now in their third year, the Proud to Care Awards are staged in association with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

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11

Advertiser’s announcement

Activity afternoons may never be quite the same again ...

VitoFit announces the launch of a new entertainment and exercise centre designed to help residents maintain physical independence.

Three models are scheduled for release – Solo for Home users, Treo for independent care homes, and Treo Plus for larger care home groups.

Using either hand-held or wearable sensors, VitoFit has been described by an industry expert as the equivalent of a “Nintendo Wii for care homes”.

The system is interactive, highly motivational and can be personalised for each user.

Residents or groups of residents are at liberty to choose MP4 media they find most motivating and most entertaining for their activity sessions.

These includes old TV shows, movies, documentaries, travel films and of course their favourite musical artists in concert – from Fred Astaire to Jimmy Hendrix and beyond!

Almost anything found on YouTube for example can be used by the system for motivational purposes in addition to home movies sent in from friends and family or footage of local landmarks filmed by a home itself.

A subscription-based adventure and trivia game package is also available for VitoFit featuring weekly updates.

Like Nintendo Wii however, the user

must “move to play”. If the user stops, the media stops.

Vitofit is compatible with most Apple and Android phones and tablets and Windows laptops. It can be cast to large screen TV using Apple TV, Google Home and in some cases a simple HDMI cable.

The system can be used by individuals or groups. Most

importantly, all resident activity is recorded in a central database for consultation by interested or authorised parties (management, relatives, MDs, CQC etc).

The system is 100 per cent wheelchair friendly and perfectly adapted for reminiscence therapy.

Each movement controller can be adjusted for “Easy”, “Normal” or

“Sport” settings.

This varies the sensitivity of the system enabling less able-bodied users to participate in the same way able-bodied users do.

“Easy” settings can detect anything from a strong twitch upwards, whereas “Sport” settings require more significant arm or leg movement to activate.

VitoFit is compatible with other activities such as armchair aerobics and adds a further dimension to those by way of entertainment and data capture.

The system is considered to be unique regarding its affordability, its usefulness in promoting physical and mental wellbeing for residents, and the obvious benefits it offers to activity coordinators to make “every day a different adventure”.

The system will be available exclusively on the world-famous “Kickstarter” platform starting in mid-February for a limited time offering 60 per cent discount for early adopters in the UK. The mid-range Treo system suitable for up to 30 residents is targeted to cost no more than £99 for an entire care home.

Full details can be found at www.vito-fit.com

12

CARINGNEWS

Inadequate home is in special measures Home bridges generation gap with weekly activity sessions RESIDENTS at MHA Belvedere Manor have been enjoying weekly visits from local nursery group, Lynwood Nursery, allowing both young and old to bond while taking part in a variety of activities.

After being inspired by the Channel 4 documentary, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, which aired back in 2017, the staff made it their mission to bring the same intergenerational sessions to the Colne care home.

Home manager Ali Gopaul said: “These sessions are fantastic for both our residents and the children.

The liveliness of the children brings out a different side to our residents, allowing them to get creative and feel youthful again.

“In turn, we believe the children learn valuable life lessons from our residents, and consequently will

grow up with a well-founded respect for their elders.

“There’s always lots of smiling and laughter which definitely lifts the residents’ mood.

“At Belvedere Manor we’re always on the lookout for ways we can enhance the lives of our residents – and we think we’ve struck gold with this one. I personally cannot wait to see how friendships continue to develop in the weeks and months to come.”

These shared activities, which take place every Friday, include craftmaking, storytelling and fingerpainting.

Every week, the youngsters – aged between three and four – also bring with them homemade birthday cards for any residents who have been celebrating hat week, which always fills them with joy.

A WESTMINSTER nursing home where people using it are at risk of harm has been rated Inadequate overall by the CQC and placed in special measures.

Professionals from Westminster City Council and the NHS are working intensively with the provider to support the improvements required for safe and effective care.

Alison Murray, head of adult social care inspection in London, said: “The standard of care at Garside House is very poor and there have been allegations of abuse that the police are investigating.

“While the council’s step-in team provides some reassurance, we will be keeping a close watch on developments and will use our enforcement powers to the full should they be necessary.”

Garside House was rated inadequate for being safe, effective, responsive and well-led.

It was rated Requires Improvement for being caring, following the inspection in November.

The care home is operated by Sanctuary Care Ltd and provides nursing care for up to 40 people.

At the time of CQC’s inspection 27 people were living at the service, including older people, people living with dementia and those receiving end-of-life care.

The inspection was prompted in part by notification of specific

allegations of abuse and mistreatment of people receiving care, which CQC received on October 21.

The local authority visited the service shortly after these allegations were received and a step-in team it placed to oversee the nursing home following the allegations raised further concerns of safety and good governance.

The original allegations are subject to a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police. As a result, this inspection did not examine the circumstances of the specific allegations.

However, CQC has identified breaches of regulation in relation to safe care and treatment, safeguarding people from abuse, person centred care, dignity and respect, nutrition and hydration, staffing, acting on complaints and good governance.

Inspectors found that people were placed at undue risk of harm. People’s medicines were not managed safely, and the service did not follow good infection control procedures.

People’s hydration needs were not always met, and the risk of dehydration and weight loss was not properly mitigated. People’s social needs were not adequately met, and there was a risk of social isolation.

End-of-life plans were not in place for people. The service did not engage in a meaningful way with people receiving care and their relatives.

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Caring UK Care Providers Conference Pushing the boundaries of care excellence

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Ashford South Bournemouth Colchester Kettering Plymouth Weston Super Mare Speakers include:

Nadra Ahmed OBE, National Care Association Martin Green, Care England • Vic Rayner, National Care Forum Care Quality Commission • Skills for Care Office of the Public Guardian • Oomph! Wellness • Care Docs

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Double Tree Cumbernauld, Glasgow G68 0EW

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York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX

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15

CARINGNEWS

Homecare provider launches ‘revolutionary’ care service CAREMARK Limited has launched an innovative new care service which primarily targets the reduction of loneliness and social isolation for the older generation at its flagship business in Pulborough, West Sussex.

‘PatchCare®’, which was recently championed by the Care Quality Commission in its annual State of Care report as a ‘new approach to domiciliary care, matches small teams of care and support workers with no more than 10 clients in geographical ‘Patches’ located in close proximity.

The service will enable older or otherwise vulnerable people living in the Pulborough area to benefit from regular, tailored and flexible visits from a small dedicated team of care and support workers each day.

PatchCare® means visits are responsive to clients’ individual needs, providing for regular care visits and allowing care and support workers to pop back as needed throughout the day.

This could be to deliver additional support, take clients on shopping trips or facilitate social visits, including those used to develop friendships between people in the same ‘Patch’.

PatchCare® also enables closer monitoring of clients who may be low in mood, or who require frequent

welfare or safety checks to maintain their wellbeing living in their own homes.

It is anticipated that there may be significant cost savings attached to this way of working across the wider health and social care system, with a focus upon preventing issues before they occur.

Emmie Baker, national PatchCare® development manager at Caremark Limited and a former CQC inspector, said: “We are working closely with West Sussex County Council and local self-funding clients to deliver PatchCare® to vulnerable local residents, starting with people in the Billingshurst and Storrington areas primarily.

“This trial ‘Patch’ links with an extra care scheme in Billingshurst, enabling those on the ‘Patch’ to participate in community activities within the scheme and develop new friendships.

“The feedback has been incredibly positive from clients and care and support workers alike, so we are rolling out the service across the region.”

This unique approach supports continuity of care and the forging of deeper relationships between clients and care and support workers.

Staff also benefit from salaried wages and greater job satisfaction, which in turn promotes loyalty and

stability, a key challenge for the care sector.

PatchCare® was successfully piloted

by Caremark Limited in West Sussex between April 2018 and March 2019 and deemed ‘an outstanding model of innovation’ by the CQC. It is also currently being trialled in the company’s Northern Ireland business.

Emmie added: “The beauty of PatchCare® is in its simplicity and its focus on delivering personalised care. It is having a huge impact on the physical health and mental wellbeing of vulnerable people in this local community, and vastly improving their experiences of care and support.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see this revolutionary approach to social care operating from Caremark’s ‘flagship’ office in Pulborough.”

PatchCare® costs less than residential care too, meaning West Sussex County Council can relieve the pressure on overstretched care homes and hospitals by delivering high quality care services to those who need it in the comfort of their own homes.

This flexible new approach sees care and support workers stay in touch via a secure messaging app, working together to deliver support as and when it is needed, rather than being constrained to fixed times.

When keen former angler Roger Tinkler went on a special trip organised by his care home team, he did not expect to catch a 14lb carp that beat his personal best or land an elusive stone loach.

Roger is a resident at Care UK’s Oak House care home in Slough. Care UK’s 120 homes each have wishing trees, where residents can hang requests for an extra special activity – often an unfulfilled life ambition or a return to a much-loved hobby or place – and Oak House is no exception. Roger’s trip to Holme Grange Reservoir was organised with the help of the home’s maintenance manager Martin Blackmun, himself a keen angler.

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CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Academy’s students graduate LEARNERS from Rapport Housing & Care’s 2019 Academy programme celebrated their success with a graduation and certificate presentation.

The students gathered at the organisation’s head office in Cuxton, where they each presented their project ideas to one another.

They were also awarded their completion certificates by chief executive Leon Steer and chair of the Board of Trustees, Zach Miles. Some of the students, who completed the Dignity Champion unit, were presented with an additional certificate.

Since March the students, who come from a range of backgrounds from care and housing to admin and domestic, have undertaken several assignments in various areas of development from finance and communication to ICT and management.

Academy: Centre of Excellence was launched by the organisation in 2013 as they recognised the difficulty of recruiting within the sector and noted the importance of developing and promoting staff from within. Since its conception, many of the students have gone on to accept senior roles, including running their own schemes.

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Social care nurse Lisa pursues her dream career with group WHEN adult nursing graduate Lisa Wynne undertook an eight-week work placement at Belong Wigan care village, she was left inspired by the not-for-profit organisation’s personcentred approach to care, and upon graduating with an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1), was invited back to pursue a full-time role, as a newlyqualified nurse.

Having developed a strong bond with the team at the village in Platt Bridge, Lisa gained first-hand knowledge of the real work of nurses and a thorough insight into best nursing practice during her placement, which saw her embark on her dream career just two years later.

Originally from Wigan, Lisa carried out work experience at the care village during the first year of her BSc honours degree at the University of Central Lancashire in January 2017.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Belong team. Social care has long been my passion and I can’t think of a better place to live this out than Belong Wigan.

“Staff are fantastic to work with and the customer is very much at the centre of what the organisation does, which enabled me to truly build relationships.

“I enjoyed every minute of my placement and it feels so good to be back in such a supportive

Lisa Wynne environment that approaches nursing in such a personalised manner.”

Prior to her undergraduate degree, Lisa achieved her diploma in childcare and education at Wigan and Leigh College and worked in a day

nursery for a number of years.

She then decided to fulfil her dream of becoming a qualified nurse and, upon completing an access course and re-sitting her maths GCSE, she enrolled at UCLAN in 2016.

Lana Welsh, support manager at Belong Wigan, added: “Even as a first year student, Lisa’s care and compassion really shone through.

“We are delighted to welcome her back to the team as our newlyqualified nurse, joining us straight after graduating.

“We hope to offer many more work placement opportunities to all student nurses across the community.”

Belong Wigan nursing work placements offer the opportunity to acquire experience on peg feeds and medications as well as assisting the multidisciplinary team.

Students also assist the team on the households, which offer 24-hour support, and experience a customerfocused approach to nursing. In her new role, Lisa provides palliative care as well as a full range of nursing duties.

The care village offers further work experience to students in the areas of social work, speech and language therapy, foundation degrees, employability skills and from local colleges.

Learn how to recruit successfully in social care at the Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo The Care Hub joins the Dementia, Care and Nursing Home Expo on the 17th & 18th March 2020 at the NEC, Birmingham to share with the industry how to successfully source, recruit and retain top-notch staff into the social care sector.

In true Care Hub style the company’s managing director Scott Sherriden will be hands-on to answer direct questions, show you ways around bottlenecks and barriers, and share tactics for overcoming recruitment challenges.

Sharing their years of experience in recruitment, and more specifically a proven track record in improving the recruitment and retention of staff into the care sector, The Care Hub will be at stand H1134 to directly address the challenges most care providers struggle with.

If you are fed-up of wasting money on recruitment, frustrated at the levels of high staff turnover, and believe the right staff for your business don’t exist, you need to register your place at the show.

Aimed at both care home and domiciliary providers The Care Hub will leave delegates with actionable tips and advice that when put into action guarantees to help business growth and enable the switch from reliance on expensive agency staff.

Don’t panic if you can’t make it, you can still benefit from this amazing advice by booking a free telephone consultation with Scott Call 0330 335 8999 or email me on scott.sherriden@thecarehub.com

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CARINGDEMENTIA, CARE AND NURSING HOME EXPO PREVIEW

Eazipay

Event is dedicated to a sustainable social care model and inspiring business growth HELD on March 17 and 18 at the NEC, Birmingham, the Dementia, Care and Nursing Home Expo is what many consider to be the stand out event in the calendar of social care professionals.

This year the Expo is joined by the Home Care Expo and the European Neuro Convention, providing a particular focus on the integration of health and social care services.

These shows make up the care pathway at MediWeek, the UK’s largest healthcare event.

The Dementia, Care and Nursing Home Expo offers a unique CPD accredited education stream which promises to deliver the industry’s most pioneering developments from leading figures in social care from organisations including Care England and the National Care Forum.

The distinguished seminar lineup includes; Dr Zoe Wyrko from Channel 4’s ‘ Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’, The Alzheimer’s Society’s Kathryn Smith and professor Graham Stokes from HC-One. Further consolidate the knowledge, by attending expert-led masterclasses hosted by: Quality Compliance Systems and KareInn. The masterclasses are designed to provide training that maximises the quality of care throughout the industry.

Register for free tickets today to receive priority access to masterclass spaces.

Leading exhibitors such as the Alzheimer’s Society, QCS Ltd, 24 NRG Group and STANLEY Healthcare will be showcasing the latest solutions helping to inspire business growth

and improve efficiency.

Training 2 CARE’s Virtual Dementia Tour, for example, is a unique, scientifically proven training method that allows social care professionals to experience what dementia might be like.

What’s more, it is completely free at this event. Visit stand D450 to book your place on the tour.

This year the Care Quality Commission will be running a twoday inspector hub from stand D834 at the Dementia and Nursing Home Expo to answer all your registration and inspection questions.

Book a free 15-minute appointment online and chat to a member of the CQC team. Whether your query is about beginning the registration process or how to drive improvement, we are happy to help.

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23

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

Responding to CQC draft reports – get the most out of the process

By Neil Grant THE draft report arrives in your in-box and you have ten working days to respond. How should you manage the factual accuracy process to get the most out of it?

First, you should nominate someone to lead on the process. It might be the registered manager or the nominated individual, depending on the nature of your service. I deal with many cases where independent care consultants do an excellent job in this respect.

This person should diarise when the Factual Accuracy Comments have to be submitted by. They should then undertake a line by line review of the draft report, highlighting any areas that are not agreed and identifying any information that was available at the time of the inspection but not considered by the inspector.

Secondly, the person allocated to lead on the process should pull together all the documentary evidence to support the case. I come across cases where there are “too many cooks” involved, leading to large numbers of disjointed emails coming in from multiple people, adding to the cost of the process, as well as its effectiveness.

Thirdly, the person leading on the case should come up with a first draft of the FACs, cross referenced to the evidence.

Fourthly, I recommend a lawyer

undertake a full legal and evidential review of the case. When I am instructed, typically I review and revise the FACs, highlighting any gaps and making sure the Neil Grant evidence backs up statements made by the provider.

The lawyer will normally draft a detailed covering letter raising legal and procedural issues.

For example, if there is an alleged breach of regulation, I will ask if CQC held a Management Review Meeting in setting the Requirement Notice.

I come across cases where no MRM was held, undermining the reliability and credibility of CQC’s case.

Finally, I always say to providers that the most important thing is to put your case forward for the record.

If you don’t, CQC’s version of events will stand as the truth and may come back to haunt the provider at a later date, by which time it will be far more difficult to rebut the criticisms as memories fade and evidence goes missing.

Take an active approach. It is your right to submit FACs. It is not a lost cause provided you have the facts and evidence on your side. n Neil Grant is a Partner at Gordons Partnership LLP.

Group hosts employee achievement awards BOROUGH Care recently held its Employee Achievement Awards 2019 to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of its employees.

Staff were nominated for awards in nine categories.

Dr Mark Ward, CEO of Borough Care, said: “Our annual awards event is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and commitment of Borough Care staff and reward people for the incredible job they do caring for our residents.

“The awards recognise the vital contribution made by employees throughout Borough Care. We are fortunate to have a great team of people who are dedicated to providing residents with the best possible care and support.”

Award winners: Team – Night

care team at Bamford Close in Cale Green; Care home – Shepley House in Hazel Grove; Kindness in care – Lewis Pierreponte, night care assistant at Bruce Lodge in Offerton; Best newcomer – Sophie Kenyon, peripatetic night care assistant at Bruce Lodge in Offerton; Activity lfestyle facilitator – Amanda Millett, Meadway Court in Bramhall; Workforce development – Selina Taylor, care home business manager at Bamford Close; Outstanding contribution to social care – Barbara Whittey, casual senior care assistant at Bryn Haven in Brinnington; Most innovative team – The catering senior management team comprising of Mark Dale, Helen Murphy and Denise Lyons; Frontline leaders – Karen Littler, housekeeper team leader.

24

CARINGNEWS

Tracey Fletcher Ray

New care home officially opened THE team at Broadbridge Park welcomed members of their local community along with residents, relatives and colleagues to take part in an official opening of the state-of-the-art new home in Horsham, Surrey.

The latest development by Caring Homes is a luxury facility located in the heart of the town’s new care village, surrounded by countryside.

Guests at the opening were entertained by an acapella quartet and a pianist.

Managing director Tracey Fletcher Ray unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the home, along with manager Francesca Keating. Broadbridge Park’s first resident Ron Andrews helped to cut an official opening ribbon.

To mark the opening a £1,000 cheque presentation was made to Christian charity Horsham Matters.

Operator celebrates its own stars CARE UK team members up and down the country have been celebrating in style as the winners of its 2019 Stars awards, which recognise individual and team excellence, were announced.

A total of 19 awards were presented during the ceremony at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire – whittled down from more than a thousand nominations sent in by fellow colleagues, residents and relatives.

Chief executive of Care UK’s care home service, Andrew Knight, said: “It really was a night of the stars. I never cease to be impressed by the care and dedication people show in order to support the 7,000 residents in our homes, whether that is as

carers, chefs, nurses, maintenance teams or so many others.

“These awards are our way of recognising the empathy and professionalism of care home colleagues and an important way for us all to say thank you to so many incredible teams and individuals.”

Award winners were: Maintenance person – Shawn Lowmass, Broadwater Lodge; Administrator – Michelle Middleton, Kings Court; Exceptional Housekeeping – Lauder Lodge; Apprentice – Sarah Watson, Britten Court; Team leader – Dandora Olupitt, Heavers Court; Best dining experience – Mountfitchet House; Chef – Alex Wendling, Lennox House; Sales and Marketing – Harrier Lodge

and Ventress Hall; Customer service excellence – Whitefarm Lodge; Meaningful lifestyles – Britten Court; Great dementia care – Hollins Park; Nurse – Chad Bain, Ellesmere House; Carer – Kerry Yorkston, Lauder Lodge; Deputy manager or clinical lead – Maggie Ziemianska, Manor Lodge; Outstanding leadership – Sharlene Van Tonder, Davers Court and Glastonbury Court; Home – Clara Court and Cheviot Court; Most improved home – Asterbury Place; Most improved region – Suffolk; Region of the year – North East; Outstanding CQC rating – Appleby House, Asterbury Place, Hollins Park, Mercia Grange, Mills Meadow, Sherwood Grange.

Advertiser’s announcement

Have you planned your transition to paperless technology?

Are you ready for the challenges of 2020?

A TYPICAL 30 bed care home in the UK will make nearly 10,000 recordings for medication for its residents every month.

Clearly, this is a lot to keep track of – mixed in with all of the other pressures of running a successful care business – which is why more and more care home managers are going electronic this year.

Chris Gledhill, MD of Electronic MAR, said: “Planning a transition now makes sense for managers, with solutions now easy to use, saving time and being cost effective.

“And if the CQC arrive on your doorstep you can dive straight in to reporting functionality without having to rifle though endless paperwork, which you know (with electronic systems) will be complete.

“Technology is more mature now, meaning it is tried and tested – I predict soon there won’t be any excuse for using paper if your records aren’t immaculate, completely up to date, and legible.”

We are seeing more and more the CQC are looking favorably on care homes that have plans in place or

who have already made the transition to digital systems – it makes perfect sense as we enter 2020 and a new decade that proven techniques are finding their way in to the social care sector at scale now.

The benefits are many-fold: think of the time you and your most experienced/ expensive staff spend checking medication sheets every day, or even every round to ensure they are complete.

If this is the case for you, the good news is that this is something technology can directly help you

with – think, computers and software are very good at doing the repetitive, time-consuming tasks you are currently saddled with.

Chris added: “Implementing an electronic system these days is very straightforward. For example we include all the training and set up help you will need, so this really is cost-effective.

“A typical care home could be up and running within two to four weeks.”

Find out more at www.electronicmar.co.uk

25

CARINGNEWS

Annual competition is open for entries THE National Association of Care Catering has launched its annual Care Chef of the Year competition.

Entries are now open and the search for the best chef working in the care sector has officially begun.

Chefs and cooks working across the care sector – from care homes, day centres, lunch clubs and meals on wheels services to local authorities and other care organisations, including hospices – can enter the prestigious culinary competition that recognises their talent and sectorspecific knowledge and skills.

Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, said: “The launch of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is always very exciting.

“There are many highly-skilled, talented and knowledgeable chefs working in the care sector so we’re really looking forward to seeing what the 2020 competition entrants create.

“One of the NACC’s objectives is to raise awareness of care catering and promote it as an exciting and rewarding career that nurtures and develops chefs.

“The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is a fantastic showcase that puts a spotlight on culinary excellence within the sector and gives chefs the opportunity to push boundaries and develop both professionally and personally.

“The competition has created fantastic opportunities for past winners, so I encourage all care chefs to step up and enter and make 2020 their year.”

Now in its 21st year, entrants are challenged to create a two-course menu (main and dessert) that is suitable for people in a care setting.

The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £2.25 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced.

The menu must also incorporate one of main sponsor Premier Foods’ products listed in the competition entry brochure.

All paper entries will be judged by a central judging panel and successful chefs will be invited to compete at the regional heats in March.

Here they will have 90 minutes to produce their dishes and demonstrate their skill set and knowledge under the watchful eye of the competition judges. The judges will be looking for clear nutritional understanding of the foods they are using and how they benefit their clientele, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution and presentation.

The two highest-scoring competitors from each regional heat will secure a place in the national final on June 3 at Stratford-uponAvon College.

How safe are your service’s ratings?

CQC methodology continually evolves in all areas. From frequency of inspections to format of reports.

From evidence of compliance to criteria for ratings.

The ever increasing obstacles to effective representations in response to draft inspection reports and proposed enforcement. And so it is with CQC policy on prosecutions in the magistrate’s court.

One of the first pronouncements of Ian Trenholm as new chief executive in November 2018 was that CQC would look to bring more prosecutions for breaches of the fundamental standards, regardless of prospects of success. Bluster or not?

Only time will tell. Proportionality is not CQC’s strong suit.

The 2014 Regulations provide a power to prosecute for unsafe care, a power recently exercised against a County Council following the death of an elderly lady after a fall and mismanagement of the injuries that she suffered (fine of £500,000).

However prosecutions are not limited to such headline cases.

A recent case in point arose from burns suffered when a care home resident fell against an exposed hot water pipe, where a fine of £50,000 was imposed.

Serious consequences of relatively minor defects are more difficult to guard against.

The Regulated Activities Regulations

2014 provide that “a person guilty of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine”, and thus simply removed the upper limit of £50,000 under the old regulations. The limit is thus subject to proportionality of the Court and the likelihood of successful appeal.

The Regulations provide that “it is a defence for a registered person to prove that they took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to prevent the breach of any of those regulations that has occurred”. The evidence for this must be reflected in ever smarter quality controls, and ever smarter documentation, to match the ever shifting goalposts.

HSC Professional (Consultancy) provides consultancy at a fraction of the cost of solicitors, with fixed fees for standard work (response to draft inspection reports and proposed enforcement, requests for review of ratings); response to notices of proposal; compliance assessments; and provider information returns; for care homes and domiciliary care services.

For a free preliminary consultation on your consultancy needs please call Richard Fairburn on 07866 605545.

For the service brochure please make yourself at home at www. hsc-prof.com or follow the links from the Facebook page at facebook.com/HSC-ProfessionalConsultancy-1715456902020143/

Ash Tree House celebrated its first internal staff awards evening to recognise the people who make the residential and dementia care home such a wonderful place to live and work. The event was created by home manager Chris Durnan after a very successful year where they achieved a Care Quality Commission rating of ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ in the area of Responsive. The ceremony featured more than 30 awards including categories for staff, residents and visitors. The categories varied from the ‘special achievement’ award to the more light hearted ‘best brew maker’. Each winner received an engraved trophy.

HSC Professional (Consultancy) CQC INSPECTIONS – INTO THE 2020s

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Glen Arun

WHEN IT COMES TO THE DISCREET SALE OF CARE HOMES...

9, Athelstan Way Horsham West Sussex RH13 6HA Tel: Fax:

Nursing and Residential Care Home For the Elderley

01403 253881 01403 254 971

Email: glenarun@hotmail.co

G Taylor Managing Director Lamont Johnson Limited Dear Grayson Re: Sale of Glen Arun Care Home.

It seems a long time ago when we finally came to the decision to sell Glen Arun.

Ken decided to contact you, and I remember the three of us meeting locally.

It was your down to earth personality and good humour combined with your understanding of our insistence of complete confidentiality as well as your understanding of the industry which convinced us to sell the business through your company.

1, The Byway, Middleton-on-Sea, West Sussex, PO22 6DR 01243 583 346 managerbywayhouse@outlook.com

Our initial judgement proved completely correct. At times the process was very arduous and stressful, but your expertise and support, both commercial and personal, made all the difference. A couple of examples that stand out i.e. recommending a solicitor who specialises in Care Home sales was invaluable, sorting out bottle necks like a laser due to your understanding of the sale process and your contacts within the industry was invaluable in getting the deal over the line.

Dear Grayson and Dawn, We would like to thank you for your excellent service in relation to the recent sale of Byway House. Your advice was consistently positive and helpful and contributed hugely to the almost seamless transfer of the business to the new owners.

The confidentiality of the sale was paramount to us, and your selection process of a few good buyers was excellent, as we did not want lots of people coming to view. At every stage you helped keep the confidentiality of the sale in mind, including putting up with our pre-meeting before viewings etc. A special thanks to Dawn who also on a number of occasions kept us up to speed and on track.

Your considerable professional experience and instinct in matching us to the buyers as people with similar values and aspirations meant a great deal to us after all we have invested in the Home. It also speaks volumes for your judgement and contacts that they were the first and only prospective buyers to view the Home, which meant that there was no discernible disruption to residents or staff during the sale process.

We are most grateful to you both.

We would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank both you and Dawn and wish you good fortune for the future.

Yours sincerely

We would have no reservation at all in recommending your services to any potential seller and send you our best wishes and appreciation.

T I R O F D R E OUR WO

Yours Sincerely

Ken and Ian Wootton

Christopher and Jane Smythe

K A T T S U J T ’ . . .DON Highgrove House

Registered Manager: Mrs Sue Lamb, RMA Proprietors: Mr. Clive Neil-Smith, Mrs. Sally Neil-Smith, RMA Over 40 Years of Quality Care in Worthing Grayson Taylor Managing Director Lamont Johnson Limited

Mr G Taylor Managing Director Lamont Johnson Limited

33/34 Winchester Road Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 4DH e-mail: sue@highgrove-house.net web: www.highgrove-house.net TEL: 01903 230487

Dear Grayson, Sally and I would sincerely like to thank you and Dawn for all the support and assistance given to us from the time we first met.

It had taken us over two years to finally decide to place Highgrove House on the market and we are very pleased your information was to hand. After forty years ‘in the business,’ we knew we needed and wanted a small company with the knowledge and experience of the Private Care Sector and Market that you undoubtedly have, to assist us with the sale.

This particularly to ensure any sale would be conducted discreetly and sensitively, this has been achieved to our complete satisfaction.

Your constant support and advice was always reassuring and welcomed during a process which was quite complicated, and could have been quite stressful but was made so much easier by the efficiency and professional knowledge of our Solicitor, to whom we were introduced by you and Dawn at the beginning of the sale process. The regular contact between us all was a most satisfying experience.

We would be most happy and pleased to recommend you (Lamont Johnson Ltd) to any prospective individual considering the purchase or the sale of a Care Home.

Our many thanks again, to you and Dawn for enabling the successful sale of Highgrove House.

Dear Grayson Re: Sale of homes There have been times in the last few months that we did not think that we would get to this stage that the business have sold successfully. The whole due diligence was tiresome, and if it had not been for your constant support throughout, extensive professional advice, expertise in the care sector, and unfailing good humour, we are not sure if we would have carried on.

We are very grateful that you were so flexible in working with us. We know of no other agent who would take calls and reply to texts and e-mails in the evenings and weekends, not just occasionally, but throughout the process from the sellers and buyers. Your commitment to us and the process was exceptional, and was very much appreciated.

You were aware that we were extremely sensitive that any sale should be conducted discreetly and we know that must have made life difficult for you.

However you introduced us to the perfect buyer, whom shared our philosophy of care, and the whole matter was completed with minimal fuss for residents and staff.

I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone considering selling their homes. Thank you and Dawn for your support and advice throughout the process.

NO

Your sincerely

“UPFRONT” FEES or INFLATED COMMISSION RATES! David and Rhiannon Walker

Clive & Sally Neil-Smith

SELLING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 39 YEARS

Drew Care Limited, and Redwalls Care Services Ltd.

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING PHONE GRAYSON or DAWN TAYLOR TODAY

01937 842 758

LamontJohnson

P R O P E RT Y ADVISOR S

m.07920 475 440

TO THE CARE SECTOR

lamontjohnson@btinternet.com

27 lamontjohnson.com

ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING?

Totally Confidential No Obligation

For a no obligation appraisal and FREE market advice 7 days a week PHONE US TODAY New development offers housing and care for over 55s

Page 28

Bank completes £20m transaction with Jersey-based home provider

Page 29

Well-established care home has new owner

Page 30

07920 475 440 or mail us

lamontjohnson@btinternet.com

CARE HOME SALES NATIONWIDE

£15m home moves closer to completion WORK continues apace on a stateof-the-art new £15m care home in Bramhall, which is now just months away from completion.

Build is well underway at the ‘new generation’ 71-bed care facility, just a short distance from the village centre.

The external brickwork and roof tiling are complete, meaning the building is now watertight, and the 30 plus contractors and tradesmen on site are working hard on the interior to ensure the development remains ahead of schedule and ready for its planned opening in March.

To be known as Bramhall Manor, the facility is the latest for New Care, one of the UK’s fastest growing development-led care home operators and part of the McGoff Group.

Each of the bedrooms will feature a private en-suite wet room, while the home itself will offer several communal lounges, dining rooms, spa assisted bathrooms and

Matthias House, Tipton, West Midlands

landscaped gardens.

The facility will also boast a hair salon and nail bar and, with its own dedicated hospitality team, will

a busy and varied programme of activities and events.

CEO Chris McGoff said: “It’s less than three months until we open Bramhall Manor and I am delighted with the progress that is being made on site.

“Build is advancing into the final stages and the team is already working on the interior so we’re well on track to complete in March.

“We remain committed to improving standards of care across the UK and Bramhall Manor is an expertly designed, purpose-built care facility that will provide first class care services in a stylish setting within walking distance of a lovely village centre.

“With an identified and welldocumented need for new care facilities in the Stockport area, we are fully confident that Bramhall Manor will be a much welcomed addition.”

Bramhall Manor will create approximately 90 jobs.

provide hotel-style services that ensure continued quality of life and enjoyment for residents, including fine dining, concierge services and

Byway House, Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Belton House, Leicestershire

Totally Confidential No Obligation

SOLD Eastbury House, Sherborne, Dorset

DISCREETLY BY LAMONT JOHNSON

lamontjohnson.com johnson.com

RECENTLY

NO

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING THIS YEAR, PHONE US TODAY

“UPFRONT” FEES or INFLATED COMMISSION RATES!

LamontJohnson

Our success in the sale of Care Homes is second to none in the care sector, and has been achieved through the 39 years experience of principal directors, Grayson and Dawn Taylor, specialising solely in the discreet sale of Care Homes and sites/developments for C2 use nationwide.

OVER 01937 842 758 39 YEARS EXPERIENCE

P R O P E RT Y ADVISOR S

m.07920 475 440

TO THE CARE SECTOR

lamontjohnson@btinternet.com

CARE HOME SALES NATIONWIDE

28 Advertiser’s announcement

An artist’s impression of the new development in Heathfield.

New development offers housing and care for over 55s A NEW £14million housing development in Heathfield will provide affordable homes for older people.

The scheme will include 48 units of one and two-bedroom care enabled apartments, ensuring that the requirements of each resident may be addressed.

The development is a project led

by Abbeyfield South Downs, which is already well established locally, managing seven properties stretching from Hove to Alfriston, Eastbourne, St Leonards-on-Sea and Tunbridge Wells. It will stand on the site of a former block of derelict housing association flats, six bungalows and a nine unit Abbeyfield-managed property, Holdenhurst – from which the new scheme will also inherit its name – all of which have since been demolished.

Nolan Taylor, chief executive of Abbeyfield South Downs, said: “Our market research on the area has demonstrated great need, largely out in the many small communities surrounding Heathfield.

“Abbeyfield South Downs has always championed supporting those

most in need, rather than just those able to afford comfortable living.

“Therefore, although up to 15 apartments are to be sold as leasehold, the entire remaining 33 are being delivered as affordable housing and we are even hoping to be able to fund three more as affordable. Our achievement in delivering a substantial proportion of new affordable homes is something of which we are immensely proud.

“The Abbeyfield Society has generously allocated £1.5million of its recycled capital resources to help us achieve our goal and they have been incredibly supportive throughout the years it has taken to reach this point.”

Alongside the 48 bedrooms, Holdenhurst will also incorporate a hairdressers, a spa suite, a wellbeing centre, a combined café, bar and movie room, and a guest suite for friends and relatives who wish to stay near their loved ones. Use of the facilities will not only be offered to the residents and their guests, but also to other like-minded charities.

Building work on the site began last August, with completion set for early 2021.

Major features added in CoolCare4’s latest software update IN its latest, hotly anticipated release, CoolCare has added two major features to its care home management software, CoolCare4.

Release 4.3 includes both a staff portal and an SMS messaging service to help care homes communicate more easily with their staff.

The additions to CoolCare’s innovative software are recognition of an increasing need in the care sector to communicate with staff instantly to safely staff homes, improve the efficiency of hours management and aid retention.

CoolCare managing director Fiona Hale said: “CoolCare release 4.3 is a real landmark for us.

“Allowing staff to manage their own holidays, and see their hours at any time on their own devices, is a fabulous empowerment tool, giving staff more control over their working lives in this turbulent recruitment market.

“It also reduces administration time taken managing holiday requests and answering pay queries.

“Speaking to one of our pilot homes recently, the manager told me that prior to using our staff portal, he’d have a queue of people waiting outside his office every morning to talk about their hours.

“Now, he barely gets any queries.

In just a couple of months of usage it has revolutionised his working day, giving him more time to spend with his residents and running his business.

“I’m so excited for all our customers to share these benefits.”

Following the release, staff from

care homes using CoolCare4 will have their own login, allowing them to see and update important information about their working lives.

Through access to the CoolCare4 staff portal, staff will be able to see a calendar view of their shifts, holiday, training and absence.

It also allows them to manage their hours, seeing what shifts they are planned to work and giving them the option to take on extra shifts.

The new SMS messaging features allows CoolCare’s customers to send custom messages to one or multiple staff members.

Working alongside the staff portal, the home can send SMS requests to cover a shift directly from the rota.

Leigh Ellis, CoolCare technical director, added: “While this is a milestone in CoolCare4’s development, given the breadth of features in this release, CoolCare has actually made in excess of 35 releases since its initial launch. All of which include feature enhancements and new functionality.

“We take a lot of pride in the way we develop our software, putting user experience and behaviour driven development at the heart of our processes.

“We then learn how our customers interact with the software and make constant enhancements to further improve ease of use.”

CoolCare’s full in-house development team is now continuing its focus on staff management features for its next significant development milestone.

Liberty Protection Safeguards – replacing the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

By Hilary Cragg THE legislation was passed in May 2019 and is now expected to be implemented in October.

So in practical terms, how will this work?

Any DoLs that are in place will stay until they expire and then will need to be migrated to the new LPS procedure. For now and until implementation of LPS, any person who requires an authorisation of their deprivation in accordance with Cheshire West case should have a DoLs. The test of Cheshire West was: 1. Are they free to leave? This is not just a day trip or a few hours out of the placement with their family or carer, but an ability to permanently leave the care setting.

2. Are they under continuous control and supervision? This does not mean continuous one-to-one

Hilary Cragg

care, rather about the ability of the staff to be able to check on the person whenever they wish and if they consider it appropriate, to provide support, such as night checks, as the person would not be allowed to lock their door and keep the care staff out, who can come in and undertake a welfare check anytime across a 24-hour period. If you apply for a DoLs, then as a care provider, you

have fulfilled your obligation.

So what is the new process?

Originally there was a huge amount of the workload put onto care home managers, who would have to decide if the person fulfilled the relevant criteria, then arrange the assessment, decide if the person was entitled to an advocate, decide if the person was objecting, which would trigger an Approved Mental Capacity Professional to review the case and arrange consultation with the friends or family members to elicit their views.

Then having completed this, to report their findings to the local authority, who are the authorising body, who will decide whether to approve it or not on the evidence provided.

As there were concerns raised so the process has now been changed, allowing the local authority to

authorise care managers to do this or to retain the role themselves.

It was argued that there is a conflict of interests in care home managers authorising LPS and their obligations towards the home, the effective running of the business and maximisation of profits.

In addition to the argument that managers might not fully understand the legal argument including around whether LPS was “necessary and proportionate”.

There is to be a new code of practise, that is due to be put before Parliament in the Spring, so until more information is known, the details of the process are still slightly unclear.

In the interim, care homes need to keep abreast of these forthcoming changes in preparation for October. n Hilary Cragg is a Partner and Practicing Solicitor at Nash & Co Solicitors.

Bank completes £20m transaction with Jersey-based home provider OakNorth Bank – the UK bank powered by OakNorth – has completed a debt finance deal of £20m with Jersey-based provider LV Care Group.

Founded in 2011 by Nick Bettany and Chris Shelton, LV Care Group was established to develop care homes for elderly clientele in the community including homecare, dementia care, mental health and wellbeing care, as well as nursing and residential accommodation.

The group, which now employees 300 staff, will use the bespoke finance package from OakNorth Bank to acquire two new care homes – the Jeanne Jugan Residence in Jersey and Kings Reach Nursing Home in the Isle of Man. Jeanne Jugan Residence, now known as St Joseph’s Care Home, was officially acquired by LV Care Group at the end of last year from the order of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

The property offers 72 beds and various amenities including a library, cafe and a theatre. Kings Reach Care Home in Ramsey offers 52 en-suite rooms across two floors.

Additionally, they will also refinance its three existing care homes in Jersey – Lavender Villa, Cheval Roc and Rosemary Cottage.

Nick Bettany, CEO and co-founder of LV Care Group, said: “Jersey and the Isle of Man have an ageing

Stuart Blair, debt finance director at OakNorth Bank. population, with those aged 65 and over set to almost double in the next 20 years.

“A substantial minority of this age group will need some form of residential care which can only be provided in a care home or hospital, emphasising the importance of our offering, which benefits heavily from our local knowledge.

“After looking at different funding options, we chose OakNorth Bank as Stuart and his team showed a high level of understanding towards the local care home industry, as well as a willingness to design a package that was tailored to our specific needs.”

The three existing homes in Jersey provide a variety of premium facilities and amenities such as en-suite rooms, therapy rooms, hair salons, landscaped gardens, TV lounges, library corners, dining rooms and sun patios.

Stuart Blair, debt finance director at OakNorth Bank, added: “Nick and Chris have built an impressive business with a stellar reputation and we’re thrilled that our first deal with an operational business in Jersey is with them.

“They bring a premium approach to care just as we aim to do with lending, with both parties understanding that there’s no such thing as a one size fits all approach.

“With a significant amount of the elderly community in both islands sitting on a nursing home waiting list, the group is in a very strong position to provide for them and grow its success further.

“We look forward to working with LV Care Group on future transactions, as we look to reinforce our own appetite to support the UK care sector throughout 2020.”

29

Home gets planning approval HALLMARK Care Homes has secured planning consent for an 80-bed care home in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

The 2.5-acre site has been purchased by Hallmark who will be supported by Savista Developments to build a new residential, dementia and nursing care home in keeping with the local area.

The state-of-the-art development, which will create 120 jobs when opened, will feature a wing of luxury suites.

Communal areas inside the building include a café, cinema, hairdressers and therapy room, as well as a piano lounge, winter garden and Victorian style orangery.

Each bedroom will have an en-suite wet room and many of those on the ground floor will have access to their own patio.

Meanwhile, outside there will be 0.5 acres of woodland and landscaped gardens for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Construction will commence in April, with the development scheduled to open its doors to its first residents in late 2021.

The development will be the Billericay-based care group’s 23rd care home.

Independent expertise, nationwide knowledge

specialist healthcare business agents

SOLD

Higham House, Rushden, Northants - Reg 26

Broome End, Stansted Mountfitchet - Reg 37

Just a selection of care businesses successfully sold by DC Care prior to Christmas 2019...

Considering selling your care business? Contact us for a no-obligation discreet discussion.

When industry knowledge and wisdom are needed, when a discreet sale is desired, our clients choose DC Care to sell their healthcare business.

SALES | ACQUISITIONS | APPRAISALS | CONSULTANCY

01937 849 268

www.dccare.co.uk sales@dccare.co.uk

30

Well-established care home has new owner Charity marks milestone with topping out ceremony at site REPRESENTATIVES from Rapport Housing & Care and site contractors, Jenner, got together at the site of Meadow View Court in The Orpines, to celebrate the building reaching its highest point.

Guests gathered at the site of the extra care housing scheme, where building work commenced last Spring, to mark the milestone of the roof going on and to celebrate the scheme nearing completion.

Following the ceremony, the group took a tour of the scheme, which will promote independent living with support for over 55s.

Leon Steer, chief executive of Rapport Housing & Care, said: “The majority of retirement housing developments tend to benefit those in urban areas, so Meadow View Court will provide much needed provision for the older people of Wateringbury,

who need some additional support but would like to remain in the village they live in.”

Once complete, Meadow View Court will provide 51 one and two bedroom apartments, alongside communal facilities including a hair salon, restaurant and garden.

Rapport Housing & Care’s care and support team, Caring Companions, will be on site daily to provide care and support packages, and a member of housing staff will be on site 24/7, giving peace of mind should an emergency arise.

The apartments are available to buy, part buy, or to rent via Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and will give residents the opportunity to receive varying levels of support while retaining their independence.

The showflat will open in March, followed by completion in July.

Care Home Finance Tailored Packages...

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Let us assist you in your refinance, purchase and development projects, to achieve the best funding options and introduce you directly to professional healthcare managers who understand your business at banks that support your sector. £400,000 £600,000 £750,000 £985,000 £1,200,000

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Example of repayments over 20 years at base plus 2%

Call: 01242 227172 E-Mail us at: mvhwiddows@aol.com www.globalbusinessfinance.net

DC CARE has completed the sale of Plas Newydd, a well-established care home in Criccieth in Gwynedd registered for 18 service users within the category of elderly residential care.

The substantial detached premises offers accommodation over three floors.

The original building has been extended, providing 18 bedrooms with scope for further expansion.

The business has been acquired

by Aga Yamin, a new entrant to the UK sector with previous healthcare background.

He said: “My experience with a complex tertiary hospital motivated me to acquire a care home providing sustainable high quality care to elderly residents and respite care users.

“After contacting DC Care and promptly receiving a selective list of homes from Lisa Rushworth and Alison Willoughby, I initiated the acquisition process to buy Plas Newydd Care Home.

“I found both Lisa and Alison extremely professional, helpful, proactive and very supportive throughout and look forward to continuing to work with them as part of my business expansion strategy.”

Vendor Mr Pillay added: “I knew if I wanted to discuss anything at all, Alison and Lisa were on the end of the phone and only too happy to

Plas Newydd in Criccieth. help. Both of them really know the care industry and provided me with absolutely the right advice every step of the way. I’ve already recommended them to other care home owners I know.”

Regional director Alison Willoughby concluded: “The sale of individually owned care homes are often quite emotional as owners are understandably very attached to their business and it matters a great deal who the next owner will be.

‘I’m thrilled that Mr Pillay and Mr Yamin got on so well and I know that Mr Pillay will provide support during the transition.

“This will ensure service users and staff see the sale as a positive move.

Both Lisa and I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr Pillay a happy and well deserved retirement.”

Development offers housing and care for the over 55s A NEW £14million housing development in Heathfield will provide affordable homes for older people.

The scheme will include 48 units of one and two-bedroom care enabled apartments, ensuring that the requirements of each resident may be addressed.

The development is a project led by Abbeyfield South Downs, which is already well established locally, managing seven properties stretching from Hove to Alfriston, Eastbourne, St Leonards-on-Sea and Tunbridge Wells.

It will stand on the site of a former block of derelict housing association flats, six bungalows and a nine unit Abbeyfield-managed property, Holdenhurst – from which the new scheme will also inherit its name – all of which have since been demolished.

Nolan Taylor, chief executive of Abbeyfield South Downs, said: “Our market research on the area has demonstrated great need, largely out in the many small communities surrounding Heathfield.

“Abbeyfield South Downs has always championed supporting those most in need, rather than just those able to afford comfortable living.

“Therefore, although up to 15 apartments are to be sold as leasehold, the entire remaining 33 are being delivered as affordable housing and we are even hoping

to be able to fund three more as affordable.

“Our achievement in delivering a substantial proportion of new affordable homes is something of which we are immensely proud.

“The Abbeyfield Society has generously allocated £1.5million of its recycled capital resources to help us achieve our goal and they have been incredibly supportive throughout the years it has taken to reach this point.”

Alongside the 48 bedrooms, Holdenhurst will also incorporate a hairdressers, a spa suite, a wellbeing centre, a combined café, bar and movie room, and a guest suite for friends and relatives who wish to stay near their loved ones.

Use of the facilities will not only be offered to the residents and their guests, but also to other like-minded charities.

Abbeyfield South Downs has also forged relationships with local schools and organisations, including Time to Talk Befriending and the local branch of Age UK. Collaboration with the community will provide extra resources that will help to maximise the quality of life for residents, and generate a strong volunteer base to work alongside the nine new professional members of staff that will be recruited.

Building work on the site began last August, with completion set for early 2021.

Be Part of Our Success in 2020…

Some of our completed deals in 2019

Worcestershire & North Yorkshire

London

• 67 beds and 70 beds respectively • Recently built luxury care assets • 100% en-suite wet rooms

• Two purpose built nursing homes • Located inside M25 • Sold on behalf of a major provider

North East

North West

• 40 bed care home • Purpose built property • All single, en suite rooms

• 44 bed nursing home • Predominantly purpose built • Acquired by expanding operators

Leeds & Scarborough • Two newly built luxury care homes • Homes provide 86 beds each • 100% en-suite wet rooms

Lincolnshire • 56 bed care home • Bedroom suites and en suite wet rooms • Sold on behalf of a charitable provider

HPC’s expertise and professionalism is of course first rate, but it’s their level of service and attention to detail that truly sets them apart.

Solihull • Acquisition of retirement community development • Grade II listed property in 5 acres • Deal completed within 8 weeks of agreeing Heads of Terms

Whether you are selling or buying, contact HPC today to find out how our experience gets results.

Tel 01937

222107 Email enquiries@healthcarepc.co.uk Visit www.healthcarepc.co.uk

32

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Gainsborough achieves 23 per cent growth through Offering a spectrum of 360-degree excellence solutions to bring your GAINSBOROUGH Specialist Bathrooms, the respected assisted bath manufacturer and wet room provider to the care sector, has experienced 23 per cent growth thanks to increased demand for its products and G360 bathroom solutions.

Part of the Gainsborough Healthcare Group, Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms has been a respected UK manufacturer of accessible and power assisted baths for over 30 years.

Its reputation for design and engineering innovation continues to synergise with a true understanding of end user, healthcare provider and carer needs.

This client-centric approach is prevalent within all of its manufactured baths including the flagship Gentona which represents one of the most ultra-efficient bathing solutions on the market.

As part of its continual evolution and thought-leadership, Gainsborough diversified into complete bathroom and wet room provision 12 months ago.

This diligent specialist now leverages three decades of accessible bathroom expertise to provide total bathing solutions for care homes, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.

This turnkey proposition is proving popular with healthcare providers as it offers one source for delivery of all bathroom and wet room assets – from pre-enablement works through to

showers, flooring, baths, hoists and sanitary ware.

Coupled with strong bath orders, G360 is driving 23 per cent growth at Gainsborough as its service and installation teams deliver marketleading commitment and diversity.

Peter Eckhardt, CEO of Gainsborough Healthcare Group, said: “We are delighted to witness the empowering qualities of our G360 services and specialist baths across the UK. Our bathroom and wet room solutions are enabling healthcare providers to enhance care provision and achieve higher CQC ratings.

“Time and again we are being told by clients that they need a single management source for projects so their internal time and resources can be saved.

“With a trusted specialist to manage every aspect of accessible bathroom implementation – disruption and distractions are reduced.

“Gainsborough offers exceptional long-term value and sustainability with quality products and fixtures that last – hence ensuring care is not compromised and costs are always optimised.

“Why choose several unknown contractors for a bathroom project when we deliver on promises across all the disciplines from hygiene to moving and handling? Our healthy business growth is testament to the quality and precision of our market offering.”

needs under one roof SHAPING the future of care – with a wide range of services, Care Vision offers a spectrum of solutions that will bring all your care home needs under one roof.

Only a home manager knows just how complex and challenging care management is.

Care Vision has been built on the principle that simplifying means unifying: the many types of tasks and departments that share space under your one roof should also share one integrated system.

From E-mar to food prep, housekeeping, health and safety, HR and family visits.

Care Vision is designed to save time while meeting and going beyond CQC requirements.

Rishi Jawaheer has been a director of the Jawa Group for more than 12 years. The family’s first dementia care home was established in the 1980s in London.

Consulting with carers, families and professionals, Rishi has created Care Vision.

A solution built from the

challenges of providing care and recording required information in real situations.

Care Vision has been designed to meet the complex needs of individuals using the service, from the perspective and skill level of carers.

The quality of the record keeping satisfies the regulators.

Care Vision works with providers to create a tailor-made solution that suits your service. Care notes can be entered in a few clicks at the point of service.

Using icons and speech to text but also having the ability to easily edit makes this a fantastic tool for a modern-day carer.

By using Care Vision, you can save up to between two and four hours per week, per resident in staff hours.

That means if you have a care home of 20 residents you can save up to between 40 and 80 staff hours per week, 160 and 320 staff hours per month.

That’s equivalent to one or two full-time staff.

Independent thinking ...

HORNE’S best-selling CARE shower panel, widely in use across acute, extra-care and dementia-care settings, now offers enhanced inclusive design – promoting independence and shower confidence for its less ambulant/able or aged users.

The shower offers exceptional thermostatic performance for safe, comfortable and consistent warm water, uniquely designed BS8300 compliant lever controls – low-torque operation, shaped and coloured levers aid users with limited sight – and a redesigned riser rail and handset sliding mechanism.

Users can benefit from its improved grip, fine adjustments and low-force release and movement of the handset carriage, even with a closed fist. A

Care Roadshow dates revealed drop-link pull tab enables wheelchair or shorter users to easily lower a highset handset to a manageable level.

In vivid orange, the robust rail provides a solid grab point for unsteady or visually impaired users and, without the carriage mechanism, can also be wall-mounted for a lightweight yet supportive grab bar.

CARE Roadshows returns for 2020 with five great events to celebrate its 10th year.

Shows across the UK will feature exhibitors from top care brands and innovative products.

Visitors will be able to take part in creative workshops and informative seminars from experts in the care sector.

QCS is sponsoring the events and will be running QCS User Hubs at

each venue where they can try out new compliance platform features and tech.

Dates for the events are: Glasgow on April 28; Liverpool on May 19; Birmingham on July 7; London on October 20 and Cardiff on November 17.

Registration for the one-day events is free and you can find out more and book tickets at www.careroadshows. co.uk

33

CARINGNEWS

Discovering the person behind the dementia

NO

“UPFRONT” FEES or INFLATED COMMISSION RATES!

LOOKING FOR A

By Daniel Bridges

MY passion for creating an environment where people living with dementia can thrive, engage and continue living a life as the person they have always been, started very early on in my career.

I believe in discovering the person behind the dementia.

Dementia doesn’t define a person; it is something that they live with.

But living with dementia doesn’t mean the person that they always were isn’t still there.

You just need to look harder to find them.

I am so excited to be announcing the opening of our new Memory Care Community at Cavendish Park.

Having previously put together a team that won Dementia Care Team of the Year and personally gaining a Dementia Leadership Award, and a GCPA Outstanding Contribution Award, I feel confident that the team we have at Cavendish Park will excel in providing outstanding person centred care for our residents.

With the support of an RMN and an experienced Dementia Lead, our aim is to provide the best dementia care in the region, benefitting from a combination of our state-of-theart facilities and a broad wealth of knowledge from the Majesticare team.

DISCREET SALE OF YOUR HOME? PHONE OR MAIL US TODAY WE ARE SPECIALISTS

Daniel Bridges Using our Continue Being Me programme along with the Dementia Pathway, you can be confident that your loved one will continue to live a purposeful and meaningful life, within a safe and understanding environment.

So far since we opened in September 2019, my journey with the Cavendish Park family has been incredible and by working to our values as a committed, cohesive team, we have already achieved so much. n Daniel Bridges is the manager of Cavendish Park in Evesham.

UNIFORMS THAT WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO! Grahame Gardner is a trusted uniform supplier to care and nursing homes across the UK with over 100 years experience in providing the perfect workwear solutions.

• Extensive range of uniforms from leading brands • Wide selection of healthcare approved styles • Embroidery and monogramming services • No minimum order quantities • Trade Accounts available

www.grahamegardner.co.uk sales@grahamegardner.co.uk

SOLELY IN THE DISCREET SALE OF CARE HOMES, SPECIAL NEEDS HOMES AND SITES/DEVELOPMENTS FOR C2 USE NATIONWIDE Grayson Taylor (Managing Director, Lamont Johnson)

Dawn Taylor (Director, Lamont Johnson)

•1981 FOUNDING PRINCIPAL of Taylor National •2001 FOUNDING PRINCIPAL of DC Care •2012 FOUNDING PRINCIPAL of Lamont Johnson

07920 475 440

OVER 39 YEARS

lamontjohnson@btinternet.com E XPERIE Talk to us now for a NO OBLIGATION APPRAISAL and FREE ADVICE on how we can help sell your home

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P R O P E RT Y ADVISOR S

TO THE CARE SECTOR

CARE HOME SALES NATIONWIDE

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

34

Multiple sclerosis and the role of ‘tech’ MULTIPLE Sclerosis is on the increase: latest figures indicate about 100 people each week are diagnosed, and the number of people now living with the condition in the UK is growing by almost 2.5 per cent each year.

Of the common symptoms, the top two are balance and co-ordination, and bladder and bowel regulation.

The symptoms explain why growing numbers of people diagnosed with the condition are turning to ‘toilet tech’ to help live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. Many have followed that route after using the technology at their local MS Therapy Centre.

The ‘toilet tech’ in question is Closomat’s wash and dry/ smart WC, the Palma Vita. Looking like a conventional WC, it overcomes any sensitivity about ‘disability’ aids. Its integrated douching and drying ensures the user’s bottom is hygienically clean, thoroughly and effectively, every time, eliminating the need to rely on balance and fine motor skills.

Uniquely, it is the only WC of its kind that can be accessorised initially and/or retrospectively,

Help is at hand for your new project to accommodate changing needs. Independent cost analysis shows that – irrespectively of the intangible benefits of dignity, independence and feeling in control – there is a hard financial benefit to choosing Closomat technology in place of paying for care support.

Enquiries: Visit www.closomat.co.uk

The spirit of health WE BELIEVE that having the right chair is as important as taking some form of exercise.

A well-designed chair which provides comfort whilst supporting the body to maintain posture is vital.

At Shackletons we create healthcare furniture designed with the end user in mind helping them to sit comfortably and helping to keep them heathier for longer. This year we are introducing our new health and wellness ambassador – Diana Moran BEM, The Green Goddess.

Diana, who has a long-standing career as a model, fitness guru, journalist and novelist, said: “I believe promoting health and wellbeing as an essential part of ageing gracefully.

“Many of us spend too much time sitting in the wrong chair, especially when we get older. Building physical activity into our lives is so important, especially for those who are sat in a care home.”

The WACMAT is the original and leading

Mink

Blue

washable carpet protector since its launch in 1997, now it’s upgraded and going ‘Green’ with the New WACMAT ECO!

Burgundy

Super Absorbent Stain resistant 100% Waterproof Anti-creep, anti-ruckle and lays flat Machine Washable Non-slip comfort for hard floors 3 Year ‘no-quibble’ guarantee

Marble

Made in the UK by a carbon negative company Made from 100% ECONYL recycled ‘fishing nets’

The WACMAT ECO is the Simple Solution for protecting your carpets, reducing cleaning costs and preventing slips.

Place the WACMAT ECO under commodes or next to beds to ensure full protection of carpets and sensor mats,

Blue Shale

then simply machine wash and tumble dry!

Available in a range of attractive colours and three generous sizes, the WACMAT ECO is the cost effective way to ensure the cleanliness of any room as well as complementing its homely feel.

provide furniture, curtains/blinds, flooring, artwork, signage, tableware, towels and bedding to create co-ordination and comfort.

We do not have minimum orders so any combination of the above can be taken.

Enquiries: Call us on 020 8339 6133, email eda@access21ltd.co.uk or visit www.access21interiors.co.uk

Big, hidden toilet troubles

We will be encouraging our customers and their residents to promote taking some form of exercise this year, especially if they are confined to a chair for most of their day.

Small amounts of activity in any way (if their condition allows) should be encouraged. Every small move is a victory and should be celebrated and can improve physical and mental health.

Enquiries: Visit www.shackletonsltd.co.uk

Washable protection for all your floor surfaces...

IF YOU need help with a new project or refurbishment then we can help.

Interpreting your requirements into tactile design boards and CAD drawings where required so you can see how the finished rooms will look, along with itemised quotations.

As well as interior design (including specialist dementia design in which we are trained) we also

Amber

FREEPHONE: 0800 074 3749 www.richardsresidential.co.uk Vivary Buildings, Spring Lane, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 9BD

ACCOUNTANCY SAVVY!

Our goal is to work with you to carefully assess your personal or business requirements with the ultimate aim of reducing your tax liability – evaluating your needs and offering expert advice where and when you need it in a professional albeit informal environment.

NEW figures(*) suggest that the number of obese people in England has almost doubled in 20 years; now, more than a quarter of the UK population is obese.

The issue has hidden hygiene implications, warns Closomat, particularly when going to the toilet – something we all do on average eight times a day.

To help improve toilet hygiene, Closomat can fit its Palma Vita wash and dry toilet with a bespoke bariatric seat. Coupled with the Palma Vita’s innovative hygiene programme, the combination ensures optimum bottom hygiene for bariatric users The Palma Vita has integrated douching and drying, so eliminating the need to manually wipe clean, as the functions deliver that cleaning procedure.

The bariatric seat not only appropriately supports the user, but positions them (and their cheeks) properly over the pan to facilitate bladder and bowel movement. The combination can accommodate up to 362kg/57 stone – more than twice the weight of comparable units.

Closomat has produced a white paper to help assist in the choice and specification of appropriate WC facilities for obese users.

Guidance & Considerations for Toileting `Provision for Bariatrics can be downloaded free of charge under the resources section of the company’s website. (*) House of Commons briefing paper no 3336, obesity statistics/ Health Survey for England Enquiries: Call 0161 969 1199, visit www.closomat.co.uk or email info@closomat.co.uk

Happy new knees with the Redbacks ‘Kneeler’

REDBACKS Cushioning Limited, designers of the award winning ‘Leaf-Spring’ cushioning technology, offers a range of products to help protect the knees and body from damage caused by kneeling.

Recently introduced by the company is the Redbacks ‘Kneeler’ mat, an every-day ‘tool’ for many trade professionals as well as having multiple applications in and around the home and office.

Giving long term anti-fatigue support and maximum comfort from kneeling in any direction, the mat features 28 multi-directional leaf springs held within a thermoplastic honeycomb matrix.

Unlike rubber matting, foam or gel based products which can either be too hard or lose their cushioning properties the Redbacks Kneeler instantly returns to its original shape after each use.

This unique combination is scientifically proven to reduce point pressure and distribute weight providing all-day comfort and helping to protect against muscoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Suitable for dry or damp conditions, this versatile mat has a waterproof base, is slip and penetration

resistant, provides thermal protection from warm or cold surfaces, is easily portable and as with all Redbacks products has a fully washable cover at 30oc and a recyclable cushion.

It can also be used as a comfortable seat cushion and even to stand on with the same weight distribution and tiredness reducing benefits.

The Redbacks Kneeler weighs 1,363gm and is 450mm long, 270mm wide and 35mm deep.

Enquiries: For more information telephone 01327 70210, visit www.redbackscushioning.com or email sales@redbackscushioning.com

With our unique understanding of the Care Home Business, we can assist in the following ways:

• Start-up business advice • Advice & assistance with the purchase or sale if applicable.

• Tax • Preparation and analysis of financial statements.

• Bookkeeping and payroll services • Sales invoice preparation and monthly analysis for credit payments • Tax planning strategies.

• Understanding service user funding • VAT (if applicable) • Business succession planning.

JER ACCOUNTS SERVICE

7 St Pauls Yard, Silver Street, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 0EG tel: 01908 210666 Email:jane@jeras.org.uk mobile: 07956 917591

Beaucare launch CareClean™

BEAUCARE® Medical announces the launch of their CareClean™ premium concentrated laundry range, the new lines include bactericidal laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, destainer and sanitiser dedicated for use in professional environments including the care industry.

The range is a cost effective solution which incorporates a powerful bactericidal action, along with the capability to work at low temperatures and deal with severe soilage problems.

The detergent incorporates a spring fragrance

for long lasting freshness.

All of the range is designed for use through Beaucare’s automatic dosing machines, ensuring ease of use for the care home laundry staff.

They are available in 20, 10 and five-litre durable plastic tubs with secure screw lids for safe storage.

Full product information literature is available on the range.

Enquiries: For further details on the CareClean™ Laundry, contact the sales team on 01423 878899.

O

TOTAL

SPECIALIST BATHROOM SOLUTIONS G360 Services from Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms, the new name for Gainsborough Specialist Bathing.

Specialist assisted baths Trusted enablement, installation and management Lifetime support and servicing

MANAGEMENT COST AND TIME SAVINGS

Safe accessible bathrooms and wet rooms

MAXIMISING YOUR INTERNAL RESOURCES

Seamless transfer, washing and toileting solutions

O

ENHANCED BUSINESS FOCUS AND PERFORMANCE STRONGER SPECIALIST CARE

Project design with vision

IMPROVED CQC COMPLIANCE GENUINE SUSTAINABILITY REDUCED HR PRESSURES

G360 – delivering ultimate care, efficiency and sustainability through holistic excellence.

01527 400 022

info@gainsboroughbaths.com

REDUCED RISK AND LITIGATION

www.gainsboroughbaths.com

© Gainsborough Healthcare Group. 10 & 11 The Oaks, Clews Road, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 7ST.

To find out more call: 01924 868 470 For more information visit: www.shackletonsltd.co.uk