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incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
no.189 • £4.75 In association with
Residents at risk finds new drugs research By Dominic Musgrave HALF of care home residents are at risk of harm from mistakes made in giving out their medication, it has been claimed. A joint study by the University of Warwick and the University of the West of England found that 52 per cent of the 345 people in 13 residential and nursing homes around the country who participated were exposed to ‘more serious’ errors, such as ‘attempts to give medication to the wrong resident’. In the first large scale study of its kind, more than 188,000 medication administrations day and night were analysed. The researchers found that over a three month period 90 per cent of residents were exposed to at least one error. Ala Szczepura, professor of health services research at Warwick Medical School, said the results prove that homes should use an electronic medication management system. She added: “Older people in longterm residential care are clearly at increased risk of medication errors. It is known that staff in care homes are administering, on average, seven different drugs to residents, and that medication rounds occupy approximately one-third of nursing
time. Since 37 per cent of people with dementia now live in a care home, many residents are unable to comment on their medication. “New technology such as a computerised barcode system can accurately alert staff to, and prevent, inappropriate attempts to administer drugs to residents. This tool can reliably be used by care staff as well as nurses to improve quality of care and patient safety.” Typically each resident received nine different drugs and was exposed to 206 medication administration episodes every month. On average each resident experienced 6.6 potential errors. The most common was attempting to give medication at the wrong time. Tariq Muhammad, managing director of Pharmacy Plus, who has developed a barcode system, said: “This has been a really important project looking at an often neglected area, the safety of people in residential care homes. “Care homes are not generally considered a priority, but they account for a large amount of NHS and social care costs and time. “One in 15 hospital admissions is due to medication errors, and the resultant cost of hospital stays to the NHS is £1billion per year.”
Home’s residents taught to lipread
Daytime television presenter and Alzheimer’s Society patron Fiona Phillips cut the ribbon to open a new 60bed care home in Devon. The former GMTV host performed the task at Eastleigh Care Homes’ new facility in South Molton, which features an innovative nurse call system and state-ofthe-art lighting that reduces anxiety in residents with dementia. To find out more turn to page 9.
RESIDENTS at a Northamptonshire care home have been learning to improve their communication skills by lipreading. Several residents at ExtraCare's Imperial Court in Rushden attended the class, run by qualified instructor Mandy Clark. Activity co-ordinator Ray Fortuinm who organised the classes, said: "It's a bit of a trial run, as I'm not sure how many residents will be interested. “We've got quite a few people who have some degree of hearing loss and I think it's definitely something that could help them and us." As well as teaching the group about the different lip shapes, Mandy also outlined several ways that people can fix a conversation after misunderstanding a word or not being able to hear what was said.
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Minister to make millions available THE Department of Health is making an extra £150 million available to local authorities to help people leave hospital more quickly and receive care at home. The extra money will be spent on social care so that people can get settled back at home with the support they need and have shorter stays in hospital, health secretary Andrew Lansley added. It will also enable local services to respond to pressures this winter. Andrew said: “Savings have been made in the Department of Health’s budget which we are investing to help people leave hospital as quickly as they can, when they are ready, and to receive support at home. “This additional investment for health and care services is the result of determination to deliver savings, maintain quality and invest in services that matter to patients and their families and carers during the critical winter season.”
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Charlotte Owen painting at Highstone Mews.
Student has designs on home AN ART student is painting murals of Barnsley in a care home. Charlotte Owen, 25, is still working on a local park scene at Highstone Mews. The care assistant, who has worked there for six years, started the project after the home asked its dementia patients what they would like. She has already transformed one end of a corridor into a train station complete with a train carriage and resident passengers, and another of a Spitfire fighter. "We went round and dressed the resi-
dents up and took their pictures so they could be the passengers. It's based on the 1940s so it's in-keeping with their memories. Care home manager Karen Hugill said they were keen to improve the experience of dementia sufferers. "We really wanted a big drive on dementia care as we don't want people just sitting in chairs bored. We spoke to a couple of residents and asked what they wanted and came up with these themes. Charlotte has done a fantastic job creating them."
Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@whpl.net Reporter: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ wharncliffepublishing.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur. You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk
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Equipment to keep residents fit is installed By Dominic Musgrave The new reminiscence room at Ravenhurst.
Room opens thanks to grant A NEW sensory lounge, 1950s and 60s’ reminiscence room and bar area has opened at a Stourport care home thanks to a grant from the local authority. Sanctuary Care’s Ravenhurst facility won the Worcestershire county council’s ‘Improving the Quality of Dementia Care’ award last year and has used the £7,500 prize grant to develop the new features which it is hoped will enhance the lives of residents affected by dementia. The sensory lounge not only provides residents with visual memory aids, but also touch, smell and sounds which help them recall times past. In the reminiscence area residents will find themselves in surroundings that are familiar from their younger days, and it includes a kitchenette in
which they can carry out tasks that would have been part of their everyday routines like cooking and washing up. Manager Stacey Meredith said: “The new improvements are focussed on helping the team here deliver the very high standards of dementia care for which they were given the award by offering a range of methods for stimulating memories which might otherwise remain locked away. “They will really add to our residents’ quality of life and will be a very valuable tool in caring for those residents who are living with dementia.” Have you created new facilities at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.
SEVERAL care homes in a Scottish city have installed the latest in fitness equipment in a bid to give the residents a new lease of life. As part of Aberdeen city council and NHS Grampian’s continued commitment to reshaping care for older people, funding was secured from the Aberdeen Partnership Change Fund to secure the UK’s first publicly-funded Technogyms for older people. The Aberdeen Partnership purchased three sets for £51,000, with one being based at Robert Gordon University's health and social care faculty, another at Fergus House and another set that is available for use at establishments throughout the city, including private care homes. A further set has also been purchased, which is now based at Rosewell House. Fred McBride, chair of Aberdeen Partnership and Director of social care and wellbeing, said: “It's hugely important that we change people's perceptions about older people. “This is a very innovative and important area of work with older people. Statistics show that the population in the city is ageing and that creates a number of service issues that we are actively addressing
both for now and the future. “What this equipment does is encourage older people to undertake physical activity and signpost them to other activity opportunities in their communities, it gives opportunities for those with dementia living in the community to use the equipment, encourages care homes to increase the levels of physical activity and meaningful activities within their units by illustrating the benefits and challenging the stigma and attitudes facing older people. “It’s still very early but we are extremely encouraged by the early results and seeing the residents shows how important projects like Technogym are and I hope they continue to prove popular with service users.” The equipment does not use great weights with the emphasis instead being on gentle lifting and pushing, with the machines based on a hydraulic system rather like a bicycle pump. Isabell Aufferman, activities coordinator at Fergus House, added: “The residents have really got into it in a short space of time and you see them popping in and out all the time. It's great to seem them interacting not just with one another but their families can come and take part too.”
Choir idea comes from article CARE home activities co-ordinator Catherine Rowlands was on holiday browsing through magazines when they sparked a brilliant idea to start a community choir. Catherine, who works at Millbrow care home in Widnes, Cheshire, was reading an article in Best magazine about singing therapist Bernadette Whelan who visits schools and nursing homes to deliver her special brand of vocal aerobics. Catherine said: “Bernadette
believes singing helps boost levels of the happiness hormone serotonin and I gave her a ring to see if she could come into our home to help me kickstart a community choir as the finale of our Christmas show, Millbrow’s Got Talent.” Bernadette’s enthusiasm proved infectious, so much so, that the home is now holding weekly singing sessions, one of which was recently attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Halton.
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Karen and Anthony Shaw with their cheque for £1m.
Million reasons to celebrate for Lottery winner By Dominic Musgrave A CUMBRIAN care home manager and her husband are celebrating after scooping £1m in the special EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle draw shortly before Christmas. Karen and Anthony Shaw revealed that the ticket sat under their tree until 4pm on Christmas Day when it finally revealed its festive fortune. They are sharing their winnings with their two children, Sara (22) and Karl (20), after they agreed to share before checking off the tickets. She added: “We eventually all sat down around 4pm on Christmas Day to open the presents and I remembered the tickets. I had put them in an envelope under the tree. “Karl was looking at numbers on his phone and suddenly said, ‘You had better check it, I think it’s a winner’. After looking at it we all agreed the
right number was there but none of us could believe it was real. “The first thing we need to do is get the kids sorted out, it will allow them to get a property – which will give me two spare bedrooms and a lot less mess to tidy. “Anthony and I have always wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise so we can plan that now, and of course we will also treat the rest of the family. It is financial security really.” Karen tucked the ticket away in her wardrobe and waited until Camelot confirmed the win to finally start to believe it was real. “We were all together after the lady from Camelot had visited and it was the first time we could really allow it to sink in,” she added. “It is unbelievable that we had £1m under our tree all that time.” Karen bought the tickets from the Kendal branch of Asda.
Britain’s Got Talent stars Pippa Langhorne and her singing dog added some extra sparkle to residents when they dropped in to entertain at a Worcestershire care home. The classical soprano and her dog Buddy, who reached the semi-finals of the top TV talent show, staged a one-off performance at Grosvenor House in Alvechurch. After training with a professional operatic coach, the former model and performing arts student has been asked to perform at many events including weddings, birthday celebrations, festivals and also prior to an international rugby match. Pippa and Buddy are pictured with residents Jack Wakeman and Patricia Merrin.
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Demand soars for Wives’ By Helen Williams FOUR carers who topped the Christmas charts as part of the Military Wives’ Choir are continuing to fly high, as demand for the choir goes from strength to strength. Sarah Wall, Hayley Flood, Carly Pearce and Kirsty Cunningham all work at Tyspane care home in Braunton, Devon. They are looking forward to a busy few months, as the full 100-strong choir or smaller groups from within it get booked up for events ranging from the Army versus Navy rugby match at Twickenham to Sandown races and corporate dinners. Carly said: “Even now I can’t take in how people have reacted to us. The single was still in the top five in January and has gone platinum, selling 631,000 copies. “The choir is in demand and our management at Tyspane have been magnificent in helping us organise our schedule. We’ve also helped each other by looking after each others’ kids.” Tyspane is run by Barchester Healthcare. Television chorister Gareth Malone put the military wives together less than a year ago for the BBC2 series ‘The Choir.’ They stormed to the Christmas number one spot with the single ‘Wherever You Are’ written by Royal Wedding composer Paul Mealor. The wives outsold their closest rival, X Factor winners Little Mix, by five to one. The choir has also enjoyed celebrity backing from Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans and performed at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Proceeds from ‘Wherever You Are,’ a song
Carers Sarah Wall, Hayley Flood, Carly Pearce were part of the Military Wives’ Choir that had the Christmas number one. inspired by letters to wives from servicemen in Afghanistan, are being donated to the Royal British Legion and forces charity SSAFA. Sarah said: “Sometimes it could be really short notice when we were travelling back and forward to London. “When we sang at the Royal Albert Hall we actually had no rehearsal, we just all met up on the day.” Sixty of the choir are wives or girlfriends of servicemen stationed at the Royal Marines Base, Chivenor, Devon, while the rest are partners of
servicemen at Royal Citadel, Plymouth. The entire choir has performed at Tyspane care home in front of their most loyal and longstanding fans and Sarah said that was especially nerve-wracking. “It’s a lot harder when it’s people you know and you’re so close to them.” Despite all the fame, the choir members still have their feet firmly on the ground. “I’ve been down into town shaking buckets to continue the fundraising,” Sarah added.
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National award for activities organiser By Helen Williams A 23-YEAR-OLD who is helping older people become computer savvy has won the coveted title of national care activities coordinator 2011. Helen Brown, recreation and leisure organiser at Avery Lodge in Grantham, accepted the honour at the National Care Awards at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel. She was one of a national list of entrants nominated by residents and their families. Along with three others shortlisted, she was invited to attend an interview in London with a panel of judges from the awards. Helen, who originally trained as a graphic designer before going into the care industry, said of her win: “I am absolutely thrilled. Each of our residents has differing needs and I plan a range of activities to keep them mentally challenged. I work with them to design a personal planner and adapt it around each person’s qualities.” Among Helen’s many projects is showing residents how to use Finerday, a free web service which keeps families in touch. She has so far helped 57 out of 67 residents to get online. Helen said: “It’s fantastic and a very emotional project when you see the benefits. “One of our residents was sitting alone in his room all the time but now he’s on the computer, keeping in touch with his children. “At first some of the families were doubtful, saying things like, ‘my mum’s in her 90s, she doesn’t do computers’ but now we have older residents who are on the computer three or four times a day.”
Anne Owen, manager of Alex Wood House, and Alan Maltpress MBE, CHS chair.
Open day to mark work’s completion Helen Brown with her award. Avery Lodge, which has won many plaudits for its dementia education programme, Connect, is operated by Avery Healthcare. Group recreation and leisure organiser Lindsay Kelly said investing in training recreation and leisure staff was at the top of the agenda, particularly given the rise in numbers of people living with dementia. Lindsay added: “We are enormously proud of Helen. She is an inspiration to residents and employees alike.”
ALEX Wood House in Cambridgeshire held an open day for residents and their families, employees and members of the local community to celebrate the completion of the new facilities. The new facilities at the CHS Group owned site in Arbury, which is more than 20 years old, consist of five additional bedrooms, increasing the dementia unit to 12 beds and a new sensory area and reminiscence room in the dementia unit. The day centre has moved to the annexe with bigger facilities, while a large conservatory has been built for the main home, providing a relaxing area for residents. Improvements to the kitchens, staff room and offices have also been made.
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Pantomime favourites entertain residents DICK Whittington, Cinderella, Snow White and lots of other pantomime favourites were in West Sussex to entertain residents and members of the public at Care UK’s Darlington Court. Helen Bull, the home’s active living co-ordinator, wrote the comedy that was performed by staff at the home in Rustington. She said: “It is a great family romp with everybody’s favourite characters involved. “All of the characters think they have won a free holiday and there’s a lot of confusion and a funny twist at the end, as well as lots of audience participation and singing. “The staff gave up a great deal of their own time and have been rehearsing since October. Everyone here was very committed to ensuring our residents had a great time at Christmas.”
Owners celebrate 25 years with joint party By Dominic Musgrave A SURREY care home has celebrated 25 years with a joint Christmas and birthday party. More than 70 people, including the 17 residents, attended the event at Fircroft, which opened in 1986 when owners and directors Marcel and Fifi Nadal renovated and transformed a large detached house. At the time the couple worked full time as charge nurses, working opposite day and night shifts, and raising a family of their own. Marcel said that over the years the home has had more than 80 residents. He added: “We always aimed to provide high quality personal care in a comfortable and secure environment for the older person with special needs. “We offer a service which seeks to promote self development, preservation of dignity and the individual’s rights. “Over the years we have weathered the challenges affecting many care homes including increased planning regulations, turnover of residents, recruitment, numerous legislations, change of regulatory body, surge of overhead costs, expensive loan and
Marcel and Fifi Nadal cut a mark to celebrate their 25th anniversary. care fees restraint. “Our excellent record and reputation for providing care and highly trained staff have been recognised by the Care Quality Commissioner, EXOR and the Investor in People award.” In recent years, Fircroft has also provided specialised care for elderly residents with learning disabilities. Marcel added: “I think the secret to our resilience and success is our personal approach, unwavering perseverance and strong partnership. As the first manager Fifi laid strong
foundations for future managers to build on. “Working in a care home requires a number of attributes: patience, tolerance, dedication, empathy, enthusiasm, kindness and respect. I am impressed that all our staff have many of these qualities.’’ Marcel and Fifi presented Samantha Richards, the current manager, with a bouquet of flowers and treated all the staff to tickets to see Ghost in London. Fifi also baked and hand decorated a silver cake for the occasion.
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An innovative nurse call system and state of the art lighting that reduces anxiety are just two features of a new 60-bed Devon care home. Helen Williams reports.
Fiona Phillips joins local schoolchildren at the opening of Eastleigh Care Homes Nursing in South Molton.
New facility to be jewel in care group’s crown GROWING business Eastleigh Care Homes added a jewel to its crown with the grand opening of its latest development, Eastleigh Care Homes Nursing in South Molton. The third large home within the Devon and Somerset-based group, the facility is testament to the organisation’s pioneering approach to dementia care. Spokesperson Kirstie Barnes said the group’s managing director Garry Wilson was passionate about pushing the boundaries of care and travelled widely across Europe exploring the latest developments. She added: “Our whole philosophy is based on asking the question what care standards would I look for if it was me, or my family? And those standards are what we set out to achieve.” The new care home is the first in the UK to have an advanced lighting system proven to have a highly positive effect on residents with dementia and cognitive impairments. The system helps residents appreciate the natural passing of the day, and reduces anxiety and subsequent behaviours. The nurse call system places an initial call to the nurse and also switches lights on in the integral en-suite should a resident rise from their bed. It can be individually set to then place a second urgent call should the resident not return to bed within a designated time. Other features in the home include
larger than standard rooms, ultramodern beds that can provide for personal and nursing needs, ceiling track hoists in every room, Wi-fi and private phones. Kirstie added: “Our beds look the same as they would in a individual’s home and that removes the visual association with nursing/hospital beds. “Each resident also has a small hospitality unit which includes a fridge, tea/coffee facilities and dining area, and the home has a designated integral beauty salon with visiting hair/nail specialists. “As well as incorporating the requirements of a nursing resident in a sympathetic and non-intrusive manner, we are confident that our home can rival the opulence of decor in a five-star hotel.” Activities are a central area of the group’s strategy, allowing it to focus on its aim to become a dementia specialist. Kirstie added: “We feel confident that we have provided an exemplary environment with our new home and we are now refocusing on the human aspect of care, including support for families. “Dementia is increasing demographically, affecting more 50 and 60year-olds as well as people in their 70s and 80s, and we have recognised that we have to develop our care within this field in order to differentiate our business.”
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Lynda cuts ribbon on group’s home By Dominic Musgrave ALZHEIMER’S Society ambassador Lynda Bellingham officially opened Avery Healthcare's Cliftonville Care Home in Northampton. Lynda, whose adoptive mum Ruth was diagnosed with the disease and died in 2005, said by 2050 one in four people will be aged 65 or over, which means that more people than ever will suffer from this widely misunderstood medical condition. She added: “These are the facts but we don’t need to be frightened by them, we just need to prepare for it. I know from the experience of my mum that it isn’t easy to find a good care home. Homes like this one are just the right thing.” Unveiling a plaque to commemorate the opening, Lynda told assembled home residents and NHS managers that politicians needed to start treating the UK’s ballooning numbers of elderly and their care as a pressing issue. However, she applauded the innovation of the NHS in its approach to providing services on a partnership basis. Northampton General Hospital has partnered with Avery to provide 22 ‘transitional care’ beds
at the new home. The scheme makes beds available to patients who have completed their treatment in hospital and are recuperating in preparation of returning home. The group’s managing director John Strowbridge said: “Cliftonville was chosen by the NGH because it met the mandate as set out by the Trust: the calibre of our services, our quality control systems, our experience in providing care support services to other NHS Trusts, our quality assurance policy and our ‘outcomes’ focused ethos. “All of which form an essential part of Avery Healthcare’s successful business model and philosophy. “As Lynda highlighted, the need for dementia care is growing rapidly. The Avery management team constantly evolves its strategies to ensure all homes meet the needs of residents and their families needing dementia care. The new home has 106 beds, a rehabilitation gym and recreational facilities, a cinema, various leisure and recreation programmes, landscaped gardens and hotel style catering. Email Dominic Musgrave at dm@whpl.net with your stories.
Members of the Carousel Theatre Company with Russettings residents.
Show gets residents festive A PRODUCTION of Dick Whittington helped residents at a care home in West Sussex get into the festive spirit without leaving the comfort of their armchairs. The lounge at Russettings Care Home was transformed into a mini stage as the Carousel Theatre Company performed the popular pantomime for residents, guests and staff. The show took the audience back to the good old days of traditional entertainment with music, jokes and plenty of songs to sing along to - not forgetting the famous cat and a particularly nasty king rat. The treat was one of a number of activities being laid on to keep the 32 residents entertained, which also
included a visit by a harpist. Rachael Bekaert, manager at the Alpha Care Homes run facility, said: “The residents had all been looking forward to the pantomine and it was great that we were able arrange a performance for them all in the home. “Christmas is a busy time for us and we try to plan as many events and activities as we can to get into the festive spirit.” It is the third time in two years a panto has been brought to the home by the London-based Carousel group, which produces shows especially written for residential homes and day centres and performed by professional, experienced actors.
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Company fined after resident died from fall A CARE company has been fined £100,000 after a 91-year-old resident died following a fall from a hoist during a manual handling operation. Bupa was also ordered to pay £50,000 in costs after admitting breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act. The fine and costs order had been imposed on the company over the death of Irene Evans at Parklands Court in Bloxwich, Walsall, in February 2007. On January 31 two carers were moving Irene from a bed to a chair. They placed a sling underneath her, which was then attached to a hoist. Whilst the hoist was stationary, one carer turned away to pick up Irene’s slippers and as a result she fell forwards to the ground. Irene suffered a five-inch wound across her scalp and bruising to her head. She was taken to hospital but died 10 days later. A Health and Safety Executive investigation into her death found that the sling loop fixings attached to the hoist were wrongly adjusted. A safety pommel was not used, which would have prevented Irene from falling. The HSE prosecuted Bupa Care Homes (CFH Care) Ltd under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 ("the Act"). The hearing took place at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
The Court heard evidence that Bupa Care Homes (CFH Care) Ltd had failed to: Provide the staff at the home with any information, instruction or training in the use of the sling, the pommel or the sling loop fixings; Record the sling loop fixings in the risk assessment and the care plan for Mrs Evans; Provide a safe working procedure for the sling. Bupa Care Homes (CFH Care) Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching section 3(1) of the Act and as a result was fined £100,000 and ordered to pay £50,000 in costs. Following the hearing, the HSE’s prosecuting inspector, Amy Kalay, said Irene’s death was a wholly preventable tragedy caused by unacceptable management failings on the part of Bupa. She added: “Working in a care home is a specialised job, which involves dealing with vulnerable people. Care homes must ensure that they have the correct training in place for all their employees. “This case serves as a strong warning to all operators. Care home managers must ensure that residents’ manual handling requirements are properly assessed, and that carers are given clear information, instruction and training on how to use manual handling equipment.”
Book features residents’ recipes EVER tried a Bedfordshire Clanger? The residents of a Worcestershire care home have, as it’s one of the vintage recipes they have collected for a book. People at Rashwood Care Home in Wychbold have been remembering their favourite foods from years gone by and the result is the ‘From The Corners Of My Mind’ cook book. It features unusual recipes like Merchant Navy Curry, given to resident Betty Ross by a ship’s chef when she was managing director of the Merchant Navy Hotel in Cardiff. The book is being sold at the home for £2.50 per copy. All proceeds will go towards the residents’ comfort fund. Incidentally, the Bedfordshire Clanger is a long suet dumpling with a meat filling at one end and a sweet filling at the other. It served as a complete midday meal for agricultural workers.
The front cover of the recipe book that has been put together by Rashwood Care Home in Worcestershire.
Have you got a story for Caring UK? Get in touch with Dominic Musgrave by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.
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Show provides an opportunity to network CARE Show Bournemouth returns to the BIC in March for two days of industry networking, education and product showcases. The industry leading trade exhibition promises to be the most comprehensive to date, attracting exhibitors and visitors from across the south of the UK. Providing business solutions for owners and managers of care homes, the free event gives an insight into the latest industry developments and provides visitors with the opportunity to network face to face with some of the best care industry experts and professionals the country has to offer. CQC will be exhibiting for the first time having been heavily involved in Care Show since it replaced the Healthcare Commission, the Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Mental Health Act Commission in 2009. Their stand will give visitors the chance to source help and advice about registration, as well as providing an ideal opportunity to find out more about the inspectorate and how it works. Additional notable new exhibitors include GHM Communications, O2 Health, CaterXpress and ADT Fire & Security, a range which truly reflects the breadth of products and services on display. N&C Phlexicare, another new exhibitor, is lined up to take part in the MyBusiness seminar theatre presenting a session entitled ‘Wet floors,
Don’t be Bamboozled!’ which will cover both the benefits and pitfalls of wet floors and tips on how to make a bathroom space beautiful rather than clinical. Also featured will be Bournemouthbased chartered town planning and development consultants Tanner & Tilley, providing insight into the concept of localism and the need for working in partnership in order to expand housing choice. Continuing on this theme, Christie & Co’s Charles Phillips and Bernard Wynne are lined up to present ‘How do we assess the healthcare market?’ which will be an insight into the current market conditions for site development, sale and purchase. The Best Practice & Dementia Care and Keynote seminar theatres will join the MyBusiness theatre and will be packed with insightful educational presentations from a variety of industry specialists. These include the official Care Show charity partner – the Care Professionals Benevolent Fund, the Royal College of Nursing, NAPA and the NCA’s Nadra Ahmed OBE who is presenting ‘Caring for the Future’, an update on the care industry; where we are now, what we can expect from the future and how to be ready. Visitors interested in attending Care Show Bournemouth on March 27 and 28 can register for free and gain further information at www.careshow.co.uk/bournemouth
Julie and Diane with Chris Davies, non-executive director of Somerset Care.
Managers receive accolade TWO care home managers have been presented with a care company’s award that was launched in memory of a former resident. Julie Cullis, manager of Oak Trees in Bridgwater, and Diane Allen, manager of the newly built Croft House in Williton, were presented with a Bristol blue glass bowl for winning the Harry Patch award. Harry, a World War I veteran, lived at another Somerset Care home,
Fletcher House, for 12 years until his death in the summer of 2009. Julie has also been supporting the quality assurance process for the group, helping to develop and coordinate a robust system that is used across the company. Diane has put in copious amounts of extra time and effort to help the development of Croft House, including its official royal opening which took place in October.
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Residents get a taste of India at theme night A TASTE of India spiced up the lives of residents at a Shrewsbury nursing home during a food tasting session hosted by one of the town’s leading restaurants. Abdul Husen, head chef at Café Saffron, and Rahan Hussain visited residents at Morris Care’s Radbrook facility to give a talk on the origins and varieties of Indian food. Abdul then took to the kitchens to prepare a feast of starters, snacks and main course sample dishes. Residents had the opportunity to try favourites, including samosas and chicken tikka, as well as Café Saffron speciality Tawa Labra marinated grilled chicken, cooked with fresh ginger, garlic and fresh green herbs. Nurse manager Sue Austin said: “We often hold themed evenings at Radbrook, and at our last residents’ meeting there were a number of requests to sample Indian food.”
Group wants storytellers to help celebrate event By Dominic Musgrave BUPA care homes across the UK want to hear from people who can spin a good yarn to join in the company’s plans to mark National Storytelling Week. The care homes will be hosting special community storytelling events and are appealing for storytellers to bring tales and fables to life. Celebrated each year, National Storytelling Week aims to increase awareness of the value of sharing stories. This is the second year Bupa will be marking the week, where a similar appeal last year saw hundreds of local people step forward to help care home residents enjoy a week of classic storytelling. Community affairs assistant Laura Hardaker said: “Whether you’re a budding poet, a lively storyteller or you have your own tale to tell, we’d love to hear from anyone who can take part. We want to bring people of all ages together to feed imaginations, share memories and help celebrate the lost art of storytelling.” Supporting Bupa again this year is The Reader Organisation that works across the UK to bring people together for ‘read aloud’ sessions. Among the tales and fables being
Bupa residents Charles (89) and Gertrude Thomas (85), who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve, with Katie Clark, older people’s project manager for The Reader Organisation and Laura Hardaker, Bupa’s community affairs assistant. shared, residents will also be reading ‘Poems to Take Home’, a collection of special poems specifically chosen by the charity’s ‘Get Into Reading’ groups to be read out loud. Katie Clark, older people’s project manager for The Reader Organisation, added: “This appeal is a great way of getting involved in sharing the reading experience. “Storytelling makes it possible for everyone to engage with books and poems, and listening to and reading
aloud different stories will have a huge impact on wellbeing and engagement. This is a chance to reach out, connect with people and enjoy the power of stories.” Altogether, more than 300 care homes will be hosting storytelling events, as well as launching short story writing competitions and teaming up with local community groups and schools to encourage others to write and share their own tales.
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CARINGLAUNDRY
Group to double in five years
The perfect answer to your home’s daily needs MIELE’S Little Giants are the perfect answer to your daily laundering needs. These small but powerful machines are compact but have the performance of a commercial machine. The easy to operate, 6.5kg washing machines and dryers are not only suitable for all types of laundry, but the short programme times mean these efficient machines will have 6.5kg of laundry washed and dried in only 90 minutes. The PW 6065 washer-extractor benefits from Miele’s unique patented Honeycomb drum which enables the laundry to glide on a thin film of water and affords it unparalleled levels of protection, extending the life of garments and linen. The washers are complemented by the 6.5kg PT 7135C and PT 7136
tumble dryers which also have the Honeycomb drum to ensure fast, gentle and efficient drying. Recently, new to the range is the Little Giant Heat-Pump dryer PT 5137WP, with the integration of the heat-pump module where there is no need for vent ducting, this dryer is so sparing in its use of electricity that savings of up to 50 per cent are achieved in comparison to a conventional condenser dryer. With available stacking kits, Little Giant washers and dryers can easily occupy minimal laundry room space. The Little Giant machines are compliant with Machinery Guideline 2006/42/EC and are WRAS approved. Dump valve drain versions feature two sluice and thermal disinfection programmes meeting Department of Health guidelines HSG (95) 18, and conform to the requirements of The Care Standard Act 2000.
JLA Group, the market-leading commercial laundry company that was bought by HG Capital in 2010, will double in size in the next five years, according to its chief executive. Stephen Baxter, a Glasgow-born businessman, replaced founder John Laithwaite in the key leadership role last year and says JLA’s growth will come partly from its existing core laundry business, new product developments, and a number of strategic acquisitions. He said:“We are fortunate that the company has a strong pedigree and the excellent team of people we have has earned us a reputation for quality
and reliability. But that reputation is not guaranteed and we are restless in our pursuit for opportunities to improve, and to offer more than laundry services. “Only by consistently providing better service and new products will we succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.” Two of the three new companies – Mason of Blackpool and Expert Service South West –– bolster JLA’s core business in laundry equipment and service, while the first – Citinet – is a legionella monitoring business, an increasingly important consideration for care homes.
Firm to break from tradition TRADITIONALLY , laundry managers have used one supplier for their commercial laundry equipment and another to supply their detergents and dosing system. But with PHS Laundryserv’s allinclusive, Complete Care service, traditions are set to change. Complete Care is designed to make running an on-site laundry as simple as possible by providing all the equipment, dosing systems and detergents a laundry needs in one easy to budget for, all-inclusive monthly price. Lynne Vanes, managing director of PHS Laundryserv, said: “We believe Complete Care is a unique offering and by ensuring there are no hidden costs or surprise bills, and that all the
equipment and detergent costs are included in a single monthly cost, we can make laundry budgeting as simple as one, two, three.” Complete Care offers complete flexibility, allowing it to be tailored to any laundry requirement and any washer size. It also includes the installation of a reliable and accurate detergent dosing system, as well as all maintenance and any repairs for the lifetime of all the equipment. With all the detergents, destainers and softeners you need included, Laundryserv has also removed the hassle of having to continually place repeat orders by delivering the quantities of each of your laundry needs automatically each month.
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CARINGNEWS
Morris Care staff celebrate their awards with actor James Sutton.
Treble success for care provider By Dominic Musgrave MORRIS Care picked up a hat-trick of accolades at the annual Shropshire Partners in Care Awards ceremony. Jackie Hodson from the group’s Telford site walked away with the coveted carer of the year title in the residential and nursing category for her dedication to delivering the highest quality care. And Oldbury Grange Nursing Home in Bridgnorth took the prestigious health and wellbeing award for its diverse and innovative range of activities and events that better the lives of its residents. Each Morris Care home has a dedicated social life coordinator who arranges a daily programme of activities to ensure wellbeing amongst residents. The award was collected by Geraldine Bunning. The group also took home the healthy eating award in recognition of its commitment to providing a healthy, fresh and varied diet for its
residents. Under the direction of executive chef Paul Ratcliffe, all of the group’s meals are prepared on site, with regular restaurant evenings held for residents and their families. Director Tim Morris said: “The group is committed to delivering the very best quality nursing care, and ensuring that each and every resident is treated as an individual. “It is this ethos which has established us as one of the premier care providers in the county, and these awards are a true reflection of all of the hard work and dedication that everyone at Morris Care shows to our residents.” The awards were presented by Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actor James Sutton, and are run by Shropshire Partners in Care, a nonprofit organisation supporting the development of a sustainable and high quality social care sector in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.
Packed programme as home celebrates landmark EVENTIDE home in Cornwall shares the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year and is celebrating with a packed programme, including a new ‘Diamond’ extension. The not-for-profit residential care home in Liskeard opened in 1952 when the Queen came to the throne. Funded by local donations, it was the people of Liskeard’s memorial for those who gave their lives in the Second World War. The new extension and works will mean the home can accommodate two more residents (from 24 to 26). En-suite facilities will be installed in four bedrooms and there will be a new reception area and manager’s office as well as a designated room for respite care, helping meet strong local demand for this service. The home has secured £6,500 from the National Lottery and this will be used to improve the garden, including making it wheelchair accessible,
with a view to hosting more community events such as band and scout days. Events get into gear in April with the grand opening of the home’s new lounge, named after local resident Stanley Maggs, and this will be followed a few weeks later by a children’s Easter egg hunt and pet show. Other plans include inviting the local community college to create a piece of wall art in the reception area and a ‘Memory Lane’ event where Liskeard residents can send in photos and memories of Eventide. Manager Jennifer Nancarrow-Allen said: “Almost everyone in Liskeard has some kind of connection with the home, and we have excellent relationships with schools, the community college and churches.” Eventide, which has its own care ambassador and dignity champion, has also achieved five stars from environmental health.
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Home to remain family run thanks to 15-year deal A SOUTH Yorkshire care home is set to remain a family-run business following the signing of a 15-year finance deal. Husband and wife Paul and Sarah Ratcliffe run Beech Cliffe Care Home in Rotherham and Beech Cliffe Grange in Greasbrough which have a total of 19 residents and employ 70 staff. The finance deal with Santander Corporate Banking will enable the couple to purchase the homes from Paul’s father and stepmother, Jack and Ann Ratcliffe, who are retiring. Both former teachers, Jack and Ann opened the Beech Cliffe Care Home in 1994. To meet demand for their specialist care services they expanded operations four years later by opening Beech Cliffe Grange.
Paul and Sarah have been working in the business since 2006, gaining experience in all aspects of care home management. A former officer in the Royal Tank Regiment, Paul was also a secondary school teacher for ten years, while his wife worked as a senior nurse at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre. Paul said his military career had helped him in the business in that it gave him skills in problem-solving, discipline and attention to detail. The experience of teaching had also helped in that the approach and ideas that worked with autistic people were similar to classroom techniques. He said: “My father taught in both mainstream schools and for the National
Autistic Society. When with the NAS he quickly gravitated towards those displaying the most challenging behaviour. Beech Cliffe originated from his concerns about what came next for these children when they reached school-leaving age.” The homes have an extremely low turnover rate – only one resident has left since 1994 – and Paul is a strong believer in highly personalised care as well as investment in staff training. He said: “Challenging behaviour is very prevalent with a lot of autistic people, but it arises from their individual needs. You can’t expect success in meeting these and as a result reducing challenging behaviour unless you invest in your people and their training.”
Caring UK Commerce section brings you all the latest property, business and training news every month.
In this issue: Finance package
enables home to complete refurb Page 24
Work finishes
early thanks to grant Page 25
Care home sales
secure 84 jobs Page 26
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Firm to build £7m facility in Brighton BUPA Care Homes is investing over £7m to build its first care home in Brighton and will be creating more than 100 new jobs in the local area. The new 80-bed flagship facility will provide specialist nursing care and has also been carefully designed to create a positive environment for people living with dementia. Regional director Mark Elliott said: “The focus will be on providing a first-class personalised level of care, so we will not only be offering the very best facilities but the highest standard of care and support.” Due to be completed in early 2013, the purpose-built care home includes specific features to meet the different and changing needs of residents. To encourage engagement and aid connections with the past, memory triggers and items of interest will act as destination points at the end of corridors for people living with dementia, while the characteristics of a “home” have also been prioritised for residents.
Finance package enables home to complete refurb BROADWAY Care Centre Ltd has completed the £2.1m refinance and refurbishment of its Hazelhurst Nursing Home in Penarth. The nursing home operator which currently has three nursing homes based at Pantannas Care Centre, Treharris, Hillside Care Centre (EMI), New Tredegar and Hazelhurst has increased capacity to 100 beds across the group. Company director Sonny Bamrah, a former RAF engineer, purchased his first care home in 2003 after his wife Kamal, a former nursing home chef, suggested they could provide a better service than some of the current providers. He told Caring UK the new investment supported by Barclays Corporate will increase the number of staff to over 100 over the next 12 months. “We specialise in providing high quality nursing care to people with differing needs,” added Kamal. “Demand for quality dedicated care is set to increase across the region and placements are already limited at the moment so our investment into the business is vital to our success. “The refurbishment of Hazelhurst will continue to enhance the reputation of our service. We already
Howard Crackle, head of healthcare in Wales for Barclays Corporate with company director Sonny Bamrah. “However, there is also enormous have 100 per cent occupancy at the home and a long waiting list which is responsibility knowing that both a strong indicator that we are doing clients and employees depend on the right things, for our residents and your decision making and ability to their families.” make the business a success. Sonny said plans are already in “I have real concerns over the UK’s place to create a dedicated £5.5m, elderly care strategy as most people 100 bed elderly care facility including don’t know if or how they will finance the provision of mentally infirm care their future care provision. (EMI) adjoining Hazelhurst. The “Traditional local authority care home will create approximately 100 homes are increasingly coming under jobs. pressure to meet increased regulation He added: “The best thing about and care standards, which is why the running your own business is the private sector must embrace these empowerment to make swift decisions to improve services for your challenges, investing and improving clients. the standards of care.”
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Work to finish five years early By Dominic Musgrave REFURBISHMENT plans for Sheffield’s only care home with charitable status are set to be completed five years early, it has been announced. Broomgrove Nursing Home manager Jill Wall described their success in winning grants totalling £113,000 that will allow them to upgrade their main dining, sitting room and reception areas by March as “the icing on the cake”. She added: “One of the main aims of our five-year development plan launched in 2007 was to make Broomgrove the home of choice for Sheffield and the surrounding region. “Investment priority had always been given to individual patient care and living quarters but this windfall is set to allow us to upgrade public areas far earlier and quicker than ever envisaged, which is fantastic news. “Winning the £93,000 Department Of Health Social Enterprise Investment Fund grant and another
£20,000 from the H S Fisher Trust will leave no one under any doubt as to why we’re so popular.” As well as funding a facelift for the entrance and main public areas, the grants are also set to allow the purchase of a new seven-seater mini-bus for residents. Jill added: “We’re hoping to get all the work done by local firms which will help boost the local economy. “We are re-shaping Broomgrove to ensure it becomes “the home of choice” for people who are looking for expert respite, convalescent or long-term nursing in a caring and stimulating environment. The recently opened day care centre will also help to support people living in their own homes.” A new day care co-ordinator, Liz Harrison, was recently appointed to oversee the new services. Are you planning or currently undergoing a refurbishment programme at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net
An artist’s impression of the new village.
Firms join to develop in London INTERNATIONAL retirement village operator LifeCare Residences Ltd and VINCI Construction UK have formed a joint venture to develop sites in London. Their first facility, Battersea Place, is being built opposite Battersea Park and, once complete, will have 112 luxury apartments and penthouses, as well as a leisure complex with
BAM wins refurb contract BAM Construction has won a £2.7m contract for the major refurbishment of a Plymouth care home. The contractor will use several local firms to help it carry out a comprehensive renovation of the vacant Nazareth House, increasing
Working on a joint basis, GVA Grimley and DC Care has completed the sale of three care facilities. The Old Gables in Shipley (pictured above) was sold with vacant possession, while two operational specialist learning disability residential care homes – Putney House and Whitley Farm Cottages – were subsequently sold for a private vendor. The Old Gables has been acquired by Advanced Childcare Limited. who intend to extensively refurbish the premises for use as a children’s facility. Putney House and Whitley Farm Cottages in East Yorkshire have been acquired by Heathcotes, a regional operator. The sale prices were undisclosed.
Tax reclaims for care home owners... CAPITAL allowances are among the most valuable and least exploited methods of reducing property owners’ income tax or corporation tax liabilities. Capital allowances arise from capital expenditure on purchasing or constructing a new property along with extensions and refurbishments. We comprehensively survey the property which allows us to identify any qualifying items that, for numerous reasons, have previously not been claimed. Don’t delay as the government are considering closing this opportunity for retrospective claims. Call now for your free appraisal. Have you made a Vat reclaim? If you were operating between 1993 and 2002 call now to start making your claim. We will quickly identify the validity of a claim without obligation. If it does not proceed there will be no fee. Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com
indoor pool, chef-run restaurant and bar, library, IT and cinema rooms, a concierge along with a boutique 30 bed studio room nursing home. LifeCare CEO Richard Davis said: “The new villages are going to be hugely appealing to individuals who wish to continue living in the city, surrounded by like-minded people, in a caring and vibrant community.”
capacity of the home from 33 to 44 beds. Residents were moved out of the home in February last year, and will return to a larger, more comfortable and modernised environment in the summer.
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Patrick Berry of P&C Care (second from right) with David Jones of Reward Capital, Mo Chaudry of CFD Accountants and Jonathan Simms of Clarion, who advised on the acquisitions.
Care home sales secure 84 jobs TWO West Yorkshire care homes have been acquired for an undisclosed sum by the newly-formed P&C Care Ltd, securing the jobs of 84 staff. The deal was made possible by a multi-million pound funding package involving National Westminster Bank Plc which was arranged and supported by the funder Reward Capital which itself invested a six figure sum. Based in Shipley and led by Patrick and Catherine Berry, P&C Care has acquired the properties and business of Ivy Nursing Home in Shipley and The Mount Nursing Home in Bradford which were formerly part of Holberry Care Ltd. Both of the 40-bed care homes will be managed by the couple, who have extensive experience in the care home sector. He said: “Having spent most of our
lives working in the care home sector, we are passionate about providing the very best for our clients. “We look forward to continuing to operate these homes to a high standard and building on their excellent reputation and business success as well as expanding and acquiring further homes in the future. Patrick is a qualified nurse and worked for the NHS for 17 years before leaving to work in the private sector. He has run EMI care homes for over 20 years and his wife Catherine has also worked in finance and nursing home administration for many years. The homes were sold by DC Care, who were acting upon the instructions of joint administrators D F Wilson and J N R Pitts of Begbies Traynor in Leeds.
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Funding should be priority By Leon Smith AS WE entered 2011 I genuinely hoped for better things for the sector. We had the Dilnot Commission’s report to look forward to, and the Government had promised extra funding for social care. Unfortunately, one of the many symptoms of reaching a “mature age” is that New Year positivity tends to last less and less long. True to form, my optimism proved to be very short lived. Perhaps, in a year so utterly full of news, the best we could have hoped for was to hide in the background. You would think there wouldn’t be much space for social care on the front pages in between the Japanese earthquake and subsequent nuclear meltdown, riots on the streets of cities across the UK, a huge phone hacking scandal penetrating the police and government, seemingly imminent global economic collapse, and the deaths of Osama Bin Laden, Muanmar Ghaddafi, and Kim Jong-il. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case, and we saw scandal after scandal hitting the headlines. The collapse of Southern Cross was followed swiftly by tragic stories of abuse and neglect across the sector. Away from the front pages there was more doom and gloom. Time
and money was wasted on the CQC’s proposals for a new quality rating system, only for it to be roundly rejected and dropped. Local authorities continued to demonstrate a lack of understanding of the actual cost of care. Not only does the money which they currently pay for commissioned beds in care homes come nowhere near the true cost, but this year they are imposing unilateral and swingeing cuts. Regardless of any contracts which may be in existence some local authorities are deciding without any discussion or negotiation that they will simply cut funding by five or even eight per cent. This in turn follows on from in some cases two years of no cost of living increases, set in the context of inflation running at five per cent per annum. There was some good news in the summer, when Andrew Dilnot set out an incredibly promising – though of course, not perfect – proposal for the UK’s system of social care funding. ‘This is what we’ve been waiting for,’ the sector cried; ‘it will take the fear out of growing old.’ The Government’s response was lukewarm, and though it has promised a White Paper that will contain a solution, it seems that the treasury might be dragging its feet
over the cost of the proposals. At the political party conferences, too, there was little talk of this incredibly important issue. All in all, this has not been a good year, and as we start 2012 we must continue to put all our efforts into pushing the Government for action on social care funding. Despite all of this, once again I find myself looking to the New Year with a tiny light of optimism. We read constantly (depending upon which particular set of figures one wishes to believe) that a child born today will have a one in three chance of living to be 100 years old. This must be celebrated, and it seems society is finally waking up to the fact that people are living longer. The wonderful ‘grey pride’ movement has captured the imagination of many thousands of people, drawing attention to older people’s needs. At the same time, there are so many positive and fantastic things happening in care homes that never make it anywhere near the national press – you only need to flick through the pages of Caring UK to see the wonderful and innovative work being done by so many. A few weeks ago, one of the residents of my own care home, 103year-old Fanny Berkoff, was featured in the Sunday Times’ maga-
Leon Smith zine. Her resilience and dignity shone through the pages as an example to us all of what old age can be like. We are privileged to be working in a sector where we are able to enjoy working with so many remarkable people, many of whom have been through far more than we could ever imagine. If they can continue to be optimistic then so can we. Leon Smith is the chief executive of Nightingale.
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Footballer opens new special unit
Seaside garden helps home win design award
FOOTBALL legend Steve Bull has opened a special unit in Staffordshire designed to improve life for patients with severe forms of dementia. The former Wolves and England striker opened the Kendal unit at the Lakeview nursing home in Great Wyrley, near Walsall. It will provide a safe haven to help up to eight people with challenging behaviour, including verbal or physical aggression resulting from dementia, to get the most out of life. The priority is to enable them to lead as normal a life as possible while focusing on their individual abilities. Each member of staff at the unit has been carefully selected because of their experience, qualifications and passion for caring for older people who have complex needs with challenging behaviour. The team of highly trained carers is lead by a specialist psychiatric nurse as well as care home manager Kerry Jackson, who has been in charge at Lakeview for the past four years.
A ‘TRADITIONAL British seaside’ recreated at an Essex care home has helped the manager win a top National Dementia Care Award. Rosemary Moor, who manages Cunningham House in Epping, won best exterior dementia design category for her sensory seaside garden. It features a sandy beach, chalets, deck chairs and even a boat, and residents have been able to enjoy barbecues and picnics there while reliving some of their fondest childhood memories. There is also an audio system with sounds of crashing waves and seagulls. Rosemary said: “The idea came from the residents who said they wanted a communal area which would remind them of trips to the seaside. “Some of them were evacuated to the seaside during the war and had happy memories of their time there.” Rosemary was presented with her award during a ceremony at the Crown Plaza hotel in Liverpool. It was hosted by CBBC television presenters Dick and Dom and attended by around 400 people.
By Dominic Musgrave
The seaside garden area at Cunningham House in Epping. Twelve awards were given including best dementia care team and best dementia care home. The ‘seaside’ is not the only attraction at Cunningham House, run by The Abbeyfield Society. Rosemary also has a ‘Walk of Hollywood’ feature dedicated to film stars and a ‘Babe in a Care Home’ theme complete with two little pigs. Residents voted on their names and chose Bonnie and
Clyde. Rosemary added: “We have chickens, cats and peacocks too. Schoolchildren and residents’ families come in to see the animals and it’s a catalyst for conversation, raises our profile and is wonderful for our team. “Our residents can encounter the natural world while increasing their wellbeing and social interactions.”
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Coun Phil Harrison and Jim McMahon, leader of Oldham council, with Sue and Alan Firth, managing director and executive chairman of Meridian respectively.
Redditch mayor Anita Clayton opens the new room with councillor Bill Lowe.
Flying ducks among treasure trove in room By Helen Williams RESIDENTS at a Redditch nursing home are enjoying a 1930s/1940s reminiscence room – with period details right down to three flying ducks on the wall. The room at Southcrest Care Nursing Home in Mount Pleasant features a treasure trove of items such as retro sofas and wallpaper, a gramophone, Bakelite telephone and vintage glass cabinet. Only recently opened by local mayor Anita Clayton, the cosy room is already delivering results in terms of comfort and a sense of nostalgic familiarity for residents. One might think furnishing such a room came with a hefty price tag – after all, collectors are competing for similar classic items – but nursing home manager Tracey Jary explained that this was far from the case. “We were at a managers’ meeting for Worcester and heard that another local home had just bought a reminiscence pod for £1,500,” she added. “We thought it was fantastic but were conscious of budget and decided to link up with the recycling website Freecycle. We found out they had a hospice shop and I was invited to come down and pick out anything I wanted.”
After that, relatives joined in the hunt for items. They started bringing things into the home, and the reminiscence room project snowballed. “It was super,” said Tracey. “Particularly when this room had been so underused before. It had been a lounge area but we only tended to use it for staff meetings.” There were some items that had to be bought, such as wallpaper. “Authentic wallpaper from the period was about £80 a roll but I managed to pick up a great retro design from B&Q,” said Tracey. Residents have responded warmly to the room. Tracey added: “We have a number of residents with dementia needs so being somewhere familiar is comforting for them. “Some residents have even moved in there as their general day room and have taken in their own photos. One lady was agitated anywhere else but she went into this room and immediately calmed down.” The care home has three floors and staff are now looking at creating another reminiscence area on another floor. Are you transforming an area in your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.
Firm appoints first dementia head CARE UK has announced the appointment of Maizie Mears-Owen as the organisation’s first head of dementia care. Since joining the company in 2008 as a service development manager, she has contributed to the development of the company’s dementia strategy by creating an experiential training programme aimed at all colleagues working within the residential care division.
In her new role, Maizie will be responsible for the continued development internally of Care UK’s approach to the care and support of people with dementia in its homes nationwide. She will also be representing Care UK externally as the company seeks to maintain dementia care at the top of the Government’s agenda in terms of funding, care quality and innovation.
Refurbished home reopens AN Oldham care home has reopened and will offer short stay dementia care to people. The 20-bed Limecroft facility has been refurbished and will be run by Meridian Healthcare, who have recruited staff, including local residents, to provide professional care for service users. Phil Harrison, cabinet member for adult social services and health, was among the official party when the centre was reopened. He said:“The facility was well liked by patients, families and carers and as a co-operative council we have listened to what these people have told us and moved quickly to re-open it. “Limecroft was given a three-star
rating and classed as ‘excellent’ in its last inspection by the CQC so it would have been a travesty to see it mothballed. “It has undergone a refurbishment and the care home has been restored as a centre of excellence for adult social care provision.” Limecroft’s doors closed on March 31 and its dementia care provision was transferred to the remaining council-run residential care home at Medlock Court. The day service for people with dementia was relocated to High Barn. It will be managed by the experienced Hazel Smith, who previously managed a 20 place day centre in the town for people with dementia related conditions.
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If you would like to advertise in our home care section please contact: 01226 734692 or email tb@whpl.net
Rights groups plan is overdue claims director By Dominic Musgrave THE proposed creation of a patients’ rights group for care users and their relatives is welcome but long overdue, it has been claimed. Elaine Brady, managing director of Willowbrook, which employs 230 staff and operates across Lancashire, has greeted care services minister Paul Burstow’s plans to tackle “quality and mistreatment” with relief. Elaine, who was recently named businesswoman of the year at the Be Inspired Business Awards, added: “We do have an independent regulator of social and health care services, the CQC, but this body would come at reviewing the provision from a completely new and refreshing angle. “I feel such a method of putting care users’ and their families’ concerns to bed is long overdue. With a ‘good care guide’ for families and users to examine the suitability of potential providers, and the spot checks which would support this, all those firms currently lagging behind in terms of exceptional patient care and employee support mechanisms would need to up their game. “It should however be said that this will not solve all of the care sectors problems. It is essential the govern-
ment take a long hard look at how social care across the country can be fair and sustainable, taking into account the tighter budgets all within the industry now face. Professionals throughout the industry are keen to be involved in this process.” In the 11 years the business has been running, Elaine’s enthusiasm and determination has seen Willowbrook complete four acquisitions of other care agencies, secure itself as one of Lancashire County Council’s preferred domiciliary providers and be certified as a City and Guilds training centre. She added: “As we currently stand, selecting the best of the best for your own, or your relatives’ needs can be a strenuous activity. “We try hard to exemplify our best practices and put all parties involved at ease that we will do our very best and treat our customers with the utmost respect and dignity. To have outside reassurance that this is true would be of great benefit to our customers. “This would offer an easy way of comparing and contrasting qualitative research on providers, enabling families and users to select the provider that will most closely match their needs.”
Charles Folkes outside the new offices.
Agency moves to larger office A GUISBOROUGH based home care company is growing so rapidly that it has been been forced to move to new premises in the town. Caremark (Redcar and Cleveland), a company that provides home care to people across Teesside and North Yorkshire has revealed further expansion plans as the business continues to go from strength to strength. The company was set up in November 2008, and three years on it has grown from two staff to more than 60. The launch of a new live-in care service is expected to create another 50 jobs for the local community over the next 12-18 months. In, addition the company is actively looking to increase its number of private customers. Charles Folkes, director of Caremark
Group chairman cuts ribbon GROUP chairman Barrie Dale cut the ribbon to officially open Somerset Care at Home’s new offices in Yeovil.
The Jewish Care adult social work team won the silver award for the adult team of the year category in the annual National Social Worker of the Year Awards. The team was presented with its accolade at a ceremony at the House of Lords, which was attended by more than 170 social workers from across the UK. The team consists of Anna Smith, mental health social work manager, Sally Rose, Naomi Glickman, Helen Rosen, Stuart Sidloff and Emily Mann.
(Redcar and Cleveland), said: “I couldn’t have known when I started the business in 2008 that it would have grown so quickly from providing a few hundred hours of care per week to the current position of around 1,400. “We are now targeting a figure of 3,000 hours over the next 12 months, and with the launch of our new Habito live-in service, we are further strengthening our offer by being able to provide care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Caremark (Redcar and Cleveland) is now an accredited provider for Redcar and Cleveland borough council and North Yorkshire county council. The company is currently in the process of targeting further local authorities.
Staff from across the company attended the festivities, along with key members of social services and hospital teams.
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CARINGNEWS
A Rochdale care home has been developing fun events with local schools including a Christmas singsong and Chinese New Year party. Helen Williams found out more.
The benefits of close community links HALF Acre House has 25 residents, many with dementia, and has actively pursued links with junior and primary schools to help develop interesting activities – most recently with Marland Hill primary. Children from the school came to sing to residents over Christmas week and have recently worked on a project linking toys with memorabilia. This month up to 30 children from reception classes will visit the home for a Chinese New Year celebration. Anita Lewis, who owns the home with husband Rodney, said: “We’ll share Chinese food and make hats and artwork like a collage dragon. “The children will perform a dragon dance and Chinese New Year traditions – exchanging red envelopes with (chocolate) money and tangerines – and there will be a tai chi demonstration.” In May, the home hosts a special tea when children will dance around the maypole and put on a school concert and later in the year children and residents celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Half Acre House recently appointed two senior staff to develop in-house activities and they are devising personalised projects for individual residents. Former teacher Anita, who is 70 this year, said her niece Nina Clegg had taken over as business manager at Half Acre House and this had freed up time for her to focus on activities. She added: “Activities are an increasingly important feature of care, and their quality can really differentiate a home. We have always had good community relations but schools is an area I have recently been able to concentrate on.
Half Acre House in Rochdale. “As a former teacher I knew there was potential for us to be part of schools’ community projects, but saying that, you have to be persistent – teachers are very busy people.” Half Acre House also has links with local churches who come into the home regularly, runs its own newsletter and annual charity fundraiser, and hosts themed evenings like French and Italian nights. Anita said: “A lot of our residents can’t or don’t want to go out – just going out for a meal can be a
big trauma – so we thought why not get together with friends and relatives at home? “For our French night we had an accordion player and staff dressed up as waiters. We put up French flags and pictures of Paris and I introduced the night with a few French phrases.” Have you forged links with the local churches and schools in your community? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.
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CARINGNEWS
A training programme in care homes has boosted staff confidence and improved advance care planning. Karen Jackson, family liaison coordinator at Healthcare at Home Ltd, explains how.
Improving end-of-life care IN 2010, NHS Birmingham East and North and Healthcare at Home Ltd joined forces to deliver a six-month programme providing end-of-life care training to seven residential homes in the area. The training involved an intensive two-week programme of sessions around end-of-life care, specially designed to support care home staff in identifying residents in the last 12 months of life and making preparations to ensure a good death. HaH also provide a range of home treatment services including end of life care, chemotherapy at home and enhanced supported discharge to 125,000 patients each year. The pilot fits into a much broader end-of-life care strategy, which sets out a number of areas that need improvement, including provision of staff training programmes. One issue the scheme highlighted was how many participants did not feel confident initiating discussions with their residents regarding endof-life care preferences. With this in mind, the group was given guidance on how to spot opportunities to broach a conversation around end-of-life
Sue Beach, family liaison coordinator for HaH, with client Linda. care planning, and were empowered to be more proactive in this regard. Staff were also unfamiliar with their residents’ clinical conditions and therefore couldn’t understand why people reacted in the way that they did. The HaH nurses taught
them about conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and COPD and the different ways in which each condition affects the body. Consequently, staff were able to recognise clinically-driven behavioural patterns and appreciate
how each condition may impact on advance care planning. In addition, staff were introduced to end-of-life care tools such as the Six Step Pathway, the Personal Choices Plan and the ‘All About Me’ form. This 11-page document is designed to provide all relevant information about a resident so that any staff who become engaged in caring for the individual have immediate access to personal details such as allergies and dietary requirements. Simple, cost-effective initiatives like these have had an enormous impact in terms of safeguarding the dignity of residents and improving care. The success of the project was largely dependent on the enthusiasm and commitment of staff members. Those homes that embraced the training underwent a significant cultural shift that has transformed their provision of care and given staff the tools to engage with residents in more meaningful ways. To find out more about Healthcare at Home visit www.hah.co.uk
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Study reveals a rise in the number of care beds By Dominic Musgrave THE number of care home beds rose by 6,500 last year, a report into the state of the industry has revealed. At April 2011 capacity stood at 481,100 places in residential settings for long stay care of elderly and physically disabled people, compared to 474,600 in 2010 and up almost three per cent over the 2006 figure of 467,600. That was the surprising finding of the latest research from healthcare intelligence provider Laing & Buisson in its 2011/12 edition of Care of Elderly People UK Market Survey, which also reported that the number of people living in care homes in the UK rose by 6,500 to 421,000 in the year ending April 2011. Commenting on the report, William said: “The unexpected surge in net capacity over the last three years is the most significant trend to emerge from recent Laing & Buisson market monitoring, since it impacts on occupancy rates and profitability at a time when the sector is also being challenged by local authority constraints. “This is the third year in succes-
William Laing sion in which capacity has edged upwards. Prior to that, capacity had fallen for 12 successive years. “If, as this report projects, capacity continues to increase in the future, the end of the first decade of this century will have marked a significant turning point in the history of UK care homes from a declining sector to once more a growing one.” Other notable findings of the study included an eight per cent drop in the number of homecare hours provided in the latest available figures of 2009/10 from 200
million to 183 million. The funding profile of England’s care home population continued to move towards private payers in 2011, with 41 per cent of residents, almost 160,000, now fully responsible for their own fees. William said those with high exposure to state-pay – especially in the North and the Midlands – are experiencing a double blow from council fee freezes and reductions in the volume of local authority demand. He added: “Within the state paid sector, most councils froze their baseline fee rates in the face of swingeing cuts in central government funding. “In contrast, the private pay market continues to bear significant fee increases. As a result Laing & Buisson has found that care home fees have risen at a surprisingly high compound annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent for nursing care and four per cent for residential care over the last four years, with no sign of a break in the trend in 2011/12. “Nonetheless, care home operators with a high level of exposure to local authority funding will have experienced significant pressures on margins in 2011/12, with further pressure expected in 2012/13.”
Feathered fun among the festive activities A SURREY care home hosted a selection of activities during the festive season. Residents and staff at Coppice Lea Care and Retirement Home in Merstham took part in some feathered fun which included a sponsored walk on the Sussex Cuckoo Trail. Staff dyed their hair ‘chick yellow’ and enjoyed a day out walking. The programme sponsored the purchase of chicken eggs, which were hatched and raised for two weeks by the care home. Residents were able to watch the chicks hatch in the incubator and then nurture them through their first two weeks of life. Activities co-ordinator Bip Slater said: “Residents and staff held vigil waiting and watching the chicks hatch in the incubator. Everyone in the home enjoyed nurturing the chicks and watching them grow into beautiful little feathered friends. The chicks were so friendly.”
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Leading risk management software supplier
Traditional styles for the care home from Grahame Gardner Ltd
DATIX is the leading supplier of patient and resident safety software for health and social care risk management, incident reporting and adverse events. Datix gives care home managers the information they need to build a complete picture of risk in their organisation. Datix can help to improve safety for residents and staff, while reducing administrative overheads. From small care homes to large groups, Datix plays a key part in the corporate governance of the organisation. Key features of Datix for social care include: Management dashboards which display information on the organisation’s risks in a clear, simple format. Sophisticated alerting mechanisms that give care home managers early warning of potential trouble spots. Flexible views of risk management information, allowing risks to be shown by particular care home, department or even an individual resident. Security of access to information, restricting managers to viewing only data that is relevant to their care home or area of interest.
DESPITE the changing trends within the industry, Grahame Gardner still stock an extensive range of traditional workwear which continues to be popular with care home staff around the UK. Tunics hold an enduring appeal as they withstand the rigours of the working day well, manufactured with durable fabrics that hold their shape over the long term. Sales director Simon Ward said: “We have expanded our range hugely over the past 10 years, bringing in several ranges of scrubwear as well as more contemporary tunics. “Whereas a number of care homes now do choose to go for the relaxed comfort of scrubs, an equal number remain committed to the professional image conveyed by traditional tunics and trousers.” Grahame Gardner offer one of the largest colour palettes within the industry and are also able to personalise garments with the addition of embroidered names, logos or badges.
Enquiries: Contact 020 8971 1971 or email info@datix.co.uk
Enquiries: Telephone 0116 255 6326 or visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk
Every care home should have one HIS sledge consists of dual inner foam, lower layer firm to ride over any surfaces, carpets, concrete or any bumps like stairs, and an upper layer for patient comfort. There are safety belts and a foot pocket to hold the patient in place, pulling loops at each end and a tough slippery coated bottom side. The whole item is stored in a pouch and can hang on the wall. Our customers agree with us: “Clark Medical recently loaned us one of their emergency evacuation sledges for evaluation. Here at Care Management Group the safety of our service users is central to how we operate, and value for money in this tough financial climate is vital too. “The sledge does the job at around half the cost of other similar products we have seen in the market, and we are able to put these devices into our care homes enabling our staff to easily evacuate people in an emergency, even down a short flight of stairs.” Simone Plaut CMIOSH MSc health and safety advisor, Care Management Group. Enquiries: Telephone 01844 275700 or visit www.clarkmedical.co.uk
New octenisan® wash mitts Efficient and reliable whole-body washing Time-saving, convenient and cost effective Reduced risk of cross-contamination as one pack is used for each resident THE first antimicrobial wash mitts containing the active ingredient octenidine are available from schülke. octenisan® wash mitts are ideal for use with bed-bound residents who are unable to shower or bathe. Each Mitt is designed for single use and there are ten in a pack – eight are usually sufficient for full body decolonisation. The pack of wash mitts can be heated to body temperature in a microwave before use. octenisan® is effective against a broad range of micro-organisms but unlike some antimicrobial washes, its skin friendly formulation is gentle on the skin. The efficacy of octenisan comes from the unique active ingredient octenidine, which has been shown to have a broad antimicrobial effect, including multi-resistant strains. Enquiries: Telephone 0114 254 3500, visit www.schulke.co.uk or email mail.uk@schuelke.com
Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749
New Knightsbridge seating presents an air of distinction AN air of distinction characterises the Lugano and Lucia ranges of seating, which have just been added to the wideranging Care Collection by Knightsbridge Furniture. Intended to enhance lounge and reception areas, bedrooms and communal spaces within residential care facilities, Lugano includes handsomely-proportioned twoand three-seat sofas, together with elegant upright armchairs and club chairs in both compact and easy versions. The design story throughout is characterised by graceful sloping arms and softened angles, with style options embracing plain, diamond-buttoned or fluted backs. Equally tasteful is the Knightsbridge Lucia range. Comprising dining chairs, upright chairs and armchairs in open and fully-upholstered versions, Lucia is designed on stylish, uncluttered lines to complement traditional and contemporary interiors alike Both the Lugano and Lucia ranges are offered in a wide selection of upholstery fabrics, with show-wood in complementary Cherry, Wenge, Bleached Beech, Oak, Natural Beech or Walnut. Customer-specific requirements can also be accommodated. Enquiries: Call 01274 731442, e-mail enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk or visit www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk
Beaucare’s mattress disinfection wipes BEAUCARE® Medical Ltd is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts. We have developed a mattress disinfection wipe to compliment our hygiene and janitorial range. These wipes are specifically formulated to control infection and disinfect in one solution, with healthcare professionals in mind. The wipe contains a complex mix of biocides formulated to target a broad spectrum of microorganisms found in health care environments, such as bactericidal, mycobactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and sporistatic disinfection. Our mattress disinfection wipes are ready to use and disposable, eliminating the risk of cross contamination. A cost saving alternative to multiple product solutions, supplied in a tub with resealable fastening for easier and quick dispensing. Ideal for cleaning our waterproof covered pressure relief mattresses or doubles up as a multi-purpose surface wipe. Enquiries: Telephone 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com
Activity packs for dementia launched IN response to feedback from care home managers, Active Minds has decided to launch a unique range of activity packs for people living with dementia. Each pack contains a selection of Active Minds’ unique activity products at discounted rates. The packs have been specifically aimed at care homes to provide their residence with a varied range of activities at a great price. They are already proving an essential tool for activity coordinators across the country. Enquiries: Visit www.active-minds.co.uk, email info@active-minds.co.uk or telephone 020 7688 6636.
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
Badge firm’s lower prices TECHNOLOGICAL advances have enabled Badgemaster to offer new, lower prices. For over 20 years the company has placed keen emphasis on investing in the most up to date manufacturing and order processing systems which, coupled with consistent volume growth, has always enabled economies to be passed on to customers. MD John Bancroft said: “We’ve overhauled our price list to make lower quantities of badges accessible at the same discounted rate previously reserved for higher volumes and are able to offer further significant savings for larger users - and the product quality is better than ever.” John believes competitors will be hard pushed to match Badgemaster’s combination of product quality and pricing and invites buyers to check out their current deal against his own company’s offer.
Features helps staff
Supplier launches new calculator LEADING portable kitchen supplier PKL has launched its new Profit Calculator for the care home sector. The calculator shows the amount of profit that could be generated for care homes by converting existing kitchen space into additional bedrooms and hiring one of their popular KitchenPods to replace it. All that is required is the size of your existing kitchen and the amount you
charge for a bedroom per week. The Profit Calculator then works out how many bedrooms could be created and calculates the total profit, providing a breakdown of associated costs. For example, a care home charging £600 per week could have its 25sqm kitchen converted into two bedrooms, generating a net profit of £163,500 over five years.
Stripe added Bibby supports proposals to collection DANFLOOR UK, leading suppliers of impervious carpets to the healthcare market, has introduced the striking new Equinox Stripe to its healthcare collection. The Stripe range consists of nine tonal shades produced in a slightly heavier weight, making it suitable for a variety of applications from bedrooms to corridors. This versatile range is designed to suit a number of environments from nursing homes to sheltered accommodation. The new Stripe includes mædical™ an antimicrobial yarn treatment which offers a four log reduction of 99.99 per cent in the presence of harmful micro-organisms including the bacteria that causes MRSA. mædical™ deactivates microorganisms by physically stabbing the membrane of the microbe and electrocuting the biochemicals within it. mædical™ also inhibits bacterial and fungal growth, which are the major causes of cross contamination and odour.
BIBBY Consulting & Support has put its backing behind plans to tighten up how care staff are recruited. These include proposals that require workers to register with the new Independent Safeguarding Authority . Reiterating the company’s support for dedicated organisations that work in difficult circumstances, sometimes with extremely vulnerable people, Managing Director Michael Slade
said Bibby has worked closely with many high-profile and successful care homes for years and has a genuine appreciation of the issues involved. As it does in other sectors, Bibby helps managers to comply with health and safety regulations and to cope with the day-to-day complexities that might come out of dealing with staff members – including disciplinary and performance management issues.
Residents’ internet access In 2009 The Telegraph reported findings from a study by The University of California, Los Angeles which found that ‘googling’ can help delay the onset of dementia by stimulating cells and pathways in the brain due to “simultaneous mental processes.” Later that year, another study found that playing games and participating in computer activities “led to a 30 to 50 per cent decrease in the risk of developing memory loss compared to people who did
not do those activities.” Specialist technology provider SimplyUnite is a strong advocate of digital inclusion. Everyone, regardless of age or ability, should have access to computers, the internet and the benefits that both can bring. Its simple-to-use Gem touchscreens combine email, Skype, the internet and screen-based entertainment and has been designed specifically for those living in residential care or supported living.
AID Call’s Nurse Call system includes many features designed to help care homes manage staff and resources more efficiently. The ‘Accept’ feature allows staff to see that a colleague has already accepted a call to avoid doubling up. The ‘Next Call Waiting’ facility helps staff to use their time more efficiently as when the call is completed at the resident’s bedside, the nurse is able to pick up the next call from the same location, rather than having to return to the central station to be notified. This also improves response times by reducing unnecessary journeys. Aid Call’s Nurse Call system also features a call logging facility which records the staff member in attendance. This allows you to track and monitor individual staff activity i.e. which member is answering what call and when. This helps to provide greater clarity and accountability in a care management environment. When combined with Aid Call's Call Logging system, management are able to analyse response and attendance times at client and nurse level. As well as maximising staff’s efficiency, these features also help to improve the overall quality of care offered to clients.
Discreet falls system FALL prevention systems, most commonly bed and chair sensor systems, are used to provide peace of mind to patients, carers and family. The SensorCare bed and chair systems are placed discreetly beneath the patient’s mattress and chair cushion; when the patient vacates the bed or chair without assistance, the system audibly alarms informing the carer that the patient is at risk and is in need of immediate assistance. The carer using the SensorCare system is allowed the freedom to continue with their daily tasks while still providing the highest and most vigilant level of care. The SensorCare falls prevention system can be used as a stand alone unit, with a paging system giving the carer additional freedom or through integration with existing nurse call.
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Eddie’s knowledge and expertise second to none
Forum saves time and money MORE than 200 delegates from the healthcare industry recently attended The Care Industry Forum at the luxury Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London. Delegates included over 65 buyers from UK care operators and 150 leading Suppliers to the sector, in a series of 20 minute face-to-face meetings along with key networking functions delegates mixed seamlessly to achieve high level business opportunities. Hosted annually by DP Events Management each year the forum brings together high profile buyers and dynamic industry suppliers. The luxury venue used creates a relaxed yet highly focussed and professional environment.
Sales director Stan Barry said: “In just two days you can meet senior delegates, save 10,000 miles on the road, a minimum of four months in time, large fuel and hotel expenses and the stress of that time on the road its a no brainer.” Events director Phil Halcrow said: “Compared with any other sourcing method, exhibition or advertising opportunity, delegates will not find a more direct, time efficient and cost effective route to market.” Next is the UK Healthcare Industry Forum at the luxury five-star Grande Santa Eulalia Resort in Portugal from Mrch 8-11. More than 45 UK buyers will attend. Only 75 supplier places are available.
EMANUEL A Dribble, better known in the business transfer market as Eddie Dribble, has been in the care home transfer agency business for around 40 years. His extensive knowledge and expertise is second to none in negotiating a satisfactory conclusion for many long standing clients In 1972 he founded and subsequently developed the care home division, of the then national transfer agents Luxton and Lowe Limited. Since that time he has personally travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles inspecting and evaluating every type of care home. No matter what size and what cost he has negotiated sales to a range of buyers, which include large companies and single private individuals. He has established a reputation throughout the industry which provides a truly personal service, always remaining fully confidential. Luxton and Lowe Limited were taken over in 1991 by a large London property agent. At this time to keep the personal service and confidentiality, which was also his strict code of practice, Eddie decided he needed to form his own private transfer agency to continue to provide a high quality individualistic service. Since this time he has continued to serve the industry with his own brand of personal and confidential negotiations and keep his commission rates at a competitive level. To this day care homes of every size and description and in every location are continuously required for a list of carefully vetted applicants. Enquiries: Telephone 020 8942 0852.
New sales director appointed CARE in Bathing, the UK’s leading manufacturer and retailer of assisted bathing solutions, has appointed John Houghton as UK group sales director. He will focus on providing strategic sales support to the Group’s operat-
Signs
Care Home Software
Occupancy specialist
Business Solutions
Computer Software
Transport
Alarm Systems
ing divisions - Gainsborough Specialist Bathing, Bathing Solutions and Premier Care in Bathing - and brings with him a wealth of experience gained from within the senior and mobility sector. John will oversee a sales team of 45.
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