Caring UK February 2015 by Script Media

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February 2015

incorporating

no.224 • £4.75

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Training elderly in social media fights isolation By Dominic Musgrave TRAINING older people in the use of social media improves cognitive capacity, increases a sense of selfcompetence and could have a beneficial impact on mental health and well-being, according to a study carried out in the UK. A two-year project funded by the European Union and led by the University of Exeter in partnership with Somerset Care Ltd and Torbay & Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust gave a group of vulnerable older adults a speciallydesigned computer, broadband connection and training in how to use them. Those who received training became more positive about computers over time, with the participants particularly enjoying connecting with friends and relatives via Skype and email. It is expected that between 2010 and 2060, the number of people aged 65 and over across Europe will grow from 17.4 per cent to 29.5 per cent of the total population. The project, called Ages 2.0, aimed to assess the extent to which the internet and social media offer a tool for promoting active ageing and addressing the social isolation that is too often a feature of older age.

Dr Thomas Morton, of the University of Exeter, who led the project in the UK, said: “Human beings are social animals, and it’s no surprise that we tend to do better when we have the capacity to connect with others. But what can be surprising is just how important social connections are to cognitive and physical health. “People who are socially isolated or who experience loneliness are more vulnerable to disease and decline. For these reasons finding ways to support people’s social connections is a really important goal. “This study shows how technology can be a useful tool for enabling social connections, and that supporting older people in our community to use technology effectively can have important benefits for their health and wellbeing.” Participants in the study were all vulnerable older adults between the ages of 60 and 95 years of age who were receiving support from Somerset Care Ltd. The 76 volunteers were drawn both from those receiving care in the community and those living in any of the not-for-profit organisation’s 26 residential care homes. A parallel study also took place in Italy.

Residents work with student for project

The founder and chairman of Helen McArdle Care has been honoured in the 2015 New Year Honours List with a CBE. Helen McArdle has been recognised by the Queen for her services to the care home business and the community in the North East. Helen McArdle Care currently has 17 care homes in the North East of England, with all four of her children working in the company.

SARAH Sartori, a student at the University of Greenwich, photographed residents at The Dynes in Kemsing for a documentary style project. She visited the residential home for an afternoon of photographing residents and chatting to them about their lives as she wanted to find out more about the older generation. Sarah said: “People who have lived long lives always have interesting stories to tell. I’ve only recently moved to Kent and I wanted to find out more about the people here while exploring the areas. I’m so glad I’ve been able to come here to meet and photograph the residents. It’s been really interesting, I’ve loved hearing about their lives and learning more about them.” Sarah’s finished project will comprise a set of documentary photographs accompanied by a snippet about the resident’s life. She hopes to return to The Dynes to present the residents with copies of their finished photographs.

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Gordon opens £7.7m scheme in Stockport FORMER Krypton Factor and North West Tonight TV presenter Gordon Burns officially opened Smithy Croft in Heald Green, in Stockport, a new retirement living development owned and managed by Your Housing Group. The £7.7million development, built with a grant of more than £800,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency, has 55 one and two bedroom apartments, all available for rent, shared ownership or outright sale. The purpose-built site is home to 70 residents aged 55 years and over, all of whom have a local connection. The development includes a bistro serving hot and cold food, a hairdressers and a craft room which offers a range of weekly activities. These amenities are open to the local community and non-residents are encouraged to use the facilities. Kathy Cowell, chair of Your Housing Group, said: “Smithy Croft has already proved very popular with our residents, who have created a real community here. “They enjoy the social aspects of living in a retirement village scheme yet they know they can close their front door and have time on their own to rest and relax when they want to. “We can now offer the very best in retirement living for older people here in Heald Green, allowing individuals to lead

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Gordon Burns with resident Hilda Davies Jones and Kathy Cowell, chair of Your Housing Group. independent lives with the reassurance that support is there if they need it.” Funding for this development was provided by HCA and Your Housing Group. Marion Shaw, scheme manager for Smithy Croft, added: “Since opening in the summer, we’ve already connected with the junior schools, doctor’s surgery and local library, making residents feel very much part of the wider community. “The bistro, hairdressers and activity room are all well used by the public,

which is great to see. We even have a mother and baby group regularly visiting our bistro which the residents love.” Each of the specially designed apartments has a wet room and well equipped kitchen with built in appliances including integrated oven, hob and extractor. There is also a pamper bathroom, guest suite and resident laundry facilities. For residents who need a little more help, assisted bathrooms are also available.

Group Production Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.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. Follow us on Twitter @caringuk

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Staff save day with takeaway AN unexpected power cut at a Tonbridge residential home resulted in staff coming together to ensure residents remained relaxed, entertained and well fed. With over 40 residents in the care of staff, it could have been a nightmare when there was a sudden black-out at Woodgate residential home, but staff acted swiftly and efficiently, even managing to have a bit of fun as they waited for the power to come back on. The team on duty did not panic, despite having no idea how long the power could be out for. Instead they ordered in fish and and chips for the hungry residents and gathered for a reminiscence afternoon. Home manager Jan Moulton said: “The power was out for such a long time that it could have been a disaster, but the team at Woodgate reacted rapidly and professionally to ensure none of the residents felt stressed or concerned. “Obviously there was no lighting and no TV or music for entertainment. Instead we gathered in the dining room and chatted over our fish and chips.”

Development helps residents take walk down memory lane RESIDENTS at Field Lodge care home in St Ives have been taking a walk down memory lane following the unveiling of a nostalgic ‘reminiscence street’. The development features a fullyfunctioning and well stocked tuck shop, as well as traditionally-styled greengrocer and post office shop fronts. Part of an ongoing project at Field Lodge to provide a dementia-friendly environment, the transformation of the ground floor of the care home has been led by home manager Matthew Cox, who gave up his office to create a fun, visually appealing and stimulating point of interest for residents. According to Matthew, the installation of the reminiscence street has brought immediate benefits for residents, with the addition of the tuck shop proving to be a big hit. He said: “With its traditional look and feel, the tuck shop is a wonderful place for residents to spend time and reminisce about days gone-by and it’s fast becoming a hub of activity here at Field Lodge. From a practical point of view, the tuck shop also supports and encourages independence, and residents really enjoy popping along and purchasing a drink or a bag of their favourite

Field Lodge manager Matthew Cox with resident Jean Chandler. childhood sweets. “The shop is run by resident Jean Chandler, who thoroughly enjoys every aspect of managing it – from organising and pricing stock to serving her customers. “During the festive period Jean and the other residents were busy making Christmas cards to sell in the shop, and in this way this exciting new facility continues to go from strength-

to-strength. “The greengrocer and post office shop fronts also provide a fantastic talking point and, together with the tuck shop, they help to provide a multi-sensory experience for residents which fits with Care UK’s emphasis on activity based care, as well as our continued drive to ensure Field Lodge is a stimulating and fun place to live.”

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Chloe’s music memory box goes to market

Chairman of Sahara Care, Terence Brown, and managing director Sharon Kaur meet Oscar-nominated actress Imelda Staunton OBE and Downton Abbey star Jim Carter at a charity evening for Richard House hospice.

Group supports hospice LONDON-based care provider Sahara Care has shown its support for a specialist children’s hospice by making a donation. Richard House was London’s first children’s hospice and supports hundreds of families whose children and young adults are at risk of death from a range of life-limiting conditions. As part of its long-running involvement with the charity, Sahara Care made a donation of £10,000 to the hospice based in Beckton, East London. To show its appreciation Richard

House invited Sahara Care’s chairman Terence Brown and managing director Sharon Kaur to a charity gala evening at Quo Vadis in London, which was attended by the charity’s patrons, Oscar-nominated actress Imelda Staunton OBE and Downton Abbey star Jim Carter. During the evening they heard from Adam and Cheryl Towse, whose son Theo spent time at Richard House. They spoke about the positive impact the hospice had on their lives and the wonderful memories they had there with their son.

A BOX containing favourite music and objects to trigger memories for dementia patients – developed by a University of Brighton graduate – is going to market. Chloe Meineck took two years researching the positive effects of music for those with dementia before developing the box. The Music Memory Box is expected to go on sale next year. Customers will send in favourite items and music for customised boxes to be made. Chloe made her prototype for a family member whilst she was studying 3D Design and Craft (BA(Hons) at the university’s Grand Parade campus. She witnessed her relative react positively each time a memory was triggered. She has gone on to win a host of awards and is now developing a similar box for children to record and store their memories and stories. Chloe said: “This will be especially for children in care or those who have been adopted, as something that can support them in times of change and uncertainty. “When an object is put in the centre of the box an individual piece of music or audio content plays. It features the same technology used in Oyster cards used on London transport. The aim is to improve a person’s emotional wellbeing and

communication skills.” Chloe credited the Design for the Future competition, run by Philippa Aldrich while she was studying at the University of Brighton. She said the course helped her decide on a career focusing on helping people. After graduating, she exhibited at the London Design Festival and last year (2013) she became Designer in Residence at the Design Museum in London. Chloe, 24, has now launched a Princes Trust supported company in Bristol where she lives, and she is also working as a design consultant and lecturer, and she runs workshops and events across the UK. Chloe said creating a business and product was vital for her to achieve her goal of helping as many people as possible as well so she can afford rent. But she believes university students should not be pressured by commercial needs. She said: “Ideas should be explored with freedom and after university, graduates should look for funding opportunities and residencies that offer the artist or designer a certain amount of time to be free from worrying about money.” Chloe, winner of the Most Innovative Product at last year’s Brighton Enterprise Awards, recently won the 2014 Blueprint design and art magazine’s Award for Design.

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Exhibition success at care home RESIDENTS at Bupa’s Arran View Care Home in Saltcoats have found themselves becoming ‘paid artists’ thanks to a successful art exhibition. The exhibition of artwork created by residents raised nearly £150, which will be put towards the home’s activity fund. The display attracted friends and family who came along to purchase the designs – and also show support to relatives who live at the home. Jenny Trott, activity coordinator at Arran View, said: “We are delighted at the success of the art exhibition and to have raised £147 from the sale of the residents’ work is a great achievement. “Many of the residents at the home are living with dementia and getting them involved in arts and crafts is a great way to stimulate their motor skills. “It was also great to see the residents create their own artwork – at first many of the residents had doubts and didn’t think they could do it. “So the pleasure in becoming ‘paid artists’ was a great added bonus.”

Residents go back in time with stimulating history workshop By Dominic Musgrave A MIDDLESBROUGH care home has welcomed a national self-help organisation for a special history workshop aimed at leading residents in discussion. The Gables was joined by the expert history group from the University of The Third Age, who provided a stimulating session on early television, post war Britain and the Cambridge spies: Burgess and Maclean. Residents at the home actively participated in the event and told stories and reminisced about their past experiences during the discussions. The session, which was led by Stephen Palczynski, was organised so that residents could take part in a new experience and as part of The Gables’ continuous efforts to outreach to groups and individuals within the local community. Naaila Rehman, activities coordinator at The Gables, said: “We contacted the U3A group as part of our ongoing work to involve residents in activities that are organised outside the home. This enables us to develop strong links with the community and provides our residents with a further sense of belonging.

Residents with the U3A history group. “All of the residents at the home found the session led by the history group incredibly interesting and enjoyed discussing their memories of the early television and their post-war experiences. “Events such as this allow our residents to actively discuss their past, keeping their memory active and providing a platform for discussion and engagement. “We were delighted with the session

and hope that U3A will visit the home to host other activities in the future.” The U3A is an organisation that provides opportunities to retired and semi-retired people. They learn skills and share experiences together for enjoyment, rather than to gain any qualifications. They run a number of events and activities in and around Middlesbrough, including the history group.

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Homecare company launches in Cardiff Jane Tworkowski and Marina Wilson.

Duo gain qualifications TWO members of staff at Ridley Park care home in Blyth have gained Level 5 Diplomas in Leadership & Management for Health & Social Care. Marina Wilson began her career in care as a domestic assistant and worked her way up to senior carer before joining Hadrian Healthcare Group. Jane Tworkowski has worked in the private care home sector for most of her career and is an experienced deputy manager. Both have been part of the Ridley Park team since the home opened three years ago. Ridley Park manager Morag Horn said: “I’d like to congratulate Jane and Marina on their qualifications. They worked so hard they were actually able to complete the course six weeks ahead of schedule.

“Training is ongoing for all Hadrian Healthcare staff because we know it’s the best way to provide high quality person-centred care for our residents. It’s vital that we keep our skills and knowledge up to date and for staff with management responsibility to have formal guidance on how to lead their team effectively. “We’re keen to raise the profile of careers in care. The opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications is really important for career development.” The course ran over 18 months. Two full days each month were spent with an assessor from Learning Curve Group and in between they kept in regular contact online. Jane and Marina also committed to around 10 hours per week study outside work for research and essays.

A NEW company that will provide high quality home care to people in the Cardiff area has been launched. Heritage Healthcare Cardiff has received its registration from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales, and is excited to begin supporting people across the area who require support to remain living as independently as possible in their own homes. Owner and director of Heritage Healthcare Cardiff Jameela Rangoonwala is currently studying for a Level 5 diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services. She said: “People want, and need, to stay in their own home where everything is familiar and family and friends can pop in any time. “Heritage Healthcare Cardiff is dedicated to providing the highest standards of care to enable people to maintain their independence, remain living in their own home and enjoy an excellent quality of life.” Heritage Healthcare Cardiff will work with clients in the city and surrounding towns and villages, and is particularly equipped to provide much needed services within the ethnic minority community. Jameela will be supported by registered care manager Susan Wetherall. Heritage Healthcare Cardiff will

Jameela Rangoonwala with Heritage Healthcare franchising directors Sally and Glenn Pickersgill and Michelle Fenwick. arrange for carers to assist people in their own homes with practical and personal tasks. This may be for a short while, after an accident or an illness, or it might be long term due to age, disability or other health problems.

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Wakefield College principal Sam Wright presents Jagjit Singh, director of Calsa Care, with the employer of the year award.

Home named employer of the year by college CALSA Care has been named employer of the year by Wakefield College’s commercial training arm, Services to Business. The Pontefract based company was set up in 2006 when it bought Vicarage Court Care Home, a 30-bed dementia facility in North Featherstone. Nine years later the home is triple its original size and provides nursing care, residential care, dementia care and day care. The care home employs 73 staff including seven nurses. Once it achieves full occupancy, it will employ more than 100 people. Calsa Care director Jagjit Sigh said:

“It was a pleasure to work closely with Wakefield College and Job Centre Plus. “Far too many people do not see care work as a professional career, however we have developed staff successfully to ensure the care delivered is of a very high standard. “We have staff who came to us on work experience and within four years, we have developed them into managers. Other care staff are training to become nurses. We support staff to maximise their potential.” The annual awards ceremony recognises and celebrates the hard work, dedication and achievements of learners.

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Andrea celebrates first top ratings for adult social care in England By Dominic Musgrave

Staff and residents from Westfield Lodge care home with the cheque they gave to Macmillan Cancer.

Four Seasons raises over £10,000 for cancer charity FOUR Seasons’ care homes across the UK raised more than £10,100 for Macmillan Cancer Support through their participation in last year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning initiative. The group regularly takes part in Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning initiative, with the homes’ fundraising efforts reaching a total of almost £30,000 over the last three years. Staff and residents in more than 70 homes opened their doors to the community and hosted coffee mornings where they served homemade

cakes. One facility in County Armagh also gave guests the opportunity to write a message, a prayer or a get well note on Macmillan balloons, which were released in the home’s courtyard. Pauline Lawrance, regional managing director for Four Seasons, said: “We are very proud to continually support and contribute to such a worthwhile cause that means a great deal to so many of us. Hearing how much money we’ve raised in the last three years motivates us all to continue to do as much as we can to support Macmillan Cancer.”

THE chief inspector of adult social care at the CQC, Andrea Sutcliffe, has congratulated England’s first three adult social care services which have achieved the highest possible rating in providing safe, high-quality and compassionate care. Prince of Wales House Care Home (Ipswich), along with two home care companies – Home Instead Senior Care (West Lancashire and Chorley) and Domiciliary Care East Devon (Exeter) – have been judged to be Outstanding. The top ratings follow on from the launch of the regulator’s new style inspections and ratings system in October 2014 to be clear whether residents are receiving services that are safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led. Since then, 350 adult social care services nationally have so far been awarded a CQC rating. Around 70 per cent of these are rated as Good. Andrea said: “I am tremendously pleased to be able to congratulate our very first Outstanding adult social care services in England. “Each one has demonstrated that

excellent care is being provided by dedicated and committed staff who are passionate about making a difference for the people they support. “The launch of our new approach to inspecting and rating services last October set out clear and important criteria on how providers can demonstrate they are delivering good or better care and effectively tackling any problems. “Through performance ratings, we will continue to celebrate the very best services and shine a spotlight on those providers that fail to do the right thing to help people when it comes to choosing care. “Everyone using adult social care services deserves to experience really great care. I am determined that we use regulation to drive forward rapid improvement and help make the ‘Mum Test’ real.” Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb added: “I am delighted these three care services have been awarded the first ever Outstanding ratings following an inspection – this is testament to the hard work and determination of staff in ensuring a safe and caring environment, where people are treated with dignity and respect.”

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Pioneering arts training is a UK first for industry By Dominic Musgrave A CARE organisation has developed a pioneering training course thanks to a musical collaboration with one of the world’s top orchestras. All members of staff at Pendine Park in Wrexham are being trained to use the arts as a way of improving the quality of life for the residents of their seven care homes. The partnership with the Hallé was facilitated by Arts and Business Cymru, who bring the worlds of arts and business together. Pendine Park’s artist in residence Sarah Edwards is passionate about the value of the work with the Hallé and the new qualification which is the first of its kind in the UK. She said: “We were absolutely blown away to have the opportunity to work with the Hallé and we really wanted to build on that and embed music and the arts into the lives of all the patients and staff at Pendine Park. “We have developed the Enrichment Programme in arts awareness in conjunction with our in-house training arm, Smartcare Training. It is made up of several modules, including music and the arts. We also work on visual art and colour therapy, laughter therapy and creative writing as well. “Research has shown that the benefits of facilitating creativity and allow-

ing people to express themselves has a very positive impact in terms of leading fulfilled lives. “Dementia patients in particular still have resonance with certain pieces of music, and we want to tap into that, and that’s going to be quite a significant phase in the project." The arts will also play a big role at the organisation's new £7 million centre of excellence for dementia care that's being built on the site of the former Bryn Seiont community hospital on the outskirts of Caernarfon. The aim is to trial it as an in-house course for staff with a view to developing it into a nationally recognised qualification that could be rolled out across Wales. Proprietor Mario Kreft said: “The arts gives people a sense of purpose and our collaborations with the Hallé and Welsh National Opera have certainly helped residents to lead fulfilled lives. “Very often, people have not realised that they have an artistic talent – so it gives them an enormous sense of achievement and pleasure. “They look forward to the lessons and the gallery visits and the exhibitions that we put on here. “We have also been extremely lucky to be able to work with world class musicians to support our projects to enrich people’s lives through the medium of music.”

Andy Foote raised more than £750 with a sponsored skydive.

Care worker makes twomile jump for charities A MACCLESFIELD care home worker has gone, or rather fallen, the extra mile for a good cause. Andy Foote, who works at CLS-run Ingersley Court in Bollington, raised more than £750 for Age UK Cheshire East and his home’s residents’ activities fund by undertaking a sponsored skydive. Andy, aged 36, travelled to Grangeover-Sands in Cumbria to complete his jump. The landscape provided the perfect backdrop to his first ever sky dive, which saw him falling from 15,000ft, hitting a top speed of over 100mph. Andy said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do really, but I

never thought that I actually would. When I thought I could do it while raising money for a good cause, I had no excuse not to do it.” Jennifer Jones, home manager, added: “We are all so proud of Andy; we do a great deal of fundraising here at Ingersley, mostly organised by our hard working activity coordinator Cheryl Brooks, and Andy has just gone above and beyond with his sky dive.” Staff at Ingersley Court have bee raising money for Age UK and the residents activities fund for a number of months. Over £,1300 has been raised so far, with many more events planned this year.

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VIP guest launches home’s completed refurbishment

The Manor House Nursing Home at Chatburn in Lancashire celebrated the renewal of its Gold Standard Framework award and proprietors Janet and Chris Harrison owning the home for 30 years. The managers travelled to London to be presented with the Gold Standards plaque and certificate. On their return the local Mayor, Mayoresses and town crier joined a full house for a celebration.

Home backs a winner with race night STAFF at a Bupa care home in Edinburgh found themselves onto a winner after a race night raised more than £700 to fund future events and activities for residents. Residents at Braid Hills joined staff, friends and family for the event held at Liberton Rugby Club. Funds from the event, organised by activities coordinator Barbara Thomson and administrator Pauline Ritchie, will go towards

organising innovative and inspiring events and activities for the residents. Barbara said: “It was a brilliant night, the atmosphere was great and we are thrilled about the amount of money we raised. “We know our activities programme is hugely popular with our residents so we are looking forward to planning a whole host of new events and attractions.”

RESIDENTS at Park House care home in Newcastle welcomed a special VIP guest to officially mark a major investment in the home. There was a ribbon cutting by Councillor Ian Graham, Sheriff and Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle, and resident, Michael Tittley, to launch the Akari Care owned home’s refurbishment, which is part of a £15million investment programme in its facilities throughout the UK. To celebrate the refurbishment, the home threw open its doors for members of the community to look around the fresh new premises, and there was musical entertainment by local singer Sheridan Locke, and a visit from Animal Antics, which brought a wide variety of weird and wonderful animals for residents and guests to enjoy. Manager Ann Mielnik said: “The environment of a care home is so important to the well-being of the residents and everything is geared towards achieving positive outcomes for the people who live in our homes.” As part of the refurbishment at the home, all bedrooms and en-suites have been fitted with new carpets, vinyl flooring, furniture, curtains and

Resident Michael Tittley launches the refurbishment with manager Ann Mielnik and Sheriff Ian Graham. lighting to make the rooms more comfortable and appealing for residents. All communal areas, including the lounges, dining rooms, corridors and reception areas have been redecorated with new furniture, curtains and pictures. Residents can also make a trip to the hairdressers in the comfort of the home, as a small shower room which was rarely used has been converted to a hair dressing salon. The exterior of the building has also been given a fresh new look, with some windows replaced, new doors and the tarmac has been replaced to make access to the building easier.

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Elderly forced to put their pet to sleep when moving into care, survey finds MORE than two million people in Britain say they know an elderly person who had to have their cat and/or dog put to sleep because they were moving into a residential care home, according to research. The survey by www.stayinmyhome .co.uk also found 20 per cent say the elderly people they know with pets would refuse to go into care without their pets. Additionally, 18.5 per cent said they knew an elderly person who had to have their cat or dog rehomed. In the same month that a national helpline revealed the extent of the loneliness experienced by elderly people, this evidence provides a graphic insight into one of the most distressing decisions facing a growing number considering moving from their home to residential care: what to do with a much-loved pet that is not permitted to join them. Up to 71 per cent of residential homes and sheltered housing schemes currently refuse to allow residents to have pets. Their refusal is causing current and future generations of elderly people real distress. To ease their suffering, a group of the UK’s leading live-in homecare providers have partnered to launch an information resource that offers people valuable insight into an alternative to residential care

that means they need not be separated from their much-loved pet. The website has been developed by The Live-in Homecare Information Hub, a coalition of 13 live-in homecare providers. The site illustrates how, with the right professional support, elderly people can stay in their home, close to family, in familiar surroundings with the animal they love: rather than face a future in residential care without them. Dominique Kent from The Live-In Homecare Information Hub said: “To support the launch of www.stayinmyhome.co.uk, we commissioned fresh research in a bid to highlight the distressing choices facing elderly people destined to be separated from their pets. “The vast majority of older people in the UK don’t want to move into residential care, with what is often an institutional and regimented way of life, away from familiar surroundings, friends, family and pets. “In fact, 97 per cent of people feel most comfortable in their own home with 71 per cent wanting to be living in their own home when they are over 75+.” The Live-in Homecare Information survey also found that the prospect of entering a care home and being

© ramonespelt – Fotolia.com separated from their pet could cause some elderly people to consider taking steps that might actually cause them harm: To avoid going into a home for much-needed care, 17.4 per cent of elderly people would pretend they were in good health. To avoid being separated from their pet, 8.8 per cent would make themselves more ill rather than leave their pet. Shockingly, when asked about elderly pet owners they know who

have moved – or about to move into residential care, 4.3 per cent of respondents said they would consider taking their own lives or talk about taking their own lives due to concerns about their pets. Over 18 per cent of respondents believed that those elderly people they knew would, if they were aware of live-in homecare, try to arrange to be cared for at home in order to remain with their pet.

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Training older people in the use of social media improves cognitive capacity, increases a sense of self-competence and could have a beneficial overall impact on mental health and well-being, a new study has claimed. Caring UK found out more

Training elderly in social media ‘improves well-being and combats isolation’, claim THE two-year project funded by the European Union and led by the University of Exeter in partnership with Somerset Care Ltd and Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust gave a group of vulnerable older adults a specially-designed computer, broadband connection and training in how to use them. Those who received training became more positive about computers over time, with participants particularly enjoying connecting with friends and relatives via Skype and email. The project, called Ages 2.0, aimed to assess the extent to which the internet and social media offer a tool for promoting active ageing and addressing social isolation. It found that those trained had heightened feelings of self-competence, engaged more in social activity, had a stronger sense of personal identity and showed improved cognitive capacity. These factors indirectly led to overall better mental health and well-being. Dr Thomas Morton of the University of Exeter, who led the project in the

UK, said: “Human beings are social animals, and it’s no surprise that we tend to do better when we have the capacity to connect with others. But what can be surprising is just how important social connections are to cognitive and physical health. “People who are socially isolated or who experience loneliness are more vulnerable to disease and decline. For these reasons finding ways to support people’s social connections is a really important goal. “This study shows how technology can be a useful tool for enabling social connections, and that supporting older people in our community to use technology effectively can have important benefits for their health and well-being.” Participants in the study were all vulnerable older adults between the ages of 60 and 95 years of age who were receiving support from Somerset Care Ltd. The 76 volunteers were drawn both from those receiving care in the community and those living in any of the not-for-profit organisation’s 26 residential care homes. Half of the participants were ran-

Elderly residents who received training became more positive about computers. Photo credit: ACP prod – Fotolia.com domly assigned to receive training and the other half to a control group who received care as usual. The training involved the installation of an ‘Easy PC package’ consisting of a touch screen computer and keyboard, and a broadband internet connection. They were able to keep the computer for 12 months, including a three-month training period.

Emma Green, the care technologist from Somerset Care, who delivered training to several of the elderly people, said: “As the training programme developed with my participants their confidence grew and they were keen to tell me how family members had emailed back, Skyped or ‘liked’ a comment or a picture on Facebook. Seeing the smiles on my participant’s faces when they Skyped a family member in the UK or abroad was such a special moment. “One of the best Skype calls was during a visit to my caravan in Cornwall when I Skyped a client who used to enjoy camping. We were around the camp fire and he was able to be a part of our group from the laptop, looking at the fire and joining in. They all know that I am only an email or Skype call away and it has been fabulous being a part of the Ages 2.0 project.” Those behind the Ages 2.0 study hope its findings will help inform future policy on digital inclusion and the delivery of tele-health and telecare strategies.

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Search for UK’s best care cook begins THE search for the next talented care cook to be crowned the ‘best in the UK’ has begun. The National Association of Care Catering’s 15th annual Care Cook of the Year 2015 competition is officially open for entries, with a deadline of February 6. Building on the success of the 2014 competition that attracted record numbers of entries and saw the grand final double in size, the NACC is expecting the numbers to rise to even greater proportions for 2015. Care cooks working across the sector – from residential homes to community services such as meals on wheels, day centres and luncheon clubs – are invited to enter and showcase their skills and knowledge. Entrants must create and substantiate a delicious and nutritionally-balanced two-course menu, main and dessert, suitable for service users in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses is also to be no more than £1.50 per head based on four portions, reflecting the restricted budgets care cooks often have to maximise. All entries will be judged by a central judging panel for consistency and those shortlisted will have the opportunity to show off their culinary skills and knowledge at one of the six regional cook-offs.

There they will have 90 minutes to produce their dishes with the judges looking for innovation, costing, suitability for the environment, adherence to nutrition guidelines, taste and overall menu balance. The two highest-scoring competitors from each regional heat go on to the grand final on June 10 at Barking & Dagenham Technical Skills Academy to vie for the coveted title Care Cook of the Year 2015. NACC national chair Neel Radia said: “Catering within the care sector is a highly skilled vocation and responsibility. It is also a growing sector as the population continues to age apace. “As well as the culinary ability and flair to create great-tasting and wellpresented food, very specific knowledge and understanding is required by cooks and chefs when planning menus for the elderly and vulnerable entrusted to their care. “Important factors such as nutrition, budget restrictions, specific dietary needs and individual demands, for example for those with dementia or dysphagia, must be understood and considered at all times. Care cooks must also keep abreast of developments in regulations and legislation, such as the new allergen regulations introduced this month.”

Marlborough Court Care Home residents Vera Daniels, Catherine Thompson and Eileen Coates with yoga instructor Tania Plahay and activities co-ordinator Hayley Mercer.

Residents say yes to yoga RESIDENTS living at Marlborough Court Care Home in Thamesmead are taking part in yoga sessions. Thanks to a bursary from the Foundation of Nursing Studies, the South London home has introduced an 18 month-long yoga programme, which will focus on teaching relaxing techniques that are suitable for older people and for those living with dementia. These weekly classes will see people enjoy meditation, controlled breathing and other gentle yoga techniques. The exercise’s health benefits are well-known, and will help people sleep better and retain their fitness, while remaining as supple and

mobile as possible. Marlborough Court and yoga instructor Tania Plahay applied for the bursary based on the recommendation of Dr Theresa Shaw, CEO of the Foundation of Nursing Standards, who was impressed by the home’s pilot scheme which ran earlier on in the year. Home manager Maggie Candy said: “We are always trying to pioneer new activities to help residents lead a healthy and interactive lifestyle. “We noticed a marked improvement in people’s health with the pilot scheme earlier this year so we are delighted to receive this bursary which will allow us to continue offering this innovative therapy.”

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CARINGNEWS

Care charity unveils new memory issues resource

Staff at Woodgate residential home in Tonbridge granted not one but four residents’ wishes to enjoy fish and chips by the seaside. Residents Esme Caprile, Peggy Wiltshire, Madeleine White and Vicky Nott wrapped up warm and hopped aboard a minibus ready to have their wishes granted. The residents and their accompanying carers headed to Hastings where they enjoyed a traditional fish and chip lunch, followed by a walk along the old town to the seafront, where they stopped to warm up with coffee and doughnuts. Staff were able to grant the residents’ wishes as Woodgate staff and associates have been working hard to raise money for their Wish Appeal fund since the scheme launched last April.

A CHELTENHAM based care charity has launched a new, trademarked service to support those in the community with memory issues. Lilian Faithfull Homes’ Memory Awareness Support Team (MAST™) resource is provided at sites across Gloucestershire and is run by trained in-house dementia link workers – and the free service is already proving a vital local resource. MAST ™ provides advice to families and loved ones, giving them the opportunity to listen to a dementia talk and interact with other people in the same situation

and with the same worries as themselves. Lilian Faithfull is now extending the MAST™ resource into the wider community, providing support for those who want to stay at home. Suzanne Booker, manager of Faithfull House, said: “Lilian Faithfull Homes is ideally placed to talk to families about their concerns regarding memory awareness. “Our teams can provide comfort and advice well before a resident may need care and importantly this advice is open to all, whether or not residential care might be needed.”

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Company expands but looks for more staff A SHROPSHIRE care company has launched a recruitment drive for 50 new members of staff – after already expanding by almost 30 per cent in the past year. Carewatch (Mid Shropshire), based at Stafford Park, Telford, aimed to double the number of employees during 2014 – but despite massive growth they are on the hunt for more. The firm, which has grown around two per cent month on month throughout the past 12 months, has held regular advice sessions for prospective employees at the Job Centre as they try to keep pace with demand. Managing director Steve Harris said: “I am pleased with the expansion we have made this year, but it is still a long way off what we need. “The demand has far outstripped how many people we have been able to recruit. I took part in a national debate organised by the Guardian newspaper which confirmed that this is a serious problem nationwide. “The general consensus was that central government had a role to play in lifting the profile of support workers.” The company, which works with the elderly and disabled across Shropshire and Staffordshire, launched in 1999 and is run by Steve and his wife Sally. They offer 24-hour care, adult care,

Steve Harris care for children, live-in carers, personal care, risk assessments in the home and corporate support services. Steve said it is an industry that will simply continue to create jobs because of the way the demographics of society are changing. He added: “We have introduced initiatives in the past year such as a car rental scheme and also a credit union scheme. “We have also increased the amount of training we offer to staff and are always looking for ways to improve the workplace for our staff. We want to attract good quality staff to join the excellent team we already have.” The 50 new roles will be for care and support staff across Shropshire and applicants do not need to have any experience or a driving licence.

Joe develops picnic table that includes everyone JOE Colwell, a carpenter for more than 35 years, has set up World of Benches, a company that has designed and developed a picnic table for the use of both wheelchair users and able-bodied. The idea behind it became apparent on a family day out when Joe noticed a wheelchair user positioned at the end of a table and not included in the group. She also appeared to struggle to eat normally from her plate as it was too far away for comfort. Joe said: “It is important that people in wheelchairs should not be made to feel different or excluded in anyway. Wherever these tables have been sited they have proved to be very beneficial to all users.”

This table includes everyone and allows all to sit in ease and close company, and a place where a person with a wheelchair is made to feel part of the group, and could sit facing everyone else if they wish, close to the table for eating and not sitting sideways on or at the end of the table. Joe added: “We had two design objectives: one was to overcome obstructions underneath the bench, allowing unrestricted access for wheelchair use, the other was to give clear access for all. “So we designed the ladder frame system, which gives the table incredible strength and ensures the unit is rigid. This entire design is unique to us and proved to be highly successful.”

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CARINGNEWS

Oakham School picked up the award for Outstanding Community Initiative in recognition of their project at Tixover House in Rutland.

Home’s croquet project with school wins award By Dominic Musgrave

A VOLUNTEER project where sixth formers make weekly visits to their local care home to play croquet with older people and people living with dementia, has won national acclaim at the Independent Schools Awards. Oakham School picked up the award for Outstanding Community Initiative in recognition of their project at Tixover House Care Home in Rutland, which has been running for over 18 months. The croquet classes take place every Friday during term-time at Tixover House and have had a huge impact on the individuals who take part, with evident mental, social and physical benefits for both residents and the students involved. Activities co-ordinator at the home, Elaine Elsey, has been working alongside school teacher, Jane Paddock, and care staff to organise the croquet sessions. She said: “What the pupils are doing is astounding. We have all noticed a difference in the residents that take part. It makes them smile and gives them joy. It really is remarkable to

watch residents who do not usually take part, get up and have a go.” Oakham School and Tixover House were supported to start this project by American charity, Jiminy Wicket, and their ‘Through Hoops to Hope’ programme. The programme aims to break down the stigma around dementia and to bring people together through croquet. The care home, which is run by Barchester Healthcare, is one of only two in England involved in the initiative and the first of the group’s facilities to run it. Jiminy Wicket provided training for the school pupils, teaching them skills such as how to help somebody who uses a walking frame to play as well as the rules of croquet. Elaine added: “Shirley, a woman living with advanced dementia never forgets that if it’s Friday, it’s croquet day. Even those who do not play delight in the atmosphere and enjoy chatting with the school pupils. “Oakham School thoroughly deserves the Outstanding Community Initiative Award for the positive impact they have had at Tixover House.”

Hartford Care has raised more than £30,000 for The Silver Line charity. The achievement came about through the efforts of many of the group’s employees, residents and family carers organising and taking part in a range of events including a Big Chat Challenge, washing cars, sky diving, cream teas, fetes and fairs, an auction night, car boot sales and much more. Sean and Jo Gavin, Hartford Care’s CEO and brand director, Leah-Marie Mills, group HR manager, and Mike Smith, operations director, raised a significant proportion of the total raised by completing a four-day trek across the Sahara Desert. The trek team are pictured presenting the cheque for the total raised to Esther Rantzen and Sophie Andrews (The Silver Line’s CEO) at the charity’s first birthday celebration.

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Life saving defibrillators installed in care homes A SHROPSHIRE care provider has taken delivery of life saving machines that can restart a person’s heart following a cardiac arrest. Coverage Care is installing 13 Automated External Defibrillators at its homes for older people in Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Wellington, Wem, Newport, Whitchurch, Bridgnorth, Bishops Castle and Market Drayton. The machines, donated by the West Midlands Ambulance Service, will be able to be used within the homes, but the AEDs will be available for use by members of the public in an emergency. The ambulance service is also training around 90 of the group’s staff in how to use the AEDS, although anyone can use a machine in a life or death situation as they give step-bystep instructions. Coverage Care operations director Bev Aldridge said: “We are indebted to the West Midlands Ambulance Service for its generous donation of 13 AEDs. “A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time, so having the AEDs in place will make our homes, and the community around them, a safer place to be.” There are an estimated 60,000 outof-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year. The chance of a person surviving a

Resident Peter Jaggard with Colchester United manager Tony Humes.

Tony takes time to talk Daniel Evans, assistant manager at Coton Hill House in Shrewsbury, and Dawn Bush, from West Midland Ambulance Service, with one of the life saving defibrillators. cardiac arrest falls by 10 per cent for every minute that passes without an AED being used. Survival rates can be as high as 75 per cent when patients are treated with the right care and a defibrillator in time.

COLCHESTER United’s manager Tony Humes, assistant manager Richard Hall and press officer David Gregory, a former player himself, came straight from a team training session to have afternoon tea at Foxburrow Grange. They chatted to residents as part of the ‘Time to Talk’ initiative launched earlier this year, where the home is encouraging people of all ages to spare their time and to talk to residents on a regular basis. This is stimulating and involving for residents and helps them stay connected and, as important, it introduces people, especially youngsters, to an older generation, their stories

and past experiences. There were plenty of football fans keen to meet Tony and his team, and they were all treated to home-made cakes and tea while they chatted. There’s now going to be a return match, when residents from Foxburrow Grange are taken on a tour of the U’s stadium. Tony said: “This is a great opportunity to close the gap between younger people and older people. Our culture is so focused on youth that you sometimes forget the brilliant and interesting lives older people have led. We had a great time and we’re looking forward to seeing them up at the stadium in the near future.”

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Two members of staff at Canterbury Care’s Riverside Care Centre have shaved their heads for charity. Susan Jones, who has been a cook at the home for three-and-a-half years, and Ann Robinson, who has worked as an activities co-ordinator at the Clitheroe facility for 10 years, took the plunge as residents and members of staff looked on. Their efforts raised £460, which will be split between Cancer Research, a charity that is close to their hearts as a staff member was recently diagnosed with the disease, and Children In Need. Gail Ainsworth, Riverside Care Centre manager, said: “It was a really brave and selfless act they did for charity and they set a fantastic example to everyone. Cancer Research is a charity that is extra special for us and they raised a fantastic amount to support the cause.” Ann Robinson and Susan Jones are pictured after having their heads shaved for charity.

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CARINGNEWS

Ellen Brown, divisional manager care homes at apetito, shares a few insights as to the reasons why homes turn for help with their catering services...

A helping hand for homes Janet Boulter

Trust appoints new director ONE of the UK’s largest not-forprofit care home providers for older people has completed its executive team with the appointment of a new finance director. Janet Boulter brings with her 25 years of experience and an in-depth knowledge of accountancy and finance. Having gained considerable knowledge and experience accrued throughout her successful career, predominantly within the hospitality industry. In her new position, Janet will place day-to-day emphasis on managing an effective and efficient finance function that will strategically support the maintenance of OSJCT’s existing estate and its growth into the future.

WITH mealtimes playing such a major role in the day-to-day lives of residents – plus the importance of good nutrition in supporting their health and wellbeing – serving appetising, nutritious food will always be a key priority for care home managers and operators. Yet when you take into consideration the individual tastes, appetite levels and any special dietary or nutritional requirements of individual residents – coupled with the need to ensure their menus satisfy all CQC requirements – creating menus that tick all these boxes can prove a daunting task. Support at every step of the way The ongoing support and peace of mind we’re able to offer operators and managers is a major driving factor in their decision to partner with us. All homes are allocated a dedicated catering consultant whose role is purely to work with each home, designing menus, providing nutritional analysis, training kitchen and care staff around all aspects of nutritional care and providing all the tools they need to ensure their residents receive a world-class dining

experience. We encourage all operators and managers to hold tasting sessions before choosing to work with us, which gives residents, their friends and families the chance to sample our meals for themselves. Not only does this reassure those closest to the residents that their loved ones will be served meals that are not only nutritious, well presented, appetising and delicious, it also gives residents the opportunity to find their favourites and help homes identify particularly popular menu options. Every time we introduce new dishes to our range, we offer to support further tasting sessions, so homes have the opportunity to get feedback from residents before including them in their selection. Satisfying the inspectors What also reassures operators is access to our menu planning system – Nutriplan – which helps manage residents’ nutritional intake. Plus, this means they have comprehensive evidence of the nutritional content of meals that they can show to CQC inspectors at a moment’s notice.

Understandably, homes are often daunted by the somewhat confusing array of regulations governing the care home market, including guidelines relating to the food they serve. Our consultants help demystify this, working with them to ensure they meet all regulations, as well as preparing for any changes in the CQC’s approach. Encouraging independence As should be expected, much emphasis today is placed on giving residents as much control as possible over their day-to-day lives and the ability to choose what they eat is a vital part of fostering independence and dignity. The flexibility of our menus allows homes to offer a broad selection to residents on a daily basis. Essentially, by removing the more challenging aspects of their food provision, managers and operators are free to focus on all other – equally demanding – aspects of care home life. For more information on apetito or to book in a free taster session please call 01225 756 071 or visit www.apetito.co.uk

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Care group uses latest technology to support people with dementia SHEFFCARE has been taking part in important new research into the use of 21st century technology as an aid to people living with dementia. The majority of the not-for-profit organisation’s 11 homes across the city now have dementia units, created specifically for residents with the condition. And some of those residents took part in vital new research into how using popular but simple games like Solitaire and Bubble Xplode on an iPad can help provide stimulation as well as entertainment. The InTouch project was led by the Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare (CATCH) at the University of Sheffield. The research found that 80 per cent of participants attempted to play a game on the iPad independently on at least one occasion, and that more than 90 per cent reported having enjoyed playing their game in at least one of their gameplay sessions. And it concluded that touchscreen tablets can offer meaningful and engaging activities for people with dementia to play independently, providing that the selection of apps is appropriate for the individual. “We are always looking at new ways to make life more enjoyable for our residents who live with dementia,”

Belinda Black said Sheffcare chief executive Belinda Black. “We were delighted to be invited to take part in this important piece of research by CATCH and were particularly pleased with the positive outcome. “Our residents certainly enjoyed taking part and it proves that 21st century technologies can be used and enjoyed by people of all ages and all abilities. “Our staff know the importance of maintaining levels of activity and interest for our dementia residents and the use of iPads and tablet technology is certainly something that we will be looking to encourage in the future.”

Pam Legg, a resident at The Aldbury in Poole, hands the keys of the new minibus to driver Kevin Surgeon watched by home manager Denise Arthur-Briskham.

New minibus takes to the road FORMER nurse Pam Legg was the star of a show when a new top-ofthe-range minibus took to the road at her Dorset care home. The 75-year-old was the first resident at Colten Care's The Aldbury in Poole to step aboard the £70,000 Mercedes Sprinter Landliner. The high specification minibus can seat up to nine passengers as well as three wheelchairs. It has been designed and specified with dementia residents in mind, including distinctive red seats. Denise Arthur-Briskham, The

Aldbury's home manager, said: “Our weekly trips out are a big feature for our residents and a new minibus is, therefore, an event of great excitement. “Our team work hard to help residents enjoy themselves. A minibus allowing them to enjoy this beautiful area with picnics and trips out is an important part of our activity programme.” The vehicle will join a four-strong minibus fleet at Colten Care, which has 19 homes in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

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QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BY

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Scheme given five stars

The new dementia discussion map created by Bupa.

Operator launches new resource to help people understand dementia BUPA has launched a ‘dementia discussion map’ to help people who have recently been diagnosed and their families to better understand life with the condition. The discussion map, which was launched at the UK Dementia Congress in Brighton, is a therapy tool to help Bupa’s Admiral Nurses – specialist dementia nurses developed in partnership with Dementia UK – frame discussion and conversation with people who are in the early stages of dementia. Bupa’s Admiral Nurses are specialists in dementia care. They will use the discussion map to help people in communities and care homes across the country to navigate their way through the upset and confusion that follows diagnosis, and address topics, issues and questions they might have. Professor Graham Stokes, global director for dementia care, said: “A diagnosis of dementia can be a traumatic experience for both the person and their family, and often leaves people feeling scared and overwhelmed. “We noticed that there is a real gap when it comes to guiding people through the first months after diagnosis. This map is meant to help them to make sense of their life after it has been turned upsidedown, and to provide reassurance and answers to some of the questions and worries they might have.” Designed to be used with people who have had an early diagnosis, the map depicts a seascape complete with a marina, boats, beaches and rocky waters in order to articulate some of the moments, emotions and experiences that someone living with

dementia might encounter. It covers areas such as the diagnosis itself, working through feelings, dealing with relationships, finding advice and support, planning for the future, acknowledging here will be good and bad days as well as considering how to keep healthy and enjoy life. The ‘dementia discussion map’ was conceived and created through indepth working sessions with Bupa’s dementia ambassadors – a group of expert practitioners across the organisation – and Bupa Admiral Nurses led by Graham, who has specialised in this area for over 25 years and pioneered the ‘person first’ approach to care. An activity log has been created to accompany the discussion map to encourage conversation within the group sessions and share tips and experiences. Professor Stokes added: “The discussion map is not a stand-a-lone tool – it requires training and expertise to use and we envisage Bupa Admiral Nurses will support people across the community who are going through the experience of coming to terms with their diagnosis of dementia. “Ultimately, some of our dementia ambassadors and Bupa’s dementia champions known as Person First Coaches will be trained to use the discussion map but for the time being it, will be a specialist therapy tool for our Bupa Admiral Nurses to use.” Bupa is now working on a second map, which addresses the more advanced stages of dementia and is tailored towards the family and carers of the person with dementia.

Helping you to comply with the regulator IT IS not just CQC that require services in the care sector to be able to evidence compliance. Your bank and local authorities placing service users are becoming more demanding. The two major failures in CQC inspections are poor record keeping and drug administration. Required Systems Ltd has all the quality systems you need to be compliant, incorporating all the forthcoming changes from CQC. To find out more call 01236 782477 or visit www.requiredsystems.com

RICHARD Newcombe Court in Cambridge has been awarded the City Council’s top award for food hygiene. The extra care housing scheme had its first unannounced food hygiene inspection by the environmental health team and received five stars. This means all of CHS’ residential care homes, extra care schemes and Sunflower nurseries have been rated as having five-star kitchens. Denise Taylor, extra care manager at CHS, said: “People living in residential care homes don’t have a choice about where to eat, so it’s vital that we maintain extremely high standards and provide a good choice. The feedback says that we provide an excellent service, which I believe is down to great teamwork. “I’m very proud of my catering team as a whole – they go above and beyond what’s required of them and

Chef Daniel Olson with Neil Smith. last year served over 30,000 freshly prepared restaurant lunches to residents, lunch clubs and to other older people in the local community.” The rating is part of the government’s ‘scores on the doors’ scheme, enabling consumers to make informed choices about where they eat.

Kim scoops prestigious award A CARER at Ivy Bank care home in Birmingham is celebrating after receiving a prestigious award in recognition of her hard work undertaken to achieve an industry qualification. Kim McGuinness, an experienced carer who works at the Akari Care home, triumphed over 1,300 other candidates to be named Omega Training’s ‘Learner of the Year 2014.’ The prestigious title was awarded to Kim as she finished her Diploma in Health and Social Care in just under a year, when 18 months is the average time it takes to complete the qualification. The judges also concluded that Kim should receive the title due to her high standard of work. Kim has worked at Ivy Bank for the past two-and-a-half years, starting as a carer and progressing to the role of senior carer within a year. She is now also the home’s admin-

Kim McGuinness with her award. istrator – a role which she has been doing for the past 18 months. Kim said: “It’s great to receive recognition for the hard work and effort that I put into completing my Diploma, and I would like to thank everyone at Ivy Bank for their support during that time.”

Enhance your home’s service with Lifetime A SUCCESSFUL care setting needs staff who have sustainable skills; people who are motivated and passionate about delivering exceptional service quality. Enhance the quality of service your care home offers with Lifetime Training. Recruit, retain and upskill staff and ensure you maintain mandatory standards with a range of government-funded training courses. Government-funded apprenticeships offer a proven route to skills development within care settings. They deliver greater consistency, motivation and staff retention across single and multiple sites. As one of the UK’s leading training providers, Lifetime Training provides a fully managed recruitment and training solution and delivers bespoke programmes to meet business needs, large or small.

Specifically tailored to your care organisation, this training will be delivered on-site, at a convenient time for you and your staff. Lifetime Training also offers a free apprentice recruitment service to help you get the right team in place as efficiently as possible. Lifetime Training will provide highly qualified trainers to guide learners through their training, professional workbooks and learning resources, and Lifetime Learner Services who support staff with their specific learning needs and requirements. Now available: the higher apprenticeship in Care Leadership and Management (Level 5).

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Work begins on £8m care home WORK has begun on an £8million care home in Newton Mearns, providing quality personalised care for the elderly including those living with dementia. The state-of-the-art facility is being built by Marshall Construction Ltd for Meallmore, one of Scotland’s leading providers of nursing and residential care. The 68 en-suite bedroom home will be built in a “U” shaped format and includes a range of communal living spaces alongside a range of administration, food preparation, laundry and storage rooms. It will have 25 car parking spaces. Due to be completed in 2016, the two-storey building makes extensive use of glass in the construction to create bright airy spaces with generous lounge, dining and activity areas for residents. The landscaped garden,

part of which is located between two wings of the building, offers seamless access to the outdoors for residents. Externally the design will have a dual pitched roof with gable ends, finished in a flat grey tile. The external walls will comprise render and stone with feature panels and cladding and there will be a feature wall at the entrance to the home, located off a new access road. The building has been designed to be dementia-friendly, with consideration given to wayfinding and maximising the use of natural light. It will form part of a wider private residential development being undertaken by Mactaggart & Mickel. Gerry Hennessey, managing director of Meallmore Ltd, said: “This new home has been designed to offer the highest quality facilities for our residents, making the most of the out-

An artist’s impression of the new care home in Newton Mearns. door space available. “Together with the apartments, it has been carefully designed to fit in with the surrounding residential area and architecture in Newton Mearns. We look forward to welcoming resi-

dents in 2016.” Traffic management arrangements will be put in place to avoid peak traffic times during the school terms and to minimise noise disruption for neighbours.

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Funding supports care home group’s growth

An artist’s impression of the dementia care home being developed by Milestones Trust.

Charity gets the green light A BRISTOL care home specialising in dementia care has received the welcome news that a planning application to re-develop the home has been approved by the City Council. With the demand for excellent dementia care in purpose-built surroundings growing, Bristol based Milestones Trust are looking to update and modernise their flagship dementia care home, Humphry Repton House in Brentry. Full planning consent has been granted by the Council to develop a 47-bed two storey care home, which would see a courtyard design principle used, of four wings each with either 11 or 12 bedrooms arranged around landscaped courtyards.

Naina Mandleker, Milestones Trust’s director of business development, said: “This is a really positive step for us and cements our commitment to continuing to provide high-end dementia care in Bristol. “The re-developed care home will take the total bed count of Humphry Repton House from 45 to 60 to include the existing wing of 13 rooms, enabling us to provide even more specialised care to those who need it most.” The custom-designed accommodation will see each room have its own en-suite facilities, with the overall design allowing for residents to live in smaller family like communities, providing space to eat and relax in with access to either private courtyards or balconies.

3 AB CARE Limited has secured funding from The Royal Bank of Scotland to help the growth of the business and finance the expansion and renovation of one of its care homes. The group is owned and operated by Arvind R Patel and his family, who owns and operates five care and nursing homes throughout the UK, employing more than 225 people. These include Brook House Residential Home in Leicestershire, The Heathers Nursing Home in Chipping Sodbury, Westcroft Nursing Home in Stoke on Trent, Harley House Care Home in Leicester and Saintbridge House Nursing and Residential Home in Gloucester. The funding from RBS is to be used primarily to help finance work at Brook House Residential Home. Plans for the development include the construction of 12 new en-suite bedrooms as well as extensive renovation work to the home's existing facilities. Development work has already started, with completion estimated by the spring. Arvind said: "We are thrilled RBS has agreed to support our plans for the re-development of Brook House

Residential Home. Every expansion is an exciting project as it enables us to improve the standards and level of care we are able to provide for our residents. “In recent months we have been experiencing increased demand for spaces in the home and by extending and renovating the facility, the project will enable us to provide care to more individuals in need of support in addition to much better facilities from which to do so. “The support and service that we have received from RBS throughout this process has been excellent and is invaluable in enabling us to go ahead with the re-development work. Being able to deal with a specialist healthcare team who understand fully the industry and the sector we work in has also been a real advantage and is enabling us to continue to drive the business forward.” Funding from RBS has been provided under the Government backed Funding for Lending Scheme in the form of a fee-free loan. The scheme has been specifically designed to offer support to SMEs by making borrowing more affordable.

Provider expands with acquisition ASHTONLEIGH Homes Limited is to expand its portfolio with the purchase of a 91-bed care home in Haywards Heath, following £6.5million in funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial. Established in 2005, AHL is run by husband and wife team Gaj and Kathy Ragunathan. The group currently has three care

homes in the south east of England: the 38-bed Avalon Nursing Home in Eastbourne, the 43-bed Ashtonleigh Residential Care Home and the 31bed Ashton Grange in Horsham. The acquisition of this latest 91-bed facility, Ashton House in Haywards Heath, fulfils a long held ambition by Gaj and Kathy to acquire a care home of this size.

Alexander Court Nursing Home in Harrogate.

Home sold for development SPECIALIST healthcare property consultants HPC has completed the sale of Alexander Court Nursing Home in Harrogate. The 85-bed facility, one of the largest properties on the town’s prestigious Duchy Estate, has been acquired by Hadrian Healthcare, who intend to completely redevelop the site. Group chairman Ian Watson said: “We have been seeking a presence in Harrogate for some time now and we

are delighted to have secured such a wonderful site for redevelopment. “Our detailed plans will be announced some time soon, but suffice to say we are very excited about creating what we believe will be the highest quality of elderly accommodation and care facility anywhere in the UK. This service will also very much complement our existing home in Wetherby and a new one in Knaresborough opening later this year.”

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CARINGCOMMERCE Advertiser’s Announcement

Care home shortlisted for prestigious design award FLUID Design Associates are pleased to announce that their newly completed care home in Hedon, east of Hull for Yorkare Homes Limited, has been chosen as a finalist in the Best Care Home category at the 2015 Pinders Healthcare Design Awards. Fluid Design was appointed to carry out a full architectural service from feasibility study through to completion on site, which included site supervision of the construction phase. The 3.5 acre green field site sits on the edge of the town of Hedon and Fluid Design achieved full planning approval in October 2012 for the construction of two high quality buildings on the site in the form of a 64 bed nursing care home (phase I) and a 30 bed dementia care home (phase II). The first phase was completed in September 2014 and unique features within the home include a residents’ lounge bar, a shop, a café and a library.

In addition, the home also includes two luxury assisted living apartments for more independent residents.

The home also has the benefit of a rooftop conservatory with access to a large terrace complete with a grass bowling green. The terrace offers panoramic views across the open countryside. Fluid Design is a progressive practice of enthusiastic and talented designers who thrive on client interaction to give the best possible service. We have, since the company’s inception in 2009, gained a reputation for high quality, original design providing a professional and highly competitive service to all our clients who have direct contact with partners Andrew Jenkins and Matthew Coulson throughout all aspects of the design and construction process. Working nationally, we specialise in healthcare, residential, commercial, and leisure developments and have an excellent background in listed building renovation and conversion work.

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CARINGNEWS

£7.5m care centre opens its doors in Warminster THE Orders of St John Care Trust has officially opened its newest care facility – Ashwood Care Centre – in Warminster. To celebrate the home’s opening, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Troughton attended the event to tour the new centre, meet with residents and unveil a plaque. Developed as a state-of-the-art care home for older people, Ashwood provides person-centred care, including a combination of specialist nursing and dementia care, along with shortterm respite care for those who may only require a short stay. Equipped with 82 beds, the £7.5million facility is divided into six separate household units, each self-contained with its own communal dining and lounge areas, as well as specialist assisted bathing facilities. With several themed ‘destination zones’ situated around the home, including a shop and tearoom, a hair salon and a cinema, Ashwood’s design creates a stimulating environment for its residents and assists them with orientation when moving about the building. Outside, the facility’s landscaped grounds include a large central south-facing courtyard with raised

beds and seating. Additionally, the small themed lounges on each wing open on to paved terraces, while upstairs, the wings lead to secure balcony areas. Don Wood, OSJCT’s chairman, said: “OSJCT is committed to creating new care schemes and facilities to meet the current and future requirements for the care of older people, and the opening of Ashwood Care Centre is the latest achievement towards furthering that mission. “Now that its doors are open, we're confident that Ashwood and the specialist care it offers will be a great asset to the Warminster area. We also encourage those within the local community to get involved with the home by becoming volunteers and spending time with our wonderful residents.” Ashwood Care Centre forms part of Wiltshire Council’s Older People Accommodation Development Strategy, and the development was approved by the council’s cabinet during September 2012. The strategy seeks to modernise the way that older people’s accommodation is provided, giving choice and control to individuals and responding to needs in local communities.

Neil Garton (head of healthcare for NatWest and RBS), Paul Barford (NatWest’s relationship director), Tom Lyons (Black Swan’s operations manager) and Gina Mickle (Black Swan care home manager).

Provider to expand with multimillion pound finance package NORWICH-based Black Swan International Ltd has secured a seven-figure funding package from NatWest as part of its continued expansion plans. Founded in 1994, the group currently operates 13 private care homes across Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire – with a headcount of over 400. The funding arrangement and refinancing package has enabled the firm to acquire The Beeches, East Harling. Following the deal, Black Swan has embarked on a 12-month re-development programme at the 44-bed care home, including physical improvement works. Tom Lyons, operations manager for

Black Swan International, said: “The funding stream agreed with NatWest is instrumental in helping us achieve our long-term ambitions, allowing us to invest in our care homes and prepare for future growth. “It’s an exciting time for the business as we add The Beeches to our portfolio and upgrade the home for the comfort and benefit of residents.” Paul Barford, relationship director and healthcare specialist for NatWest, added: “A passion for putting customers at the heart of their business underpins the Black Swan team’s success. We are proud to support them through an exciting period of growth, which will further cement the company’s strong position in the sector.”

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Show home set to open at £9m development Andy Sandel (left) with ARMSCARE’s Raj Sehgal at Terrington Lodge in Norfolk.

DC Care to attend Care Show ANDY Sandel, DC Care’s Southern Region Business Appraiser, will be present at the upcoming Care Show, taking place at the Bournemouth International Centre. 2014 saw a healthy number of completed sales for DC Care in a variety of locations throughout the country, and from care sectors including nursing, residential and specialist care. One such good news story was the saving of The Meadows (now called Highcroft Manor) in Northamptonshire from closure. Upon the instructions from administrators Moorfields Corporate Recovery, Andy

commenced a high profile marketing campaign, resulting in a successful purchase of the home by a local operator, securing the future for the home and its staff. Two further recent transactions overseen by Andy, both of which completed prior to Christmas and New Year, were Brooklands Nursing Home in Liverpool and Terrington Lodge in Norfolk. If you are a current care home operator and are considering selling your home, or are looking to expand your portfolio, look out for Andy at the Care Show and he would be delighted to have an informal conversation, whether you are looking to sell or acquire.

YOUR Derwent & Solway, part of Your Housing Group, has opened a show home at its Greta Gardens retirement living development in Keswick. The £9m four-storey development for people 55 and over is due to be handed over early March and open early May. It will incorporate on-site amenities including a café and hairdressers and beauty salon which will be open to the public. In total there are 69 one and two bedroom ‘extra care’ apartments, including 34 for affordable rent, 18 for shared ownership and 17 for outright sale ranging from 820 sq ft for a two bedroom and 640 sq ft for a one bedroom. The two bedroom show apartment is located on the lower ground floor and has been designed to allow people to experience what apartment retirement living at Greta Gardens could be like. Visitors will be able to see the high standard of fixtures and fittings and interior decoration and view the modern kitchen complete with over, hob and extractor, stylish wet room and spacious living space, making it

easy for residents to keep their existing furniture when they downsize. Claire Henning, Group Sales Manager said: “This is a bespoke development of high quality homes for local people aged 55 and over, in a lovely location close to all the amenities Keswick has to offer. “We’re offering a mix of properties for affordable rent, shared ownership and outright sale so there is something to suit every pocket. Residents will enjoy the comfort, sense of community and a tailored care and support package as their needs change. “This accommodation allows people to plan for the future, live independently for longer and have a happy, safe and secure retirement. We look forward to welcoming people to view our stylish show home, so they can see for themselves what living at Greta Gardens could be like.” Funding for Greta Gardens includes £1,075,000 from the Homes & Communities Agency and forms part of Your Housing Group’s affordable homes programme.

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Home offers a new approach to care of the elderly in Essex By Dominic Musgrave A NEW multi-million pound care home has opened in Mistley, Essex with one aim: to ensure the levels of care for its guests more than match the luxurious environment. Mistley Manor is a 60-bed residential home for the elderly and dementia sufferers. There are also four supported-care bungalows next to the home, under the name Mistley Grove. Here guests can be totally self -sufficient, but can also take advantage of all the facilities in Mistley Manor, should they so wish. The new development has created more than 100 jobs. Owner Mike Volf said: “We are all enormously proud of Mistley Manor and the high quality accommodation and services it provides. “All families have difficult decisions to make when it comes to the care of their elderly relatives. At Mistley Manor, families can feel confident that their loved ones are not only safe, but are enjoying life to the full.” The new home boasts a hotel standard restaurant and licensed bar, hair and beauty salons, a cinema room and a private library. All facilities are reached via gener-

ously proportioned hallways, giving the building a feeling of space and light, quite unlike the care homes of the past. The secure first floor is fitted with specialist facilities such as a ‘living journey’ corridor designed to stimulate the memories of residents suffering from dementia. Mike added that the new approach to care at Mistley Manor is about having the best team of carers, working in a superb facility – but new technology also plays a big role. “New digital fibre optic technology links residents with family and friends across the world, through high speed internet and Skype,” he said. “Our commitment to energy saving is also very important – all our hot water is solar power generated, and, were every light in the place to be turned on – and we have plenty – it would only use the same amount of electricity as boiling four electric kettles. “Our trained carers also specialise in community care, which means we can look after people in their own homes for as long as it is possible to do so. Whether we provide care at Mistley Manor, or in one’s own home, our guiding principle is to maintain the dignity of those in our care.”

Lexicon Healthcare CEO Stephen Pattrick, home director Pam Hardy, Angela Rippon OBE and Michelle Pattrick.

Angela cuts ribbon at home BROADCASTER, journalist, presenter and ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, Angela Rippon OBE officially opened Green Tree Court care home in Exeter. Developed, designed and built by developer Castleoak, the care home is owned and run by Lexicon Healthcare. Green Tree Court offers 68 large and luxuriously furnished en-suite bedrooms and facilities including a contemporary café, hair and beauty salon, holistic therapy suite, gym, cinema room, library, communal balconies and greenhouse. It also includes a living wall and an impressive feature wall fish tank in the main corridor, which can be seen from multiple spaces. The first floor dementia care wing is

currently working to attain the internationally recognised Stirling Gold Standard for dementia friendly design, which it is believed will make it a first in the West Country. Lexicon Healthcare’s CEO Stephen Pattrick said: “We offer clinical excellence combined with an enriching and fulfilling new lifestyle. “This is why we believe Green Tree Court sets an exceptional blueprint for a new standard of care home in the UK.” Having acquired the site, Castleoak secured planning consent for Green Tree Court and designed it to meet the BREEAM Excellent standard in sustainable building design, ensuring low environmental impact and a comfortable environment for residents.

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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Safehands’ grand opening of The Esplanade, Llandudno

Everyday prices on everyday essentials ARE you paying too much for your everyday essentials? Unless you’re buying from Gompels HealthCare Ltd you probably are. Gompels has slashed the prices of many of the essential products that you use everyday. The launch of their February/ March catalogue has seen the prices of key lines such as gloves and aprons slashed to ensure that you aren’t paying a penny more than you need to. A pack of 100 flat pack aprons are now available for only £1.09, soluble strip sacks are now down to only £7.50 per 200 sacks, and 200 black sacks are now available for as little as £5.85. If that’s not enough, Gompels also has fantastic money saving offers on items including Medical Grade

Powder Free Vinyl Glove for £1.29 per 100 gloves when you buy 10 cases, and buy one get one half price weekly offers on wipes and pads that you simply can not afford to miss. Want to know how much you can save by switching your supplier to Gompels HealthCare Ltd? Well they even make that as easy as possible too, doing all the hard work for you. Simply send them a core list of products, or a previous invoice, and they will complete a price comparison for you. Over the last three months they have done over 100 price comparisons that have shown an average saving of 17 per cent. Do you dare to compare? Send them your core list today.

Company beats its competitors when it comes to speedy service CARE Check, one of the leading providers in DBS criminal record checks, has surpassed expectations in delivering a fast and efficient service for applicants and client organisations. The company, established in 2002, boast an impressive process time of as quickly as nine hours and have an average turnaround of precisely 70 per cent of applications being completed within five days. Over half of these are completed within 24 hours making the entire procedure as fast and as hassle-free as viably possible for applicants and

clients waiting to start their employees in new job positions. Care Check’s managing director Charles Eason, said: “As a company, we aim to provide as efficient a service as possible, and we pride ourselves on the speed we can turnaround applications.” The firm puts its success rate down to applications being countersigned immediately and therefore have no administration times, unlike fellow competitors in the market who sit on applications for a day or so before countersigning an application.

Geometric brings ‘flair to care’ GEOMETRIC Furniture is a leading UK commercial furniture manufacturer. Founded more than 40 years ago, the family owned and run business prides itself on innovation, quality and excellence. It supplies many hospitality companies, corporate clients and accepts bespoke commissions. Geometric Furniture has vast knowledge and experience of furniture requirements in the retirement village sector and has found that the demand for functional furniture has long been replaced by a demand for stylish, aesthetically pleasing furnishings whilst retaining the comfort and durability. With this in mind, Geometric’s range offer the look, whether contemporary or classic to suit all needs. Whether you choose from current collections or commission bespoke items, Geometric has the manufacturing capabilities to supply soft furnishings, joinery and case goods in standard or

made to measure options. So if you can’t find exactly what you are looking for on the website or in the brochures, give them a call. Enquiries: Call 0161 653 2233 or visit www.geometric-furniture.co.uk

THE 2014 season has come to a close for us all at Safehands Holidays, but we’re looking forward to what 2015 will bring, especially with the opening of our new hotel, The Esplanade, in Llandudno on February 16. Christmas and New Year were busy again at the New Mayfair, with faces new and old with us for the festive period. As we waved farewell to the last of our 2014 guests, the hotel is now set for its annual revamp and renovation, with a fresh coat of paint in the bedrooms and public areas and a well-earned rest for the staff. Now we all wait with excitement and anticipation as the builders, painters and decorators, electricians and plumbers pack up their bags as the new Llandudno team, led by operations manager Theresa Curbishly, take up residence in The Esplanade. It’s set to be a busy couple of weeks for them, getting everything perfect before the first guests arrive for the grand opening. Over the past year the whole hotel has been renovated to the highest standards, while keeping its Victorian charm. The bedrooms now include modern

level access shower facilities and many boast fabulous panoramic seaviews. Many rooms also feature electric profiling beds, ceiling track hoists leading into the accessible shower rooms and shower chair commodes. Twins, singles, adjoining suites and family rooms are available across three floors – all accessible by two new large lifts. The ground floor of the hotel has also been fully modernised, where you can expect a warm Welsh welcome. The accessible restaurant and cabaret bar is a fabulous place to relax and unwind for lunch, afternoon tea, evening meal and nightly entertainment, all while taking in the serene and tranquil sea views this resort has to offer. We have also invested over £10,000 in a changing places room, situated on the ground floor of the hotel, which has a changing table/shower trolley, power shower, accessible toilet, shower chair commode and an X/Y ceiling track hoist system which provides full room manoeuvrability. We are all looking forward to the 2015 season and hope you can join us in either Blackpool or Llandudno.K

Cut your fuels bills with a Biomass heating system GREEN Switch Biomass are a leading UK renewable energy provider. Working with Savills Energy + and the Christoph Group, we are able to offer clients a bespoke biomass heating system tailored to its business heat requirements. We are offering a fully managed

heat initiative inclusive of a free biomass boiler, an ongoing maintenance programme and a guaranteed fuel supply. If you are a commercial business and you currently spend over £20,000 a year on LPG, oil or gas and you are looking to reduce your fuel bills, Biomass may be the solution.

JTM helps your laundry room to run efficiently RUNNING a fully operational and highly efficient laundry room is vital in controlling infection, maintaining care standards and ensuring the ongoing comfort of your residents. Whether you are looking to purchase high-quality, low energy laundry equipment to replace your outdated machines, or simply want to make better use of the appliances you already have with a comprehensive maintenance service, JTM is here to help. As one of the UK’s leading providers of commercial laundry equipment sales, rental and maintenance solutions to the care sector, the family run business is best placed to deliver on its promise of ‘service without compromise’. Professional partner to Miele, Primus and Girbau , JTM’s expert team has a wealth of experience spanning a wide portfolio of commercial laundry equipment from top name brands, making

selecting the right appliances for your care home a breeze. Alongside this class-leading product portfolio, JTM delivers an uncompromised service offering packed with a comprehensive range of customer focused benefits which have been specifically developed to optimise your laundry room processes and keep things running, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Boasting a 96.4 per cent first fix rate and we offer this round-the-clock service for appliances of any age or brand, regardless of whether the equipment was purchased from them or not. In addition to expert maintenance support from Gas Safe registered engineers, JTM also has a dedicated team of staff equipped to deliver special services that you probably haven’t even considered, like CP12 gas safety inspections and tumble dryer duct cleaning.

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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Group chooses Shackletons to transform former hotel MILFORD Care chose Shackletons to transform a former hotel into a care home for the group’s newest facility, Ashbourne Lodge in Derbyshire. Shackletons was contracted to work on the refurbishment project to develop a tired and unused hotel into an elegant and homely environment that would celebrate the quality of service the group offers its clients. In conjunction with Milford Care, Shackletons created spaces that offer the ultimate comfort for the needs of each and every resident. Whether reading newspapers in the library, or enjoying refreshments with family and friends in the café, every aspect was tailored to the residents requirements. From its reception, cosy snug, residents’ bar and café; a reminiscence lounge, cinema room, spacious lounge, and 54 en-suite

bedrooms, Shackletons designed and manufactured furniture that fits every need and requirement. Amanda Falleth, design manager at Milford Care, said: “Everything we do is tailored to individual needs. This is why we chose Shackletons to help us translate our tailored approached into our interior design and furniture. “They completely understand the needs of our residents and our need as a business to put our residents first.” Jason Bloom, national sales manager at Shackletons, added: “With state-of-the-art facilities, spacious bedrooms and beautiful communal areas, Ashbourne Lodge offers elderly care in exceptional surroundings, and we wanted to make sure our product and service complemented that. We’re ecstatic with the results.”

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

Claim VAT back on your home even if you are not VAT registered IT is true, care providers can reclaim VAT worth about £3,000 per bed for any residents who stayed in your home between 1993 and 2002 paid for by the local authority. You don’t have to be VAT registered to make a claim. We can usually find the information required with minimal disruption to your business. How is this possible? Well in 2002 a care provider called Kingscrest challenged the view held by HMRC and won. There is no cost to you unless we are successful. Typical claims: 50 beds – £240,000; 40 beds – £170,000; 287 beds – £1.25m. And the best part is that you get the money in your bank account before you pay us. Don’t forget the tax repayment is free of tax – it is extra profit.

Take the hassle out of your new build IF you are looking to remove the hassle from your new build or refurbishment project, while saving time and money then we can help. Good design ensures that your bedrooms are easier to market, increases the value of your home whilst improving the environment and comfort for your residents or service users. We work exclusively for the care sector providing interior design, project management and procurement services including all aspects of your interior covering furniture, curtains/blinds, carpet, artwork, tableware, towels and bedding.

Our recommendations are tailored to your precise needs and client group. There is no deposit to pay and no minimum order and we work anywhere within the UK. If you think we can help then please contact us for further information or to request a free consultation without obligation. Enquiries: For further information visit www.a21careinteriors.co.uk or call 020 8399 3091. Our new address is The Sanctuary, 23 Oakhill Grove, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 6DU.

DermaSaver Skin Protectors for people with fragile skin DermaSavers are breathable wearable protectors for elderly and disabled people with fragile and thin skin. DermaSaver Skin Protectors protect fragile skin from damage and skin breakdowns, such lacerations, splits, tears and superficial bruising caused by friction, rubbing, abrasion, shear and external pressure. DermaSaver Skin Protectors are made from soft 3D medical textile that replaces foam, gel and fleece. Superior moisture wicking and breathability of DermaSavers keep the skin dry, cool and healthy and protected from painful damage. DermaSaver Skin Protectors are comfortable garment-like Class 1 Medical Devices for 24 hour wear – when sleeping, sitting or walking. Fully machine washable, DermaSavers are hygienic and compatible with ointments and medicated creams. Easy to apply and non-constricting with constant ventilation reaching the skin, DermaSavers are free from drawbacks and ongoing expense of bandages and dressings. Most popular DermaSaver shin protectors, heel protectors, forearm protectors, elbow protectors and hand mitts. Enquiries: Call Win Health Ltd on 01835 864866 or visit www.win-health.com

Beaucare launch new medical catalogue

Enquiries: Call 01233 640985 and ask for Howard to find out more.

OUR most comprehensive catalogue to date is packed full of all the everyday medical equipment and consumables a care home requires. We have broadened our product offerings within a number of ranges, including introducing new nursing profiling beds, which were showcased at the Birmingham Care Show last year, and dementia care products to mention a few. We guarantee a one stop shop policy, with orders placed by 5pm being delivered next day at no extra cost. Beaucare® Medical Ltd, established since 1992, is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts. Enquiries: To obtain your copy call 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

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New year, new look for Badgemaster as website is launched

Residents at Marlin Lodge Residential Home performed Aladdin at Luton’s High Town Sports and Leisure Centre. They learned dance routines and songs assisted by management and staff teams. Registered manager Netra Pandiyan said: “The staff at Marlin Lodge hold their residents in high esteem and their philosophy is to encourage the development and independence of those in their care. The aim for all in the home is that everyone should develop a sense of pride in their achievements and for each person to work to their identified strengths and capabilities. Each part in the pantomime was written with certain individuals in mind, giving each resident the confidence to work on a role which has allowed them to perform to the best of their abilities.” A raffle was held on the night and all proceeds generated were donated to the 21 Club.

Signs

BADGEMASTER has begun the new year with a new website and innovation for the badge industry. Following the company’s acquisition of one of its major competitors, Akorn Badge Company Ltd, in September, the firm heads into 2015 with over 22 years of combined technology and expertise, fresh re-branding and boosted buying power, now collectively serving over 27,000 accounts. Cementing this new chapter is the launch of the website – www.badgemaster.co.uk – which offers a host of new innovative services to customers. It provides a fully and comprehensive outline of the company’s products and service options from the varying styles of badges to lanyards, interior signs, door and desk plates and key fobs to name a few. The clean, easy to navigate design allows users not only to research the products they need effectively, but also puts the customer in the driving seat when placing their next order. The user friendly facility to design your badge in its entirety from concept to finished PDF proof is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Users create their vision on screen from a wide range of shapes, colours, fonts finishes and fasteners to create a design that entirely meets the needs and requirements of your business. The ability to upload logo designs and customer data entry fields gives you the control to create exactly what you need – a hands on opportunity to get involved and ensure personally the design meets your expectations. For the time-short or less confident in design, Badgemaster also supplies a free design service through their on site team of experts at their Nottingham base who can create designs following a brief to your specification.

Accountancy

InstaBadge® is unique to Badgemaster, placing in the hands of the customer the ability to create reusable name badges in an instant, directly on site. The system supplies a smart, bespoke logoed badge with clear window, in which paper, card or tape can be inserted with each wearer’s name and, if required, job title. With all equipment such a printer and card supplied, Instabadge® is perfect for quick paced environments with high staff turnover. Staff can be kitted out on site with the right badge branding in a matter of minutes. All existing Badgemaster customers are also given an online login, enabling them to reorder replacements and new badges via the bespoke online portal any time, day or night. Your personal login allows controlled fields for editing, so new names, spellings, and job titles are entirely yours to control, reducing the risk of spelling inconsistencies. The one thing that underpins all these welcome additions and features to the Badgemaster offering is a customer-centric focus – making life as convenient and easy as possible to keep tabs on badge ordering.

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