Caring UK February 2018

no.256 • £4.75 incorporating

February 2018

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Secretary of State is urged to act swiftly

By Dominic Musgrave A PROVIDERS’ group has called on Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt to act quickly and tackle the crisis in social care.

And they have invited Mr Hunt and his new ministerial team to visit the frontline of social care delivery as soon as possible to see the situation first-hand.

The Independent Care Group says on the face of it adding social care to Mr Hunt’s portfolio gives greater profile to the care of the country’s oldest and most vulnerable.

But it says that will only count if it is backed up by some swift action straight away and not by waiting for the summer’s Green Paper.

The Group’s chair Mike Padgham said: “Credit where credit is due, the Prime Minister has at least acknowledged the need to address social care by adding it to Jeremy Hunt’s secretarial portfolio in a very high profile manner.

“On the face of it, social care now also has a dedicated minister again after it was previously downgraded to a Parliamentary Secretary of State post.

“We have to hope that this is an indication that the Government is going to treat the care of our oldest and most vulnerable residents as a greater priority.

“What we need to see now is the Government bite the bullet, merge health and social care into one department, properly fund social care and get on with creating a system for properly-funded, seamless care.”

The Independent Care Group is calling for better funding for social care to address the 1.2m people who are currently living without the care they need.

A £2.5bn shortfall in social care is feared by next year and the Independent Care Group warns that care homes are closing and homecare providers are unable to deliver contracts because they are no longer viable.

“We were disappointed that social care was ignored in the budget because the warning signs are there that social care is in crisis and something must be done,” Mike added.

“We cannot wait for the Green Paper, measures have to be put in place now, not some time after next summer. The care of our most vulnerable residents cannot wait that long.” n What do you think should be done to tackle the crisis in social care? Email your thoughts to editor Dominic Musgrave at dm@ scriptmedia.co.uk or post them on our Twitter page @caringuk

Residents of Featherton House Care Home in Banbury enjoyed a bit of winter ‘spice’ when they visited Geri Halliwell at her home to appear on ITV’s This Morning. The former Spice Girl baked biscuits with her young daughter Bluebell and presenter Rylan Clark-Neal, before serving up the treats to the residents. The home is close to Geri’s country estate, and a group of residents were invited as guests to sample the TV personality’s home cooking during a segment of This Morning and join in a singalong with Geri and Rylan as a tribute to the late George Michael. The residents were also invited to share a glass of sherry as well as the baked treats with Geri and Rylan.

Care worker saves baby’s life A ROUTINE shopping trip took a rather unexpected turn for Natasha Page, a carer at Barnes Lodge Residential Care Home in Tonbridge, when she noticed a baby had stopped breathing.

“I was joining the queue in Primark in Maidstone with my daughter when a lady in front of me stopped, she told me to pass her as she was seeing to her baby, I continued to the queue and thought nothing more of it,” said Natasha, speaking of the incident.

“While I was paying for my items, my 22-year-old daughter looked back and noticed the lady was having difficulty.

“She told me the baby had gone floppy and wasn’t breathing. I didn’t have time to think at all, I just rushed to the lady and took over, shouting for someone to call an ambulance.”

Without hesitation, Natasha sprang into action and immediately

performed lifesaving resuscitation on the baby, who she believed to be around three months old, until she began breathing again, while onlookers called the ambulance service.

“It can’t have been any longer than a couple of minutes but it was such a relief when she started crying, I put her in the recovery position and the ambulance crew took over once they arrived.”

Natasha, who has worked at Barnes Lodge as a care worker since it opened its doors in October 2016, has previously worked with children and undertaken a baby and child first aid course.

Following the incident, Natasha managed to contact the baby’s mother through commenting on a news article on Facebook, so she was able to thank her for saving her baby’s life.

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CARINGNEWS

Residents use virtual reality to bring back old memories

By Dominic Musgrave A SEDGEFIELD care home has been using new technology to bring back old memories for its residents with virtual reality aided reminiscence.

By using a virtual reality headset which plays videos and audio recordings, residents of Willowdene care home enjoy stepping into familiar and far way settings, from Durham Cathedral and Buckingham Palace to farmyards and cat cafes.

Wearing the headset gives a 360-degree view of a location from a point-ofview perspective and is able to track head movements, making for a fully immersive experience.

The use of virtual reality for reminiscence sessions at the home, facilitated by Newcastle-based company ‘Reminiscience’, allows residents with lower mobility to ‘revisit’ favourite places and view locations based on their interests.

The headset view is also displayed on a handheld tablet so that the staff and activities coordinator at Willowdene can chat with residents about what they’re seeing.

The content of each session is customised to the individual resident based on the places

they have lived or visited in their lives, their likes and interests.

The sessions have proved popular with residents of all abilities at the home, which provides nursing and residential care for elderly residents and also offers care for people living with

dementia.

Angela Penman, activities coordinator at Willowdene, said: “The virtual reality reminiscence sessions have been a great success. We weren’t sure how residents would react to the new technology, particularly the people who have advanced dementia, but they really embraced it and thought it was amazing.

“Using the goggles is a lot of fun and we’ve even had staff and family members joining in so it’s been great for generating conversation in the home. Using the headset is really immersive and since the videos shown are personalised to each person then it’s so much more meaningful to them.”

“It’s also been very beneficial for our residents who prefer not to participate in group activities or struggle to communicate with others. It’s a way for them to engage and in a way that’s meaningful for them.”

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CARINGNEWS

OBE for veterans’ charity director

By Dominic Musgrave

Sleep in the Park in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.

Photo credit: Social Bite.

Sleep in the Park a ‘brutal’ wake-up call for care staff BALHOUSIE Care Group braved subzero temperatures and sleeping bags to raise almost £16,000 for charity as participants of Sleep in the Park.

The group of 20 staff, from Balhousie care homes across Scotland and the company’s head office in Perth, joined 9,000 celebrities, politicians and other business leaders as they bunked down in Princes Street Gardens to raise awareness of homelessness in aid of Social Bite.

Their contribution – which stands at £15,895 and counting – puts Balhousie Care Group in the event’s top 10 corporate fundraisers.

A highlight for the staff was meeting Sir Bob Geldof, one of a host of stars who took part.

But as the temperatures dipped, the ‘brutal reality’ of the event sank in, said participant Yvonne Manson.

She said: “There are no words to describe what it was like to sleep out in the cold.

“It was a brutal reality but I found myself reflecting on how it was one night for us and that for many this is a daily reality. The experience is something I will never forget.”

Balhousie Care Group CEO Steve White, who took part with chairman Tony Banks, added: “Taking part in Sleep in the Park has strengthened Balhousie’s resolve to highlight social issues such as homelessness and loneliness among its employees, residents and local communities.”

THE director of care at The Royal Star & Garter Homes has received an OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List.

The award was made to Pauline Shaw in recognition of her services to Veterans.

As a nurse, Pauline has worked in clinical practice and health and social care since 1982. She has held the position of director of care and service development at The Royal Star & Garter Homes, a charity which cares for military veterans living with disability or dementia, since 2002.

This award acknowledges her passionate and unwavering commitment to improving care for older people, and her courage and determination in leading an innovative approach to care.

As demand for the charity’s dementia care service increased, Pauline had the vision to see how it could be improved and sustained bringing about positive change to people’s lives. She pioneered the charity’s award-winning dementia care model, by working with consultancy Dementia Care Matters.

Under Pauline’s leadership, both of the provider’s homes have won awards for dementia care, and the Solihull facility has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.

Pauline Shaw She is proactive in sharing her knowledge and learning, working on a NICE committee to develop dementia care guidelines and as a trustee with The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust.

Pauline was delighted to receive the award.

“I am deeply honoured to receive an OBE,” she said. “I’m still in shock but over the moon! There are so many people who have supported me over the years and to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude, not least the wonderful residents, my friends and colleagues at The Royal Star & Garter Homes and my family.

“I hope that having these important letters after my name will help to reinforce my messages about improving care for older people.”

CARINGNEWS

Carer wins award for making a difference

Home raises a glass to Pub Week RESIDENTS at a Great Wyrley care home raised a glass to celebrate British Pub Week in their own pub ‘Lakeside Returns’ with a fish and chip lunch and a pint.

Waters Edge joined in the national celebrations – an initiative borne of the Save the Great British Pub campaign, which celebrates everything that is great about the British pub.

The event aims to get people back into pubs by promoting their positive impact on society through a packed series of events, a celebration of everything that is great about the

British pub.

Staff at the Alpha Care Homes owned facility created the traditional pub by converting a room in the home complete with its own bar, optics and dart board.

Jenny Cowley reminiscence co-ordinator, said: “The residents really enjoy visiting the pub, having a drink and chat.

“As well as daily activities held in the pub we use it for quiz nights, sing songs, games nights or some residents like to come along to sit in the pub and play draughts or dominoes.”

Provider launches new practitioner apprenticeship

By Olivia Taylor THE Healthcare Homes Group has launched a new role to support nursing care.

The new health care practitioner role offers staff an accredited apprenticeship programme that results in them transitioning to a skilled post alongside the experienced nursing team.

The initiative creates a development opportunity for staff who wish to expand their knowledge, plus it helps to address the nursing shortfall currently being seen in the industry, therefore helping to address the nursing skills gap.

The accredited apprenticeship programme has been developed by the group’s head of learning and development, Fran Brett, in partnership with training provider, ‘Steadfast’.

The training programme will be led

by Steadfast for those enrolling on the 12-month course.

After six months of classroom training and individual mentoring by the group’s team of nurses, apprentices will begin operating under supervision, and by the time they are fully trained, they will be able to undertake a number of tasks to support nursing teams, such as taking observations and providing medication.

All health care practitioners will be managed by trained nurses, therefore also opening up new mentoring opportunities for the group’s nursing

“We were keen to address the skills gap we have been seeing within the industry, and to find a way of supporting our existing team of nurses.”

team. The opportunity was offered to staff across the organisation and received a significant level of interest.

Twenty two candidates have been initially selected to begin the course.

Director of HR, Sam Dixon, said: “We’re really excited to launch this new role and programme of learning, which will bring so many benefits to the organisation, our staff and to our clients.

“The health care practitioners will support the clinical delivery of care across our nursing homes while offering a fantastic learning and development opportunity for carers who wish to extend their knowledge, enhance their skills and progress into a new role.

“We were keen to address the skills gap we have been seeing within the industry, and to find a way of supporting our existing team of nurses. This initiative reflects a significant investment on behalf of the group. We are heavily committed to our residents and to our staff and we’re confident that the introduction of this role will further improve on our fantastic track record of delivering quality care.”

SENIOR carer Matt Byres has won Abbotswood Court Care Home’s quarterly ‘You Make The Difference’ Award nominated and voted for by carers, residents, their families and visitors.

Matt won the Romsey facility’s quarterly ‘You Make The Difference Award’, receiving a voucher for £100.

The Award, part of a nationwidescheme to recognise the quality and skills of their employees, is run by the Cinnamon Care Collection Group of which Abbotswood is a part.

The Award is particularly significant as carers have to be nominated, and voted for, by fellow carers, residents and visitors. In this quarter’s

Award, Matt was nominated by his colleagues for ‘great leadership skills’, his ‘willingness to help’ and his ‘enthusiasm, care and compassion’.

Gemma Ridout-Bowden, general manager of Abbotswood, said: “We are very proud of Matt and all our carers. The ‘You Make The Difference Award’ looks for employees who are passionate, dedicated, respectful, inspired and united. Matt has all of these qualities and more.

“As a senior carer he sets an example of excellence, and his calm and cheerful attitude helps create our lovely family atmosphere which is so appreciated by our residents, their families and visitors.”

Brunelcare’s Deerhurst Care & Nursing home team has received the Dementia Care Matters Quality of Life award, for the fifth year running. They also retained the highest level, ‘Level 1’ for exceptional person-centred dementia care. Only one per cent of care homes within the UK achieve the award, and of those there are only 14 ‘Level 1’ homes in the UK. Lesley Hobbs, manager for Deerhurst Care Home, said: “In 2016 our scores averaged ‘Level 1’, with our specialist area in the home for people living with dementia excelling. This year we have achieved ‘Level 1’ for every area within the home which demonstrates that we are committed to improving quality of life for every person that we support. We are all so proud.”

Annual awards celebrate region’s unsung heroes THE winners of the annual Care and Support West Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony at Ashton Gate Stadium to an audience of representatives from the local care industry, CQC and council.

Now in their fifth year, the awards are recognised as among the highest industry accolades in the region, commending carers in the ex-Avon area.

Chairman of Care and Support West, Len Collacott, said: “With the NHS struggling to manage in today’s climate of increasing demand and restricted funding, the social care sector is more and more recognised as a solution to the problem.

“This sort of event enables us to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the sector.

“There are so many dedicated and professional care workers out there whose efforts deserve to be rewarded.

We need to be proud of them.”

Winners: Care home registered manager – Wendy Leaman, St Monica Trust; Home care registered manager – Stacey Ibiks-Ibikundi, Manor Community; Supported living manager – Donna McGauly,

Dimensions; Care home front line – Ryan Williams, Care Futures; Home care front line – Anna Chrzastowska, Newcross Healthcare Solutions; Supported living front line – Joy Saunders and Abigail Bennett, Smile (Chipping Sodbury); Day services front line – Jo Wright, Organic Blooms; Personal assistant – Nigel Gregory, father/parent carer; Apprentice – Obed Adomako, Bath College @ Dimensions; Volunteer – Jane Gregory, Milestones Trust; Nurse – Sarah Saunders, St Monica Trust; Ancillary support front line – Nikki Cramb, Windmill Care; Dementia – Lucy Cejka, Home Instead; End-oflife care – Robinson House, Brunel Care; Older people – Sanford Station, St Monica Trust; Disability care – Ali Kinsella, Notaro Care; Residential home – Belvedere Lodge, AbleCare; Nursing home – John Wills House, St Monica Trust; Supported living – Supported living team, Freeways; Domiciliary care – Home Instead (Weston Super Mare); Employer – Sophie and Deian Chester-Glyn, Manor Community; Outstanding contribution to health and social care – Beeches team, St Monica Trust.

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CARINGNEWS

Annual Care Chef of the Year competition open for entries

By Dominic Musgrave THE NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is now open for entries.

The prestigious culinary competition seeks out the nation’s best chef working in the care sector.

Designed to continually challenge care chefs, the competition requires them to create new exciting recipes while adhering to a strict budget and meeting the nutritional needs of their clientele.

It also celebrates the talent, skills and professionalism of chefs in the sector and raises its profile as a rewarding, dynamic career choice.

Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Cooks and Premier Foods, the competition is open to chefs from across the care sector – including residential homes,

“The standard of entries grows year on year and 2018 is sure to be an impressive and inspiring competition.”

local authorities and other care organisations, plus community services such as meals on wheels, day centres and luncheon clubs.

Deadline for entries is Friday February 2.

Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “We’re very excited to launch our search for the 2018 NACC Care Chef of the Year.

“As the longest standing UK culinary competition for the care sector, it has a fantastic reputation for showcasing the exceptional skill, talent and knowledge held by care chefs.

“As well as meeting nutritional needs, the dishes they create are incredibly creative and delicious, and they would not look out of place in the finest restaurants.

“This competition is a great way of raising the profile of care catering and motivating and developing chefs.

“Catering for those in a care environment is challenging. The elderly and vulnerable have specific dietary needs and it’s crucial to their health and wellbeing that these are correctly and safely met.

“That’s exactly what care chefs and caterers work tirelessly to ensure every day.

“The standard of entries grows year on year and 2018 is sure to be an impressive and inspiring competition. I urge all chefs to enter and I look forward to the excitement unfolding throughout the regional heats and, of course, the national final.”

The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition challenges entrants to create a nutritionally-balanced, twocourse menu (main and dessert) that is suitable for service users in a care setting.

The combined food cost for both

courses should be no more than £2.25 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced.

The menu must also incorporate one of the Premier Foods brands listed in the competition entry brochure.

Participating chefs will have 90 minutes to produce their dishes and they will be expected to demonstrate nutritional understanding of the foods they are using, plus culinary flair through flavours, execution and presentation.

All paper entries will be judged by a central judging panel that will be looking for innovation, costing, suitability for the environment, adherence to nutrition guidelines, taste and overall menu balance.

Successful entrants will be invited to compete at the regional heats in March, where they will have 90 minutes to produce their dishes and demonstrate their skill set under the watchful eye of the competition judges.

The two highest-scoring competitors from each regional heat will secure a place in the national final on Wednesday, June 6 at Barking and Dagenham Technical Skills Academy.

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CARINGNEWS

Harry Patch award winner announced

Residents and staff join Councillor Duncan MacPherson at the mural opening.

Councillor opens wall mural at Cradlehall Care Home

A COUNCILLOR for Inverness South was joined by residents, their families and staff to officially open an interactive wall mural at HC-One’s Cradlehall Care Home.

Duncan MacPherson unveiled the mural, which displays a garden scene with a wishing well, a beehive and a variety of favourite animals.

Interactive butterflies and bumble bees were painted in the Tolle Art style by local artists and friends of Cradlehall, Alec and Margaret Jamieson.

This style of art is old country style, which is used to decorate barges, caravans and furniture.

The mural is proving a firm favourite with residents, prompting them to talk about their favourite flowers and garden features.

Elsbeth Russell, manager of Cradlehall Care Home, said: “The artwork has transformed an uninspiring corridor into a place that we all want to spend time.

“It is a joy to look at and our residents have told us that it makes them smile.”

LIZ Harper has won Somerset Care’s ‘Harry Patch Outstanding Manager Award’.

The accolade was first presented in 2009, following the passing of the ‘Last Surviving Tommy’, Harry Patch, who lived at Fletcher House – the provider’s home in Wells.

The award is presented annually to an outstanding Somerset Care manager who has demonstrated exceptional service.

By unanimous decision, following a large number of nominations, Liz Harper, head of quality and clinical governance, was announced as the latest winner.

Liz has been instrumental in improving quality standards across the company and supporting three ‘Outstanding’ ratings from CQC for the Halcon Centre in Taunton, Frith House in Burnham-on-Sea and Grovelands in Yeovil.

Chief executive, Dr Jane Townson, said: “Liz has made an outstanding contribution to improving quality

“Liz has a reputation for being a great listener – she is approachable, consistent, fair and empathetic.”

Services and support include:

Liz Harper with Jane Townson. standards across all our services.

“She has a laser focus on improving outcomes for the people we support and is always encouraging further thinking on how to enhance quality of life and promote independence of older and disabled people.

“Liz and her team conduct thorough ‘quality health checks’ and provide managers with valuable feedback to help them raise the bar. Liz has a reputation for being a great listener – she is approachable, consistent, fair and empathetic.

“Managers regularly seek Liz out for support and advice on how they can evidence and gain recognition for the fantastic work they are doing to ensure our customers live as happily and healthily as possible.”

Liz was presented with the award at Somerset Care’s central office long service celebration.

• Preparing you for CQC Inspection (including mock inspections) • Full Quality & Compliance Monitoring Visits, with detailed findings reports and easy to follow, step-by-step action plans • Crisis Management; supporting you if you’ve already had an unfavourable inspection, and guiding you through improvement plans • Reviewing and implementing fully compliant and legal care plans, and guiding staff on care planning requirements and techniques • Support with the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS Legislation • Investigations and support on Safeguarding, and other, incidents • Advice, guidance & hands-on support with Dementia Friendly Environments • People management, employment & performance issues, training analysis and delivery, where required

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CARINGNEWS

Care home resident publishes first book

By Dominic Musgrave

Salford performance group Old Stagers has been entertaining the elderly with classic songs. The entertainment, organised and paid for by Bridgewater Funeral Home, took place at Alderwood Care Home, in Worsley. The residents enjoyed renditions of Vera Lynn, ABBA and Frank Sinatra songs, joining in for the choruses. The Old Stagers also danced and told jokes between costume changes.

Footballers visit residents

FOOTBALL loving residents and staff at HC-One’s Strathtay House in Perth received a visit from three St Johnstone players.

Murray Davidson, Liam Gordon and Scott Tanser popped into the care home for a chat and a cuppa, listening to residents’ opinions on the Scottish Premiership club’s latest results and upcoming games.

Judith Meaden, HC-One care home manager at Strathtay House, said: “We’ve got some very loyal Saints fans who are regular attendees at fixtures and so they really enjoyed meeting the players and sitting down for a

chat.

“There was a lot of talk about game plans and residents were asking them about their experiences of playing for the local club.

“They were really chuffed to get some photos snapped with the players and we’d like to thank them for visiting.

“We’d love to welcome them in again some day soon.”

Area director Jackie McDonald received a signed football in celebration of her recent promotion to regional director, as well as for being their ‘number one fan’.

A 96-YEAR-OLD Glaswegian has just published his first novel, which centres on a fight between South American drug barons.

William Glen, a tenant at Bield’s Carntyne Gardens retirement housing, developed a love of writing after retiring from work as a plumber and has spent months writing and planning his book titled ‘After the Panic’ which is now available on Kindle.

William, who writes under the ghost name Glen Williams, tells a fictional story of a disagreement between South American drug barons that leads to a bomb being left on a busy cruise ship.

The ship’s passengers are all evacuated except three – none of whom know one another. The novel explores and follows the stories of the stranded passengers who are accidentally left behind.

William said: “I discovered my love for writing after attending writing classes in my retirement. I worked as a plumber, so exploring my creative side isn’t something I ever had much of a chance to do.

“In my classes, I would usually write short, creative pieces – never before have I written anything as big as this so it’s certainly a big achievement for me.

“It’s exciting to have my work available in public space. I’ve had great feedback so far.”

Once he had written the story, William sent ‘After the Panic’ to an editor to be finalised, before it became available on Amazon’s Kindle.

The book can be bought for £2.50 online and has already been purchased by customers.

William Glen Keen to have a hard copy of his work as well, William has had 100 copies of the book printed, which he is distributing amongst friends and family.

He was inspired to write the novel after reading a story in the newspaper about a bomb being left on a bus.

The story prompted him to start thinking in depth about how the lives of the individuals in its proximity would be affected.

Carol Harvey, deputy manager at Carntyne Gardens, added: “The staff here all really enjoyed reading ‘After the Panic’ – it’s a fantastic story that illustrates William’s bright mind. His adoration for his work really shines through the pages.

“With his drive and energy William truly embodies Bield’s ‘Free to Be’ ethos. It’s lovely to see that with his drive and energy he’s fulfilling new hobbies.”

High on his success, William’s thirst to put pen to paper has only increased, and he has already finished writing his second book – an autobiographical work that tells of his time spent in Normandy, where he was wounded during the war.

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CARINGNEWS Suzanne Hughes has been appointed as manager of Hadrian Healthcare Group’s The Manor House care home in Gosforth, Newcastle, which provides residential, dementia and respite care. She has always worked in the care sector and began her career as a care assistant, working her way up through various roles to become a manager. She has a track record of building and managing successful teams to provide high quality services to clients. Suzanne said: “I am passionate about the work I do, care is a hugely rewarding career. We have a delightful home and it’s been lovely to meet the residents, their families and all our staff. I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone better.”

Nesta’s wish comes true

NATIONAL care home provider HC-One has been pulling out all the stops to make residents’ wishes come true at Oaktree Mews in Moreton-inMarsh.

The ‘Grant a Wish’ project was thought up as part of a plan to allow residents to get motivated and take part in activities that are specifically tailored to their desires, or related to the hobbies they undertook when they were younger.

The most recent beneficiary of the initiative was Nesta Marshall, who got to meet one of her heroes at an event in Stow-on-the-Wold.

As a keen artist, Nesta has always admired the work of George Underwood, and even has one of his works hanging on her bedroom wall.

Her ‘wish’ was to visit one of his exhibitions when it came to Fosse Gallery in Stow and, thanks to the effort of home manager Sam Baker

Nesta Marshall and her daughter Sharon Weaton with artist George Underwood. and her team at Oaktree Mews, Nesta was able to attend a private viewing of his new work at the gallery.

George is a musician and artist and became known in the 1970s for designing album covers, including the late David Bowie’s Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust covers, which established him as a leading creative art illustrator.

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CARINGNEWS

What they said ...

“Sir David has been at the helm of CQC, and a strong leader in this sector, for a significant amount of time. Long enough to put a stamp on the sector and lay the foundations for a system based on proportionate regulation. He is a very fair and principled man who will be missed by the sector.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England “Sir David Behan has made an outstanding contribution to social care through his leadership of CQC over the last six years. His knowledge and understanding of adult social care and particularly from the perspective of people who use services has shaped and informed his leadership of the regulator’s responsibility across both social care and health.”

Vic Rayner, executive director of National Care Forum “David has been an exceptional leader, and we are lucky to have had him at the helm at such a transformational period in the regulator’s history. He is highly respected across the sector for his wisdom, drive and fearless determination to put patients first. He deserves great credit for overhauling healthcare regulation in this country to put quality and safety at the heart of the ratings system.”

Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

CQC chief executive steps down

By Dominic Musgrave

SIR David Behan has announced his intention to step down as chief executive of CQC. He will continue in the role until the summer to allow the appointment process for a successor to take place.

Sir David said: “After six years at CQC and over 40 years continuous employment in health and social care, I will be stepping down in the summer.

“I am announcing my departure now to allow Peter Wyman and the Board sufficient time to appoint my successor and to allow for a smooth handover.

“It’s been an immense privilege to serve the public by leading CQC, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved.

“We’ve inspected every hospital, adult social care provider and GP practice in the country – over 28,000 services and providers – and in the process developed a baseline on quality that is unique to anywhere in the world.

“Our annual State of Care publication is recognised as an authoritative overview of the quality of England’s health and care services, and the National Audit Office recently recognised the progress we have made as an organisation.

“I now feel it’s time to move on, to make a contribution in a different way and to allow someone else to lead the organisation to the next stage of its development.”

Peter Wyman, chair of CQC,

David Behan added: “David has made an early announcement of his intention to step down in order to give us ample time to appoint his successor.

“For the immediate future, he will continue to lead the organisation as we deliver the next stage of our strategy – using new technology and new ways of working with the public and providers to continuously improve how we assess performance, encourage improvement and checking that people get safe, high quality care.

“I will therefore wait until his actual departure to reflect on his achievements over a lifetime of public service and on the scale of

what the organisation has delivered under his leadership; for now, I will only say that David’s unique combination of passion, vision and deep understanding of the health and care system – along with his personal commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do – have led CQC to become a catalyst for change that improves the quality of people’s care.”

Sir David was awarded a knighthood for services to health and care in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list.

He was presented with a City and Guilds fellowship in October 2016. In 2004, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Law by Greenwich University and, in 2003, a CBE. He was previously the director general of social care, local government and care partnerships at the Department of Health, where he was a member of the NHS Management Board; the president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, and the first chief inspector of the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

From 1996 to 2003, Sir David was director of social services at London Borough of Greenwich as well as a member of the Greenwich Primary Care Trust Board and the Professional Executive Committee.

He was first appointed director of social services for Cleveland in 1994.

The recruitment process will begin shortly.

The appointment of the chief executive is made by the nonexecutive directors of the CQC.

14

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

New attempt to help families find the right homes for elderly loved ones A FRESH attempt to take the heat out of Britain’s growing residential care crisis has been launched in Dorset Care Home Bedfinder enables relatives looking for a place for their elderly loved ones to search locally via a new web service.

The way it works is that care homes register the beds they have available with the site, and relatives search the site to find a good match for the kind of care they need...and can afford.

Company director Christine Whitham said: “When relatives reach that point in life where they have to put a parent or grandparent into a home it has to be one of the most terrifying experiences a family has to go through.

“Ultimately, it’s about them having to give up their liberty and be cared for outside of the family for the first time.”

The ambitious service will be launched in Dorset and is rolling out across the country over the course of the year.

Fellow director Malcolm Whitham added: “There are currently around 480,00 care beds in the UK with a further 140,000 expected to be needed over

the next decade, due to people living longer.

“Yet there is a real lack of independent and quality information. Relatives generally want their loved ones living nearby. They also want crucial information on things like funding and inspection reports.

“We offer all the relevant documents – such as the care homes’ official inspection report conducted by the Care Quality Commission – but also we explain what it means.”

The Care Home Bedfinder site is a database containing information on around 18,500 homes.

Relatives can locate homes close to where they live. Care homes pay an annual fee to sign up.

It means that when a relative finds a home they like, they can send it details of their loved one direct, and arrange a visit. They will also be able to

read reviews from other users of the care home.

Each elderly resident will have their own ‘passport’ on the site showing their interests and background to try match them to an appropriate type of home.

For the NHS, it means they will be able to book vacant care beds online directly, if the home feels able to meet the patient’s needs.

“We hope it will alleviate the problem of bed blocking as it means NHS Trusts won’t have to spend hours ringing around care homes for a suitable bed,” said Malcolm, who has worked with care homes for 14 years as a supplier.

“No wonder it’s such an emotional journey for siblings which is why we want to give them as much help as possible – to take the emotion out of it.”

The idea was prompted by the sheer number of people having a traumatic time trying to find care.

“A friend of mine had to put her father in care.

Unfortunately, he was suffering from dementia, and she had real problems finding a suitable place.

“In the end she was forced to accept second best because of a perceived lack of choice, and she regrets her decision to this day.”

Home goes around the world with its themed evenings

01202 233463

RESIDENTS at a Barrhead care home have travelled across Europe, sampling the local cuisine and cultures, without even packing a suitcase.

Staff at Bupa’s Norwood Care Home have been transforming spaces around the home to host a variety of different country-themed nights and transport its residents around the globe.

The residents are travelling across Europe, making stops cities across the way.

Each night consists of traditional music from the destination of choice, along with culturally appropriate activities and a menu to match the theme.

So far residents have tried a taste of the Mediterranean in Italy, spent the afternoon in Paris, and had a night in Munich.

Suzanne Pitkeathly, activity coordinator at Bupa’s Norwood Care Home, said: “The residents have loved travelling across Europe and getting a taster of the different cities. It’s proved really popular with all the residents able to get involved.

“Our evening in Venice got everyone to be hands on and join in. We had printed out blank masks and got the residents to decorate them in a masquerade theme.

“We do everything we can to give our residents the best quality of life at Norwood and we know that many enjoyed trips abroad in their younger years.

“That’s why we make put an emphasis on travel within our activity programme.”

The different themes have helped the residents reminisce and share stories of their own holidays and adventures abroad, while teaching those who haven’t visited countries more about their culture.

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CARINGNEWS

New Proud to Care jobs site launched in Bristol A NEW online jobs board to help local people find roles in adult care has been launched by Bristol City Council as part of its Proud to Care campaign.

Dozens of jobs are already available to apply for on the website, with new ones added every day by employers, partners and voluntary organisations who have signed up to the Proud to Care Bristol Charter. The website also features careers advice and case studies of others already working in the sector, providing a one stop shop for both recruiters and jobseekers.

The jobs board marks the next phase of the Proud to Care campaign, which is designed to raise the profile of care workers and recruit the right people to the sector.

Councillor Helen Holland, cabinet member for adult social care at Bristol City Council, said: “Care can provide all kinds of flexible work and there’s a huge array of different roles on offer.

“Since launching this new campaign we’ve heard from many different people about why they love working in the sector and the thing that really shines through is that care workers can really make a difference.

“It’s not your average 9-5 in an office, but can be so much more than that, and the new jobs board will make it easier for more people to find the right job for them. We know that care providers across the country have had problems recruiting and retaining staff in the past, so we

Councillor Helen Holland. are hoping to address this and also ensure current employees get the recognition they deserve.”

The campaign aims to reach all potential care workers, but is specifically targeting key audiences including younger people and those who have studied for a health and social care qualification; parents considering a return to work; people aged 50 plus who might want to give something back to their community; and students seeking employment over holiday periods.

Bristol is working alongside 15 other councils across the South West and Health Education England on the campaign, which is the first time such a collaborative approach has been taken. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Care and Skills for Care and Skills for Health are also lending their support.

Stand out from the crowd to succeed ...

LOUISE Ellis-Copley, director of Complete Care Agency Ltd, founded the company 10 years ago as a home care business.

Louise identified that for the business to succeed it needed to stand out from the crowd.

Having a nursing background, Louise identified the need for a more specialist service and developed a nurse led business delivering highly complex care for children and adults, working at a national and local level with councils and the National Health Service to deliver this service.

“Running a successful business requires the ability to see in advance where your sector is going. Anticipation, planning and execution of the plan is crucial.

“You need a solid understanding of the market and the regulatory needs for you to meet standards.”

“The niche requirements we fulfil are a crucial support for the National Health Service and local councils.

“In order to sustain the need, it is crucial that those providing this specialist care do so with the utmost respect for the patients and their families. Our key to success is that we making sure our in-house highly trained staff provide care that is above and beyond the competition.”

“I have very high standards that I expect with regards to the way the business is run, the staff we employ and the delivery of training and ongoing support to our staff.”

“Success is not easy in this sector and there are many financial pressures and it can seem necessary to cut corners at times.

“To be successful you need the right people.”

Louise Ellis-Copley

“You cannot change people’s basic characteristics, so if they don’t have the right values do not hire them. Value your team, your patients and take pride in being the ones that do it right. Grow steadily, maintain your values and you will succeed.”

Mayor Councillor Maurice Perry and resident Cicely Hartley cut the ribbon on The Beeches Care Home’s new bistro.

Bucks fizz celebration for care home bistro opening A NEW bistro has been officially opened by the Mayor of Stockton-onTees at The Beeches Care Home.

Mayor Councillor Maurice Perry and Mayoress Laraine Perry cut the ribbon at the event to officially declare the new facility open.

Residents, relatives and staff at the care home in Newtown all attended to celebrate the event and enjoy a glass of bucks fizz.

Helen Wood, home manager, said:

“The new bistro was developed for residents and family members to meet in a more private setting than the main lounge, which is usually very bustling and busy.

“The bistro has a sleek, Italian style and theme to it, so it feels like a fresh and inviting place to stop for a coffee and a chat.

“We’d like to thank the Mayor and his wife for visiting our home to open the bistro.”

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CARINGNEWS

Letters bridge generation gap

Deputy Mayor Councillor Barbara Fitzsimon with Home Instead Welwyn and Hatfield MD Heather Simms, Blueberry Hill Care MD Shelley Jackson and Home Instead Senior Care community support representative Jane Andrews.

Care providers launch a dementia friendly cafe HOME Instead Senior Care Welwyn and Hatfield has partnered with Blueberry Hill Care to launch a dementia friendly community café.

It has been created for anyone in later life, their carers, family and friends.

The café offers a safe, welcoming atmosphere for those who require stimulation, socialisation and for those who feel lonely and isolated.

The café’s launch gave like-minded people the chance to socialise, have a cup of tea, enjoy some stimulating activities, crafts and music played on a classic guitar.

Community support representative

for Home Instead Senior Care, Jane Andrews, said: “I would like to thank Blueberry Hill Care for allowing us to use their venue once a month, all of the amazing volunteers and Tesco Extra, Hatfield, for their very kind donation of food.

“We are overjoyed by the launch of our Dementia Friendly Community Café. It was such a delight to welcome the local community to the launch.

Our aim is to bring together as many of the ageing community as possible.”

The Dementia Friendly Community Café will run every third Thursday of the month, with families, friends and care support all welcome.

THE generation gap has been bridged in Barnsley as young and old become pen pals.

More than 20 letters have been flying back and forth between the residents of Hillgate’s Deangate Care Home and pupils of Darton Primary School.

The Year 3 pupils have been introducing themselves, including details of their favourite foods, colours and pets in their handwritten letters and asking questions.

The care home residents were delighted to receive the post and have been writing back, responding with details of their own likes and dislikes.

Julia Chambers, home manager

at Deangate Care Home, said: “We were delighted when the primary school approached us to see if our residents would be interested in becoming pen pals with their Year 3 class.

“The residents’ faces light up when they receive a letter from the young writers. It’s a form of communication they’re used to and delight in engaging with.

“The activity is also helping the children to improve their handwriting, learn about the elderly living in their community and the history of their town.

“It is a brilliant activity for everyone involved and we hope it will continue.”

Music lessons strike a chord with residents

By Dominic Musgrave

RESIDENTS at specialist care village Belong Warrington enjoyed letting loose their musical flair and singing old-time songs in a dementia-friendly music session.

The session was led by ‘Music in Mind’, a community organisation that brings together musicians to promote the use of music as an aid to health and wellbeing.

The musicians led the lively sessions by performing familiar songs on a range of instruments including drums, ukuleles and guitars.

Residents were invited to take part in the session by playing maracas, bells and shakers themselves, and were encouraged to sing along to

recognisable songs and play games including ‘name that tune’.

Janine Curwell, general manager at Belong Warrington, added: “Residents had a great time at the Music in Mind session – it was a really lively, interactive and fun morning and we look forward to inviting them back to the village in the future. It was wonderful to hear residents bursting into song as they remembered the familiar lyrics and everyone really enjoyed the opportunity to have a go at playing instruments themselves.”

The music acts as a form of reminiscence therapy, shown to be particularly beneficial for people living with dementia, stimulating cognitive ability and promoting a sense of wellbeing.

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CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

Problems with noise for people with dementia AS we age our hearing is affected, reducing our understanding of speech and interaction in social events and busy spaces; while dementia affects our perception of and reaction to sound.

As a result, noise can be alarming, frustrating, and emotional to a person with dementia, causing stress and contributing to social isolation, anxiety, fear and aggression.

A noisy environment also inhibits people when processing information.

It is said that of all the senses,

hearing is the one that has the most significant impact on people with dementia in terms of quality of life.

Many care spaces are noisy, with activities generating sound and hard surfaces reflecting sound.

Solutions are available using products that absorb sound and improve room acoustics and by changing people’s behaviour.

At Ecophon we specialise in providing solutions to problems with noise so contact us for more information.

CQC’s chief inspector Andrea awarded CBE

CQC chief inspector of adult social care Andrea Sutcliffe has been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in recognition for her achievements and public service spanning over 30 years.

Andrea joined CQC in October 2013 and leads on the regulation and inspection of adult social care services in England, including care homes and domiciliary care.

Last year she led the completion of the initial round of comprehensive inspections of these services which for the first time, led to ratings of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement and Inadequate.

Also, Andrea is responsible for the registration team supporting all health and care sectors.

In collaboration with many others, Andrea played a key role in the development of Quality Matters; the adult social care sector wide commitment to quality, which launched last July.

She said: “I feel incredibly lucky and very grateful to be honoured in this way. Really, it is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of my team and colleagues at CQC who work so hard to improve the quality of life of people using adult social care services, their families and carers.

“Adult social care is a vital but often misunderstood and undervalued service. It has the potential to

Andrea Sutcliffe positively transform people’s lives but poor care can have such a devastating impact.

“My passion and determination to speak up for people’s rights, celebrate great care and make a difference so that all services meet the Mum Test remains as necessary and as strong as ever.”

Prior to becoming chief inspector of adult social care, Andrea was chief executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence and before that, chief executive of the Appointments Commission.

Improving the indoor environment for people with dementia through colour and sound

Photographer: Petra Appelhof,

Recent research has shown a link between hearing loss and dementia, individually these are socially isolating however a combination can lead to anxiety, frustration, aggression and loneliness. Using products that absorb sound to calm the environment and aid hearing; giving consideration to the siting of noisy equipment and processes; and affecting noisy behaviour to reduce sound and introduce constructive sound can have a positive effect.

Both ageing and dementia also affect our eyesight, making visual elements of a space more difficult to interpret; often leading to trips, falls and misunderstandings. Consideration to both natural and artificial light levels alongside colour, pattern and signage can all enhance the environment and make it easier to navigate.

Ecophon has been investigating the effects of changing the indoor environment in care spaces to reduce these barriers and so enhance life for both the people living and working there.

To learn more contact Andrea Harman on 07771565382 email andrea.harman@ecophon.co.uk or visit www.ecophon.com/uk

Untitled-2 1

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24

CARINGNEWS

Care provider supporting paramedics of the future

Heathmount Care Home residents, their friends and families enjoy a ‘Come Dine With Us’ event to celebrate the dining room’s refurbishment.

Home’s event celebrates refurbished dining room A CARE home in Liss, Hampshire played host to residents’ friends and families, with a special ‘Come Dine With Us’ event to celebrate the refurbishment of its dining room.

Heathmount Care Home ran the four-day event which brought people from the local community in to join residents for a meal in the area, which recently received investment in its décor and a change in its layout.

The meals were cooked by head chef Helen Bowers, and the event was hosted by home manager Sharron Lynch and activities co-ordinator Lyn de Guzman.

Sharron said: “It is important to our residents that they are able to spend time with their families and friends in

a welcoming environment.

“Our dining room has always been lovely, but we feel that the refurbishment has made it even better.

“We were delighted that some of the families who came to visit us gave positive feedback about the food, the service, and the elegance of the room with its unique Victorian design.

Everyone had a fantastic time, and we are looking forward to hosting more events like this in the future.”

Heathmount Care Home forms part of Larchwood Care and is managed by Healthcare Management Solutions. The service provides nursing and residential care for up to 31 older people.

STUDENT paramedics are benefiting from work experience placements in Sanctuary Care’s homes across Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

A cohort of up to 50 BSc (Hons) first year students from the University of Worcester are getting ‘real life’ work experience, with a five-week placement in the provider’s homes.

The first half of the group has been based at Sanctuary Care’s nine homes in Worcestershire, including Regent Residential Care Home and Juniper House Residential Care Home in St John’s, Worcester and its Birmingham homes, including Castlecroft Residential Care Home in Weoley Castle.

The placements, which involve the students remaining at the same home for the full five weeks, help them to develop their communication skills, giving them an insight into life in a care home, as well as Sanctuary Care’s ethos of keeping kindness at the heart of its care, promoting dignity and respect.

They take part in every aspect of daily life in the home, from helping with mealtimes, taking part in activities and shadowing the senior care assistants to learn about any medical needs the residents may have.

The second half of the cohort is currently carrying out a five-week placement in Sanctuary Care’s homes

Students Siobhan Kirk and Matthew Lloyd (right and back) with Regent Residential Care Home receptionist and training lead, Helen Park. in the West Midlands.

Neil Quinn, Sanctuary Care’s director – human resources, said: “We are really proud to be supporting the University of Worcester by welcoming these aspiring paramedics into our homes.

“The feedback from our teams has been very positive and our residents have really enjoyed spending time with them. Intergenerational projects are so important to give people a mutual respect for different generations and this partnership is also proving to be a beneficial experience for our staff and residents.”

Kingsclear by Caring Homes has officially opened, with guests from the community sharing a fun afternoon to mark the occasion and £1,400 being made in charitable donations. Surrey Heath Deputy Mayor Dan Adams cut the opening ribbon along with Caring Homes’ founding director Helena Jeffery and Kingsclear’s first resident Karen Machers, who moved into the home in September. More than 60 guests attended the event including representatives from four local charities which received a charitable donation to mark the opening of the home and the building of lasting relationships with the community.

Advertiser’s announcement

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27

CARINGNEWS

Czajka Care Group managing director Konrad Czajka with new maintenance manager Alan Vennard.

Students rehearse with residents from Meallmore Ltd’s Antonine House.

Experienced maintenance Home hits the right note with memories musical manager joins care group YORKSHIRE based Czajka Care Group has appointed Alan Vennard as its new maintenance manager to oversee health and safety compliance across the company, and head up its specialist team of maintenance personnel and grounds staff.

In his new role, Alan will manage the provider’s team of six maintenance staff and groundsmen, who work across its five care and nursing homes in West Yorkshire.

The team also maintain Czajka Care Group’s headquarters and its training centre in Saltaire, as well as The Clubhouse at Fairmount Park, which is a members only club with a wide range of leisure facilities including a swimming pool and a renowned restaurant.

Alan brings a wealth of experience to the role after previously working in similar positions at national care

operators, as well as working with the police for 17 years as a special constable, where he was a section officer.

He also has relevant experience and qualifications in both fire safety and general health and safety.

Alan said: “This move is an opportunity to join one of the region’s leading independent care providers, which has a solid reputation in the industry.

“Throughout my time working in the care industry, I’ve always recognised that residents should be at the centre of any company’s operations and this certainly fits with Czajka Care Group’s values.

“Everything the maintenance team does is focussed around Czajka’s residents and contributes towards enhancing their overall daily experience, which makes it a very rewarding and enjoyable role.”

STUDENTS from a Glasgow theatre school recently teamed up with a Bearsden care home to create a unique, musical performance inspired by residents’ memories.

The Glasgow Academy of Music and Theatrical Arts’ students and residents from Meallmore Ltd’s Antonine House visited each other over a period of eight weeks and worked in pairs to get to know each other by sharing stories and life experiences.

These memories were then used to help create a short musical, ‘A Fine Wee Lass’, which tells the tale of a young woman seeking adventure in a big city by leaving the Isle of Skye, her boyfriend and family behind.

After each practice session, the group would wind down by singing a few songs together, allowing Antonine House resident Elsa – a retired music teacher – to rediscover her love of the piano and play for an audience for the first time in many years.

The musical was performed in the

Bearsden Baptist church in front of an audience that included the home’s residents, families and friends.

Samantha Dougan, activities’ coordinator at Meallmore’s Antonine House, said: “We wanted the residents, who share a love for singing and interacting with the younger generation, to be able to collaborate in a project with the school.

“It was really wonderful for us to see this idea come to life in such an exciting way, but it was even better to see the residents and the students working so well together and making friends.”

Sharon Graham, principal of GAMTA, added: “I have a particularly close relationship with the care home as my mother is a resident there, so it was fantastic to be able to work together on this.

“It was amazing to see the pride and joy the residents and students took in the performance. This was a creative project that we hadn’t done before, and our students loved it.”

30

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

Try before you buy with Your Mobility REGISTERED Manager of Princess Lodge Care Centre in Swindon, Julie Heenan has purchased several chairs over the past three years.

Julie said: “I value the professional relationship I have with the staff of Your Mobility, they understand the individual needs our residents may have and go out of there way to find the perfect fit for the resident.

“The team at Your mobility on request train any new staff, free of charge who have not used one of the chairs before.

“He goes the extra mile for my Residents to ensure they have the comfort and mobility they need as soon possible, even if that means out of hours delivery which I really appreciate.”

A spokesperson from Your Mobility added: “It’s amazing how something as commonplace as a chair, when designed for those with specific needs, can make a massive difference to a service user’s quality of life.”

YourMobility.org specialises in providing dementia friendly seating solutions for residents in care homes.

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YourMobility.org is not simply about providing chairs to care homes.

We also provide free training on using the chairs to their full advantage; for fall prevention, good posture and pressure relief.

31

CARINGNEWS

Pioneering feedback app launched by care group HEALTHCARE Management Solutions has reinforced its commitment to operating at the highest standard by introducing a new app-based feedback system that gives the senior leadership instant information about the quality of its homes.

‘How did we do?’ is simple to use and takes just a couple of minutes.

The user can rate different aspects of the service, including rating the exterior, feeling welcome, rating the interior, and the quality of care provided. App users are also invited to add comments and upload pictures to support their ratings.

The feedback is shared instantly with the management team, so that positive feedback can be passed on to staff, and calls for improvement can be acted on straight away.

A number of providers have already begun using the app to great effect.

Tony Stein, chief executive of Healthcare Management Solutions, said: “As a responsible and committed care provider, we welcome all feedback from our visitors, residents and healthcare professionals.

“By introducing an easy to use app that will prompt an urgent response from our management team, we feel that we are pioneering a new way for service providers to continuously improve.

“The app is free to download, and

Tony Stein, chief executive of Healthcare Management Solutions. we are also placing tablets in the reception areas of all of our homes, to encourage any visitors to give instant feedback, even if they do not wish to download the app themselves. We hope that by doing this, we will be able to reward our staff and homes that are doing well, and quickly rectify any issues that may arise.

“We have already had a very positive response to the app, and senior management are responding to the feedback straight away. It works very well and we are hoping to introduce it into other service areas, and encourage other businesses to use this technology to make sure their businesses are operating at a gold standard.”

Southern Healthcare’s Seaton Care Home has launched a contemporary-style coffee shop named Gasson’s. Named after the Devon home’s maintenance man Bryan Gasson, who worked hard to construct the new space, the café will serve specialist roasted coffee blends, hot chocolate and other barista-style beverages, along with freshly baked treats prepared in-house. Emma Seal, home manager, said: “Gasson’s coffee shop has a cosy, safe and comforting feel, that is easily accessible to all of our residents’ needs.

It’s a place where their loved ones, as well as members of the community, can come together and experience social interactions that are authentic.”

Association launches White Paper SURREY Care Association has released a special report for residential and domiciliary care providers on the impact of going digital in care, the challenges facing care providers today, the CQC’s reaction to care going digital and a fundamental change in approach.

Fifteen senior members of the association gathered at a round table event recently to form the discussion and transparently share

experiences.

Erica Lockhart, chief executive of Surrey Care Association, said: “It’s been so useful to get around the table with everyone.

“We are proud to be continually working with our membership to evolve their processes and share best practice.

“We hope this White Paper will be useful for all providers of social care nationwide.”

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Bell ringing class strikes a chord with residents RESIDENTS at Stansty House, the Minster-run care home in Wrexham, are giving residents the chance to have a go at a new form of musical therapy: bell ringing.

Residents were invited to take part in a class led by the Pulford Ladies Handbell Ringers as a fun way of keeping active and encouraging a sense of community at the home.

The session involved members of the Pulford Ladies Handbell Ringers giving each participant a hand bell and showing them how to ring the bells in harmony to make well-known tunes.

Melodies that were played included ‘You Are My Sunshine’ and ‘Daisy Daisy’, and the residents were given the words to the songs so that they could sing along.

Veronica Roberts, a resident of Stansty House, said: “I absolutely

loved learning how to play the songs.

Contributing to making music in a group was a great feeling.”

Musical therapies like this have been shown to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of older people, particularly those with dementia.

Research shows that groupbased music activities can have a positive effect on mood, memory and cognitive abilities as well as encouraging social interaction.

Andrea Smith, one of the activities coordinators at Stansty House, said: “The bell ringing class was a big hit with the residents. Activities like this help them to keep enjoying the things they like doing, express themselves and keep them mentally and physically active. I’d like to thank the ladies from the bell ringing club for volunteering to come along.”

Advertiser’s announcement

Life is sweeter with Advanced Protection THE Chocolate Quarter, one of the UK’s most stylish retirement complexes, is now protected by industry-leading fire panels from Advanced.

Originally the home of Fry’s chocolate, the iconic collection of 1920s buildings has been sympathetically developed by KWL Architects and Andrew Wilson Developments for Bristol-based charity, the St Monica Trust.

The result is an impressive complex of high-spec apartments, elegant living spaces and a range of leisure facilities.

As well as protecting the multi-tenant retirement apartments and care home, the Advanced system also covers a doctors’ surgery, offices, spa, retail space and car park.

MFS designed, installed and commissioned the Advanced system, which comprises a network of 19 MxPro 5 single-loop, four-loop and repeater panels with Hochiki smoke and heat detectors, multisensors and heat detection cable.

The installation of MxPro 5 means that the fire system is also linked to the site’s DECT using an ESPA interface, which allows live fire system status information to be passed to staff pagers.

Speaking about the installation, Rick Coles, managing director at MFS, said: “The project required complicated cause and effect because of the buildings’ wide variety of uses. The sheltered accommodation and extra care areas needed a completely different approach to the communal areas, shops and restaurants. The complex also has a spa and hydro pool, so we faced an entirely different set of challenges in those areas.

“We chose Advanced panels because of their reliability and the high level of flexibility and ease they offer when programming cause and effect.

“Although useful for any project, this versatility really comes into its own on large multi-use sites with many different demands. We also had to link the fire system with the site’s DECT, which is very straightforward to do using Advanced equipment

and an ESPA interface.”

Phil Calvey, advanced sales manager for the South West, commented: “Advanced’s MxPro 5 panels are particularly suited for use in residential and care home settings.

“The Chocolate Quarter is a demanding site with a wide range of uses. Many of its residents are elderly and false alarms can cause considerable confusion and distress, so the installation had to offer the highest levels of protection and peace of mind.”

The MxPro 5 is the leading multi-protocol fire panel range available and offers high-performance fire detection and alarm control across multi-panel networks and multiple sites.

MxPro 5 panels are EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 approved. They can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high-speed, 200-panel networks covering huge areas.

MxPro offers customers a choice of two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network, backed up by free training and support. Advanced’s ease of installation and configuration make MxPro customisable to almost any application.

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks.

Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems.

More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com

R Y TE A IS D G TO RE EE FR

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34 www.requiredsystems.com

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Homes champion winter wellbeing as companionship role takes off A SOUTH coast care provider has launched a dedicated team role to enable residents at its 20 homes enjoy each day as fully as possible.

Family-owned Colten Care has brought the functions of social carers and activity organisers together under one job description, Colten Companions.

The move is backed by training and development opportunities including plans for a bespoke vocational qualification.

For residents, families and colleagues, the new role offers the reassurance of a structured team of 80 Companions totally focused on creating daily plans that help residents foster friendships and fulfil their own interests and ambitions.

Companions work alongside home managers, nurses and other colleagues with everyone recognising that companionship can mean different things to different people. Shared interests, trips out, taking in events at the home, or simply having a calming conversation from a welcome face are all potential elements.

Companions also co-ordinate the input of volunteers across the homes who bring in their own skills, passion and interests on behalf of residents.

The role of Companions has been specifically praised in a new report by industry regulator the CQC on Colten Care’s Linden House dementia care home in Lymington.

Rating the home as ‘Outstanding’, the CQC wrote: “The home recognised and responded to people’s changing needs, including needs for social interaction and

Some of Colten Care’s 80-strong team of Colten Companions, pictured at a recent team conference held at Poole Lighthouse. stimulation. People had access to a range of activities which they could choose to attend. People’s views about the home were listened to.”

Companionship director Tim Wookey added: “We are putting companionship at the very heart of life in our homes. We now have a team whose sole responsibility is the breadth of companionship enjoyed by our

residents, from one-to-one conversations to active trips out in groups.

“There is an element of making wishes come true based on what residents and families tell us. It could involve creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience such as a balloon ride, chance to play in an orchestra or visit to a favourite football club, all of which we’ve achieved for residents recently.

“Or a return to hobbies and pastimes that for whatever reason the resident has given up before they move to one of our homes.

This could be gardening, cooking, exercise, arts and crafts – the range is endless, showing there is tremendous vibrancy and energy in a care home if you want it, not at all like being alone in a family home and feeling lonely.”

One of the team’s first priorities was winter wellbeing and companionship over Christmas, with a series of home events, entertainment, lunches and pamper days involving community friends and contacts.

During 2018, Colten Companions estimate they will provide around 6,500 trips out for residents from the group’s homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex. Most of these will be supported by the provider’s fleet of five, wheelchairfriendly minibuses whose drivers are all trained in first aid.

Discussions with Colten Care’s training partner Yeovil College are paving the way for the introduction of two levels of NVQs recognising the breadth of the Companionship role and scope for career development. The training package is expected to be finalised in March.

Queen’s Nurse appointed

Muirton House staff, from the left: Crystal McGregor, senior carer, Helen Lovie, Gill Rennie, administrator, Catherine Russell, home manager, Claire Campbell, clinical lead, Sandra Reilly, clinical lead, and Robert Fraser, maintenance.

Home bids a fond farewell to its retiring housekeeper A CARE home in Blairgowrie is saying farewell to the housekeeper who has been part of the team for almost 30 years, as she takes a well-earned retirement.

Helen Lovie, who was the housekeeper at Muirton House, has retired from the post after 28 years of service.

She was initially employed as a laundry assistant in 1989, and her career progressed to head of housekeeping.

A surprise tea party was held for Helen where gifts and flowers were presented to her from the residents of the home and her colleagues.

Catherine Russell, home manager,

said: “Helen has been an asset to Muirton House over the past 28 years, and we will certainly miss her. She has always had a great deal of pride in her work and in the home.

“Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness is essential to Muirton House, and Helen always ensured that the home was spotless. She has set a high bar for our next head of housekeeping.

“We all wish Helen a very happy retirement.”

Muirton House is part of Larchwood Care and provides 24-hour care for older people with nursing and residential care needs and younger adults with learning disabilities.

RADIS Community Care has appointed a Queen’s Nurse to act as clinical governance lead for the company.

Debbie Quinn joins the homecare company after holding a number of high profile roles such as specialist advisor for the CQC and an expert panel member for MS society and policy advisor for the UK Multiple Sclerosis Nurse Association.

The prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse awarded by The Queen’s Nurse Institute recognises those nurses who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to patient care and nursing practice.

The QNI, a community nursing charity founded in 1887, is dedicated to providing the best possible nursing care of people in the community.

Debbie said: “I am delighted to be working with Radis as I’ve been incredibly impressed by their

Debbie Quinn commitment to providing high quality care to the people they support.

“Radis is a family run company that has care and compassion at its heart. I’m very much looking forward to working with my new colleagues to help shape our future service delivery.”

New Required Systems document download manager AN online, cloud-based system giving you instant access to the most up-to-date procedures and forms required to evidence compliance with the new CQC Fundamental Standards for England.

We provide all the policies, procedures, forms and audit tools you need to comply with legislation where you are based.

Enquiries: Call 01236 782477, visit www.requiredsystems.com or email peter@requiredsystems.com

35

Extra care scheme ‘topped out’ Page 37

Green light for new Lincoln care home

Page 38

Care homes’ £1bn funding gap risks closures claims the CMA

Page 39

Luxury home to create over 50 jobs

By Dominic Musgrave A NEW luxury care home in Duston will create more than 50 jobs over the next few months.

Timken Grange, which is currently being constructed on the site of the historic British Timken factory, will provide residential and dementia care for 66 people in state-of-the-art accommodation.

The home will open in the near future following the completion of an extensive induction and training programme for the staff team.

The expertly designed and purpose built home is being built by LNT Care Developments and will be the second home for operator Oakdale Care Group.

Co-founder Chris Babington said: “We are really keen to promote care as a positive career choice and hope to see the people who come to work at Timken Grange progress within

their careers by providing exceptional care to the people who will live with us”.

The new staff team will be led by home manager Rachel Cadd, who has a wealth of experience in the care sector.

She added: “It is really exciting to set up and manage a new home with responsibility for recruiting a full team of staff.

“Myself, Chris and everyone at Oakdale are incredibly passionate about care, and I am certain we will find the right people to make Timken Grange a home from home for the people who live with us and, also a key part of the local community.”

Many reminiscence elements are being included in both the exterior and interior design of the new home.

It will provide individually tailored care with features such as a cinema room, English tea room, library, sky lounge and landscaped gardens.

Timken Grange in Duston.

37

Extra care scheme ‘topped out’ LAWSON House, The Abbeyfield Kent Society’s extra care housing scheme in Larkfield, has reached a key milestone in the development as the final roof tiles were fitted.

As its spring 2018 completion date approaches, representatives of the charity and contractors Kind & Company Ltd came together to mark the key milestone and place a tile on the roof.

Joined by guests, including donors The Lawson Trust, after whom the building was named, invitees were

taken on a tour of the building before placing the tile on the roof and warming up with a cup of tea while hearing about the plans.

Once complete, Lawson House will comprise 74 one and two bedroom apartments, with on-site care and support available for over 55s.

Twenty of the apartments will be reserved for veterans in need of support. Apartments will be available on an affordable rent basis, through Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

38 Cowan Architects has appointed Emma Smyth (pictured left) to its team of healthcare architects. Emma already has an extensive background in the field, with experience across London and the South East that varies from new build hospitals and specialist units through to care homes and mental health facilities. She has undertaken RIBA Stage 0 feasibility reports, assisted Trusts to secure funding for projects and produced numerous outline and technical design proposals.

Emma has a thorough working knowledge of legislative documentation and works with clinical teams and stakeholder groups to create health facilities which perform well and add value to the overall hospital estate.

Tanglewood staff at the site of the new care home in Lincoln, (left to right): Adele Endersbee, business development manager; Tracy Ann Shelbourn, founder and director; and Nike Ajewole, operations director.

Green light for new Lincoln care home WORK is set to start on a new 72-bed residential care home on the edge of Lincoln.

Tanglewood Care Homes, an established family business which already runs five other facilities in the county, expects to create between 50 and 60 jobs at the new site.

City of Lincoln Council gave the development the go-ahead at a recent planning meeting.

Permission for a care home on the site of a former adult education centre had been granted by the council in 2014, but the design has since been altered so new planning consent was sought.

“Our Lincoln care home is the start of a new and exciting journey for the company,” said Tracy Ann Shelbourn, founder and director of Tanglewood Care Homes.

“Tanglewood has provided care, accommodation and employment

to generations of Lincolnshire families. We are looking forward to welcoming our first residents and their families to Tanglewood in Lincoln in 2019.

“I feel honoured and truly delighted to be part of this exciting period in the company’s history.”

The building work will be carried out by LNT Construction, a Leedsbased specialist in building care homes, and the development is due to open in February 2019.

The three-storey home will cater for elderly residential care, nursing care and dementia care residents.

It will have a large, secure, landscaped garden as well as a café, cinema, tavern, hair salon and lounges.

A range of activities will be on offer to residents, including arts and crafts, entertainment, dancing, picnics, themed evenings, excursions and film nights.

New owners for Summerfields DC Care has completed the sale of Summerfields Care Home in Branston, close to Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire, on behalf of Annette Gilliland.

The new owners are Mr and Mrs Patel; first time buyers who are venturing into healthcare, with support and mentoring from a friend who is already an operator.

Bank funding was dependent upon the more experienced party becoming an equity partner in the care home.

DC Care regional director Alison Willoughby appraised the business

and oversaw the sale.

She said: “We are always mindful that selling is one of the largest decisions an owner can take and can be daunting. I’m so pleased we were able to help Annette and, although a previous sale fell through, we were able to quickly identify another purchaser.

“When a care business is being sold, it has to be business as usual for the owners, with as little disruption to the care home as possible. We worked hard to ensure we kept our client involved and updated.”

Advertiser’s announcement

Another successful year for company 2017 was another exciting year for HPC and an eventful year for the care sector in general.

HPC, which celebrated its ninth anniversary of its incorporation on Christmas Eve, had one of its busiest ever years. We continue to serve a broadening client base of private, non-profit and corporate clients across the UK. We have continued to improve our services, with the recent launch of the improved and updated version of the HPC Location Report.

This is used by developers, operators and investors to support new development in the care sector across the country.

I am also delighted to say that we have welcomed Sophie Bagley to the HPC team, as a consultant chartered surveyor to assist in our increasing workload.

More generally, the sector continues to face some interesting challenges.

We all continue to watch Four Seasons Health Care closely, to see how the unfolding debt situation in that organisation will be resolved.

We have also recently seen the publication of the CMA care homes market study, which states very clearly what many of us have known for years – that local authorities are paying insufficient fees to care home operators and these are effectively being subsidised by

Ian Wilkie

private-pay residents. We hope that the government will pay heed to the CMA’s observations and that the Green Paper, due to be published some time this year, will contain some real substance.

In spite of the headwinds facing the sector, the positive news is that we continue to see new investment being attracted from both home and abroad.

We are also seeing some fascinating developments in both operational style and architectural design, and these innovations could lay the foundations for the shape of the care sector in the UK for many years to come.

No doubt 2018 will be another exciting, innovative and challenging year and we look forward to working with all our clients in the coming months.

Ian Wilkie, Director

39

Care homes’ £1bn funding gap risks closures claims the CMA

By Kashif Majeed

BRITAIN’S care home sector has a £1bn annual funding gap that could force several care providers out of business, even as demand rises from an ageing population, the Competition and Markets Authority has warned.

This claim was made in the final report from its study of the care sector market. It found that care homes that were heavily reliant on funding from local authorities were “not currently in a sustainable position”.

The CMA said that, on average, residents who privately paid for their own care spent £846 per week in 2016. By contrast, local authorities paid £621 per week for each subsidised person in care. Over a year, this amounted to a £12,000 difference between the two, which is significantly higher than previous industry calculations.

Research by the CMA shows that there are circa. 410,000 residents in 11,300 care homes for the elderly across the UK. It also demonstrated that almost half of residents get some level of local authority support, from fully subsidised fees to top-up payments.

According to the CMA, about a quarter of care homes are “at risk of failure or exit” as more than 75 per cent of their residents are paid for by local authorities, making them most

Kashif Majeed likely to face a financial shortfall. It stated: “As a whole, the sector is just able to cover its operating costs and cover its cost of capital. However, this is not the case for those providers that are primarily serving state-funded residents. The current model of service provision cannot be sustained without additional public funding.”

The National Care Association, which lobbies on behalf of care homes, has said hundreds of homes have closed in the past year due to financial and staffing pressures.

The CMA estimated that if local authorities across the country were to pay the “true cost of care” for all the residents they fund, this would equate to an extra £900m to £1.1bn a year.

The regulator said significant reforms were needed to enable the sector to survive at current capacity levels and grow to meet the expected

substantial increase in needs from an ageing population.

The Office for National Statistics has predicted a 36 per cent growth in people over the age of 85 between 2015 and 2025, from 1.5m to 2m.

The Labour party said the government should act on the CMA’s “resounding verdict and end their swingeing cuts to local authority budgets, which have caused underfunding and instability in the social care sector since 2010”.

Barbara Keeley, shadow social care minister, said £6.3bn would have been lost from social care budgets because of the cuts. However, the Department of Health pointed to Chancellor Philip Hammond’s announcement of an extra £2bn for social care over the next three years.

The government has said it will publish a green paper on care and support for older people by summer 2018.

In conclusion, local authority funding for the care sector is in crisis and this has been an ongoing for many years. The funding crisis has seen many legal challenges over the last few years, which have led to some change in the manner in which local authorities calculate the cost of care. It now appears that the time has come again for care providers to “stand up” against local authorities to achieve fairer fees. n Kashif Majeed is a director at Aston Brooke Solicitors.

Home to be transformed PLANS to improve a care home service for the elderly and those living with dementia are underway.

Meallmore Ltd acquired Mandaville Care Home in Inverness in April, which has now been renamed as Culduthel Care Home.

The provider is supporting its staff team, many of whom transferred at the time of acquisition, to develop high quality standards across the home. An extensive refurbishment programme is also being undertaken to improve the facilities available to residents.

Following the revamp, the home will offer updated bedroom suites and multiple, luxurious living areas, as well as a cinema where residents can view the latest blockbusters, a café for sharing a cuppa and a bite to eat with family and friends, and a hairdressing salon for a spot of pampering.

For Sale Manchester Residential Home Registered for 27

South Yorkshire Residential Home and Site for 32 Care Apartments

North West 57 bed Turnkey Care Home

• Established Residential Home • Largely purpose built • Run under management • Main road location opposite park • Profitable trading history • Extensive residential catchment area

• Established care home registered for 33 • Large site extending to 0.52 Ha/1.28 acres • Planning permission for 32 care apartments adjacent • Existing property largely purpose built • Sought after Conservation Area

• 100% single en-suite wet rooms • Location on main road, bus route and close to rail station • Completion early 2018 • Experienced developer & contractor • Option for final fit-out spec

Offers Invited

Offers Invited

Offers Invited

Contact HPC today!

Tel 01904 529110 Email enquiries@healthcarepc.co.uk Visit www.healthcarepc.co.uk

40

CARINGNEWS

Introducing the new CQC assessment framework

By Laura Hannah

ADULT social care providers should now be aware of the new assessment framework that was introduced by the Care Quality Commission in November.

After around a year of consultations on their ‘next phase of regulation’, the CQC confirmed that a new, streamlined and more standardised approach would now be taken across the health and adult social care sectors.

This is the first time that such an approach has been taken by the regulator. It is focused on the CQC’s aim to achieve a more “targeted, responsive and collaborative approach”, as set out in their published strategy for 2016 to 2021.

What changes have been made to the assessment framework?

The CQC confirmed within their first consultation response in June 2017 that they would be reducing their current 11 separate assessment frameworks into just two; one for healthcare, and one for adult social care.

The CQC have made clear that its overall aim with this change is to try and provide a ‘single highlevel process’ that can be tailored to individual providers, from registration through to inspection, monitoring and reporting.

For those providers who have already reviewed the new assessment framework, they will be aware that the five key questions, namely whether a service is safe; effective; caring; responsive; and well-led, have remained as the basis of the new assessment framework.

Although, due to the reduction in the number of assessment frameworks, there are now just two sets of the Key Lines of Enquiry. Overall, this has resulted in more KLOEs for each sector and a number of changes have been made, including the manoeuvre of some KLOE’s and prompts between the key questions and a revision of the wording of other prompts to provide more clarity. However, it is clear that the bulk of the content has largely remained the same, if not similar, to the previous framework.

The main difference is arguably the greater emphasis on the six new, strengthened themes which the CQC have identified as areas requiring improvement.

These themes include system leadership, integration and information-sharing; information governance and data security; technology; medicines; end of life care: delivering good quality care at the end of life; and personalisation, social action and the use of volunteers.

The CQC’s second consultation response was published more recently in October 2017 and this outlined further changes in relation to how the inspectorate will monitor; inspect; rate and take action to improve adult social care services.

Changes to the monitoring of adult social care services The CQC has proposed an online process for collecting information from providers.

This will be via a statement of quality about the five key questions and how providers are supporting continuous improvement, and will be in addition to the CQC’s ongoing monitoring and collection of information from other sources.

The consultation confirms that providers will be required to update this on an annual basis, or where necessary to reflect any changes. It appears that this proposal received a lot of support from respondents, some of whom noted that it may encourage providers to assess their own performance more regularly.

No date has been set for the implementation of this process and there is likely to be further consultation on how and when this will take place, as well as further consideration of how this information will be developed and shared.

Laura Hannah However, the consultation appears to point towards an implementation date from or after April 2018.

The CQC has also proposed the implementation of ‘CQC Insight’ which is a tool that presents all of the information collected about providers. The CQC state within the second consultation that this could help inspectors understand the context to a provider’s performance, and some respondents even noted that it may facilitate joint working and integration between services.

Although, others did express concerns about the administrative burden this would create, particularly for those providers with limited resources.

Inspections and ratings – what are the changes?

The CQC’s second consultation response confirms that, whilst comprehensive inspections will continue to take place, the timescales between those inspections will be increased for providers who have previously been rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’.

The maximum inspection interval for these services will be increased from 24 months to 30 months from next April.

Focused inspections will also be undertaken to target any areas of risk or concern and to monitor improvement. These inspections will be informed by the collection of information from providers and other sources, as well as the CQC Insight tool.

All focused inspections will focus on the wellled key question and in addition, the overall rating of a service acquired from their most recent comprehensive inspection will be able to change, by aggregating the ratings obtained from these focused inspections with the remaining key question ratings from the previous comprehensive inspection.

This is a key difference from the previous framework which dealt with ratings from different inspections separately.

Taking action against a provider to improve a service For those providers who are repeatedly rated as ‘Requires Improvement’, the CQC now plan to request an improvement action plan, which will be required to demonstrate how and when their

overall rating will improve.

If a third overall rating of ‘Requires Improvement’ is issued, the CQC have confirmed that a formal management review meeting will take place to consider potential enforcement action.

Emphasis will also be placed on engaging with the leadership of providers with multiple locations where more than half of those services are rated ‘Requires Improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’, or if the CQC find significant concerns in a smaller proportion.

The CQC will also be implementing their proposals to enable them to take enforcement action at provider level where appropriate. This will apply more specifically to corporate provider groups, where the corporate-level leadership, such as individual directors, will be held to account for poor care.

It is hoped that this will encourage those individuals to take a more active role in the monitoring of the quality of care within a service moving forwards.

The CQC is also currently looking at plans to publish more details about the enforcement action taken against a provider in inspection reports.

At present, the CQC are not able to publish such information until the period in which the provider can make representations or an appeal has passed and the outcome given. It is reported that the CQC’s approach to this change is to facilitate more transparency with the public by earlier publication of this information.

What does this mean for providers?

Overall, the basis for the new assessment framework remains largely the same so it should not be too difficult for providers to navigate.

However, it is most likely to benefit providers that deliver more than one type of service across the adult social care sector; the one framework should reduce complexity and confusion and provide a more consistent approach.

This may reduce inconsistent and varied ratings across the sector, which has been evident in recent years. Whilst it is still a fairly new implementation, it is hoped that it will help providers understand more easily what is expected of them.

There are still more changes to be implemented and developed further over the coming months.

As such, the success and effect of these changes is unlikely to be clear for some time. However, what providers should be doing now is making sure that they are familiar with their new framework and the incoming changes so that they can ensure that they are compliant and fully prepared for their next inspection.

Providers may also wish to consider the additional sector support which is available to them during this period of change. Specialist care consultants can assist in providing care services with practical advice on compliance, and they can also carry out audits or mock inspections based on the new framework prior to any CQC inspection. This would enable providers to address any areas of noncompliance in advance of their inspection.

Specialist legal advice may also be sought where a registered provider or manager wishes to challenge a finding or decision of the CQC, including factual accuracy challenges to draft inspection reports.

This process remains in place under the new framework.

There is no doubt that there is likely to be further modifications to the new framework as the CQC assess the success of these changes over the coming months and years. It is therefore extremely important that providers seek specialist assistance where required and make detailed and supported challenges to any findings or decisions that are not accurate or consistent with the CQC’s strategy and new framework. n Laura Hannah is a solicitor and CQC regulatory expert at law firm Stephensons.

41

CARINGINDUSTRY NEWS

Billy chosen to be UK’s first dementia community dog BILLY the black Labrador, who was named in honour of late Tynetec colleague Billy Graham, has been chosen to become the UK’s first dementia community dog as part of the Dementia Dog Project.

The Dementia Dog Project is a charitable collaboration between Alzheimer Scotland and Dogs for Good, and the first initiative of its type in the world to blend dementia specialist services with the provision of highly trained assistance and community dogs.

Community dogs like Billy are trained through the accredited assistance dog organisation Dogs for Good, and identified to join the Dementia Dog specialist team in Scotland, where the dogs undergo their advanced training at HMP Castle Huntly, an open prison near Dundee and the operational base for the Dementia Dog Project.

For the past several years, the Dementia Dog Project has been piloting the training of dementia assistance dogs so that they can be matched with couples who are living with dementia to help them remain independent in their own homes for longer.

A recent three-year grant from the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund will now allow the project to take their learning’s beyond an individual assistance dog approach, to also support people with dementia in community settings in

Cleanliness is critical for first impressions trial areas of Scotland and England.

Tynetec colleagues made the decision to raise £15,000 to help sponsor a dog to be named Billy, in honour of their late colleague and his wife Lisa, who were killed in the 2015 terror attack in Tunisia.

In December 2016, Tynetec, a brand of Legrand Assisted Living & Healthcare, presented the Dementia Dog Project with a cheque for £15,975 which will enable Billy to complete his advance training in Scotland and support him in his onward ‘career’ as a dementia community dog.

Home manager scoops Sue Pembrey Award A CARE home manager from Greenock is celebrating after being named the joint winner of a prestigious nursing leadership award.

Barbara Lawson, home manager at Meallmore Ltd’s Kincaid House care home, scooped the coveted Sue Pembrey Award 2017, which recognises clinical leaders who play a vital role in enabling high quality, person centred care.

The manager, who has worked with Meallmore for six years, was nominated by the University of the West of Scotland, where she is currently studying for an MSc in Gerontology and Later Life studies.

She was praised by the Foundation of Nursing Studies – which announces the winners of the Award – for being a compassionate advocate for people with dementia and their families, who has established a caring culture in which staff and residents have flourished.

Barbara said: “I was honoured just to be nominated in the first place and I feel absolutely overwhelmed and excited to have won.

“This is a national and prestigious award, as Sue Pembrey herself was an outstanding nurse leader, so to follow in her footsteps is very humbling.

“As a care home manager I think it’s vital to be visible and genuinely take an interest in people’s lives. I really enjoy chatting with the residents and their families, finding out about their experiences in the home and knowing that we have helped to provide the

ACCORDING to The Office of National Statistics, there are 10.8 million people aged 60 or above living in the UK and, with people living longer, the care industry is an everexpanding.

As with any industry growth, it is important that care respond to the demands of their service users and Forbes Professional can help clients to achieve that aim.

Miele Professional recently conducted some research into what prospective care residents and their families look for when they choose a care home.

Clearly staffing, comfort, leisure facilities, meals and medical assistance are of vital importance.

However, Miele discovered that upon their first visit to a care home, cleanliness was ‘typically the most important factor’.

This outlines the direct impact that a fresh smell and uncluttered environment will have upon first impressions. However, it also displays how illustrating a strong commitment to cleanliness, including laundry and dishwashing operations, will help to put prospective residents’ minds at rest.

Forbes Professional advises clients on all of the relevant industry

requirements for their laundry operations. In order to ensure regulatory compliance, care homes need to adhere to CFPP 01-04 when laundering soiled or infected loads.

If a care home can discuss the requisite compliance levels with prospective families, and demonstrate a best practice approach to their laundry it will show your commitment to cleanliness and hygiene.

Forbes Professional provides Miele commercial laundry appliances that fully comply with the most stringent hygiene requirements and are specifically designed for the health and care sectors.

With both sluice, thermal and chemical disinfection programmes to kill viruses and bacteria, our washers ensure a hygienic end result.

Processing laundry in house gives a care home total control of the efficiency, hygiene and cost of their laundry function. With the first class back up support that Forbes can provide, our clients also have the peace of mind that should anything go wrong we will deliver an impressively fast response, ensuring that there is no unnecessary interruption to what is a central function in any care facility.

Home celebrates success of its new manager Obafemi Professor Emeritus Tony Butterworth, Foundation of Nursing Studies and Barbara Lawson, manager at Meallmore’s Kincaid House care home. best possible care.

“I’m over the moon that all my efforts have been recognised but I couldn’t have done it without the team at Kincaid or without Meallmore. The company has always greatly encouraged me and even funded my studies, without which I would never have been in a position to receive this award.”

Gerry Hennessey, managing director of Meallmore Ltd, added: “Her win acknowledges the incredible job she does, day in day out, and her constant commitment to the residents, relatives and staff at the home.”

She shared this year’s award with Freedom Nwokedi who is a clinical team leader with NAViGO Health and Social Care CIC.

A RECENTLY appointed manager has made a number of sweeping and significant changes at the Welwyn care home where he works One of the most obvious changes that Obafemi Shoyombo has made to Heath Lodge Care Centre is the freshly redecorated reception area, which has created a welcoming and pleasant first impression for new residents and families.

The Gold Care Homes operated facility’s lounge area has also been further expanded to make it roomier, and a small kitchenette and diner have been created so that guests can entertain their friends.

However, under the surface, Obafemi has also taken steps to increase training within the home, improve processes and record keeping and instil new vigour into the team – all of which have sought to create a dignifying environment for residents and visitors.

He said: “I was delighted to join Gold Care and the team at Heath Lodge last year. The group and the centre have such a brilliant reputation for providing care, but I

Obafemi Shoyombo (left), care manager at Heath Lodge Care Centre in Welwyn, has been celebrated by staff for his successful start with Gold Care Homes. am glad that the changes I have made are improving the level of care even further.”

He added that he had many new plans for the home as well, which he hoped to reveal in the months to come.

Kendra Bray, customer relations manager at Gold Care Homes, added: “Obafemi has had a significant impact on Heath Lodge and has really rallied the team behind him to ensure that residents receive a fantastic level of care. Everyone is delighted with what he has done and is looking forward to seeing what changes he introduces next.”

42

CARINGNEWS

Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton, Councillor Dave Robinson and Wendy Robinson, revealed a brass name plate to open the latest addition to the Athena Healthcare Group – Woodlands Lodge in Formby. This is the provider’s fourth purposebuilt facility.

A unique alternative to home care K LODGE, a care home providing care for the elderly in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, has opened a new six-bed unit, Garden Villa, aimed at providing a unique opportunity for people who would like an alternative to residential care when they no longer can be cared for by a home care service or by relatives, due to the changing needs.

Unlike with home care where service users are supported by a provider, may be for only a couple of hours a day at their own home, Garden Villa, due to its unique situation, is able to combine home care with 24-hour care at their new facility.

Apart from meeting the basic care needs of the service users’, they will be supported to engage in group activities as well as individual, one-to-one activities on daily basis.

They will also have the opportunity to join other residents in the main building for various activities and events, just as accessing outside community care, but without having to travel afar.

Enquiries: Call Carol Smith on 01933 315321 option two, email carol@klodge.co.uk or visit www.klodge.co.uk

Obese? Get the right support in the bathroom

WHENEVER there’s discussion about obesity, it inevitably focuses on people’s need to lose weight.

Never is their ability to live daily life debated.

Yet being of large body mass has a huge impact on one’s ability to undertake things ‘normal-sized’ people take for granted – including going to the toilet.

Changing a few things about the WC can have a huge impact on ability to ‘go’, and be hygienically, appropriately clean afterwards.

Toilets, especially pedestal versions with cisterns behind, tend to be standard dimensions.

Changing elements such as the toilet seat will help position an obese user in a better position over the pan, and give appropriate, comfortable support to the

buttocks whilst they ‘go’.

Alternatively, a commodestyle bench over the toilet accommodates the positioning needs of even larger users.

A WC with built-in douching and drying overcomes the problems of manually trying to reach to wipe clean; it washes and dries the user without the need for tissue, delivering a consistent, thorough clean every time.

To help people make an informed decision on such aids, Closomat has produced a white paper Guidance & Considerations for Toileting `Provision for Bariatrics.

It can be downloaded free of charge: http://www.clos-o-mat. com/images/downloads/bariatricwp.pdf Enquiries: www.clos-o-mat.com

The ultimate in infection control

VICKI Wilson, national trainer for Beaucare® Medical, was invited to showcase the CareClean™ range at the Lancashire County Council infection control conference, which was attended by NHS Nurses and Carers.

The specialised chemical cleaning range, which garnered a lot of attention at the conference, is formulated to BS EN 1276 and BS EN 13704 standard and is designed to simplify any healthcare facility’s chemical usage.

Approved by NHS Infection Control, the range features colour coded labelling to minimise the risk of cross-contamination and to help ensure that the

right product is being used correctly.

Beaucare’s Versan Disinfectant for Disease Control is an ideal accompaniment. It is a broad spectrum hard surface disinfectant and is effective against C.Difficile spores, Norovirus, MRSA and more.

Beaucare provides free support materials and national training, offering instruction on minimising the risk of cross-contamination and guidance on cost effective application and dosing.

Enquiries: Call 01423 873666, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

Great products across the board!

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Smart door handle that sanitises hands launched

PULLCLEAN, an innovative door handle that sanitises your hands, triples the rate of hand sanitisation rates and provides feedback on usage through a monitoring system, has today launched in the UK. Invented by Altitude Medical UK co-founders, Dr Alex Oshmyanksy and Dr Jake McKnight, when they were students at the University of Oxford, PullClean encourages people to clean their hands every time they enter and exit a room, making hand hygiene simple and trackable.

It was developed to reduce the spread of viruses and infections in any high-footfall setting such as hospitals, care homes, schools and universities, as well as leisure and hospitality venues such as hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and airports.

To mark its UK launch, PullClean can be seen at the Science Museum as part of a new exhibition, ‘Superbugs: the fight for our lives’, which explores how society is responding to the enormous challenge of antibiotic resistance and bacteria evolving into superbugs. The exhibition is on until Spring 2019.

Enquiries: contact Dr Jacob McKnight, general manager, Altitude Medical UK UK: +44 7872539470 jake@altitudemedical.com www.altitudemedical.com www.pullclean.com

Warwick-LPD celebrates its 15th anniversary

WEST Midlands based commercial laundry specialist Warwick-LPD, is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

The company provides a comprehensive range of commercial laundry equipment for outright purchase or on a full maintenance rental plan, all supported with experienced technical sales managers on hand to ensure the right equipment is supplied and fitted for its customers’ needs.

This is then supported by a dedicated service department, fully stocked service vans and factory trained laundry engineers to ensure breakdowns are attended quickly and, in many instances, first fix.

On the back of this, the company delivers a dedicated parts department, who ensure an extensive range of parts are held in stock, or are able to source parts quickly, owing to close working relationships with all the large manufacturers of commercial laundry equipment most parts arrive next day.

Enquiries: For a free information pack or site evaluation, with no obligation, contact 0121 580 0880 or alternatively visit them at www.lpd.co.uk

20% OFF dignified, waterproof scarf bibs from Care Designs CARE Designs’ Pashmina Scarf Style Clothes Protectors combines the look of a stylish ladies’ scarf with the waterproof practicality of a bib and so and can be worn all day with a high level of dignity.

The two silk-like fabric layers on the front are highly absorbent whilst the waterproof layer on the back keeps clothes dry and has quick fastening Velcro for ease of fitting.

Available in three pebble prints colours and two plain colours.

Get 20% OFF; use code CAREDESIGNSCUK4 at the web-shop checkout!

Enquiries: Call 01223 840236, email purchasing@bibetta.com or visit www.caredesigns.co.uk for a brochure.

Derek regrets using a door wedge to hold his fire door open

Dorgard - the safe and legal way to hold fire doors open

This device could save lives and protect you from a heavy fine or imprisonment.

FREEPHONE 0800 612 7908

www.safelincs.co.uk Ref: CUK04/17

COULD DRY MOUTH LEAVE YOUR PATIENTS’ ORAL HEALTH AT RISK?

Many medications can result in a dry mouth leaving patients uncomfortable, potentially unable to speak or swallow and at risk of developing oral health problems.

CQC Guidelines identify the importance of maintaining or improving oral health and its impact on patients’ health and quality of life1.

The Oralieve Dry Mouth Relief range of products helps relieve the symptoms of dry mouth, whilst helping to keep mouths healthy and comfortable.

Oralieve Moisturising Mouth Gel and Spray help provide effective and lasting relief for dry mouths Oralieve Ultra Mild fluoride toothpaste is SLS-free and does not foam, making it ideal for people who suffer from dysphagia, dementia or Parkinson’s Disease and those who may be bed-bound All Oralieve products are free from strong flavours, alcohol and foaming agents For more information or to receive product samples please email hello@oralieve.co.uk or call 01582 439122

For healthy and happier mouths, recommend Oralieve www.oralieve.co.uk Reference: 1 Oral Health for Adults in Care Homes NICE Guideline [NG48] Published July 2016