Caring UK - February 2022 by Script Media

no.301 • £4.75 incorporating

February 2022

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Care staff urged to get Covid-19 booster jabs CARE workers are being urged to get their Covid-19 booster jab because providers fear the worst of the Omicron variant is still to come. The Independent Care Group said care staff needed the booster to protect themselves and the people they care for. Chair Mike Padgham said: “My fear is that the peak of the Omicron variant is yet to be felt in care settings and we need care workers to get the best protection they can as soon as they can. “Many already have but to those that haven’t, I would say, please do so as soon as possible, to ensure you stay healthy and the people you care for stay healthy too.” The ICG has sent a message out to its membership, urging them to ensure their staff have had all of their injections. “We look after some of the most vulnerable sections of society and we have a duty to ensure that our staff have the best protection available to them,” Mike added. “Cases in care and nursing homes and at domiciliary care providers are growing by the day and putting pressure on those providers to keep giving the best in care. “We have appealed to the Government for more support but in the meantime, we have to do everything we can to protect our staff and those we care for.” Mike has called for the

Government to set up an emergency army of volunteers to step in and help in care settings. He wrote to Secretary of State Sajid Javid, saying: “The staffing situation is now at the worst it has been throughout the pandemic and I can only see it getting worse. “The rapid spread of the omicron variant means more and more nursing home, care home and homecare staff are contracting Covid-19 and having to be off work and self-isolate. This is leaving those care providers chronically short of staff at a time when they most need to be fully staffed. “As you know, we need a fully functioning social care sector to ensure that NHS hospital care can function effectively and not be overwhelmed because people cannot be discharged to care settings. “At the moment that cannot be guaranteed and I fear the setting up of surge hubs is not a longterm solution as they too will be struggling for staff. “I repeat my belief that we need the Government to quickly establish a volunteer task force to ease the crisis and ensure we can get through the winter. “This would draw upon retired nurses, doctors, and carers, to help out. This would need to be done quickly so that they can be DBS checked and trained before winter pushes us beyond tipping point.”

New help for social care employers

Celebrations have taken place to mark Royal Star & Garter’s 106th birthday. Tea parties were held in each of the charity’s three Homes, which were decorated with bunting and banners. It was established in 1916 to care for severely injured young men returning from the battlegrounds of the First World War, following concern expressed by Queen Mary. Last year, the Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe held low-key celebrations to mark the anniversary due to Covid restrictions, but this year staff were able to throw tea parties which followed current guidelines. Residents also tucked into birthday cake and played special anniversary-themed bingo and other games.

COM

LAMONT JOHNSON. Totally Conﬁdential No Obligation

GRAYSON and DAWN TAYLOR

Wireless Options: • Call button • Pager • Floor sensor pad • Door/window exit alerts

One monitor works with two sensor pads

DISCREETLY SELLING CARE HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS SELLING? Phone: 01937 842 758 m: 07920 475 440

Carpeted and Standard Floor Sensor Pads Available

New Better Wireless Fall Monitoring

“UPFRONT” FEES or INFLATED COMMISSION RATES!

SKILLS for Care has launched a series of activity branded #PrepareToCare22 to support social care employers in planning for the new year. The organisation which supports the adult social care workforce to lead, deliver and grow will be providing a series of articles and blogs, as well as social media updates, to support social care employers, managers, and their teams to prepare for the year ahead. The #PrepareToCare22 activity will encompass top tips from Skills for Care, as well as insights from people working across the sector, and links to Skills for Care’s key planning tools and resources. Three main areas of focus for the campaign will be on planning for learning and development, supporting wellbeing and workforce planning – all of which are key elements in making a good start to the year and setting up for smooth processes throughout the year. All of Skills for Care’s #PrepareToCare22 blogs and articles can be found on their dedicated webpage and updates will also be shared across social media using #PrepareToCare22. This activity is just the start of the support that Skills for Care will be offering the social care workforce through 2022, with the organisation continually working to develop new information, resources, and projects, taking an agile approach to best meet the needs of the sector at the time.

Carp

eted

Standard

• Antibacterial • One-year warranty • Integrates with most nurse calls

Freephone: 0800 032 4789

Floor Sensor Pads

AFFORDABLE FALL MONITORING SOLUTIONS

fallsavers.co.uk

DOC 12.85012B.12

www.electronicmar.co.uk

“More time with residents and less time on paperwork”

Training included

g n i d r o c e R n o i t a c i d e M / R A M c i n Electro ensure are professionals to Used by 1000’s of c complete records

Good

96% of our customers have a Good rating or better 22% of customers have improved from a Requires Improvement rating to Good

Outstanding

Less time with paperwork = more time to care

Real-time Alerts = no gaps

Ensure your evidence is complete for CQC

Automatic Stock Notification

Contact us now for a FREE quotation and 20 minute product demonstration Call: 0117 911 3889 Web: www.electronicmar.co.uk Email: good@electronicmar.co.uk

CARINGNEWS

Operator makes happy list CHD Living, an award-winning, familyowned and operated care group, has been shortlisted as one of the happiest places to work in the UK. Chosen as a finalist in the WorkL Workplace of the Year Awards 2021, the shortlisting recognises CHD Living as a UK employer with high workplace satisfaction, based on a staff survey. By showcasing top performers across 26 industries, the awards, which are supported by The Telegraph, seek to highlight the UK’s most inclusive firms, as well as those with the best employee wellbeing and most engaged workforce. Shaleeza Hasham, head of hospitality and communications at CHD Living, said: “We are delighted to be named one of the happiest places to work in the UK. “CHD Living stands for “Creating Happiness Daily” and this ethos extends to both the people we care for and our valued staff. To be nominated by our employees was such a wonderful surprise and we are very grateful. The nomination is particularly poignant this year after such a difficult time for the industry, so to hear that our employees are still happy in their work is incredibly reassuring.” “We are lucky to have such a caring, hard-working and dedicated group of individuals working for CHD Living and providing a positive working environment for all will remain of the utmost priority to us,” Shaleeza concluded. Nominated by its employees, CHD Living has been named one of the

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288 Email: bg@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant Sales Manager: Tracy Stacey Tel: 01226 734480 Email: cuk3@scriptmedia.co.uk Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Publishers Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk

happiest places to work in the UK after receiving a ‘happiness score’ of 73 per cent, which is significantly higher than the global and industry average. Contributing to the satisfaction score, 86 per cent of respondents said they were happy with the hours they work, while 76 per cent felt that they receive fair pay. Furthermore, 80 per cent of respondents said they felt sufficiently equipped to do their job well, and 80 per cent said they enjoyed their role. When asked about their well-being, 88 per cent of respondents shared that they are happy with their working

environment and 84 per cent expressed that they are happy at work. More than 20,000 organisations across 26 sectors were nominated by their employees, earning them a place on the ‘Happy Companies List’. Produced by WorkL, the ‘Happy Companies List’ provides a unique insight into what it is like to work at various organisations around the world. The workplace data company asked employees via a survey to rank a range of aspects about their job, employer and workplace, to deliver an overall engagement score at work.

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Group Production Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio Manager: Paul Hopkinson Tel: 01226 734711 ph@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.

Winning Healthcare Staff Supplier Award Winning Healthcare Staff Supplier

plying NHS and the private sector Proudly supplying NHS and care the private care for sector for 10 years, run by a dedicated team of individuals s, run byover a dedicated team of individuals have a genuine passion for healthcare. Staff Supplier Award Winning Healthcare genuinewho passion for healthcare. Proudly supplying NHS and the private care sector for 10 years, run by a dedicated team of individuals • over Temporary to permanent contracts who have a genuine passion for healthcare.

ry to permanent available atcontracts a fixed hourly rate. at a ﬁxed hourly rate.

permanent contracts • Temporary Permanent to contracts available with available at a ﬁxed hourly rate. a one-off introductory fee and rebate contracts available with a one-off system in place.

nt contracts available with a one-off ory fee Permanent and rebate system in place.

tive

introductory fee and rebate system in place.

• Competitive rate - we will not be beaten on price. rateCompetitive - we will not onbeaten price. rate be - webeaten will not be on price. 0800 888 6165

0800 888 6165 info@bluerockcare.com info@bluerockcare.com www.bluerockcare.com www.bluerockcare.com

CARINGNEWS

Homecare provider launches campaign to tackle challenge Operator’s staff to receive pay rise as thanks for dedication ALL staff across Encore Care Homes will receive a pay rise as a ‘thank you’ to the team for their ongoing support during the pandemic. Every individual team member within the Encore family, which includes Great Oaks in Bournemouth, Oakdale in Poole, Fairmile Grange in Christchurch and Hamble Heights in Fareham, will receive a boost to their pay packet in the form of a 5.7 per cent pay rise at the start of 2022. Encore frontline workers will see increases from £8.91 per hour to £9.50 for housekeepers, healthcare assistants will go up from £10.55 per hour to £11.15, and pay for registered nurses will go up from £20.49 per hour to £21.66. Encore is currently recruiting for

healthcare assistants for its four care homes due to increased demand for care services for older people. All new HCAs will receive a £1,000 welcome bonus, as well as a shift bonus of £30 for every full shift completed in addition to their contracted hours. No experience in care is necessary with full training provided, a ‘Buddy’ to work alongside as they get to know the role, and ongoing training support, as well as the opportunity to receive funded training to progress on to become a Registered Nursing Associate, should they so wish. The role is suitable for people with a positive, friendly attitude, a caring and empathetic approach to work, and good communication skills.

lamontjohnson.com

LamontJohnson LAMONT JOHNSON P R O P E RT Y ADVISOR S

TO THE CARE SECTOR

RIGHT at Home UK has announced a nationwide recruitment campaign designed to encourage more people to take up a career in social care. The homecare provider’s campaign, named New Year: New Career, provides detailed advice on the opportunities, progression and benefits of working in the sector. The initiative comes after the announcement of a social care white paper by the Government, which was widely criticised for failing to address the recruitment crisis facing the whole social care sector. Lucy Campbell, chief executive officer of Right at Home, said: “Many people don’t realise just how rewarding a career in care can be. Care givers don’t just have the chance to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society, but they also benefit from job security, fantastic training and career progression. “There is often a perception that working in social care is a thankless task, with poor pay and conditions. We know this not to be the case – as we offer clear lines of progression, pay well above the national average and provide the sector-leading training colleagues need to thrive. “In launching New Year: New Career, we hope to dispel these myths by shining a light on the invaluable work of social care staff across the country and help attract more people to this incredible profession.” As part of the campaign, a specially designed salary calculator will

Lucy Campbell be launched to help prospective jobseekers understand the reward options available in different Right at Home roles. They will also be given access to a careers quiz that will raise awareness of some of the different roles on offer, including in care, management or planning teams, and will match people to their ideal role based on skills and required responsibilities in a bid to tackle false perceptions of care work as ‘unskilled’. Franchise offices will deliver presentations at local colleges, engaging with students as part of their extensive work in local communities across the UK. Website content will also offer advice on job applications, interview tips and career development.

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

•1981 FOUNDING PRINCIPAL of Taylor National

•2001 FOUNDING PRINCIPAL of DC Care

•2012 FOUNDING PRINCIPAL

GRAYSON AND DAWN TAYLOR. PROBABLY THE MOST EXPERIENCED CARE HOME SALES SPECIALISTS NATIONWIDE

of Lamont Johnson

“UPFRONT” FEES or INFLATED COMMISSION RATES!

LOOKING TO SELL PHONE US TODAY

07920 475 440 Office@lamontjohnson.com

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

The regional director for Ideal Carehomes in Nottingham has bravely shaved off all her hair to raise money and awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Lorraine Abbiss had the chop at Rivendell View care home in Stoke Bardolph and has so far raised more than £700 for the Alzheimer’s Society. The Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Meredith Lawrence, supported by the Mayoress, Wendy Lawrence, was invited to complete the first cut, while residents and the care team watched on to show their support. Lorraine said: “I chose this worthy cause as dementia and Alzheimer’s are very close to my heart. Some of our care home residents have dementia and so I know what fantastic work the Alzheimer’s Society does and how much support and advice they offer.”

Laundry and Dishwashing for Care and Nursing Homes Designed to Meet the Hygiene and Quality Standards of the Care Sector

Complete Care Forbes No repair bills No capital outlay Breakdown cover Monthly payments

Rental, lease and purchase options available - Call now for a quote or to book a free survey

Forbes Professional www.forbespro.co.uk | 0345 070 2335 | info@forbes-professional.co.uk | since 1926

CARINGNEWS

Pulled pints on the menu as care home completes its pub revamp WHILE residents of a specialist dementia Gwynedd care home may find getting to the local pub difficult, staff, businesses, and members of the community have gone the extra mile to help bring the pub to them. Meddyg Care’s Porthmadog home has installed new facilities for its occupants, recreating a traditional lounge bar and adding new garden facilities to allow for family gatherings to take place on the site’s grounds. The redevelopments come as the group, which has a second home in Criccieth, welcomes back families and loved ones to the home after an easing in visiting limitations. The home’s pub, named the Glaslyn Arms after the estuary which runs alongside Porthmadog, allows residents to enjoy alcohol-free beers, wines, ciders, and spirits while also taking in occasions such as sporting events and pub quizzes in a safe environment. And while the drinks might be easy to come by, it’s the finishing touches that makes all the difference, with businesses and community members stepping forward to donate authentic equipment in support of the pub’s construction. Natasha Evans, activities and fundraising manager for Meddyg Care, said: “We were keen to add a pub to the Porthmadog site after

Activities manager Natasha Evans enjoys a drink and a chat with one of the residents at Meddyg care home Porthmadog in their new pub. seeing how much of an impact the the site a reality. bar made towards the wellbeing of “The tenants have thoroughly our residents over in our Criccieth enjoyed the spot and sharing fond home. moments with their loved ones since “We put up messages on social we’ve opened the doors, and we look media asking if anyone had pub items forward to running more gatherings or memorabilia they could part with, in the Glaslyn Arms in the near and it was encouraging to have so future.” many messages from local pubs and Among the donated items included the community willing to help make mats, trays, coolers, and ice buckets

from a couple from Morfa Bychan and pumps and glasses from a former Black Rock Sands pub. Cat Beckett, who works for Robinsons Brewery and runs the Tu Hwnt I’r Afon Inn in Rhydyclafdy, also supplied brass plates, pump badges, mirrors and drip trays to further model the Glaslyn Arms into an accurate recreation of a traditional pub. Alongside the addition of a pub, the Porthmadog home has also seen a new garden installed, with tenants now able to access a location decorated with sensory flowers to have afternoon tea and outdoor family visits when weather permits. Natasha added: “Given the additional need for caution during the pandemic, we have been working hard to do everything we can to accommodate our more vulnerable residents during visits with their loved ones and this garden is the next step to further support that goal. “We’ve now got a lovely environment for the residents to come outside during the day and enjoy the weather during spring and summer in a safe environment. “Once the weather warms up again, we plan to hold numerous events such as hook-a-duck and water fights to keep our residents active and enjoying themselves.”

CARINGNEWS

Double award success for care and support manager

Bluebird Care Kensington and Chelsea has been taken over by Peter Slough, the owner of two other franchises. The homecare provider employs more than 55 members of staff, who together provide services to more than 60 customers, ranging from homecare visits, companionship, live-in care, assistive technology services and specialist care to the communities within the Kensington and Chelsea borough. Peter said: “I am hugely passionate about providing outcome focussed care to our customers and delivering the same quality of care that I would like for my family. My ethos is to offer an ‘Outstanding’ homecare service that focuses on being person-centred and provides outcome-focussed care planning that concentrates more on the customers’ own goals and milestones. “I’m very excited about purchasing Bluebird Care Kensington and Chelsea as the company fits in with my ethos of what home care should be about.”

A WOMAN from Romania who moved to Wales to dedicate herself to a career in care more than 20 years ago has won two prestigious awards at the West Wales Health and Care Awards. Eniko Acatalinei, a registered manager with domiciliary care provider ND Care and Support, received the Care Hero Award and the surprise Outstanding Contribution Awards at the virtual awards ceremony. Hosted this year by Dr Dawn Harper and featuring congratulatory video messages from celebrities including actors Clive Mantle, Dawn Steele and Alan Fletcher, the ceremony is organised annually by the Western Telegraph as a salute to the region’s healthcare heroes. Eniko said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won, it really is an honour to accept these two awards. “Working in care isn’t easy but it is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose because we make such a difference to the people we care for and their loved ones. “I’m so grateful for my colleagues past and present at ND Care and Support. We have an amazing community and I’m so proud of all of us. Eniko’s recognition is one of the highlights of her inspirational 20-year career, which has seen her cross continents and make many personal

Eniko Acatalinei sacrifices to help people in need of care. Growing up in Romania, Eniko’s first experience in care was as a church volunteer, where she supported disadvantaged families, including parents with addictions before moving to Wales in 2001, aged 24. Living and volunteering in a local college to support individuals with complex needs, Eniko was invited to take up a more permanent role after completing her first care qualifications during a 12-month volunteer programme there. Testament to Eniko’s dedication, this was achieved while volunteering six days a week and living on

just £60 a month alongside the accommodation and meals provided to her as a volunteer. From there she became a registered manager for two small homes for people with learning difficulties, and was joined in Wales by her partner from Romania in 2007 before taking a career-break to start a family. Despite her experience, Eniko found it difficult to get a job when she returned to care in 2010, and so started again as a domiciliary care worker. Eniko then joined ND Care and Support in 2018 and was promoted to registered manager of its Cross Hands branch earlier this year. Rebecca Ford, director of ND Care and Support, said: “Eniko is one of the most well-respected and experienced people in the industry, and we’re very grateful to have her with us. “She takes pride in her role helping service users every single day and she’s a fantastic representative of our industry. “Anyone working in care understands how hard, emotional and demanding our industry can be at times. “Eniko’s journey is inspirational – she is a real-life hero and a truly deserving winner of the Care Hero of the Year Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award.”

BRANDED UNIFORM &WORKWEAR Multi-site, care industry specialists.

Polo Shirts from £5.95 with logo

PPE Gloves, masks & sanitiser

Name badges and identity lanyards

Chef wear & Catering

Tunics from £14.95 with logo

Corporate wear

Your single source provider

ONLINE ORDERING & REPORTING STORAGE & FULFILMENT Call 01202 473311 or visit www.taylormadedesigns.co.uk

Do you find Payroll a pain? With our Staff App product, empower your staff to take care of their own paid hours.

How many times a week do you answer this question? Staff App’s easy leave request feature and holiday balance data fixes that problem.

 0113 3979 555 |  SALES@FUSIONECARE.COM

Government Health Guidelines Muscle strengthening activities - Twice a week Balance and coordination activities - Twice a week

MOVE MORE FOR LIFE The Benefits of Moving More Meeting a target of 150 minutes per week may be daunting to those who currently do very little, but research shows that any activity, however small, can provide benefits in terms of health risk reduction. This could be as simple as swapping sitting in a café with a friend to wandering around a park with a friend. Or, for those who are mostly chair-bound, this could be standing up during advertising breaks on TV. People who can work towards and become ‘active’ according to government guidelines are likely to see benefits in terms of their muscle strength, endurance, balance, and posture, which could improve many aspects of their lives

The Move More TV content platform, will help all your residents achieve this return to increased levels of activity. Sessions are available in 5/10/15/20/30 durations to aid progression and focussing on specific areas and effects that ageing has on the body. All the workouts on Move More TV have been created by fitness professionals who specialise in older adults.

According to AGE UK:

INSTANT 24/7 ACCESS

29% of people aged between 65 - 74 are physically inactive

MULTI ROOM USE FOR GROUP OR 1-1 USE

47% of people aged between 75 and 84 are physically inactive 70% of people aged over 85 are physically inactive

LOW MONTHLY COST

7 DAY FREE TRIAL AT WWW.MOVEMORETV.COM #MOVEMOREFORELIFE

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

Thirty years of sanitising and cleaning with steam TEST RESULTS Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 10788

Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 6749

3.5

4.0

5.0

3.0

3.5

4.5

2.0 1.5 1.0

PL DU

VER

N SIO

LY ON

0.5 0

4.0

3.0

3.5

2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0

PLE

K XU

Jet Vac Ultima

Duplex Mopping Standard

High Performance Cleaning Machines

Free on-site demonstrations Clean and sanitize with steam Multi-surface steam cleaning Light and easy to use Combine cleaning with infection-control Robust and reliable Nationwide sales and service support Free on-site training & installation Request an onsite demonstration 01227 771276

Fax 01227 770220 info@duplex-cleaning.com Unit 27 Joseph Wilson Ind. Est Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3PS.

3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5

1.0D

UPL

SI VER

0.5 Duplex Steam

Jet Vac Ultima

of contamination with Clostridium difficile. As can be seen from the Log 10 reductions shown in the charts below our equipment demonstrated exceptional kill rates, especially when compared to traditional mopping methods used as a benchmark. Quite simply results achieved by cleaning mechanically are superior to mopping alone and by cleaning mechanically with steam, significantly so. The Duplex range of floor steam

www.duplex-cleaning.com

VER

N SIO

LY ON

0.5

Duplex Steam

Log 10 reduction

2.5

Log 10 reduction

Bacillus subtilis NCTC 10073

Log 10 reduction

IN HOSPITAL and care home establishments the knowledge that cleaning can be combined with a proven infection control programme is a vitally important factor to be taken into account when considering a cleaning machine purchase and never more important than in these difficult times of Covid. To demonstrate the efficacy of the products from the Duplex range most used in the healthcare sector we commissioned independent tests by the Hospital Infection Research Laboratory, Birmingham which proved exceptional kill rates of bacteria found in the hospital environment. The test protocol covered the following organisms: Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 10788), a gram positive bacterium that survives well in the environment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 6749) A gram negative bacterium that may be representative of faecal contamination and Bacillus subtilis (NCTC 10073), a sporing organism that will not be killed by the recommended cleaning methods so physical removal can be assessed. This spore may be representative

Duplex Mopping Standard

Jet Vac Ultima

Duplex Duplex Mopping Steam Standard

cleaning machines clean and sanitise all types of floor surfaces including carpets, Altro, vinyl, ceramic tiles, profiled rubber and wood with the power of steam. On carpets steam is excellent for refreshing and revitalising fibres and removing stains and odours. This is particularly important in the care environment where incontinence can be an issue and by killing the bacteria in the carpet fibres, odours are thereby removed leaving rooms smelling fresh and clean for the

benefit of residents, staff and visitors. On hard floors, particularly profiled and safety flooring, the Duplex leaves surfaces dry in seconds and is approved by well-known manufacturer of slip-resistant safety flooring, Altro. This is particularly important to safe-guard elderly care home residents who may be liable to slips, trips and falls. The secret to the Duplex machine’s remarkable performance is its contra-rotating cylindrical brushes which disperse the steam over the length of the brushes giving an even temperature spread allowing the high temperature of the steam to kill bacteria over the full contact area of the brushes. This design produces an exceptionally thorough clean on all floor types and effectively lifts dirt, water and grime from the floor surface. To assist with the prevention of cross-contamination colour coded brushes are available. Duplex has a model to suit every size of floor so whether a small resident’s bedroom or a large lounge or dining hall Duplex has a cost effective solution.

CARINGNEWS

MD scoops inaugural accolade

HRM Homecare Services managing director Lynn Laughland was named the Agility and Resilience Director of the Year at the IoD Scotland Awards. The award was established to pay tribute to the commitment and drive shown by business leaders during Covid-19. She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been named IoD Scotland’s Agility and Resilience Director of the Year, and especially honoured to be its first ever recipient. We work very hard to be the best at what we do, so to receive such leadership recognition is humbling. “This reward is a tribute to the sterling efforts of my staff. We have remained steadfast in our determination to continue to help people who need our care most throughout Covid-19 and that will never waver. “Working in care at home is highly challenging, but it is also rewarding, especially knowing that you make a difference to people’s lives.” In winning the award, judges recognised the great lengths Lynn and her 300-strong staff went to, increasing critical care services and providing frontline support to 700 service users. Lynn was also a finalist in Director of the Year – Small-Media Business, and Regional Director Finalist for Glasgow and West of Scotland. Headquartered in Kilmarnock, with further offices in Coatbridge, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Lynn has grown the company into one of the largest care specialists providing home support to vulnerable people across Scotland’s central belt.

Foodbank thanks ‘Team Colten’ for its ‘incredibly generous’ donation BIG-hearted colleagues at a care home provider have raised more than £700 for Ringwood Foodbank through an office raffle. It featured prizes donated both by Colten Care and some of their suppliers. Staff were asked at a recent gettogether at the provider’s support centre, Colten House in Ringwood, to nominate a charity to support, with the foodbank attracting the most votes. Mark Aitchison, Colten Care’s chief executive, said: “The raffle was the focus of a get-together which we held in lieu of our Christmas party. “It was truly heart-warming to see the response and the amount raised to help vulnerable people and families in the community.” Accepting a cheque for £725 in respect of the funds raised, Chris

Lee, chair of Trustees of Ringwood Foodbank, added: “This is a great example of the incredibly generous support we receive from individuals and organisations right across the community. We offer huge thanks to Colten Care.” Chris added that the foodbank is seeing increasing demand because of rising financial need and food poverty. “We were very busy in 2020, even busier last year, and we expect to be doing even more in 2022,” he said. The foodbank supplies ‘threeday’ parcels of food, toiletries and household cleaning products, plus fuel vouchers for people on prepayment meters. As well as Ringwood, it serves Fordingbridge and the Dorset communities of Verwood and Ferndown.

Making sure you get paid and have plans for your business By Hilary Cragg

Lore Lucas, a resident at Signature at Elton House, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday. She was treated to a decorated cake prepared by the catering team at the care home, all while surrounded by friends and family. Lore also received numerous cards from loved ones, as well as new flowers and plants to add to her much-adored windowsill garden. She said: “My good health and longevity are due to the cards being stacked in the right order from birth. It is in the genes. I did not have much control of that as a child but when my husband died, I was still only in my late 50’s and had to rebuild my life in lots of different ways. I helped the elderly and looked after so many people, as well as helping young mothers too.”

On average in 2021, the foodbank provided 560 meals a week. Recipients of help must be referred by an agency such as a doctors’ surgery, social services, a child’s school, the Citizens Advice Bureau or a local church. The Ringwood donation is the latest example of help for families in need from Colten Care. Across the provider’s 21 homes in the south, various local foodbanks have been supported throughout the pandemic with donations of food items as well as cash. At the height of the Covid-19 crisis last winter, Colten Care residents, families, staff and community contacts all helped to fill collecting boxes stationed at individual homes for onward shipment to local foodbank warehouses and distribution centres.

WE are in strange times. Unprecedented times. So how can you support your business? Make sure that you get paid. And you have plans for the future of your business. Where you have private paying clients, make sure that you have contracts and that they are up to date and compliant with the guidance on fair contracts, as issued by the Competition and Markets Authority. The contract should be signed by either the resident themselves, if they have the capacity to enter the contract, otherwise by an attorney or deputy. Get copies of the LPA or deputyship order and refer them to a solicitor if they do not have one, so they can get it. Be prepared to charge a fair price for your service and ensure that you get paid and on time. Go through a debt collection process and contact a debt collecting service if you need help. Be prepared to serve notice, which might be a safeguarding issue, so contact the local authority, they may be able to provide support in relation

Hilary Cragg to a deferred payment agreement, if the issue is sale of property. Care homes generally don’t like to take these steps, but care homes are nevertheless businesses and cashflow is essential for good business management. If you provide a good service, it is only reasonable that you are paid for it.

The pandemic has had an impact on the population, most people who have died are older and it also has a detrimental impact on life limiting and deteriorating conditions, people are more unwell than they otherwise would have been. This may have a future impact on the “flow” of people coming into your care home. So, understand what specific part of the market you are looking at providing services for and be the best at what you do. It is worthwhile surveying your staff, residents and their families to find out what you do well, as an employer and service provider. And, find out if there is something that you can do better. But you should remain focused on the core service offering and don’t try to offer everything, you will spread your skillset too thin. I have written a book, Compassion with Dementia, an essential guide to living well with dementia, which is relevant for anyone dealing with dementia, family or professional, available on amazon: https://tinyurl. com/yckv2hsc n Hilary Cragg is a Partner in Elderly Law at Nash and Co Solicitors.

Caring UK Care Providers Conference Delivering excellence in care in challenging times

SPEC IAL OFFE R

Delivering the latest news, information and products that will enable owners, managers and staff to be at the forefront of delivering Care Excellence

BOOK

£20 sin

NOW

£30 tw

gle de

legate

o dele

St Mellion International Resort PL12 6SD

gates

Wednesday 30th March 2022 Webbington Hotel & Spa BS26 2HU

Lunch & refres hmen ts includ ed

Thursday 31st March 2022 Holiday Inn, Barnsley S75 3JT Wednesday 15th June 2022

Good y ba attend g & an certifi ce cate

York Racecourse YO23 1EX Thursday 16th June 2022

CARING UK CONFERENCES 2022 IAL SPEC R OFFE

BOO

Bolton Whites BL6 6SF Wednesday 24th August 2022

NOW

te lega e de l g n i s tes £20 lega o de w t 0 £3

h& Lunc ents shm refre uded incl

Ramside Hall, Durham DH1 1TD Thursday 25th August 2022 Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich NR14 8PQ Tuesday 25th October 2022 Kettering Conference Centre NN15 6PB

& bag y d o ce Go ndan e t t a e ficat certi

Wednesday 26th October 2022

Delegates will receive a CPD six hour attendance certificate at the end of the conference

Tel: 01226 734412 www.caringukconferences.co.uk Email: cr@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

C ARING UK CONFERENCES 2022

BOOKING FORM

Delivering excellence in care in challenging times Single delegate rate £20 per person Two delegates £30 Event attending: South West

St Mellion International Resort PL12 6SD

Wednesday 30th March 2022

South West

Webbington Hotel & Spa BS26 2HU

Thursday 31st March 2022

Yorkshire

Holiday Inn Barnsley (M1, Junction 37) S75 3JT

Wednesday 15th June 2022

Yorkshire

York Racecourse YO23 1EX

Thursday 16th June 2022

North West

Bolton Whites BL6 6SF

Wednesday 24th August 2022

North East

Ramside Hall, Durham DH1 1TD

Thursday 25th August 2022

East of England

Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich NR14 8PQ

Tuesday 25th October 2022

East Midlands

Kettering Conference Centre NN15 6PB

Wednesday 26th October 2022

Delegates attending (Please print in block capitals) Title

Name

Surname

Job Title

Booked By: Ms/Mr/Mrs/Dr................................................................... Position....................................................................................... Organisation......................................................................................................................................................................... Address................................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................... Post code.......................................... Email......................................................................................................... Tel....................................................................... Please sign and date here to indicate you have read and accept the booking conditions: Signature............................................................. Date:..........................................

Payment Method

I enclose a cheque payable to Script Events.

Invoice me.

Phone for my credit/debit details.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

All places booked must be paid within 15 days of booking and before the conference unless otherwise agreed with Script Events. A telephone or fax booking must confirm when and how payment will be made A refund will be given, less £20 admin, fee for cancellations received more than 15 days prior to the conference. No refunds will be given with less than 15 days to the conference. However, delegate substitutes will be accepted to the day of the event at no extra cost. Where invoices are requested and agreed, payment must be received within 15 days from the invoice date. We understand and will exercise out statutory rights to claim interest and compensation for the debt recovery costs under the late payment legislation if we are not paid according to agreed credit terms. An interest rate of 8% above base rate will apply for late payment. Script Media Group is committed to protecting your personal data. By attending our events, we provide you with an opportunity to meet and engage with our exhibitors. Our events create business to business relationships and give access to relevant industry people, products and services. We share your business information with the exhibitors and speakers so that they can review the companies that have attended today’s event, we DO NOT share personal information without your consent.

Please tick to receive a regular copy of Caring UK

Please tick to receive information from exhibitors

Caring UK Conferences, Script Media Group Ltd, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS Tel:01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478

CARINGNEWS

Chef goes the extra mile to make sure residents could enjoy Christmas lunch PRINCE George House head chef Caroline Lloyd went above and beyond the call of duty by staying away from her family and moving into the care home for three weeks to ensure she was Covid-free and able to cook Christmas lunch for the residents. In mid-December one of Caroline’s family tested positive for Covid. To make sure she stayed infection-free, Caroline decided to isolate from her family and to stay at the care home for the entire festive period. Home manager Jennifer Roger agreed she could stay in the day care centre next to home. It is equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom and TV and is centrally heated but isn’t exactly a family home. Caroline said: “When one of the people I live with tested positive, I knew I couldn’t risk coming into contact with them. “Luckily they hadn’t been home for a few days but were going to be in my house for Christmas. So, I decided to stay at Prince George House and not see my family at all to make absolutely sure that I wouldn’t catch the virus. “Thankfully my family were very understanding about the fact that I couldn’t spend Christmas with them.” Her sacrifice was given extra weight when the home’s second chef tested positive just before Christmas and

Caroline Lloyd, head chef at Prince George House in Ipswich. was unable to work. ambitious menu already planned Knowing it would be virtually for a big Christmas feast, including impossible to find a relief chef to starters of either prawn cocktail or provide back-up in the holiday butternut squash soup, mains of roast season, Caroline found herself with turkey along with a sausage, bacon a kitchen team down to two – herself and stuffing roulade, and all the usual and a kitchen assistant. trimmings. The pair didn’t just prepare a three She also cooked mushroom course lunch for the 76 residents. Wellington for vegetarian diners and They also fulfilled their plan to those who don’t like turkey. also offer the same menu to every And not forgetting dessert, she colleague on duty that day. prepared a sherry trifle and Christmas This meant cooking the full, pudding.

H.W.Pickrell Ltd Gardiners Lane North, Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2XE Mobile: 07860 894 331 Fax: (01268) 284951

Telephone: (01268) 521033 email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk www.hwpickrell.co.uk

NEW & USED ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT AT AFFORDABLE PRICES We specialise in the sale and purchase of quality used wheelchair accessible vehicles and ambulances. They can be bought as seen or refurbished and sign-written to your own requirements. 12 months M.O.T and 6 months warranty. • FREE DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE • ALL BUSES COMPLY WITH THE LATEST REGULATIONS • LEASE HIRE. LEASE PURCHASE AVAILABLE • ALWAYS LARGE STOCK OF ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES • OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK SUNDAY BY APPOINTMENT

All current stock available to view at:

www.hwpickrell.co.uk

Not content with all that cooking, the two of them even agreed to do all the washing up afterwards. Caroline added: “I love my job and get great pleasure from knowing residents are eating well-balanced meals that they truly love. “I’ve been here since 2014 and Prince George House is like one big loving family, I have great colleagues. “I really enjoy being able to interact with the residents, finding out what they most like to eat. Seeing how much my home cooking means to them is very rewarding. “Cooking in a care home has to be one of the most fulfilling roles any chef can undertake.” After new year Caroline was finally able to go home and enjoy a belated Christmas with her family and sleep in her own bed after three weeks away. Home manager Jennifer Rodger said: “This is not the first time we have seen Caroline going above and beyond to support residents and my team. “Last year, over Easter with the pandemic in full swing, she discovered another member of her household had tested positive so ended up staying in the home for over a week to ensure the residents and colleagues were kept safe and able to enjoy the delicious Easter meals she and her kitchen team had planned.

Unlock the power of effective marketing for your care home Severe staffing shortages and falling incomes caused by the pandemic are pushing many providers to the brink of survival. Whether you are from a small independent home or a large organisation with a variety of brands, all homes and agencies have the same objective and are facing the same challenges. The best possible marketing campaign to make your business the most attractive to potential new staff and residents has never been more important, and this is where we can help. At Script we know care, backed up by more than 20 years of serving the industry through Caring UK magazine, as well as the highly successful Caring UK Awards that are now in their fifth year. Benefits of marketing to increase occupancy: • • • • •

Boosting brand awareness. Reputation management. Qualified lead generation. Improved conversion rates. Educate prospects and loved ones.

Benefits of marketing on recruitment: • • • • •

Greater reach. Stronger employer branding. Improved candidate quality. Maintaining staff pipelines. Acceleration of recruitment process.

With our knowledge and expertise of the industry, Care Solutions from Script is with you every step of the way and we can tailor a marketing package to save you time and to suit your needs and budget. Powerful Print

Perfect PR

Bold Branding

Professional printed matierials for your care home such as;

Our team of experienced journalists and PR specialists can offer;

Show your professionalism and a consistent brand image with;

• Brochures • Indoor and outdoor banners • Flyers / leaflets • Posters • Letterheaded paper and compliment slips • Business cards

• Press release writing

• Logo Design • Full brand guideline development • Existing brand refresh • Branded merchandise such as pens, mugs, lanyards, workwear etc. • Social media graphics and content

• Social media post content writing • Copywriting • Blog / newsletter content writing

So what are you waiting for? It is vital that your care business stands out from the crowd to attract new residents and staff. Who better to help you do this than the team behind the country’s most successful B2B magazine for the industry. We’ll take away the hassle and provide professional marketing which we hope will deliver results for your business. Based in Yorkshire, we have an award-winning team that prides itself on producing a range of top-quality work at competitive prices. To find out how we may be able to help your business, contact Dominic Musgrave today at dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

Boosting brand awareness. Reputation management. Qualified lead generation. Improved conversion rates. Educate prospects and loved ones.

Benefits of marketing on recruitment: • • • • •

Greater reach. Stronger employer branding. Improved candidate quality. Maintaining staff pipelines. Acceleration of recruitment process.

Perfect PR

Bold Branding

Professional printed matierials for your care home such as;

Our team of experienced journalists and PR specialists can offer;

Show your professionalism and a consistent brand image with;

• Brochures • Indoor and outdoor banners • Flyers / leaflets • Posters • Letterheaded paper and compliment slips • Business cards

• Press release writing

• Logo Design • Full brand guideline development • Existing brand refresh • Branded merchandise such as pens, mugs, lanyards, workwear etc. • Social media graphics and content

• Social media post content writing • Copywriting • Blog / newsletter content writing

CARINGNEWS

Operator recognises ‘tireless’ workers for going the extra mile

Charity helps area’s older people to stay connected A HOUSING development in West Lothian has teamed up with a national charity to help older people in the area log on and stay in touch with loved ones. Scottish charity Cyrenians has donated a new desktop computer following its work to help customers at Blackfaulds Court learn digital skills. Customers at the Fauldhouse development, which is operated by Bield Housing and Care, have been enthusiastic about the classes as the modern world digitises, they don’t want to be left behind. The classes have been a massive learning experience and shown immense value, especially throughout the last 18 months to keep in contact with family and friends. Cyrenians, which is largely known for its homelessness prevention efforts, runs more than 40 different preventative services including its ‘Older People Active Lives’ programme which aims to help older people be independent and remain in their own homes for as long as they can. Cheryl Baillie, development

manager at Blackfaulds Court said: “Both staff and customers are so thankful for everything Cyrenians OPAL and Fauldhouse Community Development Trust has done for the development. “Since the digital learning classes started the customers have learned so much and gained the know-how that many were able to independently connect with their families during a tricky 18 months – which was a proud moment as many couldn’t previously have done that. “As well as learning new skills, the club has also encouraged social engagement.” Prior to Covid, OPAL also facilitated an activity group in Blackfaulds Court where residents and locals could get together to have fun, make new friends and look after their physical and mental wellbeing. This group will return in the near future. Cyrenians take the customers through one-on-one group sessions to inform them on how to use the computer in order to do online shopping, video call families and use email.

Group celebrates cohort THE first cohort of learners from Exemplar Health Care’s trainee nursing associates programme have celebrated their graduation. They will now start their role as the company’s first nursing associates. The learners started the programme in October 2019 with the University of Sheffield. They have spent the last two years studying to become a nursing associate, alongside working in an Exemplar Health Care home and completing placements in other health and social care settings. Head of learning, development and talent Claire Fretwell said: “Many health care providers continue fishing from the same pond of qualified nurses. “However, the current talent pool does not offer enough registered nurses to enable us to keep delivering the highest quality of person-centred care that we aspire to provide for all our residents, and support the ambitious growth of the company. “The Trainee Nursing Associate programme enables us to develop

existing colleagues, so that we can continue to grow our nursing workforce internally.” The operator, which has seen seven apprentices graduate this year, introduced the learning programme to help develop its colleagues and expand its nursing workforce. Nursing associates worked alongside health care assistants and registered nurses in their home to support people with clinical aspects of their care. The role contributes to the core work of nursing, freeing up registered nurses to focus on more complex clinical care. The programme was introduced by Health Education England in 2018 to bridge the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses, and build the capacity of the nursing workforce. Following the success of its first cohort of students, Exemplar Health Care is now offering all health care assistants and activities coordinators the opportunity to take part in the apprenticeship.

THE national ‘Going the Extra Mile’ competition, run by Holmes Care Group and Impact Healthcare to recognise care workers’ tireless hard work to deliver the best standards of care, has celebrated five colleagues at four homes with awards: n Sarah Keeton, senior carer at Baytree Court Care Home in Scunthorpe. n Helen Miller, activities coordinator at Beechwood Care Home in Wishaw. n Linda Williamson, deputy service manager at Heatherfield Nursing Home in Armadale. n June Shields and Jacqueline Knox, care assistants at Larkfield View Care Home in Greenock. During the initial phase of the pandemic, when shielding advice meant service managers at Baytree Court and Heatherfield needed to self-isolate at home for their own safety, Sarah and Linda stepped in to manage their homes. Working closely with public health and clinical commissioning groups, they made sure ever-changing health and safety advice was implemented across care, food, hygiene and maintenance teams, while caring for residents and organising video calls with their loved ones. When Beechwood was closed to everyone but essential visitors, Helen sewed costumes, decorated lounge areas, gathered props, and baked delicious treats to launch the Beechwood airlines and bus tours. Her engaging activities programme saw residents ‘travel’ to London for

Helen Miller, activities coordinator at Beechwood Care Home in Wishaw. afternoon tea with the Queen, ‘jet off’ to Dublin on St Patrick’s Day with a Guinness and ‘attend’ Wimbledon for a tennis match. Larkfield View’s June and Jacqueline stepped up to take over food preparation over a week when Covid19 restrictions meant kitchen staff were forced to self-isolate. They quickly got to grips with preparing a care home’s full menu safely, taking into account the food textures and dietary requirements of meal plans in a 90-bed home. Each home will receive £1,000 to spend on the welfare and wellbeing of all staff members, which so far has included the purchase of garden benches where colleagues can socialise, a bike rack to encourage cycling to work and indoor plants or radios to boost wellness at work.

Gurus save residents more than £700,000 during 2021 A TEAM of ‘Tenancy Gurus’ at Housing 21 have helped residents save a combined total of more than £700,000 as part of the Helping Hands initiative. The savings have been made through giving advice across a range of services, including how to access the correct pension and housing benefit, to savings on broadband and helping with warm home discount claims. Nikki Dipper, business improvement officer at Housing 21, said: “The gurus have received additional training and coaching around how to talk about money in a positive way and have those difficult conversations, as well as on benefits and budgeting specifically for older people. “One colleague helped a resident apply for a private pension which will provide them with a total of £36,000 but it’s also the seemingly small things too, like supporting with setting up internet for a resident, which meant that £80 for a call out charge from their provider has been saved.” The ‘Helping Hands’ initiative involves colleagues working across the organisation to have open

conversations with residents about money and how to help prevent arrears. As part of this, Housing 21 recruited a network of 45 ‘Tenancy Gurus’ and embedded them across the organisation in retirement living and extra care. The gurus all have a passion for tenancy sustainment and financial wellbeing, support colleagues, and can run sustainment-based activities for residents. A series of Make a Difference Days held throughout the year proved successful in saving residents a combined total of more than £700,000 and supported them in having frank and honest conversations about financial wellbeing. Activities on ‘MAD Days’ include running a benefits awareness session, partnership working to resolve issues or helping residents with a benefits application. In 2021 colleagues secured benefits residents were missing out on, applied to the National Lottery for funding for garden furniture, as well as making numerous agreements to help get people out of arrears and reduce anxiety around money.

Get ahead with your Spring cleaning Antiviral & Antibac Multi Surface Cleaner

£2.33 per 750ml 27820

Soclean Cloths

£2.99

Lemon Floor Gel

per 100 pack 45767/34898 89241/61953

£4.50 per 5 Litres 53907

only

£20

per 20kg box 15858

Non-bio Laundry Liquid

£10.99 per 10 Litres 20981

Bio Laundry Liquid

£10.99 per 10 Litres 16244

Fabric Softener

£4.19 per 5 Litres 48369

Laundry Destainer

£16.65 per 10 Litres 16688

Spending in control? Easy to use tools that save you 15% Business Dashboard and what it can do for you…

Get an instant site summary by: • pence per ‘place’ per day • pence per day per site • percent of budget spent • amount of credit remaining

Expenditure Alerts stop the over-spending…

STAY in the know

Core Lists

set approved products… Help streamline the ordering process and uniform the products across the homes with a Core List. Use with our approval system to give flexible control that can be tailored to cater for all homes.

manage the

budget for every site

control orders

Your Business Dashboard is updated with every new order placed.

gompels.co.uk/dashboard

gompels.co.uk/alerts

For more information have a chat with your Account Manager

MORE ONLINE WWW.GOMPELS.CO.UK

specialist wholesale supplier to 1000s of UK care homes

Please see website for latest prices

CARINGNEWS

Homecare company expands its training offering for staff WESTMORLAND Homecare in Kendal has increased the number of its full-time trainers as part of its commitment to continuing to provide an outstanding service. The company, which provides hundreds of hours of care each week to enable elderly and often frail people to live independently in their own home, has appointed a third trainer, Tracy McConnachie. “Most companies of our size only have one trainer so the fact we have three is testament to our commitment to develop our staff,” said care manager Bernadine Davies. “Training, support and development are vital in this profession. “All staff must have an in-built ability to care but they also have to be confident to be able to deliver the care to the highest-possible standards. “Westmorland Homecare is investing to provide high-quality training, something which is also absolutely vital to attract new people to work in the care environment.” New staff spend their first week at Westmorland Homecare doing theory training to complete The Care Certificate. The appointment of a third trainer has meant staff now also spend a full day doing in-house practical training on basic skills, such as helping a

client to eat, cleaning dentures, administering eye-drops and dealing with catheters and pads, before they go out into the community and shadow existing experienced staff for a period. A major development in training at the company’s central hub has been the opening of a suite, which simulates a client’s bedroom and living room, complete with a bed, chair and dining table. While one trainee acts as a client, a trainer can teach another moving and handling, washing and dressing techniques and how to transfer a client in and out of a wheelchair and on and off a commode.

“There is a lot of equipment for hoisting so a trainee can experience first-hand how it feels to be hoisted and rolled on a bed,” added Bernadine. Training also involves observation by trainers of new staff’s work. The appointment of a third fulltime trainer means the trainers can now look at becoming specialists in certain areas, such as end of life care, brain injury and dementia. This means they will be able to pass that expertise on to the company’s teams so that clients’ needs, which can change and become more complex very quickly, are supported as swiftly as possible.

A former nursery nurse from Lymington has celebrated her 105th birthday at a care home in the town. Madeline Gates, née Elgar, had a successful career as a Norland Nanny, the name given to graduates of the prestigious early years training provider, Norland College. She now lives at Colten Care’s Belmore Lodge where team members and friends helped her enjoy her special celebration. On her return to Lymington after college, Madeline married and lived in the town’s Rookes Lane and then Hamilton Place where she celebrated her 100th birthday before moving to Belmore Lodge. Joining her for the birthday celebration were friends Sandra Glandwell and Mary Malcolm, a fellow Belmore Lodge resident.

W E N

OMNICARE

ULTRA THE PERFECT FIT FOR REPLACEMENT INSTALLATIONS

Resident Janet and care home manager Joy Sumner in The Watermill’s 1950s diner.

Back to the 1950s at Walsall care home RESIDENTS at The Watermill in Walsall have been celebrating the opening of their new 1950s inspired diner. Complete with bright pink booths, jukebox playing hits from the 1950s and 60s and checkerboard floor, staff took the initiative to raise funds and created the space during the pandemic. Care manager Joy Sumner said: “Reminiscence is really important for people living with dementia. “A lot of our residents were going out to dances in the 1950s and 60s and the idea behind this is taking them back to a time where they will

have enjoyed socialising, going to the cinema and then to the diner for some food. “I’m so proud of Cath and Andrew for creating this space. They had the idea and thought it all through, raised the funds that were needed and went to pick up the decorations.” Previously an under-used quiet room, the pair took the initiative and decided they wanted to turn it into something for residents during the pandemic. Now residents enjoy using the space, to sing along to tracks such as ‘don’t step on my blue suede shoes’ and have a milkshake.

THERMOSTATIC CARE SHOWERS

DESIGN | SAFETY | SIMPLICITY

tritonshowers.co.uk/care-electric-showers

CARINGNEWS

Finance and management staff cover shifts due to Omicron Teddies take over home

RESIDENTS at an Edinburgh care home enjoyed a teddy bear takeover as they reminisced about childhood memories over a picnic. Mansfield Care’s Belleville Lodge invited its residents to bring along their own teddy bears and soft toys for an afternoon of fun. Matron Margaret Russell said: “There were lots of smiles and everyone enjoyed holding and touching the soft toys and passing them around for a cuddle. “One of the highlights of the day that made everyone happy was to see all the teddies and soft toys lined up together for a portrait photo.” Along with the teddy takeover was an array of homemade cakes and tea as the residents discussed their favourite toys they, and their children, used to play with when they were younger.

A SPECIALIST care provider has seen members of its finance team recently return to the frontline as staff sickness rates grow due to the Omicron virus. PJ Care, which runs three specialist care centres for people with a range of conditions, has seen members of its finance team and senior managers go back to the floor to cover care shifts as 10 per cent of staff are selfisolating or off sick due to the virus. “While we’re in a better situation that at the start of the pandemic, when we saw a sudden loss of 20 per cent of our staff, we do need additional people to keep staffing levels at where we want them to be,” said Neil Russell, chair of PJ Care. “We have optimum staff numbers for each unit, which are well above the number we need to operate safely, and we want to maintain those levels wherever possible so the quality of life for our residents isn’t affected.” PJ Care recently lost four per cent of its staff, and 87 years of experience, due to the required compulsory vaccinations, and could lose a further 15 when the self-exemption scheme comes to an end in March. As a result, the company has initiated a major recruitment campaign in the local areas to its care centres in Peterborough and Milton Keynes.

Neil Russell, chair of PJ Care. But as that is an ongoing process, staff in the finance and procurement team have been working shifts as healthcare assistants in recent weeks. Maria Chiriac, who works as an accountant, said she’s been happy to help. “I started with PJ Care as a healthcare assistant, so I have the skills and I’m more than happy to go where they need me,” she added. “It’s obviously not an ideal situation but I’ve enjoyed having contact with the residents again and, as a closeknit organisation, we all do our bit when the call comes.” PJ Care is also offering incentives to care staff who are covering shifts

– and they could almost double their hourly wage to £19 thanks to a new supplement. “Every member of our wider team is working extra hours to help provide cover, whether it be a couple of hours here and there or picking up lots of extra shifts,” added Neil. “The commitment and care being shown by our staff is incredible and we cannot thank them enough, but we are looking for others to come in and support them, so they can have a break. “We must remember that our staff need to look after themselves in the same way that they care for our residents.”

Advertiser’s announcement

Immigration law update: expansion of the health and care visa scheme By Gulnaz Raja

ON December 24 it was announced by the government that care workers, care assistants and home care workers would become eligible for a health and care visa for a 12-month period. To understand the pressures and issues placed by the social care sector, at GNR Solicitors we have taken a deeper dive to help care providers understand the requirements. Sponsorship licence The employer must have a sponsorship licence if they want to sponsor an oversees national who is not a settled worker and does not have immigration permission to work in the UK. This includes most EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who arrived in the UK after December 31, 2020. The employer must ensure the worker is eligible. Currently the employer must meet the immigration requirements for the skilled worker route as the health and care visa forms part of the skilled worker route. The employer will be required to meet the specific requirements for a licence such as salary requirements as well as other factors.

Gulnaz Raja

The government announced that the inclusion on the shortage occupation list will stipulate an annual salary minimum of £20,480 for carers to qualify for the health and care visa. To apply for a sponsorship licence, this attracts an application fee dependant on the size of your organisation. Certificate of sponsorship When an employer is granted a licence, they must assign the worker a valid certificate of sponsorship, once the allocation has been obtained, using their sponsorship management system account. However, before doing so, the employer must ensure that the worker meets all the eligibility requirements and be able to explain how the criteria has been met. The employer is also expected to

comply with all their sponsor duties with key personnel allocated roles and responsibilities. Assigning a CoS does not guarantee the worker will be granted entry clearance or permission. The worker must meet all the immigration requirements of the route in which they are applying. There is also a fee payable by the employer per CoS. In addition, the employer is required to pay an immigration skills charge for each year of sponsorship. Worker’s immigration application To qualify for a health and care worker visa, the applicant worker will need to provide their assigned certificate of sponsorship reference number provided by the employer. This must be an approved UK employer who holds a sponsor licence. The applicant will also be required to meet various other eligibility requirements. Applicants will also be able to bring their dependants, including partner and children. Applicants will be required to pay the visa application fee, however they will be exempt from the immigration health surcharge. It should be noted that the above information is correct as per the latest government announcement

of December 24, 2021 but may be subject to change. The precise immigration requirements for care workers, care assistants and home care workers are still due to be published to see if there are any additional requirements. The above does not constitute legal advice. n Gulnaz Raja is the founder and CEO of GNR Solicitors – a boutique immigration and employment law firm. Gulnaz is a solicitor with more than 10 years’ PQE experience. Prior to establishing her own practice, she worked in law firms as well as within financial services in London, working on major regulatory compliance review and legal implementation projects. If your organisation requires support with sponsorship or visa applications, our immigration team can assist your business with every aspect of sponsoring overseas workers as well as with all the compliance requirements and ongoing legal duties. Our employment team can also support with all aspects of employment law, including HR outsourcing support as employment tribunal matters. www.gnrsolicitors.co.uk

CARING NURSE CALL AND FALL PREVENTION

We are not cattle! Guidance available to help to improve falls prevention By Professor Gillian Leng ALMOST a third of over 65s in the UK have a fall at least once a year, with around 500,000 people presenting at hospital with fragility fractures. This is estimated to cost the NHS £4.4bn a year. As our population of older people continues to rise, our ability to reduce falls and effectively assessing fracture risk have never been more important. The consequences of falls don’t stop at hospital admissions. One fall can generate further problems, such as a loss of independence and confidence. This can lead to physical and mental deterioration and frailty. People who fall are also more likely to suffer further falls and fractures. This snowball effect adds mounting pressure to our health and social care system, and also threatens to deplete quality of life and fuel vulnerability. Over the years, NICE has produced a range of evidence-based guidance and resources to support healthcare professionals in this challenge. In July 2018 we published an impact report, which highlights how our guidance has been implemented by the healthcare system and the progress made so far. The report explores how NICE has helped to improve falls prevention, detecting and managing osteoporosis and fracture risk, support after fragility fracture, and the management of people who have experienced hip fracture – which alone is estimated to cost the NHS £2bn a year. In 2013, NICE published guidance on falls in older people, and in 2015 we went on to issue a quality standard. Since their publication, monthly survey data revealed a reduction in the proportion of people experiencing a fall while in care and an increase in the recognition of the importance of frailty. The data also found the proportion of trusts using fall risk prediction tools has reduced since NICE issued a recommendation that they should not be used in hospitals. These tools have not been shown to accurately predict the risk of falling. Instead, all patients over 65, and those aged 50 to 64 who may have a relevant underlying condition, should

Professor Gillian Leng be considered as being at risk. They should be offered a multifactorial risk assessment taking account of things like any history of falls, medication they are on and visual impairment. We are moving in the right direction. Health and care professionals are basing their practice on evidence of what really works, and importantly, outcomes for people at risk of falling are improving as a result. But there is still more work to be done. Strength and balance training programmes can help reduce the rate of falls. Our report found that although people are being referred to these programmes, uptake needs to improve. While there is evidence that multifactorial risk assessments are being carried out in hospitals, the quality varies, which signals another area for improvement. Falling should not become an inevitable part of ageing. We must keep up the momentum and ensure those most at risk of falling remain at the very heart of evidence-based improvements. We have started work to update our 2013 guideline. A committee of experts will review the latest evidence to produce a new guideline which is due for publication in 2024. n Professor Gillian Leng is the chief executive at NICE

No wearables

CARING NURSE CALL AND FALL PREVENTION Advertiser’s announcement

Reducing the care home staffing crisis through specialist bathing IN THE wake of its most challenging period, the healthcare sector is experiencing a staffing crisis. How can tangible interventions, such as powered bathroom solutions which enable single-handed care practices, support the demands placed upon staff? Challenges in staff recruitment and retention are creating significant pressures and workload on existing care home employees. The Care Quality Commission’s annual State of Care 2021 report warned of a “tsunami of unmet need”, with some care homes already withdrawing the provision of nursing care. Without supportive measures in place, such as quality assistive baths and adaptive equipment which champion smaller working teams, pressures on remaining care staff may only grow. For instance, it is widely recognised that care sector employees are at higher risk of back and musculoskeletal injuries. With reduced staffing capacity, back pain and inability to work may increase without specialist powered equipment in place to support singlehanded care procedures. Ultimately, staff reduction creates a

situation in which residents may lose out on quality time. The bathing experience, for example, can be emotionally negative and physically challenging for both resident and carer without appropriate assistive equipment, which often leads to baths not being used at all. It is estimated that care home residents are three times more likely to fall than people living at home. Slippery and uneven floor surfaces, toilets at the incorrect height, insufficient lighting, lack

of safely secured handrails and illmaintained transfer equipment such as wheelchairs and hoists, are all risk factors. An accessible well-designed bathroom provides many benefits and can support care teams under pressure. Powered baths with heightadjustment, bather transfer seats and leg-lift functionality provide ease-ofuse and greater control, and support efficient transfers in and out of the bath without the need for manual lifting.

Robert Myers, head of care pathways at Ardale, who has commissioned specialist baths in all of the group’s care homes, said: “The care of our residents is important, however, so is the support of our staff. “Power assisted movement takes the stress out of bathing by eliminating moving and handling risks and potential back injury.” Furthermore, specialist baths from Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms with antimicrobial technology builtin, can provide greater hygiene and 99 per cent 24/7 protection against influenza A H1N1, E. coli, Salmonella and CRO, CRE, VRE and MRSA. By enhancing hygiene, we can support the drive to reduce staff absence caused by ill health. In seeking ways to safely reduce workloads on a more long-term scale, through ergonomic, adapted bathroom equipment, for instance, the care home industry can boost operational efficiency and ensure single-handed care practices can be delivered more easily, safely, and effectively. Investing in specialist equipment is a worthwhile and much needed investment in carer and service-user wellbeing.

STAY SAFE WITH SMART WIRELESS NURSE CALL Safer, more efficient care

WANT TO TRY? Call 0800 086 2496

Find out more www.c-t.co.uk

CARING NURSE CALL AND FALL PREVENTION Advertiser’s announcement

We are not reality TV!

NEW: Covid-19 safe way to prevent falls and boost wellbeing WITH Omicron continuing to spread throughout the country, care home managers are under pressure to protect their residents from the virus whilst limiting the impact it has on their physical and mental health. On top of this difficult balancing act, falls continues to be a challenge with half of people aged 80 or above falling at least once each year. Dance to Health has launched a new service to help. Dance to Health is a programme created and run by Aesop, a charity that seeks to use the arts to solve society’s challenges. The aim of Dance to Health is to prevent older people from falling by improving/maintaining their strength and balance through the medium of dance. An independent evaluation of the programme found falls reduced by up to 58 per cent as well as some very

positive side effects; for example 96 per cent of participants reported improved mental wellbeing. Aesop has worked with existing care home customers throughout the pandemic to develop live, remote classes, delivered via Zoom to groups of care homes. By delivering in this way, there is no risk of bringing Covid into the care home and delivery can continue regardless of Government, or care homes’ own, restrictions. The sessions require minimal IT equipment – a laptop connected to a large TV and WiFi is sufficient. The online nature of them means they are affordable; just £30 per session. Dance to Health is now launching this service beyond its current customers to all care homes and is offering free taster sessions to help them decide whether it’s for them.

For further information about the live, remote sessions for care homes visit https://dancetohealth.org/satellite-sessions-care-homes To sign up for the free trial visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-lynxka

No cameras

Legrand launches Legrand Care, its new global brand specialising in the assisted living, health, and social care sectors We are stronger together • Legrand’s Assisted Living and Healthcare division, dedicated to the development of digital care solutions, unites its five international brands into one called Legrand Care. • “We will be more innovative because we will concentrate our efforts.” UK, 4th November 2021.- Legrand, global specialists in electrical and digital infrastructures launches its new consolidated brand for the Assisted Living and healthcare market called Legrand Care. This new powerful brand allows the company to be stronger in the international market of connected care, taking advantage of synergies and improving the value of products and services for the care sector. Legrand Care was born from the integration of the brands that make up the Assisted Living and Healthcare (AL&HC) business unit of Legrand: Intervox, Tynetec, Aid Call, Jontek and Neat. “The coming together of five highly regarded, customer centric, long established assisted living and healthcare brands into Legrand Care is a significant milestone in our journey”, Chris Dodd, CEO of Legrand Care, states. Likewise, Arturo Pérez Kramer, who has assumed his new role as Deputy CEO of Legrand Care formerly CEO of Neat, explains “that this relevant union of forces responds to the objective that Legrand established in 2020: To improve people’s lives”. This great challenge “is the essence of our commitment and our consolidated strategy in the new brand, Legrand Care,” Pérez adds. Caroline Mouminoux, Sales Director of Legrand Care and Silver Economy manager in France, formerly Silver Economy representative for Legrand France and Director of Intervox, declares that they are “very proud of this announcement” and that, with the launch of this new brand, “Legrand confirms once again that assisted Living and healthcare is a strategic market for the Legrand group, and we see this as a great opportunity to address some of the social and economic challenges this sector faces”. This alliance reinforces Legrand’s strong commitment to “the connected care market and the silver economy and opens the doors to accelerate developments and innovation”, Íñigo Ruiz Cossío, Director of Product and Marketing of Legrand Care says. Thanks to the creation of Legrand Care, more than 40 years of knowledge and experience of the members of this division are put into joint value “under a common strategic vision, with a coherent image in the market, the five brands will cease to operate as segmented entities

www.legrandcare.com +44 (0)1670 352 371 Legrand-care @LegrandCare @legrandcare @LegrandCare

and will concentrate their strengths to position Legrand as the leader in connected care worldwide”, Ruiz highlights. In this sense, Mouminoux affirms that “this new Legrand Care division is excellent news for all our customers, partners and stakeholders in the health and social care sector and will give us even more capacity for innovation, to anticipate technological challenges and will allow us to confirm that we are a key player in this market”. All the members of this division feel very motivated by this alliance and share the deep conviction that our shared resources, solutions, interests, and vocation will make them stronger and will allow them to work together in the development of “proactive and preventative agendas, always placing people at the heart of our services. We will be more innovative because we will concentrate our efforts into achieving our shared objectives”, Ruiz remarks. Dodd assures that all members of this new brand firmly believe that “this strategic union will facilitate the fulfilment of the mission and vision of this entity”: • Mission: A tireless commitment to truly understand customer needs, enabling innovative digitally connected care solutions to be delivered. To be the technological partner of clients, offering comprehensive and fully managed solutions that allow them to efficiently deploy improved care services. • Vision: To empower and help people live the healthiest and most fulfilling lives they want in the place of their choice. “Together we will be better able to channel our combined resources into new product development and will continue to remain nimble and be proactive to the changing needs of our customers with the strength, resources and quality controls of Legrand, the global specialist in electrical and digital infrastructures in support”. Dodd concludes.

CARING NURSE CALL AND FALL PREVENTION

Advertiser’s announcement

Why Ascom took a fresh look at fall detection

We are not bionic!

By Stuart Barclay

WHEN Ascom UK was looking for a fall solution to complement its advanced nurse call and resident response systems, the timing couldn’t have been better. I’d just got my feet under the table in my new role at Vayyar Care and knew that the UK telecare market was ready to take a smarter approach to falls management. Nursing homes and social care providers are crying out for new technologies that can enhance the protection people deserve, especially at times like these, when staffing resources are so stretched. Floor mats are a case in point. They can tell caregivers when a resident is up and about. But that’s it. When an at-risk resident gets out of bed, caregivers have to go running. They have zero visibility on whether help is actually needed or where in the room the resident is. That’s where Vayyar Care comes in. We call it a virtual caregiver in every room and that’s no overstatement. It scans the whole room 24/7, ensuring instant automatic fall detection. It’s a step change for care homes and social care providers. After a fall, many people can’t push a button or pull a cord. They might have forgotten to put on their fall detector that morning, or maybe they simply hate wearing it. And as for camera-based systems, well, would you want CCTV in your bathroom? What elderly people want is technology that respects their dignity, privacy and independence – holistic person-centred care. The Vayyar Care device uses 4D imaging based on radio waves. It sits on the wall or ceiling, communicating constantly with the existing resident response solution over Wi-Fi. The fact that it integrates with many of the UK’s leading systems is crucial. It makes it quick, easy and painless for any care home or social care provider to get up and running. That was the case here. Ascom

Stuart Barclay deployed Vayyar Care instead of floor mats alongside its Myco 3 enterprisegrade smartphones and the resulting pilot is well underway. We’re now proving the value of this unique touchless technology. Moving forward, we’re looking towards API integration with Ascom’s Smart Sense solution, supported by over-the-air software updates. That’s going to unlock the full capabilities of Vayyar Care for UK customers. I’m talking about sub-region presence detection that reveals how long people are spending in their beds and chairs, and how often they’re visiting the bathroom: precious data that indicates their level of mobility and overall wellbeing. And then there are imminent bed exit alerts, coming online later this year. Receiving a notification the moment someone sits up in bed will offer caregivers a golden window of opportunity to step in and assist. At the end of the day, Vayyar Care addresses both sides of the care equation: providing better protection and easing the burden on caregivers. If you’d like to know more, drop me a line and I’ll be happy to put some time in the calendar for us. n Stuart Barclay is the UK sales director at Vayyar Care.

No buttons or cords

CARING NURSE CALL AND FALL PREVENTION

Advertiser’s announcement

Care home solutions from Turun FALL Savers® is an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for more than 15 years. Fall Savers® continue to expand its products and services portfolio, building a legacy of quality, service, support and, most importantly, user experience. They focus on resident falls prevention, elopement and telecare solutions, standalone or fully integrated.

Fall Savers® Wireless Monitor Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions. Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers®. The new Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad. This results in less work for nursing staff, improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads. Wireless advantages include the ability to use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices. Benefits include: n Safer for patients; less work for staff. n Bed and chair pads available. n One monitor works with two sensor pads. n Integrates with most nurse call systems. n A variety of options, including:

n n n n

Call button. Pager. Floor sensor mat. Wireless door/window exit alert.

standalone monitor, be integrated with most nurse call systems or be used with an optional portable pager. Features include: n Monitoring support for bed, chair, wheelchair and toilet. n HOLD button to temporarily disable or reset device. n Adjustable time delay of zero seconds, two seconds and five minutes to accommodate movement. n Recordable personalised voice alert. n Monitoring, alert and low battery status indicators.

x (H) 61cm. Options (sold separately): n Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors.

Passive Infrared Monitor The Fall Savers® Passive Infrared Monitor uses infrared detection technology to help carers reduce the risk of falls. This monitor can be mounted on a door or by the bedside to trigger an alert when a person breaks the infrared beam. The Infrared Monitor is a great alternative for when carers determine that the use of sensor pads is undesirable. This simple-to-use monitor comes with a swivel bracket for easy mounting and adjustable positioning. Features Include: n Low battery indicator. n One year limited warranty. n Two alarm tones. Options (sold separately): n Battery or mains power supply. n Extension mounting bed bracket. n Pager or nurse call integration.

TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the Fall Savers® Connect Monitor competition. If you are looking for an all-in-one Our anti-bacterial floor sensor Falls Monitor for use on a bed, chair pad is compatible with most nurse or toilet, look no further. call systems or can be used with a Simplify staff training and improve your falls prevention programme with portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor an all-in-one easy to use fall monitor pad. that combines the industry’s leading Wireless Options: Caregivers typically place the sensor monitoring features. pad at the bedside, in a doorway or Standard features of this next • Call button other locations to monitor persons generation Fall Savers® Connect at risk for falls or wandering. An Bed and Chair Sensor Pads Monitor include monitoring support • Pager optional anti-slip mesh reducesCathe Fall Savers® Foldable Bed Sensor Pad rpete using bed sensor pads, chair sensor • Floor d sensor pad Standard potential for slippage on hard surface Anti-bacterial foldable bed sensor pads, the TreadNought® Floor sensor floors. pad, measuring 764mm (L) x 390mm pad and magnetic cord and clip. • Door/window Features (H), for use above the mattress. The ability to record a personalised exit alertsinclude: n Connects directly to most nurse voice alert is also a standard feature. • Antibacterial call systems. Fall Savers® Chair Sensor Pad The Fall Savers Connect Monitor is • One-year warranty n High quality anti-bacterial Floor This new, chair sensor pad measures smaller than its predecessor whilst works One monitor Sensor Pad. 383mm (L) x 304mm (H), for use with retaining all of the features and • Integrates with most nurse calls two as sensor pads much more, it can with be deployed a n Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm traditional chairs and wheelchairs.

New Better Wireless Fall Monitoring

Carpeted and Standard Floor Sensor Pads Available

Home answers the call for state-of-the-art technology Freephone: 0800 032 4789

Carpeted and Standard Floor Carpeted andAvailable Standard Floor Sensor Pads Sensor Pads Available Carpeted and Standard Floor Sensor Pads Available

S New Better Wireless Fall Monitoring

fallsavers.co.uk A DERBYSHIRE care home has invested in the latest technology to ensure its residents the highest Cwherever arpe they are in the level of care ted home. Carp eted Standard Part of Orchard Care Homes’ Carp eted portfolio of residences situated Standard across the North of England and the Midlands, Eckington Court • Antibacterial in Eckington, has welcomed the installation of a state-of-the-art • Antibacterial • One-year warranty Intercall One nurse call system • One-year installed by specialist • Integrates withwarranty most nurse callsdistributor Safety Systems Distribution. • Integrates with most nurse calls Home manager Trudy Godley said: “Since the installation of the Intercall One nurse call system, we have seen our response times dramatically improve, staff can clear down calls as Carp eted they are dealtSta with, and residents feel ndard F l o o r S e safer n s o wherever r P a d sthey are in the home. “We are always on alert to deal with F l o o any r S situation e n s o r but P athe d snew technology provides us DOC with12.85012B.12 immediate fallsavers.co.uk information so that we12.85012B.12 can respond DOC fallsavers.co.uk quickly.” Carp Floor Se eted Eckington Court required a Standard specialist call system that could fulfil the requirements of both its residents and carers but that would be discreet, subtle and in keeping with the high standard of care provided. The refurbishment project focused on replacing an obsolete SAS nurse F l o o r Scall e n system s o r Pina the d s 50-bed home with a new Intercall One series, to give the home a fresh new look and DOC 12.85012B.12 DOC 12.85012B.12 fallsavers.co.uk system using the latest technology, with full datalogging to meet CQC ®

AFFORDABLE FALL MONITORING SOLUTIONS

Wireless Options: • Call button Carp • Pager eted Standard • Floor sensor pad • Antibacterial One monitor • Door / window exit • One-year warranty works with two alerts • Integrates with most nurse calls sensor pads.

ne: 0800 032 4789

Carp eted Carp eted

avers.co.uk

Floor Sensor Pads

Carpeted and S Standard Floor Pads Available

DOC 12.85012B.12

AFFORDABLE FALL MONITORING SOLUTIONS

Standard

• • •

Antibacterial ® One-year warranty Integrates with most nurse calls

AFFORDABLE FALL MONITORING SOLUTIONS

fallsavers.co.uk

Freephone 0800 032 4789

AFFORDABLE FALL MONITORING SOLUTIONS

Floor Sensor Pads

fallsavers.co.uk

Floor Sensor Pads

DOC 12.85012B.12

requirements. As Eckington Court is a working home, Safety Systems Distribution undertook to install the system dard in sections soSt itan could remain operational. The installation took about a week, broken down into four sections to minimise disruption in replacing the old system, using existing wiring infrastructure where possible. With the installation of nurse call panels, door access points, nurse call aids and call points, the technology now provides a modern nurse call system offering easy communication and management of patient care. Intercall One facilitates zoning of calls per individual floor meaning residents can move around with confidence and carers are able to respond immediately to calls for assistance, easily identifying the location of the alert, with those nearest able to respond quickly. spokesperson from Intercall said, n“We sA o r Pads are thrilled with the successful deployment of the new Intercall One system with Orchard Care at Eckington Court, helping keep carers, DOC 12.85012B.12 residents and their loved ones safe in the knowledge that help is swiftly at hand.” After the success of this initial project, plans are now in place to undertake a similar renovation project at another of Orchard’s homes, Ashlea Lodge in Sunderland, before the end of the year.

We are Vayyar Care Welcome to the ™ Greyt Revolution

Seniors demand dignity, privacy and independence. They can't always reach a button, wearables wound their pride, and nobody wants cameras in bathrooms. Meet Vayyar Care, the unique virtual caregiver. Touchless technology provides instant fall detection and presence tracking, alerting on time at rest, bathroom visits, and imminent bed exits for real-time fall intervention. To find out more, scan the QR code, or visit:

info.vayyar.com/careCU1

No wearables

No cameras

No buttons or cords

care

GET THE FULL PICTURE FOR OUTSTANDING CARE

Network with

3200+

50+

220

Owners, Directors & Policy Makers from Care Providers

Expert Speakers & Industry Leaders

Innovative Suppliers & Exhibitors

www.residentialandhomecareshow.co.uk/ caringukadvert @ResHomeCareShow @RandHCS #RHC22

18 - 19 MAY 2022 + ExCeL LONDON Organised by:

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

New option available to customers GOMPELS gave its customers the option to use the new Carbon Offset tool when placing their online orders during 2021. This allows them to quickly offset the products they are purchasing and support community projects around the globe. Since launching in February 2021, customers have offset more than 125 tonnes of CO2e. You could also calculate that as 60 cars driven for a year.

Gompels and their customers are committed to reducing their impact on the environment. They can also monitor their progress with the online environmental dashboard. The environmental dashboard is a powerful tool and allows you to calculate measure and assess your environmental impacts, and discover ways to reduce it. The dashboard is part of the pledge to all reduce our impact on the environment.

Shower is stylish and MoveMoreTV now live can be used by all and fully available AS THE platform is now live on Apple, Android, and Amazon Firestick apps, MoveMoreTV is fully available to help your residents and staff engage with physical and mental activities on a daily basis. With content ranging from seated mobility exercises to stretching activities to aid remaining flexible with movement, standing dance formats for the more physically agile, through to Sudoku and wordsearch puzzles to keep the mind active, it provides a library of content that your staff can deliver to all residents, regardless of their level of fitness. Currently being reviewed by several national bodies such as Age UK, Versus Arthritis and large residential home providers, it gives you the comfort of knowing all activities on the platform are suitable for all your residents regardless of their current level of fitness. The platform also provides more active content for the wellbeing of your staff in a separate section of the library. This is provided free of charge as part of the residential service, but can also be provided for their use in their own homes if needed. Given the issues around recruitment, having an active wellbeing package available for your staff is a valuable incentive as part of their remuneration packages,

and could set you apart from your competing recruiters. With shortages across the board for many homes, having added benefit support services could be the difference to getting the best candidates coming to work for you. Our complete wellbeing packages ensure you can attract the best staff due to looking after their own physical and mental health, as well as looking after all of your care residents, which delivers a complete, top class service for your business.

Single fire door all that stands in the way of a potential tragedy MULTIPLE lives were sadly lost in a recent New York apartment block fire. This was largely due to the rapid spread of smoke to every floor in the building because the door to the apartment where the fire started had been left open. When closed, correctly fitted and operating fire doors will stop the spread of smoke and flames usually for a minimum of 30 minutes, helping people inside your building to evacuate safely. The performance of a fire door can be the difference between life

and death, but did you know they should be checked by a competent person twice a year? UK Passive Fire Solutions works with you to maintain your compliance, inspects your fire doors and advises how to reinstall compartmentation as part of a carefully planned installation/ maintenance programme. UK Passive Fire Solutions works with you from start to finish. We can also arrange credit terms to spread the cost to ease the pressure on your budget. www.ukpassivefiresolutions.co.uk

TRITON’S Ultra+, from the Omnicare electric care range, combines safety with style to deliver an inclusive shower for those with diverse needs. The new-look tactile cover utilises soft grey tones and bold markings, as well as audible feedback, to help those with visual impairment. This has contributed to RNIB approved recognition, and features such as the looped lever handle facilitate intuitive control, allowing ease of operation due to low resistance. It is also carries the BEAB Care Mark approval, offering thermostatic temperature reassurance by

regulating water to within +/-1°C. Safe-Set™, meanwhile, allows the maximum temperature to be prescribed whilst allowing full rotation of temperature dial. A number of accessories are also available on the Omnicare Ultra+, which can be specified and installed depending on specific user requirements, such as the option of a grab riser rail kit (with a load-bearing capacity of up to 150kg). The Ultra+ is proof that you can have a shower which is not only stylish but can be easily used by all, regardless of the level of assistance required for showering.

Service based on quality and product diversity By Lucy Squire TAYLOR Made Designs has been supplying custom-branded workwear and complementary products such as landyards, badges, PPE and footwear for more than three decades. The care sector is one of our primary markets. Working with a number of key care provider clients and through our own global network of supply partners, we are constantly reviewing the market to ensure our extensive product range continues to deliver what is needed. For example, in response to the pandemic, we added PPE and sanitising products to our range, ensuring our clients were not left without the essential protection they needed to remain safe whilst serving those most vulnerable. TMD provides quality, branded workwear for all departments within the care sector, whether it be tunics and aprons for nurses and care workers, chef wear for catering staff, corporate blouses and shirts for front of house teams or polo shirts, fleeces and jackets for maintenance workers. We offer a single point of purchase, enabling our care sector partners to manage their multiple uniform needs through a single point of contact, liaising with a dedicated account manager.

Lucy Squire Quality sits at the heart of the provision across our entire product range. All embroidery is performed by our in-house team of highly experienced machinists, enabling us to maintain stringent quality control measures. This ensures every garment meets our exemplary standards before it is allowed to leave the warehouse. TMD works hard to establish and maintain long term relationships with our care provider partners based on their satisfaction with our service, quality and product diversity. n Lucy Squire is the key account manager at TMD.

MANAGERS CONFERENCE 2022 14-15 March, Chesford Grange, Kenilworth

Together again

supported by

Regroup, Recovery, Resilience

MANAGERS ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO THE DELIVERY OF OUTSTANDING CARE The 2022 Managers Conference is open to all managers from all care settings across the country, to support you in your pivotal role as your services move from crisis to recovery. The programme will: � Support you to make the most of your ability to deliver high quality, person-centred care � Provide inspiration through a wide range of workshops and speakers � Help you to support your teams to build resilience � Support you with the challenges of the complex and rapidly changing care environment � Pave the way for the ongoing delivery of outstanding care and support. Presentations will include: � People with lived experience and relatives’ perspective � Digital leadership and skills � Mental Health First Aid � CQC’s new inspection strategy � Equality, Diversity and Inclusion � The importance of learning and development.

BOOK NOW for the Early Bird Rate or register now for multiple bookings � £350 + VAT Early Bird Rate until 31st January 2022 � £400 + VAT from 1st February 2022 � Multiple bookings 5 for 4 at £400 + VAT pp throughout the booking period

For more information visit

www.nationalcareforum.org.uk

Now is the time to come Together Again to focus on Recovery and Resilience

Don’t delay in booking, as places are limited #TogetherAgain

33 SELLING CARE HOMES NATIONWIDE

lamontjohnson .com Totally Conﬁdential No Obligation

‘New Chapter’ jobs scheme for over 50s launched by domiciliary care provider

Page 36

Town Mayor and centenarian resident open new care home

Page 37

Operator enhances paid leave for frontline colleagues by up to 10 days

Page 38

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING

PHONE OR MAIL US FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION APPRAISAL

07920 475 440 Office@lamontjohnson.com

New beginnings for luxury care home A NEW, luxury 65-bed care home in Studley is now officially welcoming residents through its doors – offering specialist person-centred care to those in their older age, with dementia or a physical disability. Studley Rose, a state-of-the-art residential care home, will offer residents an inclusive care culture, designed to illuminate their independence within a purpose-built and friendly environment. Director of operations Sharen Guise said: “We are delighted to announce that Studley Rose is officially open, offering an outstanding environment for both staff and residents. “Studley Rose is a place where we can provide safe and kind care, placing people at the centre of what we do. Our dedicated staff members have been working round the clock to ensure we have the perfect offering for prospective residents in Studley and further afield to live fulfilling lives.

“Building during the pandemic hasn’t been without its challenges, however, with meticulous attention to detail and expertise, we believe we have created an environment that aims to provide local people with the benchmark for how care should

built to invoke a strong sense of community with an abundance of communal space and shared facilities, such as a modern wellness suite, well-equipped gym and communal cinema. Utilising innovative technologies, the new home will also offer cuttingedge care tailored to the needs of each individual. Beyond this, Studley Rose will ensure it is as hygienic and Covid secure as possible – with specialist technology such as ozone room sanitiser, temperature screening and infrared taps. In addition, an extensive range of engaging activities will always be a consistent feature of life at Studley Rose — designed to sustain the physical and mental well-being of each resident, whilst also igniting that strong sense of community. Studley Rose is the 10th home of the Macc Care group, which run a collection of facilities in and around Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

be delivered. Above all, we want to create a warm, compassionate, safe and friendly environment for everyone living with us.” Situated in a historic parish community close to Redditch, Worcestershire, the home has been

LAMONT JOHNSON LamontJohnson NO

“UPFRONT” FEES or INFLATED COMMISSION RATES!

Grayson Taylor (Managing Director Lamont Johnson)

•1981 FOUNDING PRINCIPAL of Taylor National

•2001 FOUNDING PRINCIPAL of DC Care •2012 FOUNDING PRINCIPAL of Lamont Johnson

Our success in the sale of Care Homes is second to none in the care sector, and has been achieved through the 41 years experience of principal directors, Grayson and Dawn Taylor, specialising solely in the discreet sale of Care Homes and sites/developments for C2 use nationwide.

P R O P E RT Y ADVISOR S

Totally Conﬁdential No Obligation

COMPLETES ANOTHER DISCREET SALE

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE SELLING CARE HOMES NATIONWIDE LOOKING FOR A DISCREET SALE? CALL US TODAY 01937 842 758 m.07920 475 440 Office@lamontjohnson.com lamontjohnson.com

TO THE CARE SECTOR

SOLD

Ashwood Care Home is registered for 36, management operated, offering 29 bedrooms, ASHWOOD in existing ownership WIGAN since 1989 and offering GREATER a CQC overall “Good” MANCHESTER rating. The Home has been owned for 32 years by Mr Serge Pascau and been bought by Mr & Mrs Jingree, existing owners in the area.

34 Community care village operator Belong has enhanced its dementia care provision with the appointment of Bridget Lawler as Admiral Nurse to support residents and customers who have been medically diagnosed with any form of dementia. The specialist mental health nursing role is provided for free across all Belong villages through the organisation’s ongoing partnership with Dementia UK. As well as customers, Bridget will provide tailored support for their family members and carers, and advise Belong colleagues on best practice in dementia care. She assumes the role after eight years as practice development facilitator at Belong Atherton, where she was responsible for identifying opportunities for improvement and development to drive standards of care at the village. Housing 21 has announced the appointment of Bridget FaughnanBing as head of construction as the operator commits to one of the largest development programmes for older people’s housing in England. Bridget, who was previously development manager at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “I am excited to be joining Housing 21 – an organisation with a strong social purpose, committed to doing the right thing. I look forward to meeting everyone in due course and really driving the delivery of affordable high quality homes and communities for older people.” She will be working alongside head of development Debbie Hope and reporting into deputy chief executive Tony Tench.

Isobel Scott and Rebecca Regan have joined Ashlands Manor in Sale, Greater Manchester as registered manager and deputy manager respectively. A registered mental health nurse since 1995, Isobel is an accomplished manager. Having managed care homes for both corporates and family-run businesses for more than 15 years, she has a natural and engaging style that gets the best from people through kindness, support and encouraging career progression and development from within. With a nursing degree and a Master of Science in Dementia Practice, Rebecca is also well qualified having previously been clinical dementia lead at a care home in Cheshire. Previous manager Lisa Astley has moved to help establish the team at New Care’s latest care home Bridgewater Manor in Worsley. Chantelle McCabe has joined KRG Healthcare’s Manor Farm Care Home in Kessingland as Registered Manager. A highly experienced care professional, Chantelle has worked in both residential and domiciliary care settings and her most recent position was as operations director for a domiciliary care business in Buckingham. Managing director Vinay Patel said: “Chantelle is a manager of the highest calibre, and we are extremely lucky that she chose to move to Suffolk for family reasons. We look forward to working with her to develop the service at Manor Farm.” Chantelle added: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to manage Manor Farm. The home has a strong staff team and wonderful residents.”

Hallmark Care Homes has promoted Martin Murphy to the role of operations director. Martin joined the industry-leading care group in November 2020 as regional operations manager, following a lengthy career in the healthcare industry. He has previously held roles in the NHS Trust and at numerous care providers including Four Seasons Health Care. He will now oversee the operational direction of the group’s entire portfolio. In addition, Martin will drive consistency across the group, which currently provides residential, nursing and dementia care to more than 1,100 residents across 19 locations in England and South Wales. With plans to recruit 1,000 new professionals in 2022, Alcedo Care has appointed John Townley as group head of recruitment operations. Originally from Blackpool but now living in Little Eccleston in Lancashire, John joins Alcedo Care from CRG Homecare, where he worked for nine years as director of resourcing and mobilisation. In his new role at Alcedo Care, John is tasked with managing the recruitment activity, leading the team of recruitment managers. He hopes to develop, expand and further train the Group’s existing team of recruiters, establishing good relationships across the business. Championing ‘Careers in Care’, John also aims to highlight the broad spectrum of roles available at Alcedo Care in the coming year, with the company recruiting people with and without care experience.

The Independent Care Group has appointed a new chief executive and operations director as it prepares to build its membership and influence. Nick Swash has joined as chief executive. He has worked in the business environment for some years and has extensive experience in many commercial environments which he will bring to the ICG and help it to expand and become more self-sufficient. John Pattinson has joined as the operations director. John has spent many years with the NHS and brings vast experience of health and social care to the ICG. The changes follow a decision by the ICG’s current acting chief executive Beverley Procter to move to a post in the NHS. Meallmore Ltd has appointed Sam Dougan to the newly created role of activities and engagement lead. The new position will see Sam further developing the company’s activities and lifestyle provision across all 26 care homes in Scotland. She will be a support to Meallmore’s home teams who are focused on activity provisions to ensure they not only meet, but exceed those laid out by the Care Inspectorate. Sam began her career as a carer and joined Meallmore in 2013. During this time, she has worked across several of Meallmore’s care homes in and around Glasgow, and most recently, Sam was an activities coordinator at Antonine House in Bearsden.

35 A new luxury Redditch care home has appointed an experienced home manager with more than 15 years in the social care industry — calling upon her wealth of knowledge to spearhead its contemporary approach to person centred care. Studley Rose has appointed Donna Lee to oversee the residential home, being impressed with her extensive 16-year resume in social care – having started in a care home kitchen before working her way up to registered nurse and unit lead. Donna’s substantial experience within clinical roles will see her well-positioned at the helm of the state-of-the-art home, with an emphasis on building on its inclusive care culture within a purpose-built and friendly environment. Renovo Care has appointed Alastair Clegg as chief executive. He brings significant leadership and management experience to the position with a proven track record in managing complex organisational change whilst delivering results. Alastair takes over from current chief executive Peter Kinsey who is retiring from the business. Most recently Alastair has held senior roles at St Andrew’s Healthcare and The Huntercombe Group. He has also worked in the third sector for The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise and within the social housing sector. Mark Adams has been appointed as chairman to work alongside Alastair. He has many years’ experience in the social care sector and is CEO of health and social care charity Community Integrated Care.

Bluebird Care Bristol has promoted one of its care assistants who graduated from the Work Academy Programme developed by Bristol College and the Department for Work and Pensions. Katy Collins was 28 years old when she returned from travelling, wanting a career in the healthcare industry but deterred by the daunting possibility of returning to college. A consultation with universal credit made her aware of an online course that on completion would guarantee an interview with the homecare provider. Katy enrolled in the online course with no previous knowledge or experience in the social care sector. Six weeks later she had a certificate and qualification to her name, in addition to an interview. One successful interview and 10 enjoyable months down the line, Bluebird Care Bristol has promoted Katy to the title of field based supervisor. Rachel Jones has been appointed Jewish Care’s director of care, housing and hospitality. She initially joined the care provider in May 2021 as the interim head of housing and domiciliary care. Rachel has dedicated her entire career to social care, which began with her working as a carer at Norwood, and later working as a carer at Kisharon and several other care providers. She went on to run various housing associations and smaller charities before serving as the executive director at Sunridge Court for eight years and was one of the lead professionals in overseeing the merger between Sunridge Court and Jewish Care, which she describes as an “absolute highlight in her career”. Rachel will commence her role on April 1, where she will be taking over from Gaby Wills.

Independent expertise, nationwide knowledge

specialist healthcare business agents

ANNIVERSARY

SOLD

Brook House, Buckinghamshire - Reg 35

DC Care is delighted to announce the recent successful sale of Brook House, a highly-regarded nursing home registered for a maximum of 35 residents located in the affluent village of Wooburn Green, near High Wycombe.

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

SALES | ACQUISITIONS | APPRAISALS | CONSULTANCY

01937 849 268

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

‘New Chapter’ jobs scheme for over 50s launched by domiciliary care provider Staff rewarded by group for their Covid-19 efforts SOCIAL care provider Welford Healthcare has committed to increasing its wages to above the Real Living Wage for all care staff. The move, which applies across all seven of the Group’s care homes, has been made to reward current staff, who have gone above and beyond to support residents during the pandemic, and to attract new staff to make a career in care. Managing director Will Neal said: “Our care team, like all social care staff across the UK, have put themselves in harms way to deliver care to some of the most vulnerable people in our society over the past two years of this pandemic. “Paying them above the Real Living Wage is the least we can do to reward them for the care, compassion, and resilience they have displayed. “It is time for social care staff to be treated with the same respect that is shown to our wonderful NHS staff. Social care staff are just as important

to our society – doing a job that is skilled, and which is vital to the health and wellbeing of this country. “That’s why we’re calling on the UK Government to do more to support the social care sector – not just in coming to a funding agreement, but also in supporting recruitment – especially as the whole sector is in crisis with a care worker shortage. “As a first step, I want to see an immediate change in how our social care staff are treated by the Government. Classifying care staff as ‘unskilled’ does them, and the whole sector a disservice. “It puts people off taking up a rewarding and fulfilling career in which they can flourish, and it downplays the training and hard work that our social care staff undertake.” The increase in pay will see some care workers receive up to a 12.2 per cent pay rise, with all carers being paid a minimum of £10 per hour rising to up to £10.90 in some homes.

AN EAST Midlands domiciliary care provider has launched a new training scheme tailored towards the 50 plus demographic. Respectful Care believe its recently implemented ‘New Chapter’ training scheme will help train 50 plus-yearolds to be brilliant, respectful carers. Offering flexible hours, the scheme enables 50 plus carer trainees to choose work patterns that suit their schedule – perfect for those with hobbies, other commitments, or even childcare duties such as looking after grandchildren. Mark Docherty, CEO of Respectful Care, said: “October was a recordbreaking month for us, as we saw a surge in recruitment resulting in 52 hires in just one month. We noticed that over a third of applications received over the past two months were from those aged 50 plus, which led to the eventual launch of the scheme. “It seems that people are realising that there are alternatives to taking early retirement, with many wanting to keep life exciting by taking up a rewarding and fulfilling second career. “Respectful Care provides fantastic opportunities for older people to become carers – we have excellent working conditions and offer very

good rates of pay. “Following the launch of our New Chapter training scheme, we are very much looking forward to seeing a further surge in applications from the 50 plus demographic. We believe mature carers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and are invaluable to the care industry as a whole.” In addition, the training is bespoke, with the New Chapter jobs scheme allowing prospective trainees to specialise in certain fields of care. Fully funded by Respectful Care, the initiative hopes to build upon the transferable skills, experience and people skills of those aged 50 plus, whilst offering plenty of room for personal development and growth. Although paid well, the scheme additionally provides a great opportunity for individuals to give back to their local community. Following a challenging year for the sector, the scheme will allow people to connect with others and help make a difference on a day-to-day basis. A total of 2.99 million recent job seekers over 50 believe their age makes employers less likely to hire them, according to a new report from Legal & General Retail Retirement and the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

ngacare.co.uk

SOLD

Learning Disability & Mental Health Residential Home in Leicester

•

LD / MH Residential Home

•

Registered for 12

•

91.6% Occupancy

•

Valuable Freehold Asset

•

Genuine Retirement Sale

•

EPC Rating D

We require care homes of all sizes and specialisms for genuine waiting buyers If you are looking to buy or sell a care home contact Nick Greaves on 07943 107 887 or email nick@ngacare.co.uk

Your business is our priority

Facilities at the Hansdale Care Homes’ Priesty Fields in Congleton include a hair salon (centre) and gastropub (right).

Town Mayor and centenarian resident open new care home THE countdown is finally over for the opening of Congleton’s newest stateof-the-art care home after it officially opened its doors to offer residents the very best in person-centred care. Nestled in a green residential area on its namesake road close to the market town’s centre, a celebratory launch event took place to mark the official opening of Hansdale Care Homes’ Priesty Fields recently. Care director Rishi Sodha said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome everyone to the official launch of Priesty Fields “Over the past two years our purpose-built residential and

nursing home has been meticulously constructed to ensure the very best person-centred care will be delivered to our residents, so we were delighted to see so many of the local community in attendance to support us. “I hope everyone had a fantastic day and we look forward to providing exceptional care to the Congleton community and further afield.” Town Mayor Councillor Denis Murphy officially opened the home with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside 100-year-old Congleton native and one of Priesty Fields’ first residents, Dorothy

Cartridge. The large crowd in attendance were then treated to champagne and canapés to mark the occasion, before being given guided tours around the purpose-built home. Priesty Fields will offer 78 spacious en-suite bedrooms, along with a gastropub, farmers’ market, cinema, spa, salon, gym, library, private dining room, garden lounge, and GP office. The innovative physical structure of the building has been tailored to suit the specific needs of people requiring continuous care, with enticing communal areas that encourage

independence and stimulate the senses being included in the design. Positioning itself as an interactive and inviting community hub, Priesty Fields’ holistic approach will take into account peoples’ physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Biophilic ‘living walls’ and natural wood, stone, and glass features will help to enhance mental wellbeing, while its human-centric interior design will provide an authentic and homely atmosphere. The home will also be sustainable, being built with a heat recovery system and environmentally friendly lighting for low energy consumption.

“Our fingerprints are all over every sale”.

Benefit f ro m t h e value of ex p e r i e n c e with a fully managed s e r v i c e f ro m b e g i n n i ng to end.

From corporate clients to private owners and charities, our experience provides the right advice and support throughout the deal process.

Whether acting for the seller or purchaser, our areas of expertise include: • Nursing and Residential Homes • Independent Hospitals • Specialist Care Homes Including Learning Disability & Mental Health • Children’s Services and Schools • Turn-key Developments • Vacant Properties • Land and Development Sites

Achieve the result you want and sell your care business confidentially. CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SALES & ACQUISITION SERVICES

www.healthcarepc.co.uk

Tel: 01937 222107

enquiries@healthcarepc.co.uk

Operator enhances its paid leave for frontline colleagues by up to 10 days TEAM members at Signature Senior Lifestyle’s care homes are set to receive up to 10 days’ extra paid leave a year as part of the provider’s ‘Wake Up To Better Benefits’ campaign. Frontline colleagues on hourly rates contracts are now entitled to a minimum of 25 days of paid leave per year, up from the current 20 days as standard in the care home sector. In recognition of their dedication and expertise, team members who have been at Signature Senior Lifestyle for five years or more will receive an extra day’s leave per year of up to 10 years – giving the provider’s longer-serving team members a total of 30 days’ leave annually. The £1.2million investment by the luxury care home provider has been announced as part of a new campaign – Wake Up To Better Benefits – to highlight the industry-leading benefits on offer to their team members and to demonstrate that care is a valued and rewarding career. Chief operating officer Kay Cox said: “We are delighted to announce this significant increase in the number of paid days leave our team members on hourly contracts will receive. “We’re committed to being the provider of choice for individuals to develop rewarding and long-term careers in the sector. “This uplift in paid leave is the latest example of this commitment in action, and one we hope will set a positive precedent for the wider sector to follow. “The standard-beating increase is also a recognition of the efforts our team members on hourly contracts make in delivering exceptional care and support to our residents.

“Many of our team members have devoted several years of service to our residents, and we’re proud that 11 per cent of our colleagues on hourly rates will now be eligible for the full 30 days of paid leave. “With 20 new care homes recently joining the Signature family, we’re thrilled to start this new chapter with this exciting announcement. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to champion this and our other industry-leading benefits through our ‘Wake Up To Better Benefits’ campaign over the coming months.” 310 of Signature’s frontline colleagues will benefit

from the full 10 days’ additional leave per year, marking a step-change in the way team members are rewarded for their service in the care sector. A further 2,017 team members across Signature’s 36 care homes also saw a boost in their annual paid leave by at least five days. The enhanced annual leave offer adds to the rewards available for Signature’s team members across their care homes such as comprehensive training programmes (including for carers who wish to qualify as nurses), free meals at work, vouchers for high-street and online shops and ‘refer a friend’ cash bonuses.

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR CARE BUSINESS?

Ayr care home officially opened by local MSP

If you would like a confidential discussion about the possible sale of your care business, restructuring your portfolio, or your acquisition plans contact us today. 07879 073 195

Alison.Willoughby@fleurets.com www.fleurets.com

AN Ayr care home has held an official opening ceremony, giving guests the opportunity to see the interior and meet its specialist care team. Greenan Manor, operated by Scottish provider Meallmore Ltd, was officially opened by Siobhian Brown MSP. She joined residents, staff and guests for the celebrations and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening of the care home. A number of activities were held throughout the day, including a string trio, a performance from a magician and plenty of canapés and drinks. The state-of-the-art care home opened to residents in January 2021. With changes to Covid-19 restrictions, the home was able to safely celebrate its belated opening ceremony. Care home manager Elaine Hughes

said: “2021 has been a challenging year for everyone. We opened our doors back in January but we were unable to mark the occasion due to government lockdown restrictions. “Fast-forward nearly a year later and we are incredibly grateful to have celebrated our belated opening. “The event was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our home to the local community. It was a great day, and we would like to extend our thanks to Siobhian Brown MSP for officially opening the home.” The official opening comes weeks after Meallmore was awarded the prestigious Investors in People Gold accreditation, recognising its commitment to its people. Fewer than 1,000 organisations in the whole of the UK currently have IIP Gold accreditation, and only 62 of those are classified as care providers – with just six in Scotland.

An ultra-efficient, world-class variable-height power assisted bath, with bather transfer seat and integrated antimicrobial protection • Redefining performance, long-term value and moving & handling excellence • Ultra-energy and water efficiency • Therapeutic options including Airspa, lighting and sound

GENTONA

ULTIMATE COST EFFICIENCY WITH PIONEERING HYGIENE AND SAFETY

• Proven for advanced dementia care • Holistic lifetime servicing and LOLER testing

01527 400 022

info@gainsboroughbaths.com

www.gainsboroughbaths.com

SENTES

ADVANCED CARE WITH SUSTAINED RELIABILITY A powered reclining bathing solution with enhanced postural support for more complex bather needs • Easy one-touch tilt with hoisting access • Multiple safety and comfort features • Reduced operational costs • Impressive 205kg SWL

01527 400 022

info@gainsboroughbaths.com

www.gainsboroughbaths.com

OUR PROTECTION PROMISE

2239GSBadCUKnew_Jun21v1.indd 1

09/06/2021 10:51

THE ARTOF COMFORT

To find out more call: 01924 868470 For more information visit: shackletonsltd.co.uk