Caring UK January 2015 by Script Media

18/12/14

14:46

Page 1

January 2015

incorporating

no.223 • £4.75

The Number One magazine for the care sector

‘Shaping the Future of Care’ dates revealed

By Dominic Musgrave

CARING UK is delighted to unveil the venues and dates for its 2015 regional care conferences. Organised by sister company Script Events, the five conferences have the title ‘Shaping the Future of Care’ and will feature a stellar lineup of speakers. This year’s theme will look at every aspect of care, and topics covered will include everything from nutrition and funding to social media, activities and fitness for residents. The first event will be held at Wetherby Racecourse on Wednesday May 13, with the next two taking place at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club’s County Ground in Bristol on Wednesday July 1 before moving to the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay the following day. In September the first of our two events will be held at Hampshire County Cricket Club’s The Ageas Bowl in Southampton on the 29th, with our final conference taking place the following day at Kent County Cricket Club’s The Spitfire Ground in Canterbury. Speakers already confirmed include Martin Green from Care England, Nadra Ahmed from the National Care Association and

representatives from both Skills for Care and the CQC. Further names will be added in due course Group production editor Dominic Musgrave, who will once again chair the events, said: “We are very excited to be launching our series of conferences and taking them to audiences at new towns and cities, as well as returning for a second year to the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay, where we held a successful event in 2014. “Last year’s conferences were a massive success and we are confident that, with the calibre of speakers we already have confirmed, our 2015 events will be even more so. “Since we started taking our events across the country they have gone from strength to strength, as can be shown by the calibre of speakers we have attracted for these conferences. “I would urge any care home operators in these areas to attend to listen to these distinguished speakers.” Running alongside all of the conferences will be an extensive exhibition, which will showcase all the latest products and technology for your care home. To find out more about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities turn to page 32.

Whistling motivates residents at home

Anchor’s newest care home, Moore Place, brought festive cheer to Esher with the donation of a gigantic Christmas tree. The care provider’s staff joined local residents in the town centre to enjoy a bugle band, carol singers and Italian market, and see the tree being lit up by well-loved DJ David ‘Kid’ Jensen. Also in attendance were MP Dominic Raab, Deputy Mayor Councillor Jan Fuller and Esher Business Guild chairperson Dr Smita Mehra.

STAFF at Kepplegate House Care Home in Preesall, Lancashire have found a new way to encourage residents to do such things as taking a shower by whistling, singing and humming. Initially the idea was used with the residents who have dementia and who sometimes do not understand the necessity to attend to their needs, but now all residents enjoy their personal care routines carried out to the sound of their favourite music coming from the mobile phones the staff carry in their pockets. As the residents are being walked to the toilet, showered or dressed, the staff play music, allowing them to sing and dance their way through those necessary tasks. Kepplegate’s owner/manager, Karen Shaw, said: “I’m really pleased with the staff for ‘thinking outside the box’ with this. It ensures our residents receive a good quality of care in an environment of trust, friendship, happiness and dignity.”

02 safelincs

16/12/14

13:56

Page 1

12/12/14

10:33

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Resident and her carer help launch statement By Dominic Musgrave A SANCTUARY Care resident and her care assistant have been named the face of the organisation’s new mission statement. Frances Quartermaine, 86, a resident at Beach Lawns Residential and Nursing Home in Weston-super-Mare and Chris Coombes, Frances’ care assistant at the facility, have been announced as the face of the group and its new strapline. The provider launched its new mission statement ‘keeping kindness at the heart of our care’ for its 61 care homes across the country recently – and chose the two unsuspecting women as the face of the campaign. The two took part in a photo shoot for the care home’s marketing material earlier this year, and it was felt by the organisation that their close bond, which was captured in the photographs, encapsulated the message of kindness. Frances and Chris only found out that they had been chosen when Mark McCarthy, Sanctuary Care’s managing director, visited them at Beach Lawns to present them with a signed photo and bunch of flowers each to say thank you. Frances, who has been a resident of Beach Lawns since May 2013, said: “I can’t believe it. My face is going to be everywhere – it’s quite funny really.

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288 Email: bg@scriptmedia.co.uk National Field Sales Executive: Tracy Stacey Tel: 01226 734480 Email: ts@scriptmedia.co.uk National Sales Executive: Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734692 Email: mandye@caring-uk.co.uk

Publishers Script Media. 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk

Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk

Beach Lawns Residential and Nursing Home care assistant Chris Coombes and resident Frances Quartermaine. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. Chris and I were just having a lovely time together – as we always do – when they took the photos. We weren’t really thinking about having our picture taken and certainly didn’t think it would lead to this.” Chris, who has worked at the care home for ten years, said: “I am on cloud nine. After I was presented with the signed photo by Mark I wanted to go to the supermarket and say to everyone ‘don’t

you know who I am?’ “Of course, I just phoned my family instead who were very excited too. I am also so very happy for Frances – her face in the picture says it all.” The mission statement is officially being launched across the country throughout November and marks the beginning of a new company mission and care commitment, which will be rolled out across every Sanctuary Care home by February.

Group Production Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur. Follow us on Twitter @caringuk

04a

16/12/14

09:22

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Care home employs green initiatives to cut carbon footprint Bev Aldridge with James Tweedle, sales director from sponsors Sky Business and Esther Rantzen.

Director scoops top award A DIRECTOR of a Shropshire care provider has won one of the top titles at an award ceremony to celebrate and showcase innovation and excellence in the not for profit care sector. Bev Aldridge, who is operations director and sits on the board in charge of Coverage Care’s 15 homes in the county, was named Board Member/Trustee of the Year in the 3rd Sector Care Awards. It recognises someone who has made an “outstanding” contribution to their organisation, and was judged by an independent panel of experts with experience in the care sector, including representatives from the Royal Chelsea Hospital and

Care Support. TV presenter and Childline founder Esther Rantzen presented Bev, who beat off competition from hundreds of other nominees from organisations across the country to reach the final, with her award at a ceremony in London. Bev said: “I am overwhelmed to have won, especially as I was up against very tough competition. I believe this illustrates what a priority Coverage Care as an organisation puts on compassion and quality in our delivery of care.” Carer Pauline Francis, who works at Barleyfield House in Shrewsbury, was shortlisted as a finalist in the Compassion award.

A MARITIME care home in Surrey has taken a huge leap into the world of green living, cutting its carbon footprint and working towards becoming self-sufficient. The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society has installed solar panels, a biomass boiler and a borehole at its facilities in Banstead. A pellet-fired biomass boiler has recently been installed, which uses pellets made from a high quality timber to produce heat and electricity with less effect on the environment than fossil fuels. The boiler will result in the home being less reliant on gas, reducing usage to under 20 per cent. The green initiatives employed at the home will reduce its impact on the environment and reduce spend at a time when energy bills are rising nationally. Solar panels installed in 2012 have saved the home 15 per cent on electricity bills so far. A new 135-metre borehole will provide the home’s water supply, with estimated savings of up to £8,000 a year. The money saved from these various initiatives will go back into

the home, funding further projects, refurbishments and extensions for the residents to enjoy. Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society estates manager, Richard Condie, said: “After researching a number of different options, we agreed the use of solar panels, a biomass boiler and a borehole were the perfect combination for us to make the home greener and more efficient. We’ve made some huge savings so far and hope to continue to do so to fund further plans for the home.” Small changes can go a long way; the home now has a compost bin on site, installed during a recent garden revamp by local volunteers from Legal & General. Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society chief executive, Commander Brian BoxallHunt, added: “We are well on our way to becoming a self-sufficient home. Not only are we providing energy to the home, powered on site, we’re also doing our bit to reduce our carbon emissions. “There is so much we can do with the money we’re saving, meaning we can continue to provide the best care possible for our residents.”

05 Intercall

12/12/14

10:33

Page 1

16/12/14

14:00

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Group launches new whistleblowing policy

Major Charles Jenkins of the Army Intelligence Corps plans to row 3,650km over the next year (or 10km per day), to raise funds for The Royal Star & Garter Homes. Charles began his latest by bringing in his Concept 2 rowing machine to the group’s Surbiton home for the residents to watch his first session. Charles has supported the charity for the last 25 years. He completed the 100k Thames Path Challenge 2014 to raise funds, and has been a frequent visitor to the Richmond and the Surbiton homes to offer his support to fellow Intelligence Corps veterans. Major Charles Jenkins is pictured rowing his first 10k at the Surbiton home.

A CARE home group has launched a new and updated whistleblowing policy as part of its “zero tolerance” approach to abuse and neglect. James Wood, managing director of PrimeLife, says the initiative unveiled following a review of the company’s existing policy is a “proactive step to further enhance our internal governance and to further tighten our current policies”. It includes a new confidential, free phone number, which is operational 24 hours a day. While there is already a national number, Primelife’s dedicated hotline means the company can react to any complaints straight away. As well as calling on staff to flag up concerns, the Prime Life Whistleblowing ‘Raising Concerns’ Policy is also encouraging friends, visitors and residents to come forward with any complaints. All of the group’s 2,200 members of staff have signed up to a code of conduct, which includes a responsibility to be accountable for actions and omissions and also promote and uphold the privacy, dignity, rights, health and wellbeing of residents at all times. James said: “We do not have any problems with abuse or neglect across our homes, far from it, we have an excellent reputation for providing high-quality care delivered with dignity to every single one of our

residents. The whistleblowing policy is about ensuring this reputation, which we have worked hard to achieve, is protected and enhanced. “We care about our residents and this further demonstrates our commitment to high-quality care and zero tolerance approach to abuse and neglect.” Within all of the homes, there is now a dedicated pack of materials clearly displayed in communal areas, including posters and leaflets promoting the new whistleblowing number. All visitors to the homes wishing to report concerns are encouraged to speak to the manager first before calling the number. James added: “Speaking out to raise concerns can be a hard decision as people may feel that they are being disloyal or causing additional problems. “However, by raising concerns at an early stage people must remember that they can often stop the issue from becoming more serious.” The policy provides information about how people raising complaints are protected by the law. It also includes several bite-size learning sheets covering safeguarding, abuse and neglect. All complaints are logged with an immediate response sent out to those who are happy to be contacted. The issue is investigated and any appropriate action taken.

16/12/14

13:55

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Gateshead care home given a double boost PHILIPS Court in Gateshead has two reasons to celebrate as it has been praised for its standard of care by the CQC and is undergoing major refurbishment work to benefit its residents. The home is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment and redecoration as part of Akari Care’s £15million investment programme in its facilities throughout the UK. Residents can now reminisce in a 1960s-themed diner that has been created in one of the rooms that was rarely used, and the bedrooms are being re-decorated to make them even more comfortable and appealing for residents. New lighting has also been installed throughout the home and has been carefully selected to provide a calming atmosphere for the residents. Manager Karleen Taylor-Williams said: “Philips Court is going from strength-to-strength; we’re thrilled with the outcome of the CQC inspection, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff. “The environment of a care home is extremely important and has a major impact on the lives’ of residents and needs to be safe, fresh and comfortable. The residents are especially thrilled with the new 1960s diner in the home and love looking at all the memorabilia that we have collected. “This major investment will have a

NACC representative Roger Kellow (second from left) with residents from Lyndon Croft and staff from PrimeLife.

Residents ‘tuck in’ during community meals week

Resident John Neesam in the new diner. positive impact on the home making it even more appealing and, above all, will offer an even more comfortable standard of living for our residents.” Philips Court was praised by the CQC for the quality of the care that it offers. Following an unannounced visit from an inspector, the home was found to be meeting all standards of care set by the regulator.

RESIDENTS from a Solihull care home enjoyed a special meal as part of a national celebration of goodquality nutrition for older people. The group from Lyndon Croft dined at a ‘pop-up’ lunch club at the National Motorcycle Museum, Bickenhill, courtesy of the home’s owners PrimeLife. The tasty meal was staged during National Community Meals Week, which was organised by the National Association of Care Catering. It coincided with a road relay, which saw a fleet of community meals delivery vehicles travel the length and breadth of Britain. Vicki Shaw, quality matters manager at PrimeLife, who joined the residents, said: “We have backed this initiative because as a provider of highquality care we are also passionate

about good-quality nutrition for older people. “Making sure older people have nutritious food and drinks is fundamental to good-quality care. A healthy diet has untold benefits, including helping to prevent longterm conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. That’s why our menus are always full of healthy and nutritious food.” Sam Wicks, resident chef at the group’s Peaker Park Care Village in Market Harborough, was a finalist in this year’s Care Cook of the Year competition, also organised by the NACC, and prepared the tasty lunch enjoyed on the day. As well as the gastronomic offerings, the Lyndon Croft residents toured the museum. NACC representative Roger Kellow also attended.

15/12/14

16:49

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Village using scents to evoke memories THE unique smells of the traditional sweet shop, carbolic soap, rose scent and steam trains are among those being brought to residents at Forest Care Village in Borehamwood as part of a ‘memory’ initiative for those with dementia and recovering from brain injuries. In total, residents will be invited to share the memories evoked by over a dozen scent cubes, each filled with a different smell designed to rekindle memories of past times. Alongside pleasant aromas like the spice and brandy-soaked Christmas pudding and salty sea air will be some smells from childhood, such as the antiseptic used to treat grazes and scratches, aniseed balls, traditional rose talc and even fish and chips. “Research shows that the sense of smell is one of the strongest memory triggers, with scientists in the last few A cheque for £930 was presented to the Woking and Sam Beare Hospices by West Hall care home in West Byfleet. The money was raised following a number of fundraising events led by the West Hall care home team, including proceeds from its summer fair and sponsorships generated for participating in the Surrey Memory Walk. Members of the West Hall team were joined by Helen Bryant, manager of Woking and Sam Beare Hospices, for the cheque presentation held at the prestigious Redwood Suite at West Hall. Home manager Kate Desmond said: “We are proud of money we have raised for such a fantastic local charity and we are pleased the funds raised are going to a very good cause and that many older people will benefit from the work that the charity does.” Helen Bryant, manager of Woking and Sam Beare Hospices, is pictured with Anchor West Hall staff Vanessa Travis, Jason Nelson, Jana Harvanova, Lesley Loizou and Kate Desmond.

weeks identifying how scents prompt activity in several different areas of the brain, so, for those struggling with memory, this should be a great way to help them remember past times,” said lifestyles co-ordinator Richard Lever. “Alongside the scent cubes, we have an album of old photographs linked to the scents so that we can provide an extra visual prompt – a real ‘smell-o-vision’ experience.” The scent cubes are just one of the wide range of events and activities for residents of all ages at Forest Care Village, designed to keep those staying in the centre, for respite care or long-term nursing care, stimulated and entertained. Other activities include regular live music performances in the main lounge, arts and craft activities and the opportunity for pampering in the beauty salon and barbers.

Brian celebrates 30 years as a director BRIAN Ballin has celebrated 30 years as director of Coxbench Hall and 30 years of providing quality family-run care at the home. The facility originally accommodated nine residents, but over the last 30 years the property has been developed to accommodate up to 39 residents and a separate building added to provide four close care apartments.

Since its opening, the home has obtained the Investors in People award, purchased its own minibus for weekly mystery trips, and the gardens are opened twice a year as part of the National Gardens Scheme. The evening was marked with a formal dinner attended by around 80 guests which included the Mayor and Mayoress of Amber Valley, the residents and their friends and family.

09 CQC

12/12/14

10:34

Page 1

12/12/14

10:34

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Challenge to benefit charity MAJOR Charles Jenkins has started his task of rowing 3,650km over the next year to raise funds for The Royal Star & Garter Homes. The challenge began on his birthday, November 4, when Charles brought his Concept 2 rowing machine to the Surbiton Home for the residents to watch his first session. He said: “I am going to row 3,650km on a rowing machine in a year for The Royal Star & Garter Homes because I want to challenge myself at 55 years old and help veterans. The residents, the dedicated staff and the selfless volunteers who all make up The Royal Star & Garter Homes provide me with a regular education into why we need to care for each other, why we need to provide dignity in old age and how, even as a visitor, we can benefit from engaging with such a special environment.” Charles has supported the charity for the last 25 years. He completed the 100k Thames Path Challenge to raise funds, and has been a frequent visitor to the Richmond and then the Surbiton Home to offer his support.

Award winning cartoonist Tony captures the likeness of village AWARD winning cartoonist Tony Husband unveiled his new mural at the official opening ceremony for the Belong Warrington community care village. The opening event featured an appearance by South Warrington MP David Mowat and live drawing by Tony, who created the mural to celebrate the diverse interests and lives of the people living in Belong Warrington. Tony Husband has been a full-time cartoonist since 1984 and his cartoons have appeared in Private Eye, The Spectator and Daily Mail. The North West-based artist, who was born and lives in Hyde, Tameside, has won more than 15 major awards for his work, including the Pont Award from The Cartoon Museum, for his talent at capturing the British way of life. Tony’s poignant book Take Care, Son: The Story of My Dad and his Dementia, which was published earlier this year, has been lauded for its touching illustrated portrayal of his father's life with dementia. He said: "I've been touched by people's responses to my account of my father's journey with dementia. When Belong approached me to create a mural for the opening of its new care village, I knew that I wanted to capture some of the diversity and

Cartoonist Tony Husband and Belong Warrington general manager Janine Curwell unveil the new village mural. vitality of the people living here. Hopefully I've done justice to thriving community life in Belong Warrington." The new community care village was funded by RBS and was led by relationship director Kenny Nelson, who added: “We are delighted we could support Belong with the latest

opening of their fifth care village. Belong Warrington adds to their impressive portfolio as a credible care operator providing dedicated care to those living with dementia. I wish them all the very best as they welcome their new residents and extend their care across the North West.”

11 Bluerock

15/12/14

11:12

Page 1

16/12/14

09:15

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Residents see stars in space mission A NEW Forest care home is seeing stars thanks to the maiden flight of NASA's Orion 'Mars ship'. The names of residents at Colten Care's Woodpeckers home were among more than a million on a microchip carried on the unmanned Orion space capsule. Shirley Smith, activities organiser at the Brockenhurst home, submitted the names online after reading about NASA's mission to land a human on Mars. They were blasted into space along with other mementos and historically significant items including a tiny sample of lunar soil and a prehistoric fossil from a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Shirley said: “I'm a great space enthusiast so when I read about this I thought it was too good an opportunity to miss. “We've presented our residents

Cook Julie Williams with a resident and Claire Hennessey.

Shirley Smith, activities organiser (in spacesuit), and Karen Luke, healthcare assistant (third left) join residents with their NASA boarding passes. with official NASA boarding passes and everyone feels part of what looks set to be an historic mission.” Orion was launched on a Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida for a short journey above the Earth to test key technologies.

The capsule is being developed alongside a powerful new rocket that will have its own debut in 2017 or 2018. The first launch with a crew aboard could be as early as 2020 if all goes to plan.

Moulded food is a real treat

ELDERLY residents at a Pontefract care home have seen their dishes literally take shape with the introduction of moulded food portions. Residents at Vicarage Court who struggled with solid food can lose weight as the pureed alternative offered to them may not whet their appetite. So staff have been forming the food into meat and vegetable shapes in an effort to make them more palatable. Care home manager Ann Wood said: “One of the main issues we found in encouraging residents to eat meals was the presentation. “People eat with their eyes, so providing food our residents can identify and presenting it well, encourages them to eat better and reduces weight loss.” Cooks worked with a visiting dietitian to plan menus which would meet the nutritional needs of the residents, aided by fortified drinks and food supplements. Ann added: “We now provide diets of the appropriate texture and consistency, which our residents enjoy. “We can offer even meat, fruit, vegetables, fish, and puddings. Our cooks discuss menus with the residents and if they do not like anything on the menu, we will prepare special meals of their choice.”

Visualise brings inclusion for blind people ONE in five people over the age of 75 lives with sight loss in the UK. Founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy, Daniel Williams has recognised the need to raise awareness on the importance of keeping your eyes healthy and raising staff’s awareness in assisting, communicating and caring for blind and partially sighted service users. Visualise’s mission is to educate both the business world and society on the needs of people with visual impairments. Visualise offers a range of services, such as visual impairment awareness training, access auditing, motivational speaking, work place assessments and mystery shopping to enhance service delivery. There are currently 66 per cent of working age people with sight loss unemployed. Daniel intends on decreasing this statistic by offering employment to visually impaired people and breaking down barriers with employers.

16/12/14

12:31

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Pat’s care home success lands major award win By Dominic Musgrave

Two new short courses from Connect 2 Care TWO new Level 2, one-day short courses to help increase the overall effectiveness, confidence and profitability of those working in the care sector are now available from national care training provider Connect 2 Care (C2C). ‘Understanding the Safe Use of Medicines’ and ‘Moving & Handling’ extend the range of C2C’s professionally recognised care skills, training and development options. Understanding the Safe Use of Medicines will enable learners to develop an understanding of different types of medications that are regularly used in the sector, and cover the procedures for obtaining, storing, administering and disposing of medicines, the legislation and audit process, responsibility and accountability. The Moving and Handling course aims to equip staff with confidence and teach approved techniques. Successful completion of the course will result in a Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Award in Moving and Handling (QCF). Enquiries: For further information about either of the new courses, contact Connect 2 Care on 0800 954 2803 or visit www.connect2care.net

A GLASGOW woman who has overcome a series of life threatening health complications thanks to her stay in a care home has landed a care award. Pat Brezney, 63, suffers from Peripheral Vascular Disease which saw her face years of turbulent health complications – ultimately leading to her losing both legs. On many numerous hospital stays, Pat’s family were called and told to expect the worst, however, she continually fought through and began a slow process of recovery. After being told by doctors she needed full-time care, Pat became a resident at Bupa’s Highgate Care Home in Glasgow – a decision which she now acknowledges has helped to dramatically change her quality of life. And now Pat has been awarded the Care Home Resident Achievement Award at the 2014 Scottish Care – National Care Home Awards, which recognised her determination to lead a normal life. As soon as she arrived at Bupa’s Highgate Care Home, Pat said she felt instantly welcomed and encouraged to take a more positive approach to turn her life around. She said: “I cannot thank the staff

Pat and the team at Bupa’s Highgate Care Home in Glasgow. enough for the attention they gave me. Everyone seemed to go out of their way to more helpful than the next person. They truly went out of their way to make sure I received the best possible care. “The staff recognised that my needs were completely different from other residents and treated me like I was an individual – not just a number. I know my confidence has grown tremendously in my 12 months at Highgate. “While in hospital I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am

now very positive and the future is truly brighter – I have been given the go ahead to start driving again once I can find a car which has been adapted. I am independent again. I have my own electric wheelchair which has opened the world back up for me. I was denied this initially but thanks to the perseverance of the home I got reassessed – and for the first time in a long time I travelled to Edinburgh last week on the train with my friend. “In fact the only thing that frightens me now is getting a speeding fine for using the electric wheelchair.”

14 Care Designs

18/12/14

09:50

Page 1

15/12/14

11:14

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Regulator set to publish camera use information THE inspectorate has agreed in principle to publish information for providers, as well as for people who use services and their loved ones, about the use of covert or overt surveillance to monitor care. Over the last year CQC has been seeking views from people who use services, carers, providers, staff and other partners about this important topic. The regulator’s board members have approved the information to be included in the final documents, but have asked that the information for the public be written in a more accessible way. With this approval, CQC will publish the information shortly. Chief Inspector of adult social care, Andrea Sutcliffe, said: “We know that exploring the potential use of hidden and public cameras in care homes and other care settings is a really sensitive issue – and one that provokes a huge range of debate and opinion. “We have spent the past year really listening to people who are using health and social care services, their families, providers and partners on their experiences, anxieties and concerns that matter to them. “The information we will publish

for providers makes clear the issues we expect them to take into account – for example, consulting with people using the services and staff – if they are considering installing hidden or public cameras. “I hope the information we will publish for the public will help them make the right decisions in difficult circumstances and I look forward to making sure that this information is written in a way that is most useful for them. “I am clear that any form of surveillance cannot be seen as the only way to ensure people are receiving safe, high-quality and compassionate care. We need enough staff, properly trained and supported, who really care to ensure people get the services they have every right to expect.” Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb added: “Cameras have helped to expose terrible cruelty and neglectful care and I welcome this new information. Decisions about using surveillance are extremely difficult – there is always a balance to be struck between protecting people and respecting their right to privacy – but this information will help families to make the right choice for them.”

A Wincanton care home has raised money for charity with a fun-filled Disney themed day. Members of staff and residents at Elliscombe House Nursing Home, along with their relatives, dressed up as their favourite Disney characters for the day, with all proceeds going towards the Alzheimer’s Society. The day also included a Disney musical quiz, with people dressed in costumes ranging from Minnie Mouse to Buzz Lightyear with two Mary Poppins and a Burt. Sharon Daley, peripatetic manager, said: “It was great to see people get in the spirit of the day and dress up as their favourite characters. We are delighted to support such a fantastic charity as the Alzheimer’s Society, which does so much for people diagnosed with the condition, and I would like to thank everyone who showed their support and donated.”

Care home receives touching tribute A GLASGOW care home has received a touching tribute to commemorate the life of a former resident. Bupa’s Eastbank facility has taken delivery of a bench in memory of former resident John McQueen, who lived at the home between July 2012 and June 2013. The bench, donated by John McQueen’s wife, has taken pride of place in the home’s new patio area – and is already being enjoyed by resi-

dents, guests and family members. Manager Stephen Hagan said: “It was an extremely kind gesture for Betty McQueen to donate a new bench to the home in honour of her late husband. I personally think it’s a great way to remember a loved one – I was touched when I found out. “Residents and guests have been enjoying the new bench in our newly built patio area - which has now also become a place to remember John.”

16 new mayfare

18/12/14

16:58

Page 1

18/12/14

12:28

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Green-fingered John named director of gardens By Dominic Musgrave A 70-YEAR-OLD green-fingered resident at a New Barnet care home has taken on the new honorary role of director of gardens. John Scott Martin has been tasked with choosing planting schemes and providing advice on the gardens at the Cedar Gardens Care Centre (known as Cedars), in New Barnet. “Last year, we had a gentleman stay with us for a few months who took a real active interest in the gardens, directing our staff with ideas for planting, including our new kitchen garden,” said manager Fran Walsh. “Whilst he was too frail to do the dig-

ging, he knew exactly what plants to go where and we often joked that he was our ‘director of gardens’, so we have decided to formalise the role. “John has always been an enthusiastic and passionate gardener, but with mobility difficulties, keeping up a garden of his own would be impossible, so here, we can give him the best of both worlds: top class nursing care combined with a team of enthusiastic gardening staff who are ready to learn from his experience.” One of the areas that the new director of gardens will take charge of will be a dedicated enclosed garden for the home’s dementia sufferers. Work will shortly get underway on

an accessible outdoor space, which residents can access without risk. Fran added: “When you are caring for people with dementia, if they choose to walk with purpose – that is, wander around with a purpose or a goal in their mind – they are able to do so safely. “Good practice in many care homes enables residents to wander around the home, but there are usually security measures in place to stop them from roaming out of the building. “This garden will enable them to freely explore and use an outdoor space safely, further improving their quality of life despite the debilitating nature of the illness.”

John Scott Martin

18/12/14

14:30

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Group joins scheme to protect its residents By Dominic Musgrave CZAJKA Care Group has joined forces with Alzheimer’s Society and West Yorkshire Police to become one of the UK’s first care providers to introduce new measures that help to keep vulnerable residents safe and protect them if they go missing. The initiative, known as the Herbert Protocol, is designed to help the police and other relevant authorities to intervene and react as soon as a resident is reported missing. The procedures also include advice and guidelines to help prevent residents going missing in the first place.

Managing director Konrad Czajka said: “We always try to achieve a balance between offering an unrivalled level of care and maintaining our residents’ independence across all our homes and thankfully incidents of residents going missing are extremely rare. However, it’s always good to be prepared for the worst case-scenario so it made sense to join this scheme. There’s no doubt it will help to give vulnerable residents an additional layer of protection.” Police Sergeant Vanessa Rolfe, from West Yorkshire Police, added: “The first few hours of any missing person search are critical, but even more so

when a person has Alzheimer’s, dementia or another condition that can leave them confused or vulnerable. “Care providers signed up to the Herbert Protocol record details of any residents considered to be of particular risk. Details kept on file include an up to date photograph of the resident, medical information and any information about when they may have gone missing in the past. “A package of information is also put together for each care home containing information about local bus routes, nearby CCTV cameras and highlighting any hazards such as

waterways and busy road networks.” By having the relevant information already compiled, it saves precious time and subsequently enables enquiries to be progressed immediately, tailored to the known details of that resident, with resources accurately targeted to particular areas. We are delighted that Czajka Care Group are on board as we introduce this initiative in West Yorkshire.” Saltaire based Czajka Care Group is a family run business that operates five nursing and care homes in West Yorkshire, as well as offering home and domiciliary care to hundreds of people across the region.

19 Ablyss

12/12/14

10:48

Page 1

20 Badgemaster

12/12/14

10:47

Page 1

16/12/14

09:16

Page 1

CARINGDEMENTIA

Our Lives … when it’s good to remember “This is a very useful new tool for us. Used by staff, volunteers, residents alike. I feel it is very well presented and has ideas and information to appeal to the majority of people” Sarah Small, activities organiser, Barchester Healthcare OUR Lives is a new to the market activity tool designed to help, engage and support the elderly and people living with dementia. It helps ignite powerful memories and can be used either through 1:1 conversation or within a group as a regular activity discussion based on a wide and relevant range of topics. Our Lives can be used by many sec-

tors , the carer, the volunteer, the relative and independent use too , it helps with reminiscence, stimulation and comes with an enjoyable activity worksheet. Our Lives covers individually the decades 1940 to 1990, with each decade having at least 10 different detailed subjects to discuss and reminisce. Our Lives can help your organisation to promote memories, happiness, well being and to help with quality of life, as well as the awful feeling of loneliness that can come with living with dementia. Visit www.ourlives.org.uk to order your copies now and to learn more about this innovative new activity.

Art suite becomes blackboard RESIDENTS in the specialist dementia unit at Forest Care Village in Borehamwood have been invited to draw on the walls, thanks to a new art suite created by staff. In the room which is now dedicated to drawing and writing, one whole wall has been painted with blackboard paint, meaning residents can make good use of the chalks provided to create temporary fresco masterpieces, which can then be wiped away and started again. “Those living with dementia will often choose to do activities linked to an earlier part of their lives, especially

childhood, so the art suite caters for this 24 hours a day,” said Richard Lever, who leads many of the activities within the home, and who designed the new room. “Within minutes of us having finished the work on the room, residents were already using it – one using the chalks on the wall, and another sat at the bureau writing.” The art suite is one of a number of specially dedicated themed features for residents living with dementia in the home, including a reminiscence area which is designed to look like a living room from the 1960s or 70s.

Widest choice of room signs available on the internet Dementiasigns.co.uk sources high visibility dementia signage for all rooms from a number of leading suppliers and lets care homes choose from the widest range on the web at competitive prices. Our purpose designed signs help care and nursing home residents with dementia to orientate themselves more easily and find their way, especially to the most important locations such as the toilet, bathroom, lounge or dining room without feelings of stress. The signs feature simple lettering on a bright contrasting background, reinforced by an easily identifiable image to ensure visibility and recog-

nition in every location. Tactile signs are also available. Made from durable, wipe clean, fire rated plastics, the signs have a strong acrylic adhesive on the back for easy fixing. To help residents identify their bedrooms more easily we also offer bedroom signs in which names and photographs are easily interchangeable. Featureless corridors which all look the same can be confusing for a person with dementia. Door decals, window decals, memory boxes and replica street signs are also available to brighten the home and make it easier for residents to identify their own room.

16/12/14

09:17

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Ellen Brown, care homes divisional manager at apetito, looks at the importance of working with suppliers who understand the challenges faced by those who care for people living with dementia

An understanding approach to dementia care RECENTLY described by David Cameron as “one of the greatest enemies of humanity”, 80 per cent of people living in care homes have a form of dementia or severe memory problems according to the Alzheimer’s Society. With predictions that 850,000 people will have dementia in the UK by next year, homes will undoubtedly be investing more time and money than ever in making sure carers are fully aware of how best to care for those who are living with this increasingly prevalent condition. But what about the suppliers you work with? Working with companies who truly understand the challenges faced by carers of those living with dementia can have a big impact on the quality of care offered, not only by providing services tailored to suit their needs, but by offering a muchneeded source of additional support and advice. Understanding the challenges Helping more than 300 care homes across the country to provide nutritious, appetising meals to their residents, catering to those living with dementia is a major focus of what we do at apetito. This is why we recently enlisted the help of Dementia Care Matters founder, Dr David Sheard, to train people across our company to under-

stand even more about the challenges posed by this complex condition. Our training session really brought alive the challenges of understanding dementia and of living with the disease. The team was also trained in how to become a ‘Dementia Friend’, a nationwide network supported by the Government to support those living with dementia in the community in a wider sense. A compassionate approach We encouraged our team to put themselves into the shoes of someone who has dementia and what the session certainly brought home to me was that while our memory is very precious to us all, it can be very fickle. For example, we were asked to draw the back and front of a 2p coin from memory and without looking at it first. Not many of us could, but it illustrated just how we can take simple recall for granted until we no longer have it. The importance of routine was emphasised and, of course, mealtimes are an important part of this. As well as practical innovations such as apetito’s texture-modified meals for residents with chewing and swallowing difficulties (which sadly often goes hand in hand with dementia), we now have an even greater set of

apetito’s care homes divisional manager Ellen Brown. skills and understanding to work with homes in developing techniques that are often needed to encourage residents with dementia to eat in the first place. For example, picture menus are a useful tool in helping residents make choices, as some may not be able to identify a dish through a written description alone. When choosing suppliers to work with for all aspects of your care provi-

sion, I would urge you to look for those who have been taught the skills needed to support those who care for those living with this prevalent disease. Not only will this make a difference to the running of your home, with so many affected in the community, the more all of us understand about this condition the better we’ll be able to cope with the demands this disease will place on society.

23 P&G

12/12/14

10:47

Page 1

24 Forbes

18/12/14

16:21

Page 1

16/12/14

14:41

Page 1

CARINGLAUNDRY, HYGIENE AND CLEANING

Care home operator gives Kate new role KAY Johnson has joined care home operator New Care Projects as its group hospitality and client experience manager. In her new role she is responsible for a team of 75, including kitchen, laundry, housekeeping, hospitality and maintenance across New Care Project’s two homes in Trafford. This number is set to increase in the near future as Kay commences a comprehensive recruitment plan for New Care’s third home, which is currently under construction. Kay’s educational experience has already created and introduced a dedicated development programme at New Care Projects, actively encouraging each member of staff to undertake NVQ qualifications at Trafford College and identifying promotions within their relevant department. With training high on her agenda, she also oversees the progress of the apprentice chefs and the hospitality apprentices between the homes, for which New Care Projects recently received a Trafford College Business Training Award. Kay said: “After a long and successful career at Trafford College it was time for a fresh challenge. New Care Projects appealed to me as I had never worked in the care sector and I was attracted to the company’s innovative vision to continually improve

Kay Johnson (left) with some of her team. and raise the standards of care. “The role is perfect for me. I am starting from scratch which offers me the opportunity to build up my own teams and develop training programmes for the staff, helping them progress in their careers through education. I am passionate about what I do and ultimately, I want the hospitality services that New Care Projects offers to make a lasting impression to the residents and their families within the homes. Together with my team, I know we can make a big difference.” Chris McGoff, CEO of New Care Projects, added: “Kay’s education experience and knowledge of the hospitality industry, along with her hands on approach, was just what we were looking for.”

Forbes Professional – a service you can trust A FAMILY company, established in 1926, at Forbes we pride ourselves on the level of service that we provide. We have a solid understanding of the care sector, and are acutely aware of industry requirements in terms of hygiene control and WRAS compliance. A proud partner to Miele Professional, we only provide appliances that fully adhere to the stringent health and water regulations, and our machines offer sluice and thermal disinfection to kill bacteria and viruses. Fundamentally, the laundry function is central to a care facility, and

any maintenance issues that arise need to be addressed immediately in order to facilitate the smooth running of the operation. Our nationwide infrastructure and team of Miele trained engineers facilitate a same day service in the event of technical failure, to ensure that our clients’ daily routines are not interrupted. Should you be having any problems with your current equipment, or finding that your current service provider is letting you down when it matters most, please contact Forbes to find out more about our Complete Care package.

26 Gomples

16/12/14

09:31

Page 1

16/12/14

14:08

Page 1

CARINGLAUNDRY, HYGIENE AND CLEANING

The big impact of small stains on businesses CLEAN linen can make or break a business’ reputation in the hospitality industry. In fact, even the smallest of stains can have a big impact on customers’ perceptions and how they think they are run, according to results from a recent P&G Professional survey. 45 per cent of independent operators believe clean linen has a significant effect on guest satisfaction, and therefore overall customer ratings and reviews. Yet, despite this, 24 per cent confess they do not even know how to treat tough stains. Jayne Clarke, sales director, UK and Ireland at P&G Professional, said: “P&G Professional has long-standing experience working closely with the hospitality industry. We understand the importance of tackling stains to keep reputations intact and business thriving. “Ariel Professional, available in powder and liquid form, is a unique solution offering zero tolerance, even for the industry’s toughest stains. In fact, it is quality products like Ariel Professional that can help hospitality businesses reduce costs as they deliv-

er exceptional results at any temperature the first time around.” This recent survey commissioned by P&G Professional, the out of home division of Procter and Gamble, also found that the stains that are considered toughest to remove are wine and grease. 43 per cent feel better product training will help them tackle stain removal, with as many as 49 per cent believing that it is quality products that will improve the look of their linen. However, respondents also voiced concerns over the perceived cost of these products. 23 per cent noted that cleaning already made up as much as 69 per cent of their total budget, especially when unable to clean linens in the first wash or at low temperatures.

28 + 29

16/12/14

13:59

Page 1

Planning permission secured for scheme NOT-for-profit housing association Harrogate Neighbours has secured planning permission on a 1.5 acre brownfield site in the town for a new £7million housing scheme that will provide 21st century supported care facilities for older people. Working in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and construction company Keepmoat, Harrogate Neighbours plans to develop a new 5,125 sq metre extra care housing scheme on the redundant highways depot on Station View, Starbeck. Under ‘The Cuttings’ scheme, designed by Bradford architects Langtry-Langton, 55 one and twobedroom apartments and studio flats will be constructed, together with communal facilities including lounge, café, treatment rooms, laundry, hair salon, activity room and

landscaped gardens. The development will also include new administrative space and kitchen facilities that will enable the housing association to cater for the residents as well as continuing to run Food Angels which provides a hot meals service five days a week to elderly customers across Harrogate. Once complete, the living space will be available to rent and will provide older people with the chance to continue living independently but with access to communal living and emergency and unplanned care provided by trained staff who will be on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Priority will then be given to relocating the 49 residents currently living at Harrogate Neighbours’ current extra care housing at Greenfield Court, and any residents at the Council’s Woodfield House Elderly

An artist’s impression of the new housing scheme being bult in Harrogate. Persons’ Home. Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours, said: “We’re delighted to be granted planning permission as it will provide muchimproved modern living facilities for

our residents that match the 21st century level of care we provide.” Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring, with work expected to complete approximately 18 months later.

28 + 29

16/12/14

13:59

Page 2

CARINGCOMMERCE

Operator acquires home after nearly 20 months of talks DC Care has sold Terrington Lodge near Wisbech, to Kings Lynn based care group Armscare Ltd following almost 20 months of talks and negotiations. Armscare is a local, family-run operation, headed by Veena Sehgal, which owns and runs Docking House in Docking, Summerville House in Heacham, Norfolk Lodge in Hunstanton and Laburnum Lodge in Littleport. The homes are all managed under the supervision of operations manager Bernie Asbury, who has a wealth of knowledge that relates to dementia care. Terrington Lodge will be managed by Debbie Ruskin, who has been at the home for over 17 years, under the guidance of registered manager Clare Paget, as well as Bernie. Armscare will, over the course of the next few months, be looking to make improvements in the numbers of staffing, dementia care systems, practices and procedures and to the fabric of the environment as a whole. Andy Sandel, who managed the sale through to completion on behalf of DC Care, said “We were

DC Care’s Andy Sandel and Armscare Ltd’s Raj Sehgal. instructed in March 2013 to find a purchaser for the home following the tragic death of the former owners Mr and Mrs Beeharry. “It has been a difficult process and all credit must go to the loyal and caring staff at the home. We are all thankful of their efforts over the last couple of years. “I believe that in Armscare we have found a good quality local operator that will invest in the home and its staff which in turn will improve the environment for the residents.”

14 Conferences

16/12/14

11:25

Page 1

18/12/14

14:44

Page 1

CARINGCOMMERCE

Burford Care Homes sells turnkey home in Sussex BURFORD Care Homes has sold Hastings Court East Sussex to Target Healthcare REIT. Hastings Court is a new facility constructed to a very high standard, with 80 bedrooms, all with en suite wetrooms. Our clients asked us to approach a small number of operators in our usual highly confidential and bespoke fashion, and a deal was quickly agreed to the satisfaction of both parties. Paul Burford said: “The sale of Hastings Court is yet another large purpose-built home that we have sold during the course of 2014, and we have a number of similar deals going through the legal process at the moment which will be announced in

Paul Burford the New Year. “Our confidential, no fuss approach is proving highly successful as we enter our fifth year of trading.”

Final phase work begins WORK has begun on the final phase of a £10m healthcare village in the Norfolk village of Swanton Morley. Called Woodgate Park, the development is owned and managed by Castlemeadow Care, who contracted NorthStar to deliver a unique vision of what elderly care will look like; now and in the future. The development of the 25 independent living retirement bungalows aims to create a new quality of life for people of retirement

age, and are intended for residents who need the minimum of assistance but get comfort from knowing that their home is immediately next door to a GP surgery and a care home which provides care staff to cater for their needs as much or as little as they require. Woodgate Park is a development of 25 spacious, twobedroom retirement bungalows which will be built to a high specification offering safe and secure independent living.

31 Claims uk

12/12/14

10:48

Page 1

32 Conferences

18/12/14

16:40

Page 1

16/12/14

14:01

Page 1

CARINGCOMMERCE

Paul Burford the New Year. “Our confidential, no fuss approach is proving highly successful as we enter our fifth year of trading.”

16/12/14

09:18

Page 1

CARINGCOMMERCE

Group aims to raise £3m for new home WOODLANDS Care Group is hoping to raise £3m for a new specialist dementia care home by selling mini corporate bonds. The group specialises in providing care to elderly people living with dementia and its directors anticipate that the scheme will appeal to investors whose lives have been touched by the condition as well as those seeking a secure source of income. The Wigan-based provider is currently constructing a 55-bedroom property in Westhoughton, Bolton, due for completion next summer. Founder Sam Lancaster said the scheme provides people with “the opportunity to invest in secured bonds that yield an attractive rate of interest” for between three and five years. He added: “This investment opportunity is a positive and pro-active way for people to make a real difference by enabling us to be able to reach out and assist even more people living with dementia. Our initial research has shown that the bond issue is likely to appeal to investors whose family or friends have been affected by dementia experiences. “This presents a truly ethical investment alternative to those seeking an inflation beating return on savings. “We are in a position to raise the £3m required to complete this new

building from conventional sources, but we decided to offer bonds to the general public, giving everyone an opportunity to participate and also enable our fees to be extremely competitive.” Sam anticipates that residents in the new care home in Westhoughton will include many private individuals paying for their own care, as well as those referred by local authorities in the North West. Woodlands Care Group has engaged property investment bond specialists Best International, based in Knutsford, to issue bonds on its behalf and manage investor interest payments. Chief executive of Best International, Brad Lincoln, said: “Amongst the reasons that we became involved with Woodlands Care Group is that we are supportive of the ethos and style of the management team that are developing this new high quality dementia care home. “Basically, mini corporate bonds are a type of loan that investors make to companies and our role is to ensure that the interests of all investors are protected throughout the term.” Construction work on the 26,000 sq ft home began last spring and the first residents are expected to be welcomed in the summer.

A purpose-built care home in Norwich has moved a step closer to completion. The team behind the development celebrated the traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony at Ivy Court – the latest state-of-the-art care centre to be built by Caring Homes. The facility will offer residential, nursing and dementia care for up to 71 residents, who will benefit from an on-site bistro, hair salon and cinema room. Sue Glanz, regional operations director, said: “Caring Homes is synonymous with high quality care delivery, which extends to the care and attention we put into building new care homes.” The home is already generating interest and is due to open in early Summer 2015. Kevin Coleman, Caring Homes’ construction manager, is pictured with Tony Wilkinson, site manager for Baxter and King Construction, and Sue Glanz, Caring Homes’ regional operations director.

New owners for Ashton House ASHTONLEIGH Homes Limited, a west London-based care homes group with facilities in East and West Sussex, is to expand its portfolio with the purchase of a 91-bed care home in Haywards Heath, following £6.5m in funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial. Established in 2005, AHL is run by husband and wife team Gaj and Kathy Ragunathan. The group cur-

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

34 CHIS

16/12/14

10:44

Page 1

16/12/14

09:19

Page 1

QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BY

35 www.requiredsystems.com

Staff recognised for care achievements MORE than 20 care workers from across Lincolnshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire have been recognised for their outstanding achievements and quality of care at a special awards ceremony held by The Orders of St John Care Trust in Lincoln Cathedral’s Chapter House. Nominated for their dedication, commitment and continually going above and beyond the call of duty, Trust chairman Don Wood presented 21 OSJCT employees with awards at the Trust’s 2014 Chairman’s Commendation Awards ceremony. Alongside awards for the region’s employees, the Earl of Gainsborough Award for Quality was presented to Centurion House in Bicester for achieving all three OSJCT Care and Quality Accreditations (Care, Medicines Management, and Infection Prevention and Control) in addition to gaining an ‘Excellent’ rating in an internal audit, all within a

12-month period. The John Monckton Memorial Prize was awarded to Windsor Street Care Centre in Cheltenham for its creative range of activities designed to integrate the home into the wider community and enhance the lives of the residents. Chief executive Andrew Cheesbrough said: “All of our employees work extremely hard all year round. “However, the individuals and teams we are recognising today have demonstrated exceptional commitment over and above their day-to-day duties and it is a real pleasure to congratulate them at this special event. “The selfless individuals who work in our care homes across the country are the backbone of the Trust, and without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide the high-quality, person-centred care we pride ourselves on delivering to our residents.”

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

16/12/14

15:29

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Frankie Linham is pictured receiving his Newcomer to Care award.

Frankie wins newcomer award FRANKIE Linham, apprentice care assistant at Brunelcare’s Glastonbury Care Home was awarded the Newcomer to Care accolade at the recent Care Focus Awards in Somerset. Frankie, who has completed his apprenticeship and is currently working as a full time care assistant, said: “I love working for Brunelcare, as a company they are extremely supportive and always happy to help no matter what the issue is.” Not content with his caring role in Somerset, the 19-year-old will be travelling to Nepal in January for

three months to work with charity Restless Development, which addresses a wide range of issues such as extreme poverty, HIV, AIDS, poor sanitation, food and water supplies. Frankie added: “I hope to return with a different outlook on life and have more knowledge and understanding of health care, which I believe will enhance my career as a carer in many different ways.” He hopes to raise £800 to support this charitable work and donations can be made through his page on the Just Giving website.

16/12/14

09:46

Page 1

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Care environment has comfort in every detail YORKARE Homes has hired Shackletons to provide comfort within its 64-bed £4.5million luxury care home, Magdalen Park, in Hedon, East Yorkshire. Yorkare selected Shackletons to provide furniture with longevity and comfort in mind that would meet the care and comfort needs required for the three types of care provided: dementia, nursing and residential. Resembling an up-market hotel, Shackletons complemented the purpose-built environment with quality and craftsman made and upholstered seating, beds, and dementia specific occasional

furniture to create a homely, relaxed ambience. Yorkare director Laurence Garton said: “Our philosophy is based on providing individual care that provides dignity, independence and support in the best environment possible. We’ve worked with Shackletons for almost 10 years and knew they would be able to translate this into an environment that would do just that.” Magdalen Park offers a sensory street which includes a general store, hair and beauty salon, and public house with two sensory gardens and a rooftop garden with a bowling green.

SBID International Design Award win for YTM Furniture CARE home furniture manufacturer YTM has been announced a winner at the prestigious SBID International Design Awards 2014. YTM, in conjunction with interior designer The Drawing Room Interiors, held off tough competition to win the New Build & Development category. The awards feature 15 categories of design excellence and are judged by international industry leaders; an indication of both the competitiveness of UK organisations and the increasing importance of care home interior design. The winning entry from YTM showcased the creative design implemented throughout Care UK Winchcombe Place; an 80-bedroom facility providing residential, dementia and nursing care to the local community in Newbury, Berkshire. Winchcombe Place has been designed with a differentiated and eclectic style; its distinction comes from its aesthetic appearance including

innovative features such as a vintage sports display, an old fashioned scullery and aged photography memorabilia accompanied by black and white photographs, relating to the local area and the history of the residents that have lived there. Enquiries: Visit www.ytmfurniture.com

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

New ranges could save care homes thousands of pounds GOMPELS Healthcare Ltd has introduced a range of new products that have been making waves in the care home sector. With an emphasis on cost reduction, each new line can cut costs by 10 per cent or more. Specified to the same exacting standards of branded products, their own brand pull ups and other incontinence pads are an excellent alternative, providing cost savings of between 20 per cent and 30 per cent for a product of the same quality as others in the market. In addition, their carpet and fabric care products have been specially

formulated for care homes, and are already delivering outstanding results for more than 1,000 homes nationwide. Perhaps the pick of the bunch, Gompels’ no fuss Concentrated Cleaning System, delivers a 750ml trigger spray for only 20p. This is a real breakthrough in the sector, offering massive cost savings of up to 90 per cent against some branded trigger spray cleaners on the market. Why not get onboard with Gompels, and try some of these products for yourself, and see how much you could save.

Medicines management guide from Rosemont A GUIDE to medicines management and older people is available from Rosemont Pharmaceuticals. Called ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’, the booklet aims to help healthcare professionals learn more about how medication works, how the ageing process affects medicines, common adverse drug reactions, the definitions of compliance and concordance as well as to give an overview of some of the legal aspects of medicines management. The content of the guide is based on current best practice and the most up to date evidence about medication management. The focus is on the care of older people, who have a higher prevalence of illness and take around 50% of all prescribed medicines (Kelly 2011). Four in five people over 75 take at least one prescribed medicine, with 36% taking four or more medicines (NSF 2001). Enquiries: To receive a free copy of ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’, email marketing@rosemontpharma.com or call 0113 244 1999.

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

Beaucare’s Beauwash™ Range

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

BEAUWASH™ is an efficient, cost effective and ecofriendly laundry cleaning products range, specifically formulated with healthcare establishments in mind. It is cleverly designed to provide superb cleaning performance at lower temperatures, shorter wash cycles and kill bacteria at just 30°C, providing a more sustainable laundry cleaning process in terms of overall running costs and for the environment. Available in powder or liquid form: 10kg tubs, 5lt, 10lt or 20lt liquid containers. When combining the laundry liquid with

automated dosing systems, it creates one of the most efficient laundry solutions available on the market today. Beaucare also offers advice on the most efficient way to run all healthcare laundry needs and provides expert fitting and maintenance of automatic dosing systems by its own service engineers. Enquiries call 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

38 classis

16/12/14

14:05

Page 1

Four times award-winning door signs – direct to you

Residents enjoy the traditional Christmas scene at Oakwood Grange.

FOR award winning, top quality room and Resident’s door signs be sure to look at the Badgemaster range. It’s already the choice of thousands of residential and nursing homes. There are gold or silver plates with smart, replaceable engraved inserts – clear, durable and easily changed. Choose from two sizes (25mm x 200mm or 50mm x 200mm), now with handy end-stops that make for secure, tamper-proof identification of room use or occupier. Just let Badgemaster know your requirements, e.g. name of room or name of room user.

Your handsome doorplates should be with you in five days or less. If room use or details change, the service for replacement inserts is just as quick and efficient. A full range of recognised International symbols, directional arrows and Braille is available. Also slide-across room status facility e.g. Vacant/Engaged, Do Not Disturb etc. Corporate logos can be added for a small extra cost. These are the name signs that have four times won the coveted Hospital Management Today Award for top performer – signage category.

Home’s reception transformed New protectors for people A BARNSLEY care home’s reception has been transformed into a traditional Christmas scene so residents can reminisce about the festive period. Ideal Care Homes’ Oakwood Grange has papered the wall to make it look like brickwork, created a log fire and put up decorations to make it look like a sitting room where people can sit and talk, drink mulled wine and

Signs

eat mince pies. Susan Dooler, the home manager, said: “The response has been amazing, residents have enjoyed it so much, it’s been wonderful to see their faces and how happy it has made them. “I would like to thank Brian our maintenance man for designing and building the fire place, and all the staff.”

with fragile and thin skin DermaSavers are breathable wearable protectors for elderly and disabled people with fragile and thin skin. DermaSaver Skin Protectors protect fragile skin from damage and skin breakdowns, such lacerations, splits, tears and superficial bruising caused by friction, rubbing, abrasion, shear and external pressure. DermaSaver Skin Protectors are made from soft 3D medical textile that replaces foam, gel and fleece. Superior moisture wicking and breathability of DermaSavers keep

ID Cards

Transport

Accountancy

the skin dry, cool and healthy and protected from painful damage. DermaSaver Skin Protectors are comfortable garment-like Class 1 Medical Devices for 24-hour wear – when sleeping, sitting or walking. Fully machine washable, DermaSavers are hygienic and compatible with ointments and medicated creams. Easy to apply and non-constricting with constant ventilation reaching the skin, DermaSavers are free from drawbacks and ongoing expense of bandages and dressings.

39 Avanta

15/12/14

16:50

Page 1

40 shackletons

16/12/14

12:30

Page 1