Caring uk july 2013

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July 2013

incorporating

no.206 • £4.75

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Association chief in call for protocol

By Dominic Musgrave

THE head of a care organisation is pushing for a new escort protocol to be set up between care homes, hospitals and ambulance services in a move to head off potential staffing problems amongst her members.

West Midlands Care Association chief executive Debbie Le Quesne met with Tessa Norris, director of community services and integrated care, Dudley Group of Hospitals, to present issues encountered by care providers in fulfilling the requirement that all of their residents must be accompanied on hospital visits.

Currently, ambulance operators insist on an escort for people being transferred from nursing and care homes to hospitals. However, the same does not apply for patients being picked up from their own homes.

Debbie said: “Current, often openended appointment procedures, mean care providers trying to get extra cover or having to recall staff about to go off shift.

“Carers can end up sitting in A&E, corridors or on wards for hours at a time and often there are issues of divided loyalties for them as they try to juggle time-pressured family commitments and the need to

support the person in their care.

“Some of the issues raised at my meeting were as basic as trying to ensure the escort is made aware of possible clinical appointment delays, exactly what’s happening to the patient during the appointment and if local clinics or district nurses could provide an easier alternative.”

Debbie added that home owners had to pay staff to ‘sit in hospitals for days’.

“With increasingly tight financial margins, either such costs are borne by patients’ families as additional payments for care or are absorbed by providers, compromising investment into their businesses,” she added.

In correspondence with Debbie, Tessa said as part of patient ‘modernisation’ the Dudley Group was looking at pushing more services into the community.

She also explained a hospital IT project looking at electronic discharge letters might – within information governance – be able to be expanded to provide, with patient consent, a discharge summary to a care home.

The other option was to review the discharge summary and ensure a copy showing changes to care and medication was sent with the patient.

Provider takes top five spots in survey

TV celebrity Esther Rantzen has opened a new £6m Hampshire care home that will create up to 60 jobs.

The broadcaster chatted to residents at Hartwood House in Lyndhurst and was presented with flowers by pupils from the village primary school, St Michael and All Angels. Run by Hartford Care, the home will provide residential care, dementia care and nursing under one roof. Hartford Care is a family-owned business that was launched more than 100 years ago and now has nine care homes in the south.

RETIREMENT Villages Ltd has taken the top five rankings in a ‘Best Retirement Communities in the UK’ survey.

Independent website bestretirementdestination s.com placed five of the company’s villages in the top five spots in the national rankings.

Cedars Village in Hertfordshire took top spot, closely followed by Roseland Parc in Cornwall, Castle Village in Hertfordshire, Thamesfield in Oxfordshire and Elmbridge Village in Surrey. Lime Tree Village in Warwickshire was seventh.

Sarah Burgess, Retirement Villages Ltd’s sales and marketing director, said: “We are extremely proud of our villages and the lifestyle they offer the UK’s older population. To be recognised by an independent website for our facilities, services and overall village offering is fantastic and testament to our model.”

The other four spots in the top 10 were made up of Richmond sites.

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New film aims to give care sector recruitment a boost

By Dominic Musgrave THE National Apprenticeship Service has launched a new film to encourage more young people to explore the wide range of apprenticeships available in the care sector.

In the film, former and current apprentices working in different roles across the sector recount their experiences and talk about how an apprenticeship has benefited them.

Representatives from providers including Barchester Healthcare and Hendra Healthcare also talk about the breadth of skills they developed during their apprenticeship and the importance of the sector to the economy.

Lindsay Giess, 32, who features in the film, has completed an advanced apprenticeship in health and social care at Hendra Healthcare in Ludlow and is now a senior carer at the residential home.

She said: “My apprenticeship has given me a leg up the career ladder in the care sector. I knew for quite a while that I

Lindsay Giess wanted to work in this sector but I wasn’t sure of the best way to go about it.

“Being an apprentice meant from the outset I was doing exactly what I wanted to do – from day one I got plenty of faceto-face time with the people I care for, while also gaining vocational qualifica-

tions that have helped me to progress in my career. Becoming an apprentice is one of the best decisions I ever made.”

Richard Richards, 32, who completed an intermediate apprenticeship in health and social care with Barchester Healthcare, and is now a senior carer working with adults with dementia at the group’s Park View Care Home in Dagenham, also stars on the film.

Sharon Allen, CEO at Skills for Care, added: “The care sector is growing at a rapid rate and we are in constant need of new people with the right skills to join the workforce.

“An apprenticeship provides an opportunity for young people and adult learners to gain the interpersonal skills vital to a career in the care sector through workplace experience. Apprentices earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future and there are now a wide range of apprenticeships available across the sector, including the new higher apprenticeship in care leadership and management.”

Association leaders among events’ confirmed speakers THE line-up of speakers is almost complete for Script Events’ next two care conferences to be held in July.

The Quality in Care themed days, which take place on July 17 at the Park Inn

Hotel, Southend and July 18 at Basingstoke Country Hotel, are a must for all care home operators/ managers.

Confirmed speakers include NCA and ECCA chief executives Sheila Scott and

professor Martin Green, as well as Karen Oliver from the National Association of Care Catering. Fitness manager Tara Hammett will also discuss ‘Fitness and activities for residents’.

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Group Sales Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734333 Email: bg@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant Sales Manager: Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734692 Email: mandye@caring-uk.co.uk Fax: 01226 734477

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 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Reporter: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 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.

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Survey sign-up deadline nears

By Dominic Musgrave

Support workers Sorina Ciocan, Rob Sexton and Nikki Charleson tackle Mount Snowdon to raise money for St Luke’s.

Staff tackle Mount Snowdon STAFF working at St Luke’s in Runcorn scaled the heights of Mount Snowdon in an adventurous effort to raise money for the home.

The team of 10 fundraisers were led

by Sue Ashcroft, manager at the specialist dementia care home which supports 56 residents from across Halton. The group battled the elements on their journey, taking on the wind, rain and even snow to reach the mountain’s peak.

They raised over £1,000 in total, which will go towards creating specialist enhancements at the home.

Sue said: “It was a gruelling and challenging day, but the feeling of accomplishment when we reached the top was fantastic. The money will be used to upgrade our sensory room, which provides a therapeutic yet stimulating environment for our residents.

“The commitment from the team in tackling Snowdon to raise money for this wonderful new facility shows just how dedicated our staff are to improving the lives of the people we support and I am immensely proud of them all.”

THE deadline is looming for care providers to sign up to Your Care Rating 2013, the satisfaction survey of care home residents designed to promote quality improvement and help those choosing care homes.

Operators need to register with Your Care Rating by July 10 to take part in the 2013 survey which will be carried out in September and October, with results to be published by care home in December, enabling them and their current and future residents to make objective comparisons between homes.

Your Care Rating has commissioned Ipsos-Mori again to undertake the survey and analyse the results.

The 2012 Your Care Rating survey saw care providers representing more than 45,000 residents in over 850 care homes participating in the survey, with almost 14,000 responses received. Residents were asked to rate factors including care, staff, activities, security, food, the home environment, whether they are happy at the home and whether they would recommend it.

Some were supported in the completion of the survey by friends, relatives or volunteers, and this helped to ensure that the survey was

accessible to as many residents as possible. The results published in January 2013 showed that residents’ opinions in the vast majority of care homes are positive.

Baroness Sally Greengross, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ageing and Older People, said: “Giving a clear picture of the care provided in residential homes has never been more important.

“From September 2013, in the largest ever survey of residential care, Your Care Rating will publish home by home results, to help those families considering residential care to make an informed choice, and to drive continuous improvement by care home providers in the areas that residents themselves think most need improving.”

Many additional care providers have already signed up for the 2013 survey and participants will include Anchor Trust, Barchester Healthcare, Methodist Homes, Care UK, Maria Mallaband and Fremantle Trust.

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of ECCA, added: “Your Care Rating fits very neatly with the Secretary of State’s call for more openness and transparency. Care providers committed to quality care and continuous improvement must join up.”

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Care expert urges action on training

By Dominic Musgrave PROVIDERS are being urged to act now to ensure a smooth transition when government funding for training ceases later this year – otherwise levels of care could suffer.

At a time when the care sector faces perhaps one of its toughest challenges yet – to provide and exceed an increasingly high expectation of professional skills and services – it’s vital that quality care provision is maintained and enhanced by on-going and innovative training at all levels.

That’s the message from Nigel Arkieson, national sector manager of care sector training provider Connect2Care, who is advising care providers to act quickly before changes to the way in which 24+ training is funded come into effect in August.

He added: “As a large proportion of employees in the care sector are aged over 25, this change to funding could have significant repercussions for care providers.

“It’s critical that care providers understand the changes and the implications for their business, and are aware of new funding pathways and initiatives available to them. We would urge employers to start planning for change now, so that continuity of training – and therefore the proper level of care – is assured.”

From the end of July, 24+ government funding for qualifications at Levels 3 and 4, as well as for the Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships, will cease.

For courses starting from August 1, individuals or their employers will be responsible for paying course fees, which for eligible learners, may be financed through the governmentbacked 24+ Advanced Learning Loan.

The 24+ Advanced Learning Loan is not dependent on credit checks or household income, and loan repayments are calculated according to earnings at the end of the course, not on how much was borrowed.

Repayments start once the individual is earning more than £21,000 a year.

Nigel added: “Employers need to ensure that there is continuity in training and a smooth transition when the funding changes come into effect – both for the benefit of their business and for those in their care.

“In the light of recent yet isolated negative events within the care sector, it’s even more critical that staff are equipped with the skills and practical experience to perform their job to the highest level.

“Well trained, competent staff are a valuable asset and can help deliver greatly improved levels of care, efficiency, understanding, skills and professionalism – key skills which will only enhance your care offering.”

Raymond Blanc with Watlington Gardening Club volunteers Pauline Verbe and Cheryl Barnes, as well as Sanctuary Care gardener Pete Hemmins and residents Janet London and Clare Lane.

Chef helps to plant garden RAYMOND Blanc OBE visited an Oxfordshire care home as part of his ongoing partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society.

The celebrity chef visited the town of Watlington, which is a regional finalist in the RHS’ Britain in Bloom ‘Edible Britain’ campaign, stopping off for the morning at Watlington and District Nursing Home, which provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.

He helped residents, the team and members of the local gardening club to plant an edible garden, including fruit and vegetables such as tomato plants and currant trees, as well as an

array of summer plants in the greenhouse. The fruit and vegetables planted will be used in dishes for the residents’ mealtimes.

Julie Cooper, the home’s manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Raymond Blanc took the time to visit our home. The residents and team are all huge fans of Raymond and his cooking and were delighted to meet him.

“The edible garden is a wonderful idea and we are delighted to be supporting the Watlington in Bloom campaign while providing delicious, fresh vegetables for our residents’ meals.”

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Bridesmaids Joanne Jones (senior carer), Jodie Pringle (carer), Lisa McKean (admin) and Donna Brooks (activities co-ordinator) with happy couple Paul Robson and Linda Dixon and resident Lily Dodds.

‘Wedding’ ceremony makes resident’s wish come true A GATESHEAD care home played host to a ‘wedding’ as staff granted the wish of a resident who has never witnessed a couple making their vows.

Lily Dodds, 75, made the request to attend a couple’s special day as part of the home’s wish tree project.

St Marks Court staged the mock wedding between two care assistants that work at the home, Paul Robson and Linda Dixon, who are a couple and agreed to “tie the knot” for the day.

A ‘vicar’ conducted the service and there were bridesmaids and flowers, followed by a reception that took place in the lounge at the home.

Manager Nikki Coulson said:

“Everyone at St Marks Court really enjoyed Paul and Linda’s ‘big day’. It was fantastic to be able to make Lily’s wish come true and it was great that everyone at the home could get involved.

“Residents have made a wide range of wishes and we look forward to making other wonderful and exciting dreams come true.”

The wish tree at St Marks Court, which was made by members of staff, has a number of leaves, with each leaf representing a wish a resident has made.

Once their wish has been granted, a blossom is placed on the tree with a photo and description of their dream coming true.

Funding for dignity projects available

By Dominic Musgrave NURSING and residential care homes in Wales can now apply for grants to run and try out new projects that encourage dignity and respect for residents.

The Burdett Trust and Age Cymru Grants Programme is offering awards of up to £10,000 for projects that can also demonstrate a relationship centred approach and evidencebased practice.

John Moore, manager of the My Home Life Cymru Programme at Age Cymru, said: “Dignity and respect are two basic requirements for anyone to maintain a good quality of life while living in a nursing or residential care home.

“The Burdett Trust and Age Cymru Grants Programme wants to encourage continuous improvement in these areas by staff working in nursing and residential care homes across Wales.

“We want to fund innovative projects that promote dignity and respect for care home residents and

support the My Home Life Cymru ethos of relationship-centred care and evidence-based practice.

“Projects that apply for funding must also be able to demonstrate clear learning that can be shared with other nursing and residential care homes across Wales.”

Nursing or allied care professionals working in a residential care home in Wales or care home managers in Wales can apply to the Burdett Trust and Age Cymru Grant Programme.

Grant applications will need to fit in with at least one of three themes.

The My Home Life themes are: Personalisation – maintaining identity, supporting a person-centred approach; creating community; sharing decision-making.

Navigation – managing transitions; improving health and healthcare; supporting good end of life.

Transformation – keeping workforce fit for practice; promoting a positive culture.

Projects need to start by September 2013 and can take up to 12 months for completion.

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Duo go global to share their expertise

By Dominic Musgrave A SHROPSHIRE care home is celebrating the success of a global link-up which saw two of its members of staff passing on their expertise and knowledge to carers in Hong Kong and Australia.

Mandy Thorn, who is managing director of The Uplands at Oxon nursing home in Shrewsbury, and nurse manager Carey Bloomer, recently returned from the globe-trotting trip having shared their knowledge with colleagues from the same industry by delivering training sessions on care for elders with dementia.

Carey said: “As with the situation in Britain, an enormous part of the Hong Kong population has dementia, but they obviously have a completely different culture and therefore traditionally do things very differently with regard to their care system.

“The team at the Tung Wah Hospitals Group were eager to learn how we manage end-of-life care and dementia – I think they are looking at Britain and the US to see how to manage patients better, and we certainly had extremely positive feedback from our presentations.

“It is so important to pass on the good skills we learn in this country to others around the world so that the final months of those with dementia are made as comfortable and dignified as possible.”

Mandy said she was particularly delighted to have been accompanied

by Carey on the trip because of her involvement with a national working group which was launched at the London Eye earlier this year to improve the standard of care for those with dementia.

She added: “In Australia we were invited to give a presentation to delegates from the medical, health and

North Inch Care Home residents with members of The Prince’s Trust team.

Raised beds add a splash of colour to courtyard Mandy Thorn care sectors from all around the world at the ACPEL conference in Melbourne.

“Part of our programme was talking about the benefits of carrying out advanced care planning for patients which aims to help co-ordinate the best possible care through all tiers of the sector including GPs, hospitals and nursing homes.

“As a result of the trip we are being visited at The Uplands by the CEO of Palliative Care Australia and a group of GPs from Germany.”

“Other countries look to the UK as a beacon of good practice which they want to emulate when it comes to caring for those suffering from dementia.”

The Australian leg of the trip also included visiting and sharing information with Victoria Blue Cross Care and catching up with contacts who work in Tasmania and South Australia delivering the Australian version of the Gold Standard Framework in endof-life care.

Pickmere Court in Crewe has won the residential category at the RICS NW regional awards at a ceremony held at Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford ground.

The awards showcase the most inspirational regional initiative and developments in land, property, construction and the environment, and this year received the highest number of entries (602) to date. This is Manchester-based Pozzoni Architects’ third win of the category, for which they have been shortlisted for the past five years. The £8.75m extra care scheme has been completed in three phases, providing 85 new and refurbished apartments, new communal facilities including bistro, assisted bathroom, spa, hair salon, meeting rooms and private secure landscaped garden areas.

RESIDENTS and staff at Perth’s Balhousie North Inch Care Home are set to enjoy some colour this summer and beyond following a two-week community project carried out by members of Perth and District YMCA Prince’s Trust Team Programme.

As part of a community project, The Prince’s Trust Team, which is delivered in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council and Perth College UHI, has given one of the home’s courtyards a complete makeover, with the help of donations from several local organisations.

Together they have built raised

flower beds – some of which will be used to grow herbs and vegetables, painted the walls and created a colourful mural to brighten up the courtyard.

Manager Diane Halley said: “We are so grateful for all the hard work put in by the team from The Prince’s Trust.

They have really done themselves proud and have given everyone at the home something to enjoy for many years to come.

We would like to thank everyone involved in this project and also all the organisations which have donated to ensure this was a success.”

Leader uses open day to lobby MP A REGIONAL care leader used National Care Home Open Day to lobby a local MP for more support and investment for the social care sector.

Mike Padgham is calling on the Government to acknowledge the huge economic as well as human impact social care has on the country.

And he urged Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill to press the case for social care investment ahead of the Government’s imminent Spending Review. Mike, chair of the Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire), says the Government needs to recognise the contribution social care makes to the country and invest in it accordingly.

“Figures show that adult social care employs more than 1.5m people in England – that’s more than work in the construction industry or the food and drink service industry,” he added.

“It contributes £20bn directly in to the economy, more than the production and distribution of electricity and gas or the food and drink service industry.

“Yet the Government does little to support or invest in the sector, as it does for other industries. Instead the sector is suffering in the current economic downturn.

“If the Government supports social care it can provide more jobs, more building work and generate growth in the economy.”

He also warned that further cuts to local authorities in the Spending Review would hurt the provision of social care to older and vulnerable people yet more.

Mike invited Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill to the National Care Home Open Day celebrations at his own care home, St Cecilia’s.

Robert added: “Although cases where care home standards have fallen below the standard we should expect sometimes hit the headlines, the vast majority of care homes provide sympathetic and compassionate care and their staff demonstrate the highest possible standards.

“Having previously spent a day with care workers both helping people in their homes and in a care home environment, I know that many of the people who work in this sector often go ‘the extra mile’ and they often don’t get the credit they deserve.”

Did your care home host an event for National Care Home Open Day? Email your stories and images to dm@scriptmedia.co.uk and we will feature them in the next issue.

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‘Matron’ Kathleen wins first carer of the year award

A Lancashire care home hosted a garden party with a difference, with the guests of honour exotic animals. Local school children joined Kepplegate Care Home’s residents to hold, stroke and learn about a selection of safari animals. Blister the python was hung over people’s shoulders, while Hedgewood the African pygmy hedgehog was tentatively held, as was Bruce the blue tongued skink. Other animals included Norman the racoon and Pepe the skunk. Kepplegate charged a small amount to have the animal experience and this fee, together with money raised on tombola, popcorn and bric-abrac stalls, raised £250 for Fleetwood’s Charity School in Preesall, to help towards school outings.

Domiciliary client Grace Hoole is pictured looking at Pepe the skunk.

A FORMER bank manager turned carer, who is known affectionately as ‘The Matron’ by the people she looks after, has won her company’s first employee of the year award.

Kathleen Taylor only joined Caremark (East Riding) in 2011, having spent 16 years working in banking, including a stint as manager of the Scarborough Building Society in Bridlington.

The 58-year-old took to caring immediately, winning the hearts of her clients in Bridlington and surrounding areas who refer to her as ‘The Matron’ due to her no-nonsense approach and attention to detail.

One of these clients is Arthur Wheeler. He and his wife Pat were so impressed with the care provided by Kathleen they selected her for the inaugural Caremark (East Riding) carer of the year award. She received £100 and a certificate.

Kathleen said: “I was surprised but delighted when I discovered I had won the award. I just look on it as doing my job but it nice to know that people value what I do. I left banking because I was tired of constantly having to meet unrealistic targets and I wanted a career change.

“Caring appealed to me because, like banking, there is lots of interaction with customers but the big difference is there is no selling involved. You are in someone’s home because they want you to be there and you are providing services that make a real difference to peoples’ lives.”

Pat, who has now pledged to sponsor the Caremark (East Riding) carer of the year award annually, added: “Kathleen is extremely observant and her attention to detail and no-nonsense approach is second to none.

“I am an ex-nurse myself and am very particular about who cares for Arthur, but whenever Kathleen is in the house I know he is in the very best hands.

“We are only too pleased to sponsor the award and we are hoping and expecting that other carers can now match the high standards set by Kathleen.”

Graham Precious, MD of Caremark (East Riding), said: “Kathleen is very deserving of our first carer of the year award. She sets very high standards for herself and others and is a credit to the company.”

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A pair of chefs at a Cornish care home have cooked up an estimated 1.5 million meals for its residents in their 51 years of combined experience. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Chefs cook up a storm at home JOHN Geach, head chef of The Poldhu in Mullion, West Cornwall, has run the kitchen for 26 years alongside second chef Christopher Orchard, who has worked there for 25.

John, who joined the home shortly after its opening, said: “I’m very passionate about my job, I do take a lot of pride in what I do. To get to where we are today, we need to be on top of it all the time and we are constantly upgrading.

“I have a very good relationship with the residents. When I first came here I made a point of making myself available. I’m out there most days walking up and down, saying hi and having a laugh and a joke.

“If we put something new on the menu, I’ll go out and ask what they think, and if the reaction is good, then we’ll keep it on the menu.”

Before taking up the position at The Poldhu, John was a fishmonger and worked for 12 years in a hotel kitchen.

He has since become Swallowcourt’s longest-standing employee.

Committed to providing the highest quality of care, Swallowcourt also send kitchen staff on nutrition training sessions.

John added: “As a chef you’re always learning new things and the nutrition course is a really good guide.

“It’s been a great deal of help in

developing our menus.

“Our customers are here all the time so the menu has to vary enough to give them a bit of stimulation. It isn’t like a hotel when you get customers coming in every fortnight.

“We have such a varied range of clientele and we have to check what their dietary needs are. It’s a very fine juggling act and I’ve learned a lot in 26 years.”

Established in 1984, The Poldhu is the oldest of seven care homes owned and operated by the Swallowcourt Group, which offers elderly and specialist care across the west of Cornwall.

Swallowcourt chairman Stephen Keely paid tribute to the pair.

He said: “John and Christopher have been a great asset to the team at The Poldhu.

“It’s rather unusual to see one person, let alone two together, in a job for this long and we couldn’t imagine the kitchen without them.

“Their service has been invaluable to the standard of our catering at The Poldhu and we are extremely grateful for their loyalty.”

Have you got a member of staff who has worked at your home longer than John and Christopher? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or call 01226 734407.

John Geach and Christopher Orchard have cooked up an estimated 1.5 million meals at The Poldhu.

Picture credit: Simon Burt.

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Bohill House gondoliers, from the left: Jacqui Alexander, Mark Henry, Russel Eakin, Karen Kelly, David Caldwell and Louise Stirling.

Home’s staff take to high seas for lifeboat charity STAFF from Bohill House Care Home in Coleraine were cheered on as they took part in the RNLI Portrush Raft Race.

The intrepid crew of six, dressed as gondoliers, took the plunge to help raise much needed funds for the local lifeboat station.

Family, friends and colleagues, warmly wrapped against the sea breeze, gave encouragement from the beach as the home’s raft braved the elements.

A video of the event was filmed to allow residents who were unable to attend to enjoy the occasion.

The gondolier theme was chosen to reflect love as the home is part of

Amore Care.

The raft was made with loving care by the home’s maintenance team and decorated with the help of the residents.

Manager Tracy Henry said: “We had a fantastic day out and everyone is very proud of the staff who took part.

Bohill is very much part of the local community and we were pleased to be able to support a very worthwhile event, which raises money for a vital resource for the area.

As many residents as possible went along to give moral support and it has been a real talking point at the home ever since.”

Older people hope to reach the charts with charity single

By Dominic Musgrave OLDER people are giving modern pop stars a run for their money and tackling loneliness in the process by releasing their own charity single.

The Anchor Community Band’s single ‘See Yourself’ challenges perceptions of old age.

More than 350 older people from across the country have been involved in writing and recording it, the oldest band member being 96 years young.

The single will be sold to raise money for national charity Contact The Elderly to help combat the loneliness felt by one million older people today.

Opposing stereotypes, research from older people’s care and housing provider Anchor found that one in five over 55s (21 per cent) regularly download music to listen to on their MP3 player and nearly half (47 per cent) usually buy their music online.

Three quarters (74 per cent) of over 55s said they like hearing about new

music and almost a third (31 per cent) surf the net to find out about new tunes.

The Anchor Community Band single has already hit number three in the Amazon CD singles chart and has drummed up support from celebrities including Sir Terry Wogan, Linda Robson, Shane Ritchie, Coleen Nolan, Fiona Phillips, Carol McGiffin and Tony Robinson.

Jane Ashcroft, Anchor’s chief executive, said: “The Anchor Community Band celebrates the positive aspects of ageing and challenges stereotypes and misconceptions in a fun way.

“We know that music is extremely important for many older people and the band has come together to show that older people can do anything that younger people can do.”

Legal and General has funded the production costs of the single, so that all income from sales, up to £15,000, will go to Contact the Elderly.

In addition, all profit generated from sales will be donated to the charity.

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Bea Harrison with the group of New Voices volunteers.

Home helps to bridge the generation gap A WANDSWORTH care home’s oldest volunteer presented a group of youngsters with a special award in recognition of their efforts.

Bea Harrison, 97, who has been a volunteer at Nightingale House for over 20 years, presented the group with their awards at a ceremony as part of the home’s New Voices volunteering scheme.

The programme has more than 40 volunteers aged from 16-25, who together have completed over 1,600 hours of volunteering at the home since October.

“We are very privileged to have such a dedicated group of young volunteers,” said chief executive

Leon Smith. “The commitment that they show to our residents speaks volumes about how the younger generation care about the older people. The New Voices scheme is helping to bridge the gap between the older and younger members of the community.”

New Voices is designed to give young people with an interest in the social care sector hands-on experience which will help their education and employment prospects. It also gives the volunteers an opportunity to make new friends while contributing to the personalised care of Nightingale House’s residents.

Violet McKee and Margaret Harper plant an apple tree.

Diamond Jubilee garden unveiled in Royal Deeside

By Dominic Musgrave THE finishing touches have been made to a garden at Inchmarlo Retirement Community Village on Royal Deeside that was created to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The garden will serve as a lasting memory of the historic event and has been designed by children from a local school who won a competition to design it.

Inchmarlo resident Margaret Harper, 104, who has taken a keen interest in the development of the garden, was assisted by Violet McKee, a pupil of Keig Primary School and who helped to create the winning design, in planting an apple tree to complete the garden.

The idea to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee was inspired by an oak tree that was planted in the grounds of Inchmarlo House to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. A competition to design the garden was held and 97 entries were received from schools in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

A panel of judges chose the sensory garden designed by pupils of Keig Primary School as the winner, and it was then interpreted by landscape gardener Susan McFadzean in conjunction with Inchmarlo

Retirement Community Village.

Charles Skene OBE, chairman of Inchmarlo Retirement Community Village, said: “This area has a long association with the royal family and we thought it fitting to create a garden here at Inchmarlo to mark Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee.

“We were overwhelmed by the number and quality of the entries we received, but all of the judges were very impressed by Keig Primary’s design. It clearly showed that the pupils had given a lot of thought to the residents who would be using it.

“The new garden is a super addition to the estate, which is currently expanding with a new neighbourhood under construction.

Susan McFadzean, Hortec and our own gardeners have done a tremendous job of bringing the pupils’ design to life.

“It really brings together the generations and will be appreciated for many years to come by our residents and visitors.”

In total, over 300 plants have been planted, which also includes a number of seating areas, a water feature, wind chimes and a bird bath and bird house.

In addition to seeing their winning design being used as the basis of the new garden, Keig Primary’s pupils won a £500 cash prize for the school.

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Jazz trio entertain visitors at tea party AN afternoon tea party hosted by Wellburn Care Home residents at St Catherine’s Care Home near York brought families and the wider community together and raised £150 for Age UK Knaresborough and District.

During the afternoon organised in partnership with laundry provider JTM Service, a jazz trio from the University of York entertained more than 50 visitors.

All proceeds from the event will go to Age UK Knaresborough and District which aims to improve later life for everyone, assisting with advice and information as well as activities and services within the community and practical support within people's homes.

It also campaigns on issues affecting older people.

The event is one of a series being organised by JTM and its washing machine supplier Miele Professional in partnership with social housing and care home customers across the north of England.

Simon is named best cook at competition SIMON Lawrence, executive chef for Hadrian Healthcare Group based at Wetherby Manor, Wetherby, has been declared the best care cook in the UK by the National Association of Care Catering.

Simon claimed the title at the grand final of the NACC Care Cook of the Year 2013, impressing judges with his creativity, knowledge and culinary excellence after more than 90 minutes of intense competition.

The judges praised his thoughtful and organised approach and enthused about the great flavours of Simon’s winning menu of oat crumbed mackerel and sweet potato fish cakes served with pea puree and roasted thyme potatoes with a homemade horseradish sauce, followed by panna cotta with roasted rhubarb and caramelised fig. Simon’s menu also received the highly commended main accolade.

He said: “It has been a real pleasure to compete against other chefs who are so passionate and genuinely care about catering for the care sector.

“After three years of competing in the northern heats, I knew each year I had to improve to just compete in the final, and to finally achieve this is a very proud achievement.”

All entrants were required to devise

new and exciting recipes appropriate for a care environment, and create a delicious and nutritionally balanced two-course menu, main and dessert, suitable for services users, and meeting the set budget of no more than £1.30 per head.

Innovation, costing, suitability for the environment, adherence to nutritional guidelines, taste and overall menu balance were the key attributes being looked for by the judges.

As well as the title of NACC Care Cook of the Year 2013, Simon claimed a prize package and trophy.

“The NACC care cook of the year competition is vital for the care catering sector,” said NACC chair Karen Oliver. “As well as celebrating the true talent that exists within the field, it also fulfils the important role of raising the profile of the sector and highlighting the specific culinary knowledge, skills, flair and dedication required to ensure consistent excellence within care catering.

“This year’s competition, and particularly the Grand Final, succeeded in doing just that. The overall standard of entries was higher than ever before, with entrants really pushing the boundaries and sharing best practice.”

Simon Lawrence with his winning dishes.

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Firm gains Investors in People status HOME Care Solutions has been awarded a prestigious national accreditation that recognises the way it supports employees to develop their skills.

The firm, which has its headquarters in St Neots, underwent assessment in February – which included assessors visiting its head office and branches and interviewing a crosssection of staff – and has now also been awarded Investors in People status.

Lynne Johnson, HR director for the Care Solutions Group, to which all three companies belong, said: “We received some very positive comments from the assessors about our recruitment processes and induction training and the way we support our staff with ongoing professional development, for example to gain diplomas in health

and social care.

“Training is a key priority for us and the quality of our training reflects the passion our trainers have for their work.

“Unlike some other companies in our sector – who provide training via the internet or a DVD – our new recruits receive between five and eight days of paid, classroom-based induction training, as well as branch induction and work shadowing, and nobody is involved in hands-on work with a service user until they have completed their induction and other mandatory training.”

Home Care Solutions provides a full range of services in Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Luton, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Nottinghamshire.

Sally and Glenn Pickersgill of Heritage Healthcare with Iain Sim of Coast and Country.

Anne Rogers and Natasha Richardson with Steve Mills and Ann Sherrington from training company Enabling Selling, who presented the awards.

Natasha’s ambition pays off as she scoops award A LIFE-LONG ambition to work in care has paid off for Natasha Richardson, who has been named her employer’s support worker of the year.

Natasha, 20, who has been with Stroud-based homecare provider DoCare for just over a year, won the award in recognition of her hard work and dedication to delivering a high level of care from the Yate office, as well as for the excellent feedback she receives from clients.

She said: “I was waitressing before I joined DoCare, but I had always wanted to have a job where I looked after people.

“I saw the care my Mum was given when she was ill and it really encouraged me to give it a go. I really didn’t expect to win this award, but I am delighted.”

Natasha’s colleague Anne Rogers

was named care newcomer of the year at the company’s third annual awards. Anne, 57, has been with DoCare since last summer after a career in admin and is based with the family-run firm’s Cirencester team.

DoCare’s managing director Steve Mills said: “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to be able to say thank you to the team for all they do for our clients.

“Ten years ago DoCare was just an idea in my head – we had no clients, no staff and no contracts.

“Now, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, we have grown and DoCare has helped support more than 1,000 clients over the last decade, enabling them to be able to carry on living independently in their own homes, something every member of DoCare is passionate about.”

A BRADFORD-based care group has created 23 new jobs in Kirklees after expanding its operations into the area and opening an office in Huddersfield.

Czajka Community Care Services, which is part of Czajka Care Group, has also won a contract with Kirklees Council to provide a wide range of home support services, including dressing, bathing, medication administration, domestic duties, health monitoring, night care and emergency cover, across the Colne Valley.

The new roles include a registered manager, care co-ordinators, senior carers and home support workers, who will be based from the company’s new office at The Beehive at Longwood, and these latest appointments take the company’s total workforce to more than 550.

Managing director Konrad Czajka said: “Since launching Czajka Community Care Services in 2001 it

has grown at an unbelievable rate and has quickly established an unrivalled reputation in the market for providing an exceptional level of care that is always completely tailored to meet the unique requirements of the individual.

“We were very pleased to successfully win a tender in Kirklees. We are now quickly building a strong client base in the area that ranges from individuals wanting specific help at home through to larger organisations outsourcing home support services and our recruitment drive is on-going as we continue to expand across Kirklees providing quality domiciliary and homecare services.”

Czajka Care Group is a family run business that was established in Saltaire, Bradford in 1983 and operates five nursing and care homes as well as offering a range of purpose built retirement houses and apartments.

Homecall announces Heritage partnership New jobs created as group expands HOMECALL Independent Living, which is part of Coast and Country, has announced the launch of a new partnership with leading homecare provider Heritage Healthcare as it further improves its independent living support services.

The announcement follows HomeCall Independent Living winning a contract from Redcar and Cleveland Council to supply telecare services to older and vulnerable people across the region.

The introduction of further services has created extra jobs, as staff are now responding to alerts triggered by HomeCall assistive technology that has been installed in people’s homes.

HomeCall Telecare monitors signs of potential problems and emergencies that may affect people living safely and independently in their own homes. These are linked to HomeCall’s customer contact centre, where advisors then respond to each individual situation.

Iain Sim, chief executive of Coast and Country, said: “Telecare is about giving vulnerable people their inde-

pendence while offering their relatives and friends the peace of mind that help is available should they need it.

“We are extremely proud of the services we offer, and partnering with Heritage Healthcare, which is an established and experienced homecare provider, will further strengthen and improve our services across the region.

“Going forward we have exciting plans to improve and expand our HomeCall Independent Living services even further, and we will be announcing these soon.”

Heritage Healthcare is run by company directors Glenn and Sally Pickersgill, Michelle Fenwick and Amanda Jackson.

Glenn said: “This is an exciting new phase in the growth and development of Heritage Healthcare.

“The partnership with Coast and Country’s HomeCall Independent Living is a perfect fit as we have a shared vision of providing high quality care and support to help people maintain their independence.”

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Provider’s charity champions Residents raise over £17,000 in a year step up to challenge

By Dominic Musgrave RESIDENTS of homes run by south coast operator Colten Care have helped to raise £17,000 for charity in a single year with support from activities organisers, social carers and other team members.

A wide range of medical, disabilities, young people’s and other charities have benefited from the familyowned provider’s policy of seeking to aid good causes in the communities it serves.

Residents at each home discuss and nominate a main charity to help every year, leaving scope for others to be supported too if people wish.

Activities organisers and carers then enable residents to contribute directly in meaningful ways such as making arts and crafts to sell at fundraising fetes.

Many residents and their families also provide encouragement when team members take part in sponsored events such as bike rides, walks and marathons.

Colten Care activities manager Karen Burdon, who heads the 37strong activities team, said: “Sometimes residents stick with the same charity but they always put it to a vote.

“It’s up to them as it’s their home.

We make a point of promoting resident choice in all aspects of home

Activities organisers from across Colten Care’s 19 homes gather at Brook View in West Moors, Dorset, to celebrate the charity funds raised. life. Choosing who to raise money for is just one of the areas where they have choice and control.”

A meeting of Colten Care’s activities organisers, held at the Brook View home in West Moors, Dorset, was a chance to celebrate the £17,020 raised for charity across all 19 homes

in 2012.

The home that raised the most money – Canford Chase in Poole, with £3,688 – helped its nominated charity, the Youth Cancer Trust, as well as Julia’s House, Sport Relief, Parkinson’s UK, the RNIB and Macmillan Cancer Support.

FOUR Seasons Health Care’s homes across the UK have begun preparations to become winners of the company’s annual gardening competition.

Homes have until the end of June to design, build and plant an award-winning garden before the judges select the homes that will go through to the regional stage of the competition.

Launched at the beginning of May, Four Seasons’ annual gardening competition challenges its care homes and hospitals to work together with residents and the wider community to create an inspiring and unique garden for summer.

Suzanne Roberts, head of marketing and business services for Four Seasons Health Care, said: “With a record breaking number of entries this year the judges will have a difficult task deciding on who goes forward to the next stage.

“The best gardens are not the ones that have the most money spent on them but the one’s where staff work with their residents and the community to enhance the environment.”

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Music evening held to mark project’s 20th anniversary MUSIC for Life, a joint project between Wigmore Hall and Dementia UK, in association with Jewish Care, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a musical evening.

Founded by Linda Rose in 1993, the pioneering scheme has, in association with Jewish Care and an expanding team of musicians, developed interactive music workshops for people living with dementia.

Since 2009, the project has been managed by Wigmore Hall in partnership with Dementia UK. Music for Life projects take place in residential homes and special day care centres throughout the group, and in other care settings across London and further afield.

Jewish Care’s assistant director of care services Gaby Wills said: “Music For Life is an integral part of our dementia learning programme, with regular planned projects taking place in homes and day centres.

“It is also the inspiration that drives us to continue and engage with the arts in our quest to improve the wellbeing of people.”

The project aims to enhance the

quality of life of its participants as well as demonstrating to carers the emotional, social and physical potential of people in their care.

During projects, specially trained musicians work alongside small groups of people with dementia and their carers; drawing out individuals and enhancing communication.

Music for Life offers three interlinked strands of work: music improvisation workshops for people living with dementia; working with staff to enhance their understanding of the emotional needs of people with dementia as part of a person-centred approach to dementia care; and developing professional musicians to work in this field.

During the celebration Sheree Charalampous, a volunteer at Jewish Care’s Sam Beckman Special Day Care Centre in Hendon, was presented with the inaugural Linda Rose Creativity in Dementia Award.

The accolade was presented in recognition of her outstanding work with people living with dementia – she has helped members to create a memory quilt.

Student Hollie Biggs with care team manager May Short-Billows.

College students gain experience at home TWENTY students from North Hertfordshire College descended on Providence Court care home for a student takeover.

The students are currently studying health and social care and the aim of the programme is to give them an opportunity to work alongside staff members to get real life work experience. Many have already decided which role to pursue in the sector, but for those who are undecided, it gives them an insight into what opportunities might be available to them in the future.

The students worked alongside various members of the Providence Court

team including the home manager, deputy manager, care team manager, careworker and chef manager.

Home manager Karen Parker said: “We arranged the day so that the students can really experience what the different roles involve.

“I have been overwhelmed by their enthusiasm for learning and would be really delighted if some of the students were to choose a career in care for older people as a result.”

Quantum Care – the group which operates Providence Court – supports the Good Care initiative which culminated in a Good Care Week event recently.

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Unique partnership sees Admiral nurse join group’s team

Residents Betty Schulze, Dilys Killen, Edna Sibeon, Robin Parton, Marjorie Smith, Nellie Cooper, Clint Barry, Margaret Ratcliffe with instructor Laura Griffiths and Hollybank HR manager Natalie Jones.

Residents enjoy Zumba classes RESIDENTS at Hollybank Care Home in Shotton, North Wales have found a fun way to exercise and stay active.

They have been putting their rhythm skills to the test in Zumba Gold classes provided by professional instructor Laura Griffiths.

The class has the moves and pace modified to suit the older participant and helps people to remain flexible and energised.

The lessons were arranged by

Hollybank proprietor and manager Jacqui Jones, who said the Latin music played during the sessions have proved to be a big hit with the residents She added: “The benefits of exercise for older people are widely known and our Zumba Gold classes are one way we can help our residents to remain mobile and active, but most of all, the classes are a way for us to have fun together.”

THE Good Care Group has joined forces with Dementia UK which will see an Admiral nurse appointed to the company’s professional care team, which is believed to be a first for the homecare sector.

The initiative aims to provide not only specialist clinical expertise, but also unrivalled and essential advice, guidance and support to the company’s clients, their family care providers and its own professional care team.

This will encompass participating in the Good Care Group’s regular webinars and educational seminars – aimed at assisting families in caring for loved ones with dementia, as well as being available for one-to-one support. The role will also provide mentoring and advice to the professional care team, participating in the company’s extensive carer training programmes and advising the company on opportunities for best practice research on caring for those with dementia in the home.

The Good Care Group CEO Fiona Lowry said: “Building on our already award-winning dementia care service, we are constantly striving to improve the standard of our care provision and this partnership with

Dementia UK will add a crucial new dimension to our offering – both professionally and for our clients and their families.

“The addition of the Admiral nurse to our professional care team will also help carers and families affected by dementia, to more fully understand and cope with the many challenges associated with the condition, especially those of changing behaviours and relationships.

“The particular strengths and expertise of an Admiral nurse will provide a range of psychological and social support systems to help prevent and alleviate stress, depression and anxiety, and boost the health and wellbeing of the family.”

Recruitment for the new post is underway and is open to both existing Admiral nurses and registered mental health nurses who are interested in becoming an Admiral nurse.

Barbara Stephens, chief executive of Dementia UK, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Good Care Group, as this will be the first Admiral Nurse role to support dementia care within a home care setting in the UK.”

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Group fined after unqualified man illegally installed two gas boilers

Resident Jean Guy enjoying the celebration.

Home marks Queen’s coronation RESIDENTS at a Northumberland nursing home enjoyed a special party to mark the Queen’s Coronation.

Debaliol, which is part of care home operator Bondcare, was decorated with Union Jacks for the celebration, which included musical entertainment by a local couple, and was enjoyed by residents, their family and friends and people from the community.

Julia Rose, manager of the 56-bed

home in Newbiggin by the Sea, said: “The residents really enjoyed the party to mark the Queen’s Coronation and it was great to see lots of their family and friends and people from the community joining in the celebration too.

“As many of our residents remember the Queen’s Coronation, the celebration was a fantastic way for them to reminisce and share their memories.”

Performers visit homes A HUDDERSFIELD theatre has teamed up with its local authority to deliver performances for residents in care homes around the borough.

The Lawrence Batley Theatre and Kirklees Council came together to discuss ways in which to include people in care homes across the region in some cultural activities.

It was decided that the theatre’s

Sunshine Players – a drama/improvisation group for over 50s – would visit two of the four council-managed care homes and perform short drama and comedy sketches for the residents in the communal areas.

Outreach arts worker Maggie O’Keeffe delivered interactive music sessions in the other two homes.

A DUMFRIES and Galloway care home provider has been fined for allowing unqualified handymen to illegally install two gas boilers at the premises in Sanquhar.

The ‘shoddy and dangerous’ gas work later led to the emergency evacuation of frail residents of the Queensberry Care Home and an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.

At Dumfries and Galloway Sheriff Court, Harveys Healthcare Ltd was fined £55,000 after pleading guilty to a breach of Regulation 4 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974. The firm admitted failing to ensure that the men they employed to replace the central heating boiler were qualified and registered with the Gas Safe Register.

The court was told that on the morning of February 3 2010 a strong smell of gas was detected from the boiler room of the home and, following advice from Transco, the affected unit – caring for nine elderly and infirm residents – was evacuated.

A gas engineer issued an ‘immediately dangerous’ certificate, capped the gas supply to the boiler room and expressed concerns about the authenticity and validity of gas safety certificates supposedly relating to the installation of the two boilers.

HSE discovered that the ‘Gas Safe’ registered heating engineer whose name appeared on the gas safety

certificates had no knowledge of the work in the premises. The certificates also contained inaccuracies relating to the engineer’s postcode and registration numbers.

The investigation also discovered that the handyman Abdul Kareem, who is believed to have carried out the work, has never been registered with the Gas Safe Register or its predecessor, CORGI. In addition, it was found that excessive amounts of paste had been added to pipe joints, probably in an attempt to prevent gas leaking. A forensic expert who examined sections of the pipework concluded that this was completely unacceptable, would only ever have stopped the escape of gas on a temporary basis and clearly demonstrated incompetence on the part of the person who had assembled the joint.

HSE principal inspector Jim Young said: “The failure by Harveys Healthcare Ltd to ensure that people employed by them were suitably qualified and registered to carry out work with gas systems is particularly worrying.

“The company failed in its duty of care toward a group of elderly and infirm residents and displayed a cavalier attitude toward their safety.

“Although thankfully nobody was injured, the work carried out by Abdul Kareem was extremely shoddy and resulted in an extremely dangerous and potentially fatal situation.”

Care hotel plans anniversary celebrations SCIMITAR Care Hotels celebrates its 40th anniversary of caring for the elderly in August. The company is eager to hear from those who have had dealings with, either as families of former residents, past members of staff, professionals in the care field –

local or national – or suppliers of goods and services. The first care hotel opened by the group in 1973 was Minchenden Lodge in Southgate, North London, and further sites in Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridge have since been added.

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Care homes across the UK organised events to mark the recent Dementia Awareness Week.

Dominic Musgrave rounds up what some of them got up to.

Homes host activities to raise awareness during week THE Caring UK newsdesk has been inundated with calls and emails from care homes who celebrated the annual event co-ordinated by the Alzheimer’s Society.

Residents and team members at Colten Care’s Fernhill facility, a dedicated dementia home in Longham near Ferndown, appeared on ITV’s Daybreak at breakfast as senior news correspondent Cordelia Kretzschmar interviewed home manager Jackie Hampton.

The pair discussed the value of dementia care training and the benefits of tailoring care to the particular needs of an individual.

The group’s operations manager, June Gallagher, said: “We fully endorse the advice for people to talk more about dementia. If they are worried about a relative who may be showing the first signs, they should have the confidence to know they can seek help and talk about it.

“When it comes to actually giving care, again it’s about listening to people, talking with them about their individual needs and responding accordingly.

“This is a key element of our own dementia care education programme for all team members, not only carers but anyone who is involved in looking after our residents.”

Akari Care homes in the North East celebrated with fun and beneficial events and activities for their residents.

Wordsworth House in Jesmond, Newcastle held an afternoon at the movies, an arts and crafts session designing and painting plant pots, an afternoon tea party with sandwiches and cakes made by the residents in a cookery session, a day of planting tomatoes and strawberries in the garden, which will be nurtured and eaten by the residents, and a day of dressing up in their finest outfits to enjoy an afternoon in the home’s bar.

Manager Linda Gonzalez said: “Our aim was to encourage people to think and talk about dementia and remem-

Residents and team members at Colten Care's Fernhill dementia care home with the ITV Daybreak crew and Cordelia Kretzschmar. ber the person behind the condition.

“The residents at Wordsworth House thoroughly enjoyed the week of exciting events.”

And the group’s Comfort House in West Denton celebrated with a sensory breakfast for the residents.

It involved residents smelling brewing coffee, bacon frying and bread toasting to the sound of soothing music, as well as looking at different breakfast foods. Residents were also given the opportunity to prepare their breakfasts as independently as possible.

Staff members from a Lincolnshirebased home care agency raised nearly £300 for the Alzheimer’s Society through a five-hour sponsored bag pack.

The team from Home Care Solutions spent time at Morrisons in Spalding on Thursday, raising money for the charity in support of Dementia Awareness Week.

Managing director Sarah Stephenson said: “By supporting Dementia Awareness Week, our aim is to get people talking about the dis-

ease, raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society at the same time.”

At Stocks Hall Care Homes in Burscough and Skelmersdale residents enjoyed a trip down memory lane. Staff at the homes encouraged residents that suffer with dementia to take part in a ‘memory box’ activity which incorporated items from their past. In each memory box residents and staff included items such as old photographs, perfumes and letters.

Sue King, manager of the Skelmersdale home, said: “We wanted to help the people that live with us who suffer with dementia to remember the ‘good old days’. Memories are important to everyone and are a great way to make people smile, talk and relax.”

The team and residents at Sanctuary Care homes across the country took part in a various events and activities.

Pinewood in Chigwell hosted a support workshop and seminar. As well as receiving information and advice, residents and visitors enjoyed cream teas, an array of craft and cakes stalls and a raffle.

Orchard House in Sawston marked the event by taking a trip back in time to the 1940’s. The home was transformed into a Naafi Wagon and residents and the team wore their finest 1940’s attire to enjoy high tea and music from the wartime era.

And a tea part for the local community at Ashley House in Bordon raised £70 for the Alzheimer’s Society. A local dementia support worker was also on hand to answer questions about dementia care.

Len Merton, director of older person’s care for the group, said: “Many of our residents live with dementia and we are dedicated to providing high-quality dementia care, so it was important to us to show support for Dementia Awareness Week.

“We’re delighted that our care homes came together with their local communities to raise awareness for a very worthwhile cause.”

Free seminars offering advice and support to those living with dementia, and their carers and loved ones, were also held at several of the group’s other homes.

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SCIE chair to deliver keynote LORD Bichard, the recently appointed chair of SCIE, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker at ‘Safe & Sound’, the ECCA conference and exhibition on safeguarding.

A legal perspective will be provided by Andrew Parsons, a partner of law firm RadcliffesLeBrasseur, and he will be joined by other authoritative speakers, names to be confirmed shortly, who have been invited to put forward their own insightful proposals for improving the current process.

ECCA chief executive, Professor Martin Green, said: “The ECCA conference is now established as a major event in the social care calendar and traditionally holds a current sector concern up to close scrutiny. This year the spotlight falls on safeguarding and we are delighted to have a line-up of knowledgeable speakers who will share with delegates their strategic vision for its future direction.”

‘Safe & Sound’ takes place on Wednesday, November 6 at Church House Conference Centre in London.

Social care in Wales on the verge of a leap forward

By Mario Kreft WE are on the cusp of a once-in-ageneration leap forward in social care in Wales.

The long-awaited Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill is due to receive Royal Assent next year and will come into force in 2015.

The legislation has presented us with a huge opportunity – it has the potential to be a ‘game changer’ in transforming the provision of social care in Wales and and we must not mess it up. Importantly, the legislation will introduce a national eligibility criteria and national outcomes framework in Wales along with portable assessments – where service users do not need to be reassessed if they move from one local authority area to another.

At Care Forum Wales, we have been calling for these reforms since our inception in 1993 and their introduction should finally help end the postcode lottery of social care in Wales. We are particularly grateful to Gwenda Thomas AM, the deputy minister for children and social services, for the leadership she has shown in navigating the passage of this legislation on its way to the Statute Book.

Care Forum Wales has been included by the Welsh Government at every level. I sit on the Minister's

Mario Kreft Advisory Group while our senior policy officer, Mary Wimbury, is on the implementation panel to ensure the Bill is translated into action. The legislation has brought together the myriad strands of legislation that built up since the late 1940s to create a more coherent structure that should give a real sense of choice and control to the people receiving care and their families.

Another important element is the commitment to the development and professionalisation of the workforce which certainly chimes with our priorities. As a result, a new professional body, the Academy of Care Practitioners, has been launched and is attracting a great deal of interest from quality care providers.

Crucially, the Welsh Government is also going to take more power and

encourage – and if necessary demand more partnership working between local authorities, the NHS and independent social care providers.

In an ideal world, we would not have 22 local authorities and seven local health boards but, short of massive structural change, that is our starting point.

The independent sector needs to be a fully integrated part of the new landscape so that providers can work with commissioners and regulators to ensure that we offer the best possible services while fostering innovation and the development of the social care workforce.

We believe it was eminently sensible that the Welsh Government decided against including any regulatory changes in the current legislation and we will have an input into the White Paper on this subject.

In the meantime, the new Bill will provide the overarching legal framework for social care services for the next 20 years and more, enabling the necessary flexibility for services to evolve and for people to be empowered.

At the same time, the legislation will enshrine in law the importance of the contribution of the independent sector in providing social care.

Mario Kreft is chairman of Care Forum Wales and proprietor of the Pendine Park care group.

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Architects win national ‘Re- Group uses imagine Age’ competition money for new posts

By Dominic Musgrave A BRISTOL based architect firm has won a national design competition, created by leading retirement developer McCarthy & Stone, to re-imagine the pre-conceptions around housing for people in their later years.

The Re-imagine Age initiative was created in partnership with RIBA competitions, after McCarthy & Stone carried out extensive research and found that although some older people are happy to downsize for financial benefits, they weren’t willing to sacrifice the freedom associated with their existing lifestyles.

Tom Russell Architects won the £5,000 prize with their design, which was entitled ‘Inside Out Outside In’ after meeting the panel’s strict criteria, with a sustainable concept that would appeal to the inherent ideals of the next generation of older people.

Their winning submission focuses on this mind set, with apartments that feature their own dual aspect front doors to maximise daylight hours, courtyards for ground floor apartments and raised external areas and balconies for those on the first floor. The concept also incorporates generous living spaces including two bedrooms, two bathrooms and space to entertain, plus a clubhouse for events and grounds for shared and individual activities.

The winning ‘Inside Out Outside In’ designed by Tom Russell Architects.

McCarthy & Stone executive director Ali Crossley said: “The winning entry contained many visionary ideas for accommodation that directly respond to the generational shift in the perception of age that the sector is currently experiencing.

“We believe that the design provided by Tom Russell Architects will appeal to the inherent ideals of the next generation of older people, and we are now looking at how we can work with them to evolve new housing products.”

The panel of judges, which was chaired by award winning RIBA architect Robert Sakula and consisted of both internal and external experts, were impressed with Tom Russell Architects’ use of architectural design beyond what has been previously available in retirement accommodation in the UK. The four other finalists consisted of AU Studio, Inglis Badrashi Loddo Architects, Living Space Architects with Hilary Lawson and wap architects, all of which received £2,000.

CASH from the Big Lottery Fund Awards For All scheme will help make life easier for people living with dementia in care homes across Sheffield SheffCare, which has 11 residential care homes across the city, has received £8,250 in grant aid.

The money has been used to buy special interactive sound posts, which have been placed in memory gardens that have been created at all the sites.

Chief executive Belinda Gibson said: “Sensory gardens can provide a special experience for people which focuses on utilising all the senses.

“There is evidence to suggest that as mental capacity changes in people with dementia they can function more on a sensory level rather than an intellectual level due to experiencing sounds like wildlife noises, and it is something that they can also enjoy with their families.”

The solar-powered sound posts sense when someone walks past and make a range of sounds from birdsong and country noises.

SCRIPT EVENTS PRINT AD

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A Must-attend event for care home owners and managers for 2013...

Quality in Care How to achieve and maintain the highest levels of care using trusted methods and incorporating the latest technology.

Quality in Care is the theme for this year's care conferences hosted by Caring UK's sister company Script Events.

Many aspects of quality will be covered by our stellar lineup of speakers – everything from nutrition and hydration to the care home environment itself and fitness for residents.

The next two conferences will be held at The Park Inn Hotel in Southend-on-Sea and the Basingstoke Country Hotel in July.

As always we promise a day full of talks from top industry experts, who will be passing on their knowledge. Running alongside the conferences will be an extensive exhibition, which will showcase all the latest products and technology for your care home.

This really is a conference not to be missed so to avoid disappointment please complete the booking form to guarantee your place.

Pri

ces: Single d eleg £25 ate Two de lega £40 tes

BO OK

BO OK

NO W

NO W

CONFIRMED DATES FOR 2013

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

th

17 JULY

18th JULY

Southend-on-Sea Park Inn

Basingstoke Country Hotel

08.30: Doors open for registration, refreshments and exhibition viewing.

09.30: Welcome and opening remarks: Tony Barry, Sales & Marketing Director – Script Media 09.40: Getting the Funding Right in 2013 - Sheila Scott OBE – CEO National Care Association 10.20: Dr Asif Raja – Care Home Owner 10.40: Fitness and Activities for Residents - Tara Hammett – Health Coach and Health Club Manager 11.00: Refreshments, networking and exhibition viewing - visit stands to enter the free prize draw.

To 11.40: Partnerships and Integrated Care - Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO English Community Care Association 12.20: Confused about New Build Prices - Steve Pippard - Managing Director, Decs Group 12.50: Dementia and Vision - Jennifer Roberts - Visioncall 13.30: Buffet lunch, networking and exhibition viewing – visit stands to enter the free prize draw.

To 14.15: Practical Aspects of Dysphagia - Nisha Virdee – Rosemont Pharmaceuticals 14.55: Barry Wilmot - Duplex Cleaning 15.15: Nutrition and Hydration - Karen Oliver, National Chair – National Association of Care Catering 15.55: New Compliance Assessment Tools - Peter Hawkins, Managing Director – Required Systems 16.05: Q&A Session chaired by Tony Barry – followed by prize draw, review and closing remarks.

16.15: Close.

08.30: Doors open for registration, refreshments and exhibition viewing.

10.00: Welcome and opening remarks: Dominic Musgrave – Editor, Caring UK 10.10: Getting the Funding Right in 2013 - Sheila Scott OBE – CEO National Care Association 10.50: Nutrition and Hydration - Karen Oliver – National Association of Care Catering 11.30: Refreshments, networking and exhibition viewing - visit stands to enter the free prize draw.

To 12.10: Practical Aspects of Dysphagia - Roger Hindle and Alan Jones – Rosemont Pharmaceuticals 12.50: Dementia and Vision - Jennifer Roberts - Visioncall 13.30: Buffet lunch, networking and exhibition viewing – visit stands to enter the free prize draw.

To 14.20: Confused about New Build Prices - Steve Pippard – Managing Director, Decs Group 14.40: Dave French - Duplex Cleaning 15.00: Fitness and Activities for Residents - Tara Hammett – Health Coach and Health Club Manager 15.20: Gary Shipsey – Managing Director, Protecture 15.40: New Compliance Assessment Tools - Peter Hawkins, Managing Director – Required Systems 15.50: Q&A Session chaired by Dominic Musgrave – followed by prize draw, review and closing remarks.

16.00: Close.

For more information contact us: www.scriptmedia.co.uk Tony Barry - Sales & marketing director. Tel: 01226 734 333 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Lucy Dickinson - Circulation and Sales Support. Tel: 01226 734 473 Email: ll@scriptmedia.co.uk

SCRIPT EVENTS PRINT AD

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Must-attend event for care home owners and managers for 2013...

Quality in Care Key speaker – Karen Oliver Karen Oliver is the Chair of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC).

She has been actively and energetically involved with the association for many years, holding both regional and national posts. Karen took the reins as Chair in September 2011.

Passionate about good nutrition and hydration across social care, Karen campaigns tirelessly to raise awareness, promote best practice, onset positive change, and ensure the issue remains high on agendas at both local and national level.

Speakers to include...

Jennifer Roberts

Sheila Scott OBE

Tara Hammett

Steve Pippard

Martin Green

Chief executive of the National Care Association

Fitness Manager, Dragon

Managing Director Decs Group

English Community Care Association (Southend-on-Sea and Wakefield events only)

Healthclub

Nisha Virdee and Roger Hindle

BOOKING FORM Single delegate rate £25 per person I Two delegates £40 Which events do you wish to attend?

Park Inn Hotel Southend-on-Sea - Wednesday 17th July SS1 2AL - GL3 4PB Basingstoke Country Hotel - Thursday 18th July - RG27 9JS

Delegates attending (Please print in block capitals) Title

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Job Title

Payment Method I enclose a cheque payable to Script Events Please invoice me Please phone for my credit/debit details BOOKING CONDITIONS All places booked must be paid 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 our statutory rights to claim interest and compensation for the debt recovery cost 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 payments.

Please tick here to receive a regular copy of Caring UK Please tick here to receive emails about products and services from exhibitors For further information please contact: Booked By: ............................................................................................................................................................................................

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Lucy Dickinson Email: ll@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734 333 Fax: 01226 734 478 Address: Script Media Group Ltd, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS

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Company unveils its expansion plans TWO new specialist dementia care homes are being planned by a North Yorkshire business following the success of its first £5m venture.

The two new homes, both in Yorkshire, are currently at the planning phase for Harrogate-based Vida Healthcare, which launched its first venture last year with financial backing from Yorkshire Bank.

The proposed homes by Vida Healthcare, run by father and son team Chris and James Rycroft, are part of a strategy to create five homes with a total of 500 places. Last year the company opened the 70-bed Vida Hall in Harrogate, creating 70 jobs.

James said: “The performance of Vida Hall in terms of meeting demand and the delighted reaction from families, has re-affirmed our belief that we are offering a genuinely new and exciting approach in caring

for older people.

“The ageing demographics of our society mean that dementia care will become a growing part of the UK’s healthcare provision.”

Vida Healthcare’s approach includes providing specialist care, which enables residents to reduce their dependency on antipsychotic medication. The operator works closely with a leading clinical psychologist, specialising in cognitive stimulation therapy, to pioneer a new treatment for mild dementia, which reduces anxiety and drug dependency.

Design experts specialising in dementia care have also been consulted to create environments with innovative design features and facilities, such as landscaping and sensory gardens, which support the needs of patients with the condition.

Vida Healthcare chairman Chis Rycroft and managing director James Rycroft with Yorkshire Bank commercial banking relationship manager Brian de Vere.

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Eight five-star homes part of £50m funding deal

An artist’s impression of the new home.

Longcross wins contract for £6.5m Moore Place LONGCROSS has won the £6.5m contract to construct the Moore Place Care Home in Esher.

With work due to start shortly, the project will span over a 60-week period with completion expected in July 2014. The design and build scheme for Anchor Trust and Moore Place Holdings LLP is a 60-bedroom care home over five floors, including a lower ground floor and accommodation in the roof space.

The project includes landscaping and car parking for the care home

and neighbouring golf course.

Sunil Johal, senior project manager at Longcross, said: “This is our first care home project and is another example of how our fresh approach to design and build are opening up new markets.

“The project, which includes final fit-out to a high-end specification, is also a great opportunity to extend our supply chain in this specific sector.

“This is an exciting opportunity for both the project team and the business as a whole.”

THE Maria Mallaband Care Group and London and Bahrain based real estate investment management firm Apache Capital Partners has announced a £50m care home funding deal.

The funding will enable the development of up to eight luxury five-star care homes under the Maria Mallaband brand, and is part of Apache’s growing social infrastructure investment platform which it operates with joint venture partner Tadhamon Capital.

The first transaction will see the creation of a new £6.7m 53-bed care home in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, which will offer

luxury en-suite bedrooms, spacious reception rooms, residents’ and visitors’ café, cinema room, hair dressing salon and library. The home situated on Oxford Road will cater for all categories of care including, dementia, nursing and residential.

Phil Burgan, founder, chairman and CEO of Maria Mallaband Care Group, said: “We are delighted to announce this funding partnership with Apache Capital Partners and very excited about the development opportunities it brings. The Maria Mallaband brand is synonymous with first class care and five-star facilities and this deal will allow us to continue to grow our presence across the UK.”

Beckside Lodge in Bradford.

Specialist facility to create 20 new jobs WORK has commenced on a new £750,000 specialist care home facility in Bradford which will create 20 local jobs.

Yorkshire-based Horizon Healthcare Homes has secured funding from the The Royal Bank of Scotland to construct the new facility which will be named Beckside Lodge.

Construction began in April and the home is being built on the site of the former Cap and Bells public house.

Recruitment for the care team will commence in July, with a manager from one of Horizon’s existing homes moving to permanently manage the new staff team and ensure the continuity.

Roger Williams, managing director of Horizon Healthcare Homes Ltd, said: “We are investing in the regeneration of the local area by building a new care home on a

former run down pub site as well as creating new job opportunities.

“We are very excited about our latest project and look forward to being able to offer our services to those in need of specialist support in the city. As with all of our homes, we want to offer the highest standard of care to our residents and by investing in brand new, purpose-built facilities we can ensure that individuals are cared for in an environment that is adapted to meet their needs.

Beckside Lodge will be the fifth care home owned and run by Horizon when work completes in September.

It is expected to be open for residents in October. The organisation has three existing premises in Huddersfield – Langley Lodge, Hampton House and Ferndale Lodge; and another called Cranmer Court in Leeds.

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Mis-sold interest rate hedging products – the latest scandal

By Paul Kanolik THE latest banking scandal to hit the press and which has had a significant effect on the care industry is the misselling of interest rate hedging products (IRHPs), also known as ‘Swaps’ or ‘Collars’.

These complex financial products were often described by the banks as a form of ‘insurance’ or ‘protection’ against interest rates increases and were sold to up to 40,000 small businesses since 2001.

The principle of IRHPs was to limit a business’s exposure to increased interest rates by effectively ‘capping’ or ‘fixing’ the rate. However, the banks often failed to properly explain the disadvantages and significant risks associated with these products if interest rates fell.

Due to the unprecedented fall in the Bank of England Base Rate, these disadvantages typically resulted in businesses being required to make significant payments to the banks and being liable for break costs to exit the products which regularly exceeded hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Many businesses have therefore been left financially crippled by the repayments and are unable to exit the products due to the substantial break costs.

This is affecting many care home owners’ plans for retirement or sale, as they are locked into these products and unable to sell their care homes.

In 2012, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) (recently renamed the Financial Conduct Authority or FCA) carried out an investigation into the mis-selling of IRHPs and concluded that, in many cases, there had been ‘serious failings’ on the part of the banks.

On June 29 2012, the ‘Big Four’ banks agreed with the FSA that they would investigate and compensate those who had been mis-sold IRHPs. Subsequently, the banks have set aside significant sums of money with a view to providing redress to those entitled.

Following a pilot review of a sample of IRHPs sold to small businesses, the FSA announced on January 31 2013 that 90 per cent ‘did not comply with at least one or more regulatory requirement’ and that a ‘significant’ number of businesses would be entitled to compensation.

The banks are now working in conjunction with the FCA and independent reviewers to determine whether redress is due to customers under the ‘FCA Redress Scheme’.

This review is currently in its early stages and many lawyers are sceptical

about: how long the process is going to take; the criteria determining which businesses are included within the scope of the review; and whether it will result in customers being provided the redress they are entitled to.

Redress in some cases may be the termination of the IRHP, a full refund of payments made, interest on those payments and other losses suffered.

While the review process is ongoing, banks have been reassuring businesses that legal action is not necessary in order to obtain compensation.

However, given the period in which the majority of these products were sold, many claims are becoming time-barred in the meantime and businesses are therefore strongly advised to take legal advice now in order to protect their legal position.

The firm where I work is currently acting for over 60 businesses nationwide in relation to mis-sold IRHPs, many of whom are care home owners or care providers.

This has allowed us to build considerable expertise in this field, including the successful conclusion of legal claims and Financial Ombudsman Service complaints, as well as assisting clients with the ongoing FCA Redress Scheme.

Paul Kanolik is a solicitor at Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP.

Botanist Dr David Bellamy OBE, Elmet and Rothwell MP Alec Shelbrooke and Wetherby councillor John Procter were the guests of honour at the opening of a new £6m luxury care development in Wetherby.

Wetherby Manor is Hadrian Healthcare Group’s ninth care home in the north of England, and will be managed by Denise Stephenson.

Wetherby Manor is specially designed for clients requiring residential, nursing or dementia care. Eight self-contained apartment style supported living suites for couples or individuals are also available.

Dr David Bellamy is pictured with Hadrian Healthcare Group managing director Jas Gill and chairman Ian Watson.

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CARINGNEWS

The care sector has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Advisor, Resource founder and ambassador rewarded CUSTOMER engagement advisor Debbie Sharples, who has worked for Anchor based at Milestone Place in Bradford for eight years, said she was thrilled after being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her outstanding work with promoting meaningful activity for older people.

Debbie, who will be getting married to partner Gary later this year, said 2013 will be a year to remember.

She added: “I am overwhelmed about this award as I feel that I’m only doing my job.

“But this award means that the importance of meaningful activity has been recognised by the highest order of the land – Her Majesty the Queen.

“It is for everyone within Anchor who has strived to put activity high up the agenda to make our customers happy.

“I would like to thank Anchor’s chief executive Jane Ashcroft and Tee Tatum, the hospitality manager at Ashcroft and Springfield care homes in Bradford, for nominating me for this honour.”

Debbie, who will receive the honour at Buckingham Palace later this year, was recognised for spearheading the project to create Anchor’s Big Box of activity cards which provides ideas for individual interests and group activities, as well as offering opportunities to foster closer links with the community.

Anne Smyth, founder and director of the Yorkshire-based Carers’ Resource charity, has been awarded the OBE for ‘services to carers’. A leading national expert on care, she is also the deputy chair of the Standing Commission on Carers.

Anne has dedicated the honour to Yorkshire’s growing number of carers

Debbie Sharples is congratulated by Tee Tatum, from Springfield and Ashcroft care homes in Bradford, who nominated her for the MBE, while Anne Smyth (right) has been awarded an OBE. and to the dedicated people with whom she works, and hopes it will raise awareness of the pressures carers face looking after a loved one and of the value of providing specialist help for them.

She said: “Too often, this role is hidden but I very much hope this award brings home to people what a huge difference carers can make, and how they need extra support.”

“We all know someone who acts as a carer for a family member or a friend.

I want to share this honour with them as a reward for the massive contributions they make – and the

sacrifices that run alongside – right at the very heart of the community.”

The Carers’ Resource, which has offices in Harrogate, Ripon, Bradford and Skipton, has grown from humble beginnings to one of the largest and most successful carers’ centres in the country.

“As we embark on the next stage of our journey, where the challenges of an ageing population will come to the fore, this honour will act as a spur for ensuring we continue to support carers and other vulnerable people in whatever new and innovative ways we can.”

Actor, presenter, writer and Alzheimer’s Society ambassador Tony Robinson has been awarded a knighthood for public and political service.

Sir Tony, who is best known for playing Baldrick in the BBC television series Blackadder and presenting Channel 4’s Time Team, lost both of his parents to dementia.

He is an active ambassador for the Society and has helped raise vital funds for services for people with the condition as well as launching the Society’s Putting Care Right Campaign.

Brother and sister reunite at Suffolk care home

Former jockey Bob Champion MBE was joined by newly elected Mayor of Sudbury Adrian Osborne at the official opening of new facilities at Bupa’s Melford Court Nursing Home in Long Melford. The VIP visitors cut the ribbon before joining staff, residents and the local community at a celebratory event following the completion of a £250,000 refurbishment of the home. Visitors enjoyed afternoon tea, live entertainment, the opportunity to get a free antiques’ valuation from Michael Roberts of BBC’s Bargain Hunt and the chance to see the home’s new facilities.

Pictured with Bob and Adrian are sister Angela Curtis; activity co-ordinator Marilyn Green; resident’s relative Iris Hewitt; home manager Lynn Ward; resident Geoff Piggott and chairman of Long Melford parish council Peter Turner.

A BROTHER and sister who spent 25 years living together at their home in Codenham before being separated in 2012, have been reunited with the help of the Care UK team at Paddock House care home in Eye. Reginald Page, aged 70 and his older sister Marina, 79, have shed tears of joy in celebrating living under the same roof again.

They were separated in August last year when Marina was admitted to hospital in nearby Ipswich. While she was there, Reginald moved into Paddock House.

After hearing that Marina was living in a care home in Ipswich, both teams did all they could to arrange for Marina to move back to Eye to be with her brother at Paddock House.

The brother and sister had only seen each other once during the eight months they were apart but now enjoy spending time together every day.

Kym Denney, home manager at Paddock House, said: “We are thrilled to have reunited Reginald and Marina.

“They are both very close and protective of each other and we are very pleased to be able to provide them with a safe, happy and comfortable environment where they can live together.”

The Care UK team at Paddock House are also helping to maintain other elements of Reginald and Marina’s home life.

Both have always loved animals, in particular dogs, so the team has arranged for a local dog owner to visit regularly.

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CARINGDEMENTIA

The changing face of dementia care

By Debra Keeling OVER the past few years the emergence of new techniques has begun to alter the face of dementia care in the UK. Care has traditionally been institutionalised, where staff confront people with dementia with reality in an atmosphere of routine, resulting in people being treated as passive recipients of care.

New techniques focus on creating the best possible quality of life in care homes, encouraging fresh thinking and better ways to treat people with dementia.

Although people living with dementia may have lost capacity for logical thought, their feelings are what remain and these feelings are enhanced by their illness, making it much more important to encourage expression of natural inclinations.

Relaxing perceived ‘barriers’ in care homes is a good step towards creating the best possible environment for dementia care.

Through working with organisations like Dementia Care Matters, staff learn to encourage rather than repress the preferences of those they look after. By getting rid of staff uniforms and eating the main meal of the day together with residents, barriers are removed, thus creating a sense of community where the two groups run the home together as friends and equals.

Facilitating the community spirit of a home ensures the full involvement of all residents, developing a sense of purpose and allowing residents to regain some control over what they do. Many residents enter care homes and immediately feel disorientated in new surroundings that they are not familiar with.

It is often said there are parallels between the care of children and those with a dementia, and as such it is important to join them in their reality rather than dispelling it, as is the traditional technique. This does not mean infantilising them, but instead encouraging them to live with their beliefs. While you should never lie to people with dementia, carers can enter in to the person’s world in the same way that you would with a child. The interaction between the staff and residents is the vital element to effective care for people with

Pictured at the official unveiling of the home’s refurbishment are, from the left: Tony Upward, Abdul Kachra, Alykhan Kachra, Sharon Neve and Al-Karim Kachra from St John’s Care Home with Nigel Wood and Simon Moore from Clydesdale Bank.

15 jobs at extended home Debra Keeling dementia but, the environment around them is also an important undercurrent to providing the best quality of care possible.

Living environments – from the rooms slept in to the gardens surrounding the home – should all be taken into consideration when thinking about implementing good care practice. Many RMBI homes have introduced special sensory gardens which are particularly beneficial for residents with dementia, to lift spirits and provide an outside space for reflection and exploration.

Current dementia care good practice suggests that sensory gardens need bright coloured planting, planting that has traditional scents, and a series of paths where residents can walk within a safe environment – this is the thought process behind each garden design. The gardens also include activity areas, informal areas to sit and enjoy the garden, and raised beds to enable residents to participate in gardening tasks and activities; all of which focus on facilitating an active lifestyle similar to what they would have experienced prior to diagnosis.

By rethinking process and practice for caring for residents with dementia, care home staff can empower residents with a true sense of purpose and an environment that is tailored to their specific care needs. It is the perceived small changes to established practices and procedures that show that the little things really do make a big difference to providing the best possible quality of life for people living with dementia.

Debra is the deputy director of care and dementia care specialist with the RMBI.

Carers receive certificates SENIOR staff at Coverage Care were presented with a prestigious qualification in dementia care.

The City & Guilds Level 3 certificate was delivered by Shrewsbury-based SBC Training and is aimed at people in positions of responsibility who are able to provide specialist support to other team members. Those from Coverage Care who have successfully completed the course were chosen because of their ability to act as a focal point in their individual care establishments, and cascade their knowledge throughout the organisa-

tion. Over the six-month duration of the course the learners had to attend training sessions, and were observed in their workplaces to demonstrate they were able to apply their learnings in a practical situation. The carers who received their certificates were: Carolyn Jones, Christopher Bennett, Sandra Heath, Rachel Lewis, Sonia Furber, Jane Cooper, Stephanie Crane, Julie Jones, Lisa Borland, Samantha Khan, Colleen Potts, Susan Stewart, Michelle Welch, Helen Turner, Carol Taylor, Pamela Scarrott, and Howard Ryan.

A SPALDING care home has been refurbished and extended to provide care for elderly people with dementia after securing a seven-figure funding package.

Fifteen new jobs have been created at St John’s in Hawthorne Bank, which is now able to accommodate 55 residents thanks to financial support from Clydesdale Bank.

The end of the five-month project to transform the former vicarage was marked with an official opening for relatives of residents and members of the local business community.

Alykhan Kachra, managing director of the home, which is part of the Country Court Care group, said: “A suitable environment is core to the

provision of quality support for people living with dementia and we believe we have achieved this to an exceptional standard.

“We have incorporated into the redesign critical factors such as eliminating shared rooms, the provision of en-suite rooms and the maintenance of an optimal ambient temperature in the home. We have constructed a memory box outside each room so that residents can add their favourite photos or memorabilia from their lives to help them to more easily identify their own space within the home, thereby reducing the possibility of inadvertent intrusion on others’ space, but also making this a home away from home.”

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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Striking new colourways for care home favourite THE popular P356 tunic has just undergone something of a makeover, with Grahame Gardner launching three new colourways of one of the care home market’s favourite garments.

These new colourways are in response to request for more contemporary shades from care home managers, and include navy with red trim, purple with white and teal with white.

The classically styled P356 tunic is perfect for care home staff, produced in hard wearing Polyester Cotton, with practical tailoring to support the care worker within the duties. As well as the fabric being exceptionally durable, the tunic is also very comfortable and easy to care for – making it a popular option for managers and staff alike.

Sales director Simon Ward said: “We have noted the changes in colour preferences over the years, and identified a number of colour ways that are popular requests from our made to order range. It is these colourways that are now available as stock, meaning they are now available for immediate dispatch.” The P356 is stocked from size 8 to 32.

Enquiries: Call 0116 255 6326 or visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk

CONCEPT Wood resilient flooring from Itec Contract Floors now covers the bedrooms, corridors and communal spaces of the Burges House nursing home in Cardiff following an extensive refurbishment project.

With the installation overseen by contractors Cameron Butcher, specialists in managing refurbishments in care home locations, Concept Wood in colourway Aspin 749 has transformed Burges House into a warm and homely environment.

Not only providing a pleasing aesthetic, Concept Wood Aspin 749 delivers exceptional performance benefits and can therefore stand up to the demands of a busy care home environment.

Rated as suitable for industrial heavy use, the floor is very durable and is treated with HyperGuard+® PUR for extra protection.

Very simple to keep clean, Concept Wood Aspin 749 is the ideal choice for sensitive healthcare environments where spillages regularly occur.

Armstrong equip laundry at centre THE Aycliffe Young People’s Centre provides high quality, specialist secure accommodation for up to 42 young people between the ages of 11 and 17, most of whom have complex problems and need intensive support to turn their lives around.

The unit incorporates a central laundry which handles all the bed linen, towels, kitchen clothes etc... and which was equipped by Armstrong Commercial Laundry Systems with two Primus FS13/3 washer extractors, each with a capacity of 13kg, and two Huebsch 16kg tumble dryers.

The residents’ personal laundry is done by themselves under supervision in satellite units equipped with semi commercial machines.

Dorothy Powell, facilities and support services manager for the centre, said: “We have been very pleased with the Armstrong equipment. It’s easy to

use and I don’t think we’ve had to call Armstrong out at all since it opened.”

Enquiries: Telephone 01635 263410, email enquiries@armstrong-laundry.co.uk or visit www.armstrong-laundry.co.uk

Mohawk offers carpet that cares THE new Hydrosphere carpet from Mohawk is making waves in care home locations, with its winning combination of an impervious backing and luxurious underfoot comfort set to make assisted living a more rewarding experience.

Crafted from durable and soft SmartStrand fibre, which is in part made from corn, Hydrosphere carpet is just as tough and robust as its nylon counterparts, but also provides the sort of luxurious texture that is usually associated with high-end residential carpets.

Particularly suited to locations prone to spillages, Hydrosphere’s hardwearing impervious backing will provide utmost protection against moisture penetration and features built-in stain and soil resistance that will never wear or wash off for ultimate peace of mind.

Easily cleanable with water and mild detergent, Hydrosphere also relieves the need for specialist cleaners or materials to allow daily life to continue with minimum disruption.

Featuring in the new Elements collection, Hydrosphere is available in 24 colours, including neutral creams, ocean blues and vibrant reds.

Enquiries: Contact Mohawk on 01480 479830 or visit www.mohawkinternational.com

Beaucare launches new Furniture4care catalogue BEAUCARE has launched its new Furniture4care catalogue, expanding its range which includes bedroom, living and dining room furniture, seating, bathing equipment and related room accessories.

The new contract furnishings package complements the furniture range, incorporating a stylish and contemporary mix of fabrics.

The soft furnishings service includes a site assessment and measurements for curtains, upholstery and matching accessories.

This enables Beaucare to provide a complete refurbishing or new build interior solution.

Beaucare® Medical Ltd has been established 20 years and is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts.

Enquiries: Call 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

Flooring that cares from Itec Contract Floors

Concept Wood Aspin 749 also provides R10 slip restraint for complete peace of mind.

Enquiries: Call 00 32 5665 3211 or visit www.itecfloors.co.uk

Cut laundry energy bills with new ED Series tumble dryers GIRBAU UK’s new range of high efficiency tumble dryers will help care and nursing home laundries to cut energy bills.

All four models in the new ED Series EcoDryer range are believed to be the most energy efficient conventional tumble dryers available.

They offer a range of load capacities: 13kg, 17kg, 23kg and 33kg.

Designed to be more energy efficient than any other conventional dryer, ED Series EcoDryers feature Girbau’s TRANSFLOW technology.

This is a combination of both radial and axial airflow for maximum efficiency, reduced cycle times and lower energy costs.

Cabinet insulation and a double-glazed door further optimise energy efficiency and prevent heat escaping from ED Series dryers.

The highly reliable and accurate built-in humidity control system automatically senses

when clothes are dry and activates the cool down process maximising energy efficiency and assuring textile care.

Enquiries: Telephone 01462 427780 or visit www.completelaundrycare.co.uk

Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems.

The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition.

With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur.

Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry!

It’s that simple...

The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone.

Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.

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.

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

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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Vibrant colours popular BRIGHT coloured uniforms and asymmetric tunics are some of the latest fashion trends gaining popularity in the healthcare sector, according to Jill Emmanuel, category manager at Alexandra.

She said: “For those working in the care home industry, it is essential to be easily identifiable as a member of staff. Wearing vibrant colours can be a functional way to remain recognisable, particularly for those working in dementia care.

“Key colour trends for 2013 include yellows, purples and pinks.

“More modern styles continue to be embraced and asymmetric tunics are growing in popularity.

“The functionality of a tunic is no doubt adding to the increase in those choosing to wear them. However, there are still many healthcare staff that choose the more traditional options, continuing to mirror the nursing style of the NHS. “With all healthcare uniforms, behind the fashion there is always the importance of durability, comfort and the aim to combat cross-infection.

“Going forward, uniforms will continue to meet current fashion trends within the industry, but also improve on their basic function – being comfortable for staff to wear for the long working hours and have a positive impact on infection control.”

Miele models included on Water Technology List MIELE Professional’s range of washing machines has been accepted onto the Water Technology List, having successfully met the criteria to enable Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) claims. It means that the products are now even more cost-effective.

The Water Technology List, managed by AEA on behalf of Defra and HM Revenue and Customs, will help businesses save money in the short and long-term by encouraging them to invest in technologies and products that reduce water use.

Water savings are a key area for

all businesses.

Manufacturing companies can easily save between 30 and 50 per cent of water and wastewater costs through inexpensive changes to their working practices.

Miele Professional’s products fall into the ‘efficient washing machines’ category on the Water Technology List.

The Miele Professional models included on the list are the PW6055, PW6065, PW6080, PW6107, PW5105, PW6137, PW6167, PW6207, PW6247 and PW6321.

Carpets that go from strength to strength DANFLOOR not only provide a fantastic range of healthcare carpets but a flooring solution that is award winning and fully BRE certified.

For the fifth consecutive year danfloor has been awarded the CFJ Flooring Industry Award for best Broadloom Carpets, which clearly demonstrates our customers’ loyalty and commitment to a quality product.

They offer you outstanding performance, resistance to soil and stains

and a 10-year wear guarantee.

The Equinox and New Generation collection, part of danfloor’s healthcare range, has also received BRE certification.

Our impressive Green Guide ratings, ranging from A+ to B, reflects how carefully we monitor the environmental impact of our products and provides independent verification of the work we have undertaken to enhance our environmental credentials.

New stylish clothing protectors from Bibetta BIBETTA, the leaders in stylish and dignified clothing protectors, has launched its new, high quality neckerchiefs, suitable for men, women and teenagers.

The neckerchiefs use advanced fabrics which are super-soft, highly absorbent, and 100 per cent waterproof for comfort and peace of mind.

Enquiries: For pashmina scarves, tabard bibs and neckerchief clothing protectors call us on 01223 840236 or visit www.bibetta.com

John Bancroft, founder and managing director of Badgemaster, the leading supplier of name badges to the care industry, has been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list with an MBE for services to business in Nottinghamshire.

Website can save you money www.commerciallinen.co.uk would like to help your company save valuable money on purchases.

We offer an ever expanding product range for the healthcare and hospitality industries. We pride ourselves on fantastic service and low prices on high quality products. If there is a product you want and cannot find it,

call our friendly staff that will source it for you at a competitive price.

With many years’ experience in the healthcare sector and extensive product knowledge we are very confident we will be able to help you.

Join our newsletter for periodic promotions or go to our website and start saving money now.

Time to go paperless with digital care for your home THE Digital Care Assistant app for the iPad is designed to be as simple-to-use as possible.

With just a few taps of a portable product you can see key information about your residents’ needs as well as recording the actions you performed when attending to them.

It alerts staff and managers visibly and audibly when tasks are becoming due or are overdue. Images of

wounds can also be taken and stored.

The DCA application receives and sends information about the residents in the care home by talking to the DCA server. This holds the details of all the residents, and all the people that may log on to the DCA system.

DCA has been developed and tested in partnership with Bluebell Nursing Home.

Advice and support service launches A NEW care service offering people advice and support to help them find the right type of care they need, as well as independent financial advice, is now available Wales and England.

My Care My Home offers a free, whole of market comparison of all registered care providers and unregistered retirement living schemes through its website, with search facilities, reviews of providers, their contact details and a list of their services.

The service is supported by the CQC and the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales, who provide the key data, including a link through to

their latest reports, on each care provider listed on the site.

As well as its website, My Care My Home offers a free, face-to-face advice service through home visits aimed at helping people find a suitable home care provider, or care in sheltered or extra care schemes and care homes. My Care My Home also offers people advice about the cost of care and funding options available to them, how they can adapt their existing home to meet their requirements and, if necessary, assist people in letting or selling their home to help fund the cost of their care.

Firms launch new Compact bath ASTOR Bannerman and Active Bathing has launched the Compact bath.

The Compact range of power assisted baths combines the latest in design technology,with the highest standard of accreditation Dennis Goodes, who has 30 years’

experience in the specialist bathing arena, managed the development of the bath range, said: “The resources at the Astor Bannerman group gave the best of both worlds. UK design with German excellence in engineering make the Compact the most desirable on the market today.”

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Fourteen staff and volunteers from Southlawns care home in Street took part in a 12-mile sponsored walk and raised ÂŁ521.50 for the residents amenities fund. The money will go towards outings and events for the residents at the home. Staff and Volunteers of Southlawns are pictured before the walk.

Architects

Residents kept in the lap of luxury WESTFIELD Park Nursing Home in Goole has contracted care sector furniture specialists Shackletons to provide luxurious comfort for residents at its flagship care home.

Without compromise, handcrafted furniture was supplied to a bespoke brief that took into consideration the request for durability, mobility restrictions and the philosophy of Westfield Park, which is to offer the highest quality nursing home and

Transport

Denture care

Care Charts

Advertising

Signs

care in the area.

From recliners to armchairs and sofas, all 60 rooms have benefited from the Shackletons touch.

From modern fabrics that enliven the senses, to furniture designed to promote independence in mobility, warm reds and oranges, calming greens and sumptuous purples are a feature of the furniture that provides the Yorkare owned Westfield Park with the wow factor.

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