Caring Uk (June 2010)

01

18/5/10

15:31

Page 1

June 2010

incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

no.169 • £4.75 In association with

Home loses its car park and £60,000

By Dominic Musgrave OWNERS of a care home near Bristol are facing a huge bill after they were ordered to remove their car park.

Len and Katy Collacott, of Windmill Care Home, have accused South Gloucestershire Council’s planning department of “bureaucracy gone mad”.

The couple bought the home 12 years ago and in 2003, after purchasing an additional strip of land, built a car park and planted a laurel hedge.

Len told Caring UK he estimates the total cost to be in the region of £60,000, including legal fees and the creation of a new parking facility.

He added: “When we bought the extra land we thought it would be a good idea to have a car park because it has always been a struggle here, but that turned out to be our first mistake.

“I didn't realise I needed planning permission, and I accept that problem, but as soon as I realised I applied for permission retrospectively. That was turned down at the planning stage, and also failed at appeal because it falls within the green belt.”

Earlier this year the couple were served with an enforcement notice

ordering them to rip up the car park, forcing staff and visitors to park out on the main road.

Len added: “We have now reached the end of the legal road. It has been a very frustrating time for us as well as a complete waste of money for both us and out of the public purse.”

“Everyone who comes to the home is outraged because we’ve taken it out of use and at the moment are trying to park within the grounds, but it is proving difficult. I guess in some ways we have become the authors of our own misfortune because we have an open door policy for residents’ families to drop in when they like, but unfortunately they need somewhere to park.”

Len says planning officers have advised him to reapply for a car park to be built elsewhere within the grounds, and he is investigating the possibility of putting one on an orchard.

He added: “The result of all this will be that the car park, which was concealed from the public by the hedge, will be taken up and grassed over, and what is a grass at the moment will be made into the car park and will be visible.”

Win a film starring your care home ...

Broadcaster and Cash in the Attic presenter Angela Rippon officially opened a new care home in Essex by planting a tree. She was joined at the event by Brightlingsea mayor Jayne Chapman and Tony Spurling, cinque port liberty of the town, residents and their families.

Full story, Page 18

CARING UK is giving one lucky care home the chance to win a broadcast quality promotional film which will showcase their home’s facilities to potential residents and their families.

The care industry’s number one magazine is launching a new service which will finally make professionally produced promos affordable for everyone.

Caring UK editor Dominc Musgrave said: “A short promotional film is the perfect way for any home to introduce itself to prospective residents.

“Until now, the costs have been prohibitive for all but the biggest operators but Caring UK is changing all that.”

If you want your care home to be in with a chance of winning this great prize – as well as a pair of tickets for the prestigious national final of the Great British Care Awards next month – see Page 27 for all the details.

02

18/5/10

09:42

Page 1

03

18/5/10

15:34

Page 1

3

CARINGNEWS

Energy firm put lives at risk – care manager A CHESHIRE care home manager claims her residents’ lives were put at risk after an electricity company refused to provide a generator while maintenance work took place.

Bosses at Mount Pleasant Nursing Home in Allostock were forced to spend hundreds of pounds on hiring a generator for the day after Scottish Power informed them they would be carrying out essential maintenance work nearby.

Manager Jan Gradwell said the company would not provide a generator despite asking in advance and, as a result, she believed the company was gambling with the lives of the home’s residents.

She added: “People’s lives are dependent on us having electricity. We have some very ill people here and equipment like the oxygen pumps and pressure mattresses that are just vital to people.

“When we got in touch with Scottish Power they told us we should have a backup generator at the home anyway in case the power ever does get cut off.

“But in all my 10 years of working in care homes I have never had an occasion where the power has gone off before.”

The company informed the home that the power would be off from 9am until 5pm so they can raise power lines to a higher

height, and said it needed to be done to stop future problems with the supply.

But Jan added that they could not guarantee that it would only last the one day.

She said: “Whilst what they are telling us is right, this is a moral issue for me, not a financial one. It is not as if they are in a position where they couldn’t help us out and provide us with a generator if they wanted to.

“I have written to somebody in a high position at Scottish Power to point out their actions in the hope that they may reconsider their approach in future. We had a lot of offers of help from the local community, which was nice, but we didn’t want to take advantage of their kindness.”

A spokesman for Scottish Power said the company was unable to help the home.

She added. “We apologise for the inconvenience caused but it was necessary maintenance work that needed to take place.

“Our policy is to usually to give people five days’ notice, but because it was a care home we gave them seven so they could make alternative arrangements.

“We do not have any generators of our own, which is why it is not our policy to hire them out. If we did it for one business we would have to do it for them all.”

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Group Sales Manager: Jackie Brook Tel: 01226 734479 Email: jb@whpl.net Product Manager: Ailsa Bedford Tel: 01226 734480 Email: ab@whpl.net National Sales Executives: Rebecca Hazell Tel: 01226 734685 Email: rh@whpl.net Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734333 Email: mandye@caring-uk.co.uk Fax: 01226 734477

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

Editorial

A Shepton Mallet care home resident has launched a pen pal club to reach other people in residential care.

Margaret Muir, pictured, who lives at Field House, launched her club last year, and she now regularly converses with nine people who are cared for by or work for the home’s parent company the Somerset Care group.

Margaret said: “I was an English teacher in London for many years, and so am very fond of the written word. I enjoy writing to other people as it helps to keep my mind active, and I hope that my letters bring pleasure to the recipients.”

Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458 Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ wharncliffepublishing.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.

You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk

04

18/5/10

17:13

Page 1

4

CARINGNEWS

Dignity award for Tina A MANCHESTER activities coordinator has received a prestigious award.

Tina Brown, who has worked at Beechfield Lodge for the past nine months, was presented with a Manchester LINk dignity award in recognition of her work.

The home has a packed schedule which includes Irish dancing, film nights and trips out to local pubs as well as the seaside and local safari park.

She said: “To win the award is absolutely fantastic not only for myself but for all the staff. The residents are like a second family to me, and I love working with them.”

Fourth century A FORMER ballet dancer is celebrating becoming a care home's fourth resident aged over 100.

Marjorie Jebb, who lives at the Hillbury Care Home in Wrexham, was born in India in 1910 and trained as a dancer in Paris in the 1920s.

She joins fellow residents Sister Margaret Foster and Hilda Thomas, both 100, and Esther Wright, 102.

Home manager Mildred Heyward said: “It’s quite remarkable to have four of our 60-plus residents reach 100.”

The new manager of a Leamington Spa care home says her first aim is to improve the star rating at its next inspection. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

New manager Tracy is reaching for the stars

By Dominic Musgrave WHEN Tracy Crouch was appointed the interim deputy manager at Arden House little did she realise that within weeks she would be in charge.

But she says that she is loving the challenge at the Greensleeves Trust owned facility, and has received ‘great support’ from all of the staff.

Tracy added: “I joined in February after the home that I previously worked at as manager was shut down, which nobody expected to happen.

“I saw the interim deputy manager job advertised and got it, but shortly afterwards the then manager left as well so I have taken on the home.

“The staff have really helped me to fit in here, and the company has been very supportive.

“The home is currently rated ‘adequate’ and we want to improve that at our next inspection, which we expect to take place in the near future.”

Tracy says she has made changes to the residents’ care plans, adding more information, and also to the

whole approach to care in the months that she has been there.

She added: “I don’t want to rush in and make wholesale changes, but since taking over I have made a few changes, which have so far gone down well with both the staff and residents.

“Previously in a morning all staff pitched in wherever, but now each member of staff has a floor to work on which means they can spend more time with the residents.

“They change floors each day so that the residents and staff all get to know each other better.”

Tracy has also appointed an activities co-ordinator for the home, whose first job is to organise a garden fete complete with falconry display in the summer.

She added: “One of the senior carers used to organise activities for the residents, and did a very good job.

“But the job of a senior is a very busy one, so we decided to employ a dedicated person to organise events for the residents to take the pressure off her a bit.

Tracy Crouch “The activities person works five days a week and has got the residents creating puppets to sell at the moment.”

05

18/5/10

17:13

Page 1

5

CARINGNEWS

Residents hold an election of their own

By Dominic Musgrave RESIDENTS at a Norfolk care home grew so fed up of the General Election coverage on television they decided to hold their own.

Each of the 20 residents at The Nunnery has their own roles, which range from more conventional titles such as prime minister and chancellor down to some less familiar including ministers for chocolate, music, food, gambling and tickling.

Jane Wentford, owner of the home in Diss, said: “The General Election seemed to be always on the television, and the residents grew increasingly bored with it in the lead up to the day.

“Some of them have voted for years and doubted whether anything would change or if their vote would influence anything so we thought we would do our own.

“The Primer Minister we have chosen is particularly happy as he says he will sit with his feet up and do nothing, but we may have to over-

throw him as he has promised the staff a pay rise.”

Jane bought the home in 2002, having worked in a variety of roles there for the previous 20 years.

She says she is now looking at ways of developing the election idea further to ensure the residents contribute more to the running of the home.

Jane added: “We are now thinking of ways we can build on the election, and one of them may be to give the residents a bit more responsibility.

“We used to have a resident of the month and it could be that we decide to change the Prime Minister each month. They could make the rules as long as they are safe and legal.

“We had aboard where we feature a different resident and they would list some of their favourite things.

“It encourages them to get to find out a bit more about each other.”

Elisha Gardner and resident Vera Rice get their hands dirty

Residents dig deep to boost initiative RESIDENTS at Bupa care homes have been getting their hands dirty as part of their community crops campaign.

Community crops is an initiative which aims to promote the health benefits associated with gardening and growing your own fruit and veg.

As well as inviting local groups to help them sow and grow their seedlings, care home resident have offered free packs of seeds to encourage communities to start their own vegetable plots too.

Community affairs assistant Elisha

Gardner said: “Community Crops has highlighted how such projects really help our dementia residents.

“Not only does it give us a chance to encourage reminiscence about ‘dig for victory’, but many of our residents were keen gardeners before they moved into our homes so it has provided a chance to talk about their own experiences of growing fruit and veg.”

The project is being supported by young people involved with The Prince’s Trust.

06

18/5/10

6

17:11

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Sentence cut for carer who stole for thrills

By Dominic Musgrave A CARE home worker who burgled her vulnerable clients ‘for thrills’ after her life spiralled out of control has had her prison sentence cut from three to two years in London’s appeal court.

Leslie Ann Adaway, 41, was assistant manager of Highfields Grange nursing home in Barnsley and ‘grossly abused the trust’ of elderly clients by raiding their homes while they were out, judges were told.

She knew when her victims would be in their homes, and exploited her knowledge to steal their cash and gems.

Adaway stole jewellery worth £6,000 from elderly people who universally trusted her, the court heard, also pilfering £1,200 in cash.

She obtained keys to properties belonging to pensioners convalescing at the care home, copying their postcodes from personal records and using sat-nav to find her way to their homes.

Adaway used latex gloves and wore dark clothes when she went about her business, even stealing valuables from one woman while ostensibly helping her into her home.

She was caught when a neighbour

heard her forcing entry into HIlda Blackburn’s house in Brierfield Close, Barnsley, and was spotted by police in the porch.

Adaway was jailed for three years at Sheffield Crown Court last August after admitting three counts of burglary and one of theft.

Despite facing a mounting debts crisis at the time of her offences, Lord Justice Maurice Kay said that thrills – not money – motivated her crimes.

The judge, sitting with Mr Justice Royce and Mr Justice Nicol, said: “It is the view of probation officers and psychiatrists that her offending resulted from stresses which gave rise to disinhibited activity, from which she obtained a thrill, and which no doubt allowed her for the moment to forget her problems.”

Adaway was drinking heavily and using amphetamines at the time, while also coping with raising a large family and caring for an ailing husband.

Despite her grave breaches of trust, the judge concluded that a three-year sentence was ‘manifestly excessive’, and failed to take sufficient account of her personal circumstances.

“This case called for greater leniency,” he said, cutting her term from three to two years.

Georgia Finocchiaro with activities co-ordinator Jo Costello and resident Violet Minton

Volcanic ash brings belly dance flop for residents RESIDENTS of an Alvechurch care home were finally treated to a special dance performance after the original event was cancelled due to the Icelandic volcano eruption.

Belly dance instructor Georgia Finocchiaro put on a special performance for residents, and also invited members of staff to dress up and try out a few moves for themselves.

Jo Costello, activities coordinator at

the home, said: “We were all really disappointed that Georgia couldn’t make it, but it’s not very often that a volcano erupting in another country upsets our plans.

“We’re just glad that she’s now managed to make it back.

“We’re always trying to do something a bit different for them, and they all enjoy the wide range of entertainment and activities we provide here.”

07

18/5/10

17:11

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

A rabbit brings back happy memories for one resident

Home residents love their new farmyard friends

By Dominic Musgrave RESIDENTS at a Somerset care home have taken on a little more than the domestic cat and dog.

The grounds of Immacolata House in Langport are home to alpacas, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, goats, Chinese chickens, Indian runner ducks, peacocks, turkeys, ferrets, rabbits, chinchillas and a variety of other lap-friendly pets.

Home manager Florin Vranceanu said the farm provides a sensory attraction for the residents. He added: “The residents and relatives often spend time there. We are well aware of the emotional benefits that domestic animals bring to everyone, not just the elderly.

“But the farm animals bring a new element of vision, noise and smell that gets a positive reaction. For many residents the opportunity to feed a goat or stroke a pig or watch the alpacas and running ducks is a new experience, and they love it.”

Benvenuto Fattoria or Welcome Farm was the idea of Nunzio Notaro, managing director of Notaro Homes,

who own the facility. It has had to be registered with DEFRA as it houses cloven-hoofed animals.

He added: “When we were developing ideas for the site I thought we might have a pets corner for the residents. We just seem to get more animals and it grew into the farm.”

“We’re learning about the animals all the time. We expected the pigs to be the size of a Jack Russell but they’ve already outgrown the goats, and our training manager Leila Sharkey incubated the chickens and ducks at home much to the delight of her children.”

The farm proved a big hit with relatives and locals who attended the summer fete last year when the group celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Children from a local primary school were invited to the farm and named all the animals.

Nunzio added: “We have a new care home being built at Martock which is due to open in December, and the farm has proved to be so successful with residents that we shall open another one there.”

7

08

20/5/10

8

09:17

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Residents and their families enjoy the Italian themed evening

Residents move pasta pizza to Greek evening A WEST Yorkshire care home’s first food theme evening proved so popular with residents they are already planning the next one.

The dining room at Teal Beck House in Otley was transformed into a traditional Italian restaurant for the evening, complete with bunting and pictures.

Manager Karen Coady said the evening was rounded off with an Italian themed quiz.

She added: “We came up with the idea because it is difficult for some residents to go out for a meal with friends or family.

“The residents held a meeting to decided which country they would like the food to be from, and also helped to devise the three-course menu with the chef.

“We had three options for starters, three for main and three for dessert, and it proved to be a huge success, with more than 60 people at the event.”

Those attending were allowed to bring their own wine with them or purchase it from the home’s licensed bar.

Karen added: “The restaurant evening had everyone buzzing so

much that the residents asked when we could have another one.

“We have got so much going on here that we have had to plan it for July, and the theme will be Greece, with music and dancers.

“The residents have asked if they can do some plate smashing, which is something we are having to look into because of health and safety.”

The home has several events planned for the forthcoming months.

Residents will be dressing up and enjoying strawberries and champagne for Royal Ascot, and they will also be able to enjoy pie and peas and a pint in the bar when England are playing the World Cup. “Residents in the craft group are also putting together things to decorate the float we are having in Otley carnival,” Karen added. “We have also just installed a Nintendo Wii, which is going down a storm with the residents.

“It is fun to see the residents who use zimmer frames trying their hand at hula-hooping.”

Do you hold themed meal evenings at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

09

18/5/10

17:10

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Southsea owner pays tribute to staff hard work

By Dominic Musgrave THE owner of a Southsea care home which has received the highest star rating puts the achievement down to the hard work of his staff.

Sen and Maria Bungaroo, who celebrated their 20th anniversary of owning Braemar last November, were awarded the ‘excellent’ grade by the CQC following a recent inspection.

When the couple purchased the home it had just seven residents, but over the years they have extensively developed it and it is now registered for 26.

Sen told Caring UK their most recent extension, which opened last year, linked the original building with an adjoining property.

He added: “Over the years we have established a very good reputation locally and are proud of our achievement. It is a result of the hard work, commitment and dedication of our staff. It has been quite a challenge to manage a small sized home over the years, particularly in the face of legislation and competition from the bigger boys.

“It is important to recognise those small providers who are continuing to trade in these difficult times.”

Sen said he has seen many changes

in the sector over the years, with the main one being the way care homes are regulated.

He added: “I think overall the industry has become much more professional over the years, which can only be a good thing.

“Services standards have risen quite rightly, so people can be much more confident when they are moving into a care home that the care being provided is what is being advertised.

“Carers are much more trained than before, which has led to a big improvement in care provision.”

The couple recently purchased a second home in the town called Aquarius, with a friend, and Sen says they have big plans for it over the upcoming months.

He added: “We plan to make the home much more fit for purpose and more relevant for the service users so that it is much more suitable for caring for frail older people.

“It is with the planning department, but hopefully we will get approval and hope to start the work within the next three months.

“Who knows what will happen after that, but we want to make sure these two homes continue to run successfully before we will think about purchasing any others.”

Author and MP Ann Widdecombe visited Nightingale’s book club for a lively debate about British life hosted by Edwina Currie. Residents at the Clapham based care home joined the session to discuss her book ‘An Act of Peace’.

9

10

20/5/10

14:30

Page 1

10

CARINGNEWS

Provider seeking new sites A FAST-growing care provider is looking for sites to develop in the south east of England.

Avery has identified areas in the Weybridge, Aylesbury and Hatfield areas for future developments, with plans for a 65 bed home in the latter having just been submitted for planning consent.

The company has secured a further £26million debt and equity injection through Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of Ireland and Graphite Capital.

Managing director John Strowbridge said the company’s formula has been to bridge the gap between care homes and quality hotels.

He added: “There are some really good opportunities in the Home Counties that we are endeavouring to cherry pick.

“The properties we are building now offer more space per person than many house builders put into their own properties.

“It is a very successful formula. We are getting great value for our investors while offering a top quality product at a very good price for our guests.”

Bid to entice residents outside with chickens and flower beds CHICKENS and raised flower beds have been installed in the gardens of one Hertfordshire care home to entice the residents outside.

Four former battery hens run around the grounds of Autumn Vale Care Centre in Welwyn, with the residents collecting their eggs daily, and caring for them with the help of the staff.

Manager Deby O’Hare told Caring UK staff and relatives are welcome to purchase the eggs for a contribution to the residents’ comfort fund.

She added: “The grounds are still very much work in progress as we only opened here last July, but the chickens have been a real success

since we brought them here.

“They have proved to be a real draw for the residents to go outside, and they are always out there when the weather is fine.

“Because we are set in the countryside we have a variety of animals coming into the garden including rabbits and muntjac deer, and we are next planning to get a couple of rabbits for the residents to look after also.”

The home’s maintenance man, a keen gardener, has also created raised beds and boxes so the residents can get involved with planting flowers and vegetables.

Deby added: “The activities

Fun and games A FUN loving group of nursing home residents have taken up motor racing, archery, ten pin bowling and other games from their armchairs.

They have become Nintendo Wii fans and hold regular sporting afternoons in the lounge at Bristol’s Riversway.

Activities co-ordinator Yan Klugandst said: “The games have become extremely popular and are brilliant because they help older residents to keep mobility in their fingers, and are great for hand-eye co-ordination. They are also of great benefit for the less abled who prefer to remain in their rooms.”

coordinators has turned part of the grounds into a fair walk, and the residents have created toadstools and little fairies for that area.

“We have also created a vegetable garden and the residents have helped plant runner beans, tomatoes and cabbages, and fingers crossed the chef will be able to create some lovely dishes with what they have grown.

“Many of the residents were keen gardeners before they moved here so it something they really enjoy doing. It also gives them a real sense of feeling worthwhile, and that they have achieved something during their day.”

Fundraising co-ordinator bids to raise cash for ramps A CARE home’s activities co-ordinator is organising a fundraising event to raise money to improve access to the grounds for wheelchair users.

Ken Weaver hopes to raise £600 at the event at Kingsclear in Camberley, with the home’s owners Caring Homes agreeing to match it for the necessary ramps.

Keith Turner will be performing at the show, which will also feature a tombola.

11

18/5/10

09:54

Page 1

12

20/5/10

11:38

Page 1

13

18/5/10

15:54

Page 1

13

CARINGNEWS

Collette’s win proves a real boost at home THE manager of a specialist dementia care home in Bury was recognised at an inaugural awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of people working in the sector in the Lancashire town.

Collette Conway, who runs Gorsey Clough Nursing Home, was named manager of the year at the event organised by the council's adult care services.

Her prize included an award, £50 worth of vouchers and six months’ free membership at a local gym and a weekend stay in a hotel.

She said: “I didn't know anything about the awards, and when I found out that I had been nominated by the staff I was not impressed and thought it was a stupid idea.

“I didn't think I had any chance of winning, but then I was told I was down to the final three and had to attend the evening.

“To win was a complete shock because you don't often get recognised in this profession and tend to be left alone. It has given everybody at the home a real boost.”

Collette joined the home, which has 60 residents, 15 years ago, and has been the manager for the last eight.

She was also a finalist in the Innovator of the Year category for her efforts to dramatically reduce the amount of medication administered to the residents.

She added: “We have introduced a hugs not drugs policy at the home, which has proved to be really successful. When a resident asks where a family member is the staff go into their world and live it with them.

“We have found that by doing this we have reduced the amount of drugs that each of the residents now has. New people also tend to come to us quite sedated so we stop giving them drugs and see what we are left with before making a decision.”

Other winners at the event included Easycare, a domiciliary care provider with an 'excellent' rating who were named team of the year. Special guests at the ceremony included Sue Macmillan, regional director for the CQC, and Linda Nazarko OBE, who was guest speaker.

A Staffordshire nursing home has received a three-star rating following its latest inspection by the CQC. The ‘excellent’ grade coincides with the latest development in care at Hoar Cross, which has expanded its services to cater for people with mild dementia and Alzheimer’s.

New facilities include a sensory garden and sensory room, a reminiscence room located in a summer house in the garden and floor-to-ceiling murals around the home. Work is scheduled to begin on site next spring for the addition of a new £2m wing that will house 18 close care units and enhanced communal facilities.

Care boss plants memorial tree MARIA Mallaband Care Group chairman and CEO Philip Burgan planted a honeysuckle tree at a Leeds nursing home’s memorial garden.

Representatives from Leeds Continuing Care, St Gemma’s Hospice and a local funeral service attended the ceremony, along with some of the residents from Willow

Bank.

Manager Linda Oram said: “We wanted to do something to remember past residents, and a memorial garden was suggested.

“The honeysuckle will be our centre piece, and the garden will provide somewhere peaceful for the residents and families to sit, enjoy and reflect on their memories.”

14

20/5/10

15:48

Page 1

14

CARINGLETTERS

Why the mutually supportive system is a ‘thing of the past’

Editor’s comment IT is easy to criticise the regulator May 2010 of any industry, but perhaps it is time for change when it comes to care. incorporating On the front page of our last The Number One no.168 • £4.75 magazine for the care sector couple of issues we have had suggestions for transforming the way care homes are inspected, and both make perfect sense to me.

In April Frank Ursell, CEO of the Registered Nursing Home Association, called for the star rating system to be modernised with one similar to that used by the hotel industry.

Having a six-star system like the one used in Scotland instead of just four, would give the CQC a lot more scope, and would-be residents and their relatives would know there is a clear difference in quality between a one-star facility and a fivestar one.

Caring UK, May 2010 And last month’s inspector to form a healthy comments by John Burton for a more relationship, which I know does ‘localised and personalised’ regulator happen in some parts of the country, also appears logical, and has rather than waiting for a visit when attracted a response from our your next inspection is due. readers.

Please keep in touch if you have an One of the main complaints I hear opinion on a story which appears in from operators is that it is a struggle Caring UK. You can do this by to get hold of somebody at the CQC emailing dm@whpl.net or ringing when you need them for advice or 01226 734407. help.

Having someone close would enable the manager and the Dominic Musgrave

Call for new approach to inspections

In association with

By Dominic Musg rave

inspection and more THE way care home remote information reliance on inspected should s in England are of it from the home collection, much be following the convi transformed analysis. All these itself, and risk ction of a Somerset expensive quang manager, it has been os have let down the residents of care John Burton, head claimed. homes and their relatives while of Care Managers, of the Association promoting thems has called for a elves.” complete chang And he has called e of approach by on the way care the CQC after Rache homes are inspe l Baker, who was cted to be “localised abusing controlled and personalised”. drugs she had stolen from the home He added: “Insp , was found ectors must be guilty of the mans accessible and respo laughter of 97-ye nsive to arold resident Lucy complaints and Cox. concerns. If a relativ John told Caring says the home is e UK that, since the shortstaffed on a introduction of a Sunday afternoon, national inspectorat the inspector in 2002, the inspe should drop in and ction of care home e see for themselves. has being “going s “Such inspection in the wrong can only be direction”. achieved by local inspection, and He added: “The by a complete chang new regulator claim e of that the inspector’s s Inspection of care approach by CQC. failure to identify homes is needed what was going check that they are to on in the home canno caring, homely and be attributed to t safe, not to collec CSCI t government manager concealed because the statistics and to the fact that prove that care home controlled drugs are improving. s were “Under current inspeprescribed.

“All the regula ction tors have set up procedures, this their organisations to home would not demonstrate their have been inspected for own effectiveness another two years and to justify their and CQC would continued existe rely on the annua nce. l quality assurance expensive and ineffe They are remote, assessment ctual.” submitted by the Do you agree manager to make with their own assess Dominic Musgrave John? Let ment “There is now less of the home. dm@whpl.net or know by emailing on-the-ground by ringing 01226 734407.

Doctor Hilary Jones visited a new £6.5m specialist dementia nursing and reside ntial home in Dorset. Doctor Hilary, who regula appears on GMTV, rly took Fernhill home, which a tour of Colten Care’s can residents in four separa accommodate up to 58 te wings.

Photo: ITV pictures.

ISABELLE KENNY, owner, Castle

H Grove Nursing Home, Devon u ne I HEARTILY endorse the comments

A BU nurs turne new m How Gerra by wr Marco new sh Living William appear Street Iris Ru and the The fi shown festival awaren and the difficult living in Howar Colleen J having a Persever caused w stimulati residents She add here for fi and, altho some disr at times w people her to a minim allowed us normally. I exciting for residents.”

made by John Burton about care home inspections in the May issue ‘Call for new approach to inspections’.

I have been running my care home for the elderly since 1984, and during that time have encountered a number of inspectors through the several manifestations of the process.

I have become aware, sadly, that the days in which one could reach one’s inspector easily and ask advice about current issues have been ended by the centralisation of the process in Newcastle.

Recently, I contacted Newcastle to check the name of my inspector was correct as I knew she had been seconded for a short period. I was

surprised to discover that not only had she been replaced by the name I had been given originally, but there had been two other substitutions, neither of whom had the courtesy of informing me. As you can imagine, I made my feelings known and received an apology.

As we are a three-star home, we have just had a short unannounced inspection (the first in three years), during which it became clear that the mutually supportive system I have always experienced, despite some lively exchanges of views, is a thing of the past.

The sort of rigorous inspection which I have been led to expect, which indeed the current inspector made, is evidently no longer to be the case.

We now pay more than £2,000 to inspect ourselves.

‘Who inspects the inspectors?’

ANN NICHOLSON, manager, Centenary House, Shepton Mallet REGARDING your front page article I am in total agreement with John Burton’s comments on the issues with CQC. My social work background has been mainly in the private sector for 17 years with children and young people’s residential services and the inspectorate of Ofsted – another subject with the same issues.

More recently I have been working as a care manager in an older people’s residential home, and I was amazed with the parity of both CQC and Ofsted inspections. My question

has always been ‘Who inspects the inspectors?’

These two inspectorates need a good inspection.

There are so many issues I have with these two bodies that I do not have enough time to email all concerns and, at the end of the day, what will happen anyway?

Professionals like myself have been asking questions for years, but with no real response, or you are concerned about a potential ‘backlash’ for an establishment or service from these two inspectorates.

I think my time has come to retire from social work and de-register with GSCC.

Quality of paperwork over quality of care?

BRIAN COATES, residential care provider, Cromwell House, North Devon I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with Frank Ursell's comments ‘Call for hotel rating system for industry’ (April 2010).

I know from experience that inspectors seem to favour quality of paperwork over quality of care given.

Care providers are penalised because the quality of their paperwork is easier to measure than the quality of actual care given.

It seems to me an unfortunate fact that most carers within the industry

are females who, though attributed with the all important ‘caring gene’ are not so well blessed academically and, for some, report writing represents something of a challenge (come to think of it, inspection report writing seems to be a significant challenge for some of the inspectors too).

Care providers need to be supported by the inspectorate who should devote more time to seeking out and eliminating bad practice rather than concentrating on form filling, spelling mistakes and bad grammar.

Ready to look at standards KATRINA MOLE, healthcare assistant I HAVE been in care for a number of years, and have worked in various homes, leaving some posts due to the standards of care. But the homes have managed to stay open and pass inspections.

For the last three years I have thought about how things could change, and have strongly thought about going freelance. I would go into homes looking at the quality of care that is offered, making reports on changes that should be made, and

reporting any care that is not sufficient.

There are homes out there that do not get the credit they deserve, and homes that should never be allowed to open.

The most important people are the service users and their families. If they are paying for their care their views should matter, and if that home has a low rating we should help it by supporting them in the best way possible. I would love a change of direction and think I could be of help.

15

20/5/10

11:36

Page 1

CARINGLAUNDRY

Press takes half the time of hand ironing AS A business you cannot afford to waste time, effort or money, but that is what you are doing if you are still hand ironing your laundry.

Introducing the BLANCA press from Fast Systems – one of the most advanced, reliable and economical presses on the market.

Sheets can be folded and ironed up to four layers at a time, tablecloths and napkins the same, plus shirts, trousers,

blouses and uniforms can be pressed in half the time of normal hand ironing.

Safe, simple and sturdy, the press has been designed for years of continuous hard use.

Easy to keep clean – the BLANCA press uses a Teflon heating plate and, apart from occasionally changing the cover, it is virtually maintenance free.

At around 10p per hour to run, the press keeps those overheads in check.

Simple and cost-effective labelling for clothing ATTACH-A-TAG is a simple, cost effective method of labelling clothing and soft objects. Replicating a button, it attaches in seconds to the garment seam or laundry label, making it discreet and comfortable to the wearer.

Attach-a-Tag’s patented design is easy to attach but difficult to remove, and

cannot be taken off by accident or come off during the laundry process.

Each tag has the owner’s name etched onto it, which is guaranteed not to wear off in the wash. This combined with the unique fixing method of Attach-a-Tag means the owner is identified every time.

Bella range specifically for the care sector BEAUCARE’S Bella laundry range is specially formulated with healthcare establishments in mind.

It is designed to be effective at lower temperatures and, as well as containing bacteria killing agents, it offers outstanding cleaning performance at lower cost to the home.

Bella contains a destaining agent which removes the need for a pre stain treatment. This range of products is cleverly designed to give maximum effectiveness on stains, combining the ability to run on shorter wash cycles, lowering costs and with the knowledge that cross infection is eradicated.

Bella Professional comes in powder or liquid form: 10kg tubs, 5lt or 20lt liquid containers. When combining the laundry liquids with automated dosing systems it creates one of the most efficient laundry systems on the market today.

Beaucare offers a full fitting and advice service, can arrange a loan dosing system or they can be purchased and fitted by a dosing engineer.

Enquiries: Telephone 01423 878899 or email sales@beaucare.com

15

16

20/5/10

14:39

Page 1

16

CARINGSAFE MOVING AND HANDLING

Cost-effective moving and handling refreshers Advertiser’s announcement ARE you still wasting time and resources using classroom based moving and handling refresher training?

There is a more cost effective way. It is essential to evidence knowledge and competence, and using online moving and handling assessments you can quickly ascertain if people need formal training. Combine this method with formal observations of practice by a qualified person, which should already be a regular part of supervisory practice, and you can clearly evidence both knowledge and competence without the costs associated with classroom refreshers.

If formal training is required, a follow up assessment can measure the effectiveness of training and ensure the budget spent has achieved the required outcome – evidence of knowledge.

Consider what it costs to provide refresher training and workload cover per person and multiply that by the number of people you have. If you evidence 50 per cent competence without classroom training, you can save almost half your refresher training costs.

Repeat this cost saving model for other training standards and save significant amounts of time and resources. CIS Assessment is already helping organisations to reduce training costs using its assessments.

Training helps home achieve the all-clear THE future of a Peeblesshire care home which was told it needed to improve its infection control and moving and handling training looks bright after inspectors gave the allclear for it to remain open.

Whim Hall has improved the standard of care it provides for its 29 elderly residents and is currently undergoing a major £400,000 refurbishment and expansion by its owners, Guardian Care Homes UK Ltd. A new inspection by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care found standards had improved to the extent that it has now lifted a move to cancel the registration of the care service.

Gary Hartland, managing director of Guardian, said: “The commission has told us that we have met the requirements of a notice issued to us during the autumn of last year, when inspectors highlighted concerns about a lack of progress towards improvements needed.

“We took on board the commission’s comments and set about turning around the home so that it provides an acceptable standard of care – and we are continuing with improvements aimed at lifting standards still

Whim Hall higher.

“It has been a worrying time for our residents and staff and we are all delighted that now we can move forward so that Whim Hall becomes a home we can all be proud of.”

The group blames a high turnover of managers at Whim Hall over the last two years for the slip in standards that led to the improvement notice.

Last November a specialist management team was brought in to steer through the improvements needed, which mainly related to care practices of staff, requiring changes to training and paperwork.

Gary added: “I can only apologise

to residents and their families for the earlier failings at Whim Hall and reassure them that we have been doing everything possible to raise standards of care there.

“We now look forward to continuing to improve Whim Hall so that we can all put this unfortunate chapter well and truly behind us.”

Liz Williamson, a qualified nurse with a lot of experience in care home management, has been appointed the new manager of the home, while Janis McFarlane he been appointed a new regional manager for Scotland.

17

20/5/10

14:24

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Dementia sufferers at a Camden care home experienced improvements in their well being after taking part in an innovative drama project. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Dementia sufferers benefit from innovative drama THE report commissioned by Central and Cecil Care followed an event hosted by theatre company Ladder to the Moon at the group’s Rathmore House in Camden.

Written by Maria Parsons, formerly of the London Centre for Dementia Care, it found that a sample of eight residents living with the condition profited from taking part in the project.

The home was transformed into a ‘Grand Hotel’ by the theatre company for a two-week period, and actors were present five days a week, with the residency focusing on the development of a romance between a wealthy guest and a chamber maid.

This culminated in a wedding attended by residents, staff and relatives, and also included an engagement party and tea dance.

The home’s manager Chris Barry said: “Some of the residents took on roles in the production and all of them joined in as guests at the engagement and wedding parties.

“They really bonded with the actors, becoming friends with them and reacting as they would in real life. One resident, angered at the

sight of the ex-girlfriend of the leading man, even threw a glass of water at the actor.

“They became involved in what they were seeing to that extent. The amazing thing about the production was that it engaged both residents and staff and gave everybody the chance to shine.”

Chris added that the interactive nature of the play encouraged residents to recount memories and their life stories.

“A number recounted tales of their marriages,” he said. “One man, who had remained isolated from the production in his bedroom, finally joined the engagement party.

“Pushed in his wheelchair into the lounge, the man came face to face with ‘the happy couple’ and gave them his blessing.

“Crying with joy, he wished them well in their lives together. A few months later he died. However in the time after the performances, he often referred to the ‘marriage’.”

Have you run a project similar to this at your care home? If so, let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

A Ladder to the Moon actor with a resident

17

18

18/5/10

16:04

Page 1

18

CARINGNEWS

A care home inspired by an entrepreneur’s visit to Australia has opened its doors. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Australian trip inspires Michael A CRAZY golf course and adventure playing ground for visiting children are some of the radical ideas Michael Chittenden plans to introduce to Silversprings nursing village in Essex.

The home, which comprises three wings, one of which is a specialist dementia unit, is set in five hectares, and is registered for 64 people.

Michael told Caring UK the development has been an emotional journey, but one that he would consider doing again.

He added: “Some of the ideas that I had from my visit to Australia were so simple, but had not been seen much in this country, which made me wonder whether they were silly or not. Thankfully things like having the chickens roaming around and the doves and ducks have had a good response, and are proving to be stimulating not only for the residents but for the visiting children.

“Like many homes all of our food here will be as fresh as possible, and the vegetable patch that we have created will provide us with some produce for the chef to use. Many of the residents will not be able to work on it, but it is somewhere for them to walk around and provides another talking point.”

Michael has more than 20 years’ experience of working in property

investment and development, and funding for the facility was provided by Barclays Commercial Bank.

He added: “I would consider doing something like this again, but for the moment I want to ensure we get this right and make a perfect job of it.

“This might be enough for me in future, but for now we have to concentrate on making sure this works as a business. We are currently half full, so I want us full and running well before I consider doing anything elsewhere.”

Plans are in place to develop a clubhouse, bandstand and log cabin for the residents’ use on the site, and Michael says he would also like to add some assisted living apartments to the development in future.

He added: “If we could develop some apartments to the home it would mean the people living in them could tap into the services we have in the main home.

“I also want to turn one of the original buildings into a clubhouse where the residents could go to take part in activity classes or hold private parties. As part of the original plans the council wanted me to pull it down, so I am trying to persuade them to let me keep it as a place where the residents can feel they can go out for the day.”

Angela Rippon plants a tree to mark the opening of Silversprings along with owner Michael Chittenden, care home manager Michael Daley and operations manager Jennifer Brown.

19

18/5/10

09:52

Page 1

20

18/5/10

16:33

Page 1

21

18/5/10

16:06

Page 1

21

Caring UK Commerce section brings you all the latest property, business and training news every month.

Dad keeps it in the family with purchase A FATHER and his two sons have entered the care industry with the purchase of their first home.

Michael Harold and his sons Mark and Nigel have bought Northway House in Taunton.

Nigel told Caring UK that the family, which has a little care background, settled on the 29-bed home because it is “well-established with a proven track record for quality of care and financial performance”.

He added: “My father-in-law has some knowledge of the care sector, which was crucial when we were looking for the right sort of home.

“We looked at a few before settling on Northway as we weren’t really tied down to a particular geographic location, but this home ticked a lot of the requirements we had specified.

“As first time buyers we were keen to get something that was doing well and had a ‘good’ star rating, and we now aim to improve on that and work towards getting an ‘excellent’

at our next inspection.”

The family purchased the home from an asking price of £1.795m thanks to funding from a national high street bank arranged by Christie Finance.

Nigel says they are already planning further acquistions in future, preferably in the area surrounding Somerset.

He added: “We are going to look at different opportunities to take Northway forward first, which will look at different types of care that we could offer. My father, who is retired, and brother will look after the day-to-day running of the home, with me concentrating on the financial side of things.

“It was daunting trying to get the finances in place for the home as we were new to the sector, but now we have done it once we are looking to expand our portfolio further, preferably with another home that has a good reputation and proven track record.”

Management trainee programme launched MANAGERS of the future have taken their first steps on their new career path as a Scottish care group launched its inaugural management trainee programme.

Seven candidates have signed up for the first phase of the Balhousie scheme, which runs for 17 months, and will offer the trainees the chance to walk in the shoes of every job role across the group, ranging from kitchen assistant to cook and carer to care home manager.

Five of the seven who are working towards an SVQ 3 Health and Social Care qualification, along with several other accredited certificates, are existing employees of the Forfarbased group.

Chairman and managing director Tony Banks said the programme is part of the group’s plans to double the number of registered beds by the next three years.

He added: “We have clear plans for growth over the next few years and we see the management trainee programme as an integral part of that development, allowing us to grow our own corporate management team of the future.

“We already run a management development graduate programme as part of our ongoing development for current managers, but this is the first time we have had a trainee scheme.

“The training will give them all a completely holistic experience and show them how each part of the business operates, from the kitchens and cleaning to the management of our individual care homes.”

The trainees were all required to have at least an SVQ 2 Health and Social Care qualification or an equivalent.

In this issue: Karen completes

deal for a fourth care home Page 22

No automatic

‘passport’ to new system

Page 24

Restored

residence to create up to thirty jobs

Mark and Michael Harold with Christie’s director John Crocker

Page 26

22

18/5/10

16:11

Page 1

22

CARINGCOMMERCE

Entrepreneur Karen Rogers has bought her fourth care home in the Midlands. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Karen completes deal for fourth home

Karen Rogers with representatives from Lloyds TSB Commercial Mark Pawson, Phil Garrattely and Richard King

THE former head of inspection within social services bought her first care home 11 years ago because she wanted to provide a positive choice for care.

And since the purchase of Whitegates Care Home in Bromyard, she has added Highwell House in the town and Coldwells House in Hereford to her portfolio, extending and refurbishing all three properties.

Karen has recently completed a deal to acquire Charnwood County Residence in Hereford from an asking price of £895,000 after securing a loan from Lloyds TSB Commercial.

She said: “I randomly decided to buy my first home because I wanted to provide care in a rural setting. I also wanted to show that care homes can be a positive choice because there was a lot of negativity surrounding the sector at the time.

“I got planning permission to extend it, putting on a further 17 bedrooms and a couple of day rooms, and at the same time I bought a competitor’s care home and then another one.

‘Highwell House is now registered for 34 residents following the development work, with Coldwells now able to take 33.”

Karen now plans to develop Charnwood, and is also looking to acquire further homes in the

Zest a market leader of IT products ZEST Care Systems is a market leader in the provision of IT products and services to the care sector.

We have experience and knowledge which can provide our clients with some unique selling points, enabling increased occupancy and efficiencies, resulting in lower costs per resident.

Our goals are the provision of superior quality computer services and support with a highly personal touch to fulfil the computer and technology needs of the industry.

We assist the professional care operator in moving forward with technology, thereby helping them to grow and outshine their competition.

Our services range from the latest computer hardware and software installations to state-of-the-art networking, broadband and telephony solutions.

At Zest we take pride in our commitment to business and, with experienced leadership and highly skilled technical ability, we maintain a loyal client base by striving to go the extra mile for our customers.

Enquiries: Visit www.zestcare.com or telephone 0844 504 4883.

Specialists in delivering high quality buildings DECS Group specialise in delivering high quality care homes, assisted living properties and associated care buildings for regional and national operators.

Our experienced team works with you to create a modern building capable of providing care well into the future in line with your specification and budget.

Decs Group also offers a full turnkey service or any aspect in between, taking your building right the way through to CQC: We source land, evaluating each location before offering them on to clients.

We carry out feasibilities, collating accurate information specific to the area.

We offer designs or work in partnership with you own design team.

We can assist with development funding from design through to CQC. We build - handing over schemes that are immediately ready for business.

Enquiries: Telephone Chris Johnson on 0113 385 0884, email chris.johnson@decsgroup.co.uk or visit www.decsgroup.co.uk

Midlands area.

She added: “Herefordshire is a good place to be based because the ageing population is expanding there rapidly.

“The new home is a small unit compared to the others at the moment, but I am hoping to develop it later in the year. I am also looking to create separate units in the grounds of the home for residents to go for nursing therapy.

“We employ physios in the home already, but I want to have a separate area where the residents can go outside of the home because it is all part of the therapeutic process.”

And Karen is also investing in her staff, with the University of Worcester having developed a dementia training programme specifically for the group.

Karen added: “All of our staff now go through a six-week training programme, and we expect it to take a year to get everybody through it.

“We found a lot of dementia training on offer to be inadequate, and that those who have the condition need their own model of care rather than adapting to other existing models.”

Are you adding further care homes to your portfolio or refurbishing your existing facilities? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

Dorset first for business partners BUSINESS partners Nick Meyer and David Henson have acquired their first care home in Dorset with the purchase of Clarence House.

The pair moved into the care industry three years ago after meeting through a mutual friend, and subsequently set up Shervey Ltd. And after buying and redeveloping The Three Corners Nursing Home in Devon and Newgrange Residential Home in East Hertfordshire, they have big plans for their new purchase in Ferndown.

David told Caring UK they looked at many homes before settling for Clarence House. He added: “There were many things that attracted us to Clarence House. We like purpose-

built homes and their layout because we feel they are better for the residents and staff, and this one is in a particularly good location.

“Clarence House also has a good reputation locally with professionals and residents’ families, and there is also space for us to develop the home like we have done with the other two.

“The building is about 20 years old and is in good condition, but we are just carrying out a bit of light decoration to refresh it a little.”

Funding for the home was provided

by NatWest and the European Investment Bank, with a further loan helping them to complete the extension.

23

18/5/10

09:56

Page 1

24

18/5/10

17:08

Page 1

24

CARINGCOMMERCE

In brief ...

TAYLOR National has confirmed the acquisition of Belvoir Vale Care Homes Ltd in Nottingham on behalf of MMCG. The purpose built home in the village of Widmerpool is registered for 62 residents in single, en suite rooms, with all accommodation at ground level.

CHANTVIEW Ltd has completed the sale of Woodeaves Care Home on behalf of Mr and Mrs Spencer of Smallwood Homes Ltd. Registered for 22 residents, who are housed mainly in single rooms over three floors, the facility in Nantwich is a character detached building which has a good sized rear extension. This new build is one of many upgrades and refurbishments undertaken by the previous owners, who had consistently enjoyed good occupancy levels.

DC CARE has completed the sale of Norman House in Southend on Sea on behalf of the retiring Mr and Mrs R. Edwards. The building was originally two semi-detached properties which were built in the 1920s, and have since been linked and extended to provide care for up to 20 residents. It has been purchased by local operators Dr N. Menon and Dr R K Tandon.

A CARE organisation has made a key appointment as part of its plans to develop a ground-breaking model of care.

Pendine Park will be creating 200 jobs at two new centres of excellence to look after people with dementia – one in Wrexham and the other in Caernarfon.

The company has just appointed social care expert Jen Roberts, pictured above, as its business development manager.

She has moved from a similar role with the Pennaf Housing Group, and is one of the judges at the annual Wales Care Awards.

As well as heading up the domiciliary care company, Pendine Park Independent Living, she will be establishing a new arm of the organisation, Pendine Park Extra Care Plus.

No automatic ‘passport’ to new system

By Catherine Drew IF you run a care home you should consider whether you will meet the requirements under the new registration system, including the new application forms and format for the statement of purpose.

You will only have a short period in which to finalise and submit your application once CQC contacts you.

There is no automatic ‘passport’ to the new system – all existing providers will have to re-register from October 1.

The new system requires the legal entity or person providing a ‘regulated activity’ to register. To reregister you will have to show that you meet new essential common standards of quality and safety for each regulated activity provided at each location at which you operate by reference to ‘outcomes’.

Regulated activities The regulated activity most likely to be relevant is accommodation with personal or nursing care. You will have to declare compliance with each regulated activity provided at each location.

A business running several care homes will only have one registration for itself, but it will specify the various homes as separate locations and those activities which can be carried out at a location.

If you decide to change a service provided at a location, you will need to vary your registration and update your statement of purpose.

The outcomes The legislation sets out the requirements relating to the safety and quality of the service provision in relation to the regulated activities – the ‘outcomes’ (28 in total).

‘Outcomes’ are what people in your care home should be experiencing if you meet the essential standards of safety and quality; service users understand their care and can express views on that care which are

Catherine Drew taken into account.

You need to ‘have regard’ to these outcomes when undertaking a regulated activity. CQC gives guidance about compliance with prompts’.

You do not have to follow the guidance, but have to declare compliance against each outcome on your application for registration under the new system or show how you will become compliant.

What should you do now?

You should start to consider now how to meet the new requirements even if your day to day operations will not change materially: Are your premises up to standard?

Is your staff training up to date?

Have you any outstanding issues from your last inspection?

Do your contracts need updating?

Can you comply with all the new outcomes?

Can your statement of purpose meet the new format?

In addition to its existing enforcement powers, CQC will also have new enforcement powers including warning notices, suspension of registration to provide certain services and penalty notices and fines.

Catherine Drew is a partner at law firm Charles Russell.

VAT reclaims continue to be a lifeline for care operators IN A climate where care home operators are still suffering rising costs, reduced placements and great uncertainty about their future, the opportunity to recover up to nine years of VAT is greatly needed.

Cost reduction specialists Salmon Business Group can help operators reclaim retrospective VAT for nursing and residential homes.

Despite the ruling taking place back in 2002, many operators have failed to avail themselves of the opportunity thinking that they could not make a claim.

You may not have all the records but this does not matter, as we can work with minimal information to secure a successful outcome.

We can assess your claim free of charge and advise as to what the next step should be, and take this through to completion and funds in your bank account. If we are not successful there is no charge to you the customer - you have nothing to lose.

Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com

25

18/5/10

16:35

Page 1

26

18/5/10

16:17

Page 1

26

CARINGCOMMERCE

A care provider is restoring a former Victorian residence to its former glory for her latest project.

Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Restored residence to create up to 30 jobs VIRGINIA Bowen added Elmhurst to her portfolio two years ago, and it will create up to 30 jobs when it opens in the summer.

She and her partner Alan Dytham first entered the industry more than 20 years ago when they opened their family home to four people suffering from dementia.

She told Caring UK that Elmhurst is the Pinnacle group’s ninth in Warwickshire, and that she never stops looking for new opportunities.

Virginia added: “I have lived in

Rugby all my life and have driven past this site and have seen it from the road loads of times.

“The dome on the roof and the flats at the back have always interested me, and when it came up for sale I had to come and have a look.

“I saw the potential for returning it back to a care home, which is what it was before the council closed it a few years ago, but my husband thought I was completely mad. It was in a pretty dire state when we acquired it, and it has been a long, hard slog,

Pharmacy invites you to...

LAST year a CQC report cited an alarming ‘30 per cent of homes still fail to meet its specific minimum standard for storing, handling and providing residents’ medication’.

Once again stealing the media headlines, care organisations became centre stage to a wave of criticism, which is becoming all too familiar in an industry we all put so much effort in to.

One company resolute on helping care providers make genuine headway to tackle this issue is poignantly named Total Medication Management Services.

Dedicated to providing the care home and domiciliary sectors with a comprehensive pharmacy service tailored to each resident, they are focused on combating error from the start, guiding homes through concise training and regular pharmacist consultations.

Having established itself in West Yorkshire, their second new 8,400 square foot dispensary will shortly be operational in Chorley.

To celebrate its opening, Tomms Pharmacy is hosting a conference on June 30. With a variety of speakers scheduled, this is sure to be a day to pencil in your calendars.

Enquiries: Telephone Debbie Howe on 07875 482755.

particularly as it is a Grade II listed building.”

Virginia plans to register the home for 38 clients, and will be able to offer specialist care not only for people suffering from the condition but also their spouse or partner.

As well as offering en suite rooms within the main property, there are also an additional 14 apartments to the rear which will offer clients independence. The main building will include a restaurant and bar.

Virginia added: “There is nothing like what we want to do in Rugby, and I am trying to get over to the CQC that people with and without dementia can live together.

“I want how we use the rooms and apartments to be fairly flexible, which goes against the inspectorate, because they say rooms have to be single occupancy.

“You hear stories of couples who have been together 60 years being split up because one of them has dementia, which is wrong, and we want to provide support to keep them together.”

In 2000 the couple purchased their first fully operational home, Sedlescombe Park, which has 24 residents. All of the group’s homes specialise in caring for people with dementia.

Virginia added: “My aim has always been to ensure that people with

Pinnacle Care’s Alan Dytham and Virginia Bowen with Barclays Corporate’s Richard Fray dementia have the best quality of life they can.

“I am a business at the end of the day, but the rewards I get out of it are not just money. It is seeing people with the condition living as normal a life as possible.

“I never expected to have more than one care home, but after buying the first one I thought this is good fun and bought another one. It has grown from there really.”

The refurbishment has been supported with financial backing from Barclays Corporate.

27

20/5/10

09:20

Page 1

Awards pay tribute to best in the sector KEITH Chegwin was the host for the national Great British Home Care Awards in London.

Twelve category winners were announced at the Guildhall event, which celebrates excellence in social care and pays tribute to those who work in the sector.

The inaugural regional awards were held last autumn, and the winners of these from the home care sector were then invited to attend a gala dinner hosted by Ceretas, the national membership organisation representing home care.

Director Mike Padgham said: “Our regional awards have recognised some fantastic teams, individuals and organisations, providing exceptional home care in their respective regions.

“So, the quality of the entries being judged for the national finals truly outstanding and the judges’ task was extremely difficult but very rewarding. Not only do the awards recognise

and celebrate the fantastic achievement of those in the sector, but they also help to raise and improve its profile.”

The awards support The Maggie’s Centre charity, which has sites across the country supporting people whose lives have been impacted upon by cancer.

Winners were: Newcomer – Emily Woodward, Allied Healthcare (Leeds); Employer (more than 250 employees) – Jane Worsley and Denise Blewitt, Community Integrated Care (Widnes); Employer (less than 250 employees) – Wendy and Martin Beesley, Allcare (Shrewsbury); Care worker - Susan McGowan, Continued Care from Oakville (Harrogate); Registered manager – Claire Cooper, Radis Community Care (Walsall); Care worker of a specialist service – Anna Fenton, Extra Mile Care Company (London); Dignity in care – Craven North initial contact team (Settle); Dementia carer – Jacqueline

Mary Bryce receives her outstanding contribution award from SCIE’s Annie Stevenson and Keith Chegwin Ranscombe, Bluebird Care (Reading); Team - Kate’s Home Nursing (Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire); Trainer – Susannah Spencer, Lincolnshire County Council; Innovator – Caroline Bairstowe, Community Integrated

Care (Widnes); IT innovator – Steve D’Souza, Nestor Healthcare PLC (Hatfield, Hertfordshire); Outstanding contribution to social care – Mary Bryce, Ceretas /Housing 21.

28

18/5/10

28

16:28

Page 1

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

One stop shop for care homes SIMPLICARE offers a wide range of products from its newly launched catalogue, which will satisfy all your care homes needs.

From everyday essentials to furniture, including specialist moving and handling equipment, the company uses its strong supplier relationships to source many other products not shown in the catalogue.

The comprehensive range includes premium branded lines, as well as some less well known products selected to offer the best possible value. This focus on value for money is further emphasised by the availability of free, nationwide, next day delivery for stocked items.

To help keep your costs down, Simplicare offers a year round campaign of promotions.

June’s offer is for up to a third off washing and cleaning products.

Open your new account today and receive a five per cent discount off all stock orders placed before June 25.

Enquiries: Telephone 01622 605099, email sales@simplicare.co.uk or visit www.simplicare.co.uk

Total Hygiene makes it real CHOOSING independent living aids is being made more personal with an innovative approach from Total Hygiene, the company behind the Clos-o-Mat ‘wash and dry’ toilet.

The firm has developed a novel exhibition display, which receiving its first major outing at Naidex, which aims to help people better picture the equipment in their own home, and see how it works.

Fully functioning Clos-o-Mat Palma ‘wash and dry’ toilet, Lima Lift height adjustable ‘wash and dry’ toilet, Aerolet toilet lift and a selection of the company’s new range of height adjustable fixtures are displayed against a backdrop showing a bathroom/ washroom environment.

Plasma TV screens strategically positioned around the stand area run computer generated imagery (CGI) footage of Total Hygiene’s range of equipment in action.

Marketing manager Robin Tuffley said: “We have extended our range of independent toileting aids significantly, and want to make people aware of the diversity of options now available.”

Enquiries: Telephone 0161 969 1199.

Consultants help Susan turn struggling home into a success A CARE home manager and her staff have turned a struggling home into a success.

Silverdale, a 20-bed home in Rockferry, The Wirral, had been rated ‘adequate’ by CQC for two years and had fallen into administration.

But Susan Butterworth would not be defeated and, with input from care home consultants Wright Care Home Solutions, was able to implement a plan for its revival.

Together with the company’s senior operations manager Julie Roper she introduced new audit tools, implemented new policies and procedures, began a refurbishment plan and updated all staff files and arranged their training.

And as a result of the hard work the home was recently awarded a two star ‘good’ rating from CQC. Susan said it was such a relief to be able to tell the staff all the hard work had been worth it.

She added: “It’s been a long, hard year

but the staff here are so dedicated and loyal that it was a thrill to tell them, and the residents, that we’d been awarded two stars.”

“The aim now is to consolidate the work we’ve done with Wright Care and strive for an ‘excellent’ rating.”

Firm unveils developments RENRAY, the largest furniture manufacturer and supplier to the healthcare sector, has announced various new developments designed to further build on the company’s leading position within the marketplace.

The company has opened new offices in Winsford, just off the M6 in Cheshire, and new showrooms are being created at these premises to showcase their stylish and durable ranges, so enabling customers to view and try out products

before ordering.

On the same site Renray have warehousing with 67,000 sq. feet of space, where they are able to hold a massive stockholding of manufactured products ready for quick and express delivery to meet customer’s needs. In addition, the team of customer account representatives covering the UK has been increased to 10 – all liaising with and advising customers on their furniture and interior design needs.

29

18/5/10

16:20

Page 1

CARINGNEWS

Signs of a golden age SIGNBOX has completed the sign package for the new purpose-built Richmond retirement village at Letcombe Regis in Oxfordshire.

The company was selected following a competitive tender process for the installation of internal and external signs that will help residents and visitors find their way around the prestigious facilities.

Mark Bartlett, managing director of Signbox, said: “Working to a very tight time schedule we were able to supply two existing Signbox products - Signblock for the interior and Stealth for the exterior signage.”

Formed from a single-piece aluminium extrusion, Stealth is an extremely durable product that can be powder coated or stove enamelled to any BS or RAL colour finish.

The elegantly sleek curves of the Stealth profile make an individual architectural statement that blended harmoniously with the parkland environment of Letcombe Regis.

Richmond Villages specified the interior signage consisted of neutral materials and was ‘understated’ in design, and the Signblock product met this brief perfectly.

Enquiries: Visit www.signbox.co.uk

99.999 per cent is a five log kill and that’s no exaggeration THE Clinell range of products comprises universal sanitising wipes, hand and surface sanitiser/disinfectant sprays, sporicidal wipes, chlorhexidine body wash cloths, chlorhexidine wash cloths and bed bath patient bathing wipes, along with continence care wipes.

Adam Brown, managing director of Steroplast Healthcare, the master distributor of the range of infection control products outside of the NHS, said: “Many customers are a bit confused about the five log kill claim made by Clinell, but it’s actually quite easy.

“Clinell infection control products are clinically proven to offer a five log kill/reduction of 99.999 per cent, which often is interpreted as an exaggerated claim. It actually means that Clinell kills two million more germs than other products that claim 99.9 per cent.

“So every additional .9 per cent represents a million germs killed. Clinell goes on working for up to 72 hours while others only are effective for 12.”

Enquiries: Telephone 0161 902 3030 or email Janice@steroplast.co.uk

Jangro’s range NHS approved

Award winning waterproof fitted sheet and mattress cover in one SPECIALIST contract furniture suppliers to the care home industry Crombie and Paul are the exclusive distributors of B.Sensible waterproof fitted sheets and pillow cases to the contract market in the UK. The B.Sensible bedding provides a comfortable sleeping experience, and is soft, waterproof, breathable, bedding which uses Tencel® (pulp of the eucalyptus tree). The totally natural fibre makes the waterproof element virtually undetectable .

Available in 15 colours, the fitted sheets and pillow cases complement all surroundings, with no additional bedding protectors required.

All bedding is hypo-allergenic with an anti-mite barrier, and is made in an eco-friendly manufacturing process.

They come with a five-year guarantee, have a maximum temperature of 90 degrees and can be tumble dried, with no ironing necessary.

Enquiries: Telephone 015242 73334 , email info@crombieandpaul.com or visit www.crombieandpaul.com

Tax reclaims for commercial property owners CAPITAL allowances are among the most valuable and least exploited methods of reducing property owners’ income tax or corporation tax liabilities.

Capital allowances arise from capital expenditure on purchasing or constructing a new property along with extensions and refurbishments.

We carry out retrospective, current year, and new build capital allowance claims, both for individuals and companies in relation to commercial properties right across the commercial sector.

Most retrospective capital allowance claims that we handle lead to a significant tax refund for the client. We will quickly identify the validity of a claim without obligation. If a claim does not proceed, there will be no fee.

We comprehensively survey the property which allows us to identify any qualifying items that, for numerous reasons, have previously not been claimed.

Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com

Impey makes an advancement in level-access showering

THE UK’s leading group of independent distributors of hygiene, cleaning, janitorial and catering supplies to the healthcare sector is offering an even larger range of specialist products, including many carrying the ‘NHS Approved’ symbol.

In its latest 160-page catalogue Jangro offers a selection of ‘NHS Approved’ Clinell products that kill swine flu and includes universal sanitising wipes, hand and surface sanitiser/disinfectant spray, antibacterial hand wipes and sporadic wipes.

Jangro’s ‘Infection Control’ range has also doubled this year to meet market requirements. It includes the popular medical sanitiser for terminal disinfection for use across the healthcare profession.

Jangro bactericidal, virucidal and sporicidal products effectively deal with MRSA, HIV and C Difficile. The range also includes disposable latex gloves, sovereign examination gloves and glove box holders, alcohol hand gel and rubs.

New to the 2010 range are Jangro’s handy sized disinfectant surface wipes, biohazard and sharps disposal kits, shoe covers, torches and rechargeable batteries.

Enquiries: Telephone 0845 458 5223 or visit www.jangro.net

Hot water hand wash units for hire THE medical and healthcare division of hand hygiene specialists Teal has launched a hire service for its comprehensive range of portable hot water hand wash units.

This provides an instant ablution solution to cope with HCAI outbreaks, which can overload existing facilities, or to keep establishments open when building work disrupts conventional plumbing systems.

Operational immediately, the units hold enough clean water for up to 50 hot water hand washes and retain all dirty water for later disposal. They require no fixed plumbing or drainage and can be positioned in any location near an electric socket.

They are delivered fully tested, disinfected, cleaned and ready for use within 24 hours of an order being taken.

The weekly hire rates range from £84 to £112 plus VAT, with a delivery and collection charge of £40 plus VAT per unit.

Enquiries: Visit www.washyourhands.co.uk or phone 0121 770 0593.

IMPEY has become one of the most influential innovators of specialist showering solutions in the UK since launching its first level access shower floor more than 10 years ago .

The company has made another leap forward in a bid to again set itself apart from the competition by creating a new product that offers the installer complete versatility and a weight saving of at least 28 per cent over the original Level-Dec design.

Level-Dec Advance is 22mm thick like the original and also has a built-in gradient to the drainage point, but here the similarities end.

It is manufactured using different process and new materials, so it is lighter than the original, but just as strong.

The greatest feature of Level-Dec Advance is undoubtedly the unique and innovative centre drainage section, which allows the installer to place it in almost any location while avoiding under-floor obstructions such as joists, pipe-work and electrical cables.

This is made possible by a separate 450mm diameter centre plate section which can be rotated through 360 degrees and features an offset drainage outlet for the trap.

Level access wetroom-style showers floors can now be created more quickly and easily than ever before.

The practicalities and time saving benefits of this system are impressive, and can only be found on LevelDec Advance.

Impey have made sure the design is well protected by numerous patent applications including GB0521174.3, US12/090.603 and EP06794810.9.

Level-Dec Advance has been designed for slip resistant vinyl floor coverings, and is available in four different sizes. It is supplied with a horizontal drainage trap which features a 50mm adjustable outlet.

Enquiries: Telephone 01460 256080 or visit www.impey-uk.com

29

30 Classi

18/5/10

16:22

Page 1

30

CARINGNEWS

New system offers unique features AID Call’s new Touchsafe R CP5000 and ATX5000 are set to revolutionise efficiency and safety in the nurse call market.

The range of products combine unique features that make it the most reliable, efficient and safest wireless system available. The centrally placed Touchsafe R CP5000 display panel shows location, patient’s name and attending nurse’s identification on its high visibility display, whilst permanently logging all information.

But, most importantly, the new Touchsafe R ATX5000 call points feature an LCD screen which displays a ‘next call waiting’ message, enabling staff to access their next call from the current patient’s room without having to revisit the central display panel.

Signs

Chris offering to run other people’s homes AN EXPERIENCED Liverpool care home owner has set up a new service offering to run other people’s homes for them should their personal circumstances change.

Chris Farrar has set up Total Care Home Management to help people who may wish to retire, semi-retire or deal with an issue such as divorce.

He said: “My proposal is to allow owners to rest and let my company run their home. As an experienced care operator running a 30 bed home I have encountered most types of issues and problems.

“Often, when things get too much in a care home, there is a 'gut' instinct to sell the home in order to

relieve the stress and/or 'pain'. But after being selfemployed and perhaps needing an income life may not be too good 'out there', especially in a recession.”

The new company also has associates in the activities, legal and accounting professions to deal with any issues should they arise.

Chris added: “Owners can deal with problems, but often dealing with them seven days a week, month after month, leads to a build up of stress. Owners can no longer rely on providing a good homely environment, as legislation constantly wants ‘more’ of the owner.

“We will stand back a little and put in place an almost scientific approach to the running of the home.”

Device relieves poor circulation THE Circulation Booster v3® is a new and innovative therapeutic device to relieve poor circulation, which has class 2a medical certification.

With age, lifestyle and illness, many people suffer from reduced elasticity of the veins (poor circulation), and this restricts normal blood flow, regardless of how much exercise you do. Applied through large foot pads, the Circulation Booster v3® helps to rapidly increase blood circulation by performing therapeutic muscle stimulation.

When using the device, blood is immediately circulated throughout the foot and pumped back up through the legs, improving your circulation and reducing fluid retention and swelling around the ankles.

The Circulation Booster v3® has helped thousands of people improve their poor circulation, mobility and general well-being. Just 30 minutes a day while watching TV, reading or working at your desk will give you significant, long lasting improvement.

Range designed for healthcare environment ENVIRONMENTAL Hygiene Solutions are the official UK distributor of the Health Protection Agency certified Sanyo Virus Washer range of air disinfection units.

Specifically designed for the healthcare environment to combat the transmission of

airborne viruses and bacteria such as norovirus and influenza, the washers constantly clean the air using patented electrolysed water technology, making them 100 per cent safe for use in occupied rooms and areas.

Recent independent testing

has shown that the perfectly safe hydroxyl radicals produced by the system also act on surfaces, permanently inactivating over 99.8 per cent of settled contaminants within 30 minutes, proving that they really are the best on the market.

Follow us on twitter @CaringUK

Uniforms

Transport

No.1 in used Wheelchair Accessible Transport ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Management

• We specialise in the sale and purchase of quality used wheelchair accessible and ambulance vehicles.

• They can be bought as seen or refurbished and signwritten to your own requirements.

• 12 months MOT Class 5, and 12 months warranty.

• Independent engineers report supplied FOC. • Delivery service available.

• All buses fitted with seatbelts and comply to seatbelt legislation.

Always wanted late wheelchair accessible vehicles Gardiners Lane North, Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex CM11 2XE Tel: 01268 521033 • Mobile: 07860 894331 • Fax: 01268 284951 • sales@hwpickrell.co.uk

Visit our website for photos of current stock www.hwpickrell.co.uk

20

18/5/10

09:54

Page 1

32

18/5/10

10:01

Page 1