Caring UK June 2012 by Script Media

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June 2012

incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

no.193 • £4.75 In association with

Head calls for fees debate after Speech By Dominic Musgrave THE head of a leading care association says she wants to start a debate regarding the funding of long-term care in the wake of the Queen’s Speech. NCA chief executive Sheila Scott says the crisis ‘must look like a bottomless pit’ for the Government after it was put on the back burner. She was speaking after the Queen’s Speech included a draft bill that would be drawn up in the next year to modernise adult care and support in England, setting out what support people could expect from government and what action the government would take to help people plan, prepare and make informed choices about their care. But there was no mention of how to pay for supporting England’s rapidly ageing population. Sheila said: “I would like us to start a debate among ourselves about what might be done to help to alleviate this particular financial challenge. “My thoughts are many and mixed and might be a starting point for our discussions. How can any Government make decisions when they do not appear to know the real cost of the provision of care. “For example, we know what it costs by area to keep a person in a

care home if they are funded by the State, but do we know what it costs for a person to live and receive care at home including housing benefits? “I would be interested to know whether the Government looked at other countries’ models and does it know anything about models that seem to work?” Prestige Nursing+Care MD Jonathan Bruce said the government had ‘missed the opportunity to properly address care funding reform’ in the Queen’s speech ‘announcing only the vague modernisation of care, but with no practical indication of how this will be achieved’. He added: “Looking after some of the most vulnerable people in our society should not be cast aside in favour of political calculations of what will keep the coalition together. “That care is unlikely to be addressed in the next Parliament means that we will be yet another sitting without a solution and with a crisis that is only getting worse. “What this means in reality is that more people can’t afford the care they need and more people are left struggling to survive.” What do you think? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or call him on 01226 734407.

RNHA supports five-point care plan

Hollywood actor Alfred Molina officially opened a new £3.2m specialist dementia care home in Malvern. The Da Vinci Code, Spiderman and Chocolat star planted a tree marked with a plaque to commemorate the occasion at Bradbury Court. Alfred’s daughter Rachel works for charity Friends of the Elderly who have built the home. The 24-bed site adjoins the already established Davenham and Perrins residential and nursing facilities.

THE RNHA has backed a five-point plan from the Alzheimer’s Society to address the kind of dementia care problems identified in a recent BBC Panorama programme about a London care home. The association is urging all care homes across the country to ensure that their own dementia care policies and practices reflect the highest possible standards. RNHA chief executive officer Frank Ursell: “The Panorama programme highlighted how organisations are only as good as their weakest link. It is vital that all staff treat patients with the respect they deserve. “The actions of the staff featured in the programme were wholly unacceptable and the company that owned the home was right to dismiss them. The judicial system has also sent out a strong message that physical abuse of residents will not be tolerated.”

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CQC inspector dismissed for gross misconduct By Dominic Musgrave A CQC inspector has been dismissed for gross misconduct after an internal investigation revealed that proprietors of care homes were being pressurised into paying fees for favourable inspection reports. This came to light as a result of whistle-blowing information to the CQC. The regulator referred the matter to the police, who confirmed that a 43year-old woman was arrested in Northamptonshire on suspicion of bribery and money laundering as part of an ongoing investigation. Louise Guss, director of governance and legal services, said: “Our inspectors operate to extremely high standards of integrity and professionalism. “Unfortunately, in any large workforce there is a risk that a tiny minority may act in a way that betrays the principles of their colleagues and of the organisation as a whole, which is what has happened here. “Having investigated allegations made to us about this inspector and found these were substantiated, we terminated their employment with

immediate effect and referred the matter to the police. “This inspector has failed the organisation, failed the providers who rely on us to act fairly and impartially, and – most importantly – failed in their responsibility to protect people who use services through identification of poor care. CQC operates a zero tolerance policy in regard to fraudulent or dishonest behaviour. “As this case makes clear, we take any credible allegations relating to this behaviour extremely seriously and, following a full investigation, will take the swiftest and most severe action possible against any member of staff found guilty.” City of London Police is now appealing to anyone working within the care home industry who has experienced similar circumstances to contact the CQC on 03000 616161 and report their concerns. DI James Clancey, from the City of London Police, said: “We are working closely with CQC to thoroughly investigate these allegations. “We are appealing to anyone who may have information linked to these allegations to come forward.”

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant Sales Manager: Heather Welsh Tel: 01226 734480 Email: hw@scriptmedia.co.uk National Sales Executive: Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734692 Email: mandye@scriptmedia.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 jhalkerston@scriptmedia.co.uk Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Reporter: Helen Williams Tel: 01226 734694

Huddersfield Town striker Jordan Rhodes and club legend Andy Booth took a guided tour of a newly opened care home. Jordan, who finished top of the League One goal scoring charts this season, visited Meridian Healthcare’s The Oakes, a residential and specialist care facility which features sporting memorabilia alongside day-to-day objects in reminiscence areas for residents and their families. Other facilities at the home include a Victorian style shop, cinema, library, hairdressing salon and a relaxation day spa.

Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 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

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The Wisemans look through their family photo album.

Couple reunited with album A HUSBAND and wife have been reunited with family photos spanning more than 50 years after the album they were in was spotted in a north London charity shop. Peter and Barbara Wiseman, a resident at Jewish Care’s Otto Schiff care home in Golders Green, thought they had lost the images forever until the album was spotted by David Sumray. “I am a keen family historian and a collector of Victorian photo albums,” he said. “When I saw this album I immediately thought it was special. “I looked through the photographs I realised that the owner’s barmitzvah and wedding invitations and

photographs were there. I called Jewish Care and asked if they could help me find the Wiseman family.” To his surprise, Jewish Care’s staff in their social work department were already working closely with the couple. Social worker Wendy Stolerman arranged a meeting between the two parties and it was agreed that all the photographs would be returned to the Wisemans, while David would keep the album. “I am so grateful to David for all his detective work,” said Peter. “Thanks to him we have our wonderful family photographs. I am delighted that David will keep the album and restore it to its former glory.”

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Resident has lucky escape as bedroom ceiling collapses Pauline Crawford, Debbie Jones, Mike White, Helen Jackson, Bridie Gray and Ruth Jackson after completing the walk.

Staff brave elements to boost garden fund STAFF at a care home in Worcester braved thunder, lightning and torrential rain to raise £350 for a garden revamp for their residents. Dedicated team members from Sanctuary’s Regent Care Home took part in a sponsored 10-mile walk from the home to the Camp Inn at Grimley and back, braving some of the most challenging elements of the British weather along the way. The team put their best foot forward to raise money to build raised flower beds at the home, where green fingered residents, especially those in wheelchairs can sit and enjoy a spot of light gardening.

Acting manager Laura Wilkes said: “The team here are so dedicated and we had great fun getting absolutely soaking wet and listening to the thunder as we marched along – one of the girls even fell over in the mud. “We are so grateful to all of those kind-hearted people who sponsored us and helped us to raise such a fantastic amount to create a wonderful area that all of our residents can enjoy. We have a lovely garden at Regent, but we need raised beds as our residents love to tend to the flowers. This will allow everyone, including those in wheelchairs, to enjoy a spot of gardening.”

A RESIDENT at a Salford nursing home had a lucky escape after her ceiling collapsed thanks to would-be metal thieves. The criminals attempted to rip off the lead lining underneath the slates on the roof at Swinton Hall, but failed. However, the damage they left caused a leak in the roof. A few days later the resident noticed water pouring from her ceiling, which then partially collapsed, and had to be moved to another room. It was then that staff checked the roof and found the damage. Greater Manchester Police’s Peter Crane said: “Luckily the water poured onto the floor rather than directly onto the woman as she slept, and even more luckily the ceiling itself did not completely collapse otherwise this woman could have been seriously injured. “The woman has had to be moved out of her room, along with her belongings, until the damage can be repaired and all this is thanks to the ham-fisted attempts of thieves desperate to get their hands on metal. “We know that selling stolen metal

can be a lucrative way for thieves to line their pockets, and that is why Greater Manchester Police has made tackling the problem a Force priority and has launched Operation Alloy to root these sorts of offenders out and make it harder for them to profit by offloading their loot at scrapyards.” Water had also poured into the kitchen, gym and another bedroom and will cost up to £2,000 to repair. Segeant Crane added: “What this incident also shows is how dangerous metal theft can be – it is not a victimless crime by any stretch of the imagination, and the hazards are very real. “If this ceiling had collapsed this woman could have suffered serious injury and all for what? A few quid. "That is why it is so important we find the offenders and I would appeal to anyone who has information about what happened to come forward.” Have you had a similar incident at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or call 01226 734407.

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Health minister Lesley Griffiths with, from left: Jan Wood, Tracey Green, Olivia Thomas, Roberta Hayes, Mario Kreft MBE, Professor Mike Scott, Professor Karen Graham and Ceri Smith at the launch.

New body is first of its kind HISTORIC plans to set up a professional body for people who work in social care in Wales are set to become a reality. The creation of the Academy of Care Practitioners was announced by Care Forum Wales at a conference at Glyndwr University, in Wrexham. The new organisation will be the first of its kind in the UK. It was officially launched at the Senedd in Cardiff at a reception hosted by minister for health and social services Lesley Griffiths and deputy minister for children and social services Gwenda Thomas. Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “We talk a lot about raising the status and the pro-

fessionalism of the social care workforce. One of the biggest issues in our view is that vocationally qualified social care workers are a profession without their own professional body. We believe it's about time that was put right. "Due to the nature of the demanding job, it's unrealistic to expect the care practitioners themselves in Wales to be able to bring about the creation of their own body. “It is time social care workers were given some assistance to make this a reality. It's really about providing a support mechanism, helping people with their personal and professional development, and gaining added value benefits.”

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A care association has warned that homes will be forced to close after a North West local authority defied a ruling and told owners it will be freezing fees. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Closures warning as council defies High Court ruling and freezes fees SEFTON Care Association says that as many as half of the 140 care homes in the borough may be forced to close after council officers dropped the bombshell despite a judge telling the local authority last November that it must make a decision on reassessment of care fees paid by February 9. In a Judicial Review in the High Court in Manchester, His Honour Judge Raynor QC ruled that Sefton Council should not have frozen 2011/2012 payment levels to elderly people in care in the borough, and that it did not pay due regard to the actual cost of care in making its unilateral decision. He directed Sefton council to enter into consultation with local care homes, and to reassess care payments for the 2011/2012 financial year – and establish the actual cost of care by which care fee rates could be set. But the local authority says it will freeze care fees retrospectively, and for the 2012/13 financial year as well

– meaning they have been static despite the Retail Prices Index rising nearly 12 per cent in the three years since they were last increased. Council officers have also told owners that an independent report into the cost of care in Sefton, commissioned by the local association carried out by Laing & Buisson, was “deficient” and that officials “questioned the significance and reliability of the report”. However, Mark Gilbert of Sefton Care Association, said: “The key issues are not just the cost of care, but also homes gaining a reasonable return on capital investment so enabling essential maintenance and upgrading of property and equipment essential for the wellbeing of elderly residents. “There’s a big gap between the cost of providing care and the level of funds Sefton council currently allocates: families and those in care are struggling to afford the shortfall between Sefton’s current funding

provision level, and the cost of care – care homes are doing everything in their power to bring costs down. “Laing & Buisson provided information for four categories of care home client support. “Typically, nursing care for a frail older person – many of whom require 24/7 support – has, according to Laing & Buisson, an actual weekly cost of £626, or £699 if we include a 13 per cent return to cover the cost of maintenance and improvement of the care home. “But Sefton Council’s currently frozen weekly care fee rate is £510. It is down to the individual client or their family to make up the difference; care home owners have reached a point where there is simply nothing else to cut.” A spokesman for Sefton Council said the its priority has, and always will be, to provide high quality services for the most vulnerable residents in the borough. He added: “The original High Court judgement did not say that

Sefton council made the wrong decision. The Judicial Review case and judgement were about the decision making process and not the actual decision made. “The judgement actually recognised our consideration of the balance, between the level of care people should expect, and the appropriate cost to the Council Tax payer. It also showed that we gave proper regard to equality in our decision making. “Since the judgement we have engaged with all care homes in Sefton in order to try to gain a better understanding of the actual costs of providing residential care in the borough. “In February we provided Sefton Care Association with an extensive list of questions about the Laing and Buisson report and its findings. To date we have not been provided with any answers. We have now shared our proposals for care home fees for 2011/12 and 2012/13 and are now consulting on them.”

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Antiques event a success ATTLEBOROUGH mayor Karen Pettitt was among the visitors to a care home’s first ‘Antiques Roadshow’ event recently. A team of valuers from ‘Clover Home Interiors’ in Attleborough and ‘The Gold Shop’ in Diss were on hand to value a wide range of items including paintings, crockery, jewellery and silver pieces at the event at Caring Homes Group’s Brooklyn House. Home residents, relatives and members of the local community queued up clutching their prized possessions in the hope of the valuers discovering a ‘hidden gem’. While no one received that life changing valuation, the tombola and cake stall ensured everyone was able to take something away with them. Home manager, Sarah Taylor said: “The day was a real success and it was great that so many people from the local community came along to support us. “Our residents and their relatives loved seeing the valuers in action. Everyone who attended had such a good day that we are already looking into making it a regular event.”

Regulator begins surprise homecare inspections By Dominic Musgrave THE inspectorate has begun a special programme of 250 unannounced inspections of home care services. Over the next three months the CQC will be carrying out inspections to test ways of getting better information about how services are performing and what people think about them. They will run alongside the regulator’s programme of planned inspections, under which it will inspect all of the 6,000 or so registered homecare locations each year. The 250 build on what the regulator learned from a pilot programme of 30 inspections last autumn. CQC inspectors were joined by ‘experts by experience’ – people who have a personal experience of using home care services. Experts by experience and professional experts will also be involved in this inspection programme. Philip King, director of regulatory development for the inspectorate, said they will use a range of ways of getting the views of people who use services and their families. He added: “Homecare is an area where it has been difficult for

“The difficulties inherent in regulating this sector have not deterred us in our task, but have deepened our resolve in directing our efforts into more effective regulation.” regulators to carry out unannounced inspections. “We clearly can’t turn up on someone’s doorstep hot on the heels of a carer without notice. And with a large number of small providers, inspectors need to be sure that there are sufficient staff available at the agency’s premises to assist with their questions without compromising care. “Another problem is that people may feel that it is an intrusion if you observe them receiving care in such an intimate setting; people’s privacy and dignity are included in the standards that we assess so we have to be mindful of our presence and it’s impact on people. This makes it all the more important to hear directly from the people using home care services. “The difficulties inherent in regulating this sector have not deterred us in our task, but have

deepened our resolve in directing our efforts into more effective regulation.” As well as interviewing the staff and managers of services, inspectors will accompany some care workers to people’s homes or may go with managers on some of the spot checks they carry out on their services. This will allow CQC to see how the agency delivers care and how the manager assesses their service. Before the visit, inspectors will ask the people using the service if they are happy for us to come to their home. The programme is supported by an advisory group, with members drawn from a range of organisations including the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Age UK, the United Kingdom Homecare Association, Mencap, Ceretas, the National Care Forum and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.

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Volunteers recognised at ceremony A CLAPHAM care home held an awards ceremony to celebrate the successes of youngsters on a specialist volunteering and training programme. The New Voices scheme at Nightingale is designed to enable young people to gain valuable hands on experience in the social care sector, while contributing to the tailored care of residents. Aged between 16 and 25 years old, the 18 graduates completed 30 hours of volunteering over a period of six months, as well as receiving specialist training to develop a range of skills including communication, dementia awareness and person centred care. The programme has enabled the volunteers to acquire the appropriate skill set to work with older people, which stands them in good stead to secure employment, particularly in the health and social care sector. Nightingale

activities co-ordinator Andrew Lewis said many of the graduates have been accepted on competitive medical courses at high profile universities such as Oxford and King’s College. He added: “New Voices is unique. I am unaware of any other care home in Europe that is investing in its young volunteers with such comprehensive specialist training. It’s a very special programme uniting the young and old together to fulfil the needs of both. “The graduates had a chance to make a professional presentation to their peers and the residents on their experiences before being formally acknowledged through the dedicated award ceremony. “As Nightingale relies heavily on the support of its volunteers, the ceremony was also an opportunity for staff to thank the graduates for the vital support they directly provided to the residents.”

Caroline Smith (right) receives her award from Anne Marie-Perry managing director of category sponsors Abicare Services.

Caroline wins county award A CARE worker has been awarded for her outstanding achievements in the Wiltshire Life Awards. Caroline Smith, activities coordinator and dementia lead from Buckland Court, part of the Orders of St John Care Trust, was presented with the award for carer/community hero of the year. The award recognises an individual who has gone the extra mile and illustrates a selfless ability to put other people's immediate needs before their own and in so doing deserves recognition. Caroline said: “I was delighted to be nominated but to actually win this award is an amazing feeling. “I try to provide residents with a varied activity programme, incorporating music, exercise and trips out. I also encourage residents with keen interests such as sewing and home

decoration to take up these hobbies at the home.” She was nominated for the award by Karen Johnson, volunteer and activities manager, Wiltshire, who added: “We are very proud that Caroline came away with this award as she is an extremely dedicated member of the team, who is committed to her role and the residents at the home. “Caroline has a creative ‘no-fail’ approach to all activities, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. She spends much of her time with individual residents, giving them attention, support and quality time which is very important and essential to their wellbeing.” The Wiltshire Life awards are held annually to celebrate the county’s many talented people. Caroline was presented with her award during a ceremony at Marlborough Town Hall.

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‘Basic needs not being met’, claim The Bank of Ireland has provided funding of £12m to Angel Care Plc to develop a new 83-bed nursing home in Swindon. The new site will specialise in providing care for residents with dementia and the elderly mentally infirm and includes 14 self-contained care flats. The funds will also be used to refinance their existing four care homes around the UK and are nursing or residential facilities.

Southend home to close A CARE provider has announced the closure of one of its homes in Southend. Jewish Care says one of the main findings of its research carried out in 2010 was that the 38-bed Raymond House no longer meets the needs or expectations of the local community. It also showed that while the firm’s services in Southend are still appreciated by the community, the demand for residential care, as provided by Raymond House, will be very limited, given the outdated nature of the building, the lack of ensuite facilities. Chairman Steve Lewis said the decision comes as a result of the continued and substantial losses the group has sustained over a long period of time at the home, the low

levels of occupancy and the worsening economic environment. He added: “I can assure you that the decision to close Raymond House was an extremely hard one to make for all involved at Jewish Care, as everyone recognises the impact that this will have on our residents, their families and staff and volunteers at the home.” “Jewish Care remains committed to the Jewish community in Southend. In light of the plans for Raymond House, we will be renewing our efforts to ensure that, going forward, the services we will provide in Southend will meet the changing needs of the community. We will be using the research and continuing conversations with the community to help guide us as we move forward.”

THE level of basic care received by older people to help them enjoy living independent lives in their homes is not being met and some are ‘struggling to exist’, it has been claimed. Research by housing and care organisation Midland Heart suggests a high proportion of those requiring help for basic everyday care such as washing, dressing and shopping are not getting the support they need. The findings come as cross party debate continues on the Dilnot Report into affordable social care and the government’s imminent response, which is anticipated in the Adult Care White Paper. Chris Munday, director for care and support at Midland Heart, said: “The findings show a distressing reality that a high number of our older friends, family and neighbours are potentially struggling to exist in their own homes because their basic care and support needs are not being me. “The cost of elderly care is a big part of the problem and we know that this is high on the government agenda. Key to the solution is how can providers like us make health care affordable.” Midland Heart commissioned the ipsos Mori poll, which surveyed 260 people aged 50 years and over from across the Midlands and found that

Chris Munday nearly two-fifths (39 per cent) who said they require help were not getting all the help they needed. In terms of the help they already receive, DIY and gardening are the most common. However, the service with the highest level of unmet need was cooking – with one in 10 stating they receive no help yet needed it; similar numbers are reported requiring help they were not getting with personal care, dressing, cleaning and shopping. Midland Heart carried out a further national study to ask how people expected to pay for their own care in the future. 1,740 people responded to the ‘Your Say Pays’ survey, which found that over half of respondents either did not know how they would pay for their care in the future or had not even thought about it.

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Coroner slams home over condition of Molly, 94 A CORONER made a scathing attack on a care home after an emaciated pensioner was admitted to hospital weighing less than five-and-a-half stone. Five weeks before, Molly Darby, 94, had walked into the Beeches care home in Wath in good physical health. But she deteriorated to such an extent at the home that when admitted at Barnsley Hospital her family claimed she resembled a ‘concentration camp victim’. The widowed mother-of-six had a chest infection, pneumonia, pressure sores, septicaemia and ear and urinary infections. Rotherham coroner Nicola Mundy said at the inquest’s conclusion: “I find it very alarming that such a vulnerable person who relied on professionals for her care was presented to hospital in the way she was. “The vulnerable in our society must be properly cared for on all levels and their dignity protected. I think that Mrs Darby was not afforded the care and dignity she deserved.” Dr Elizabeth Uchegbu said: “She appeared neglected and unkempt, there was a discharge from both eyes, a smell of urine and she was distressed. She was covered in faeces when she arrived.” The doctor wrote later: “I got the impression she was neglected. She was weak and thin and it could not be explained.” Molly’s son Jim, 72, said his mother was ‘sprightly’ when she was at home in West Melton. But the great-grandmother developed dementia and needed 24-hour care, so her family decided to put her in Beeches on July 6 2007. Jim said: “They kept saying they were feeding her and I had no reason not to

believe it but it turned out it was wrong. “The nurse at the hospital said she had never seen anybody come into hospital from a home in such a bad state.” Former care home manager Julie Morgan said Molly was helped with personal hygiene and toileting but her diet was poor and she would often refuse to eat. Pathologist Dr Caroline Quincy said Molly died on August 29, 2007 from broncho-pneumonia contributed to by coronary artery atheroma. There was also evidence of malnourishment. The 44-bed Beeches was run by the Winnie Care Group at the time of Molly’s death but last year was sold to MHA. An inquiry by Rotherham council found the previous owners negligent by ‘omission of care’. Moira Ockenden, area manager of the Beeches at the time, denied Molly was emaciated. In a letter read at the inquest she said: “The references to concentration camp victim are unjustified.” She said staff claimed to wash or bath Molly on a daily basis and they regularly brushed her hair. Tom Parramore, of the current owners of the Beeches, said staff were now fully trained and there was regular auditing of residents’ hygiene, nutrition and medication needs. Recording a narrative verdict the coroner said: “Her basic care and medical requirements were not satisfactorily met.” Afterwards, Molly’s granddaughter Pearl Green, 56, said: “The coroner confirmed everything we knew as a family. The care she was provided with in that place was absolutely disgusting. It was inhuman.”

War hero Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Trent officially opened a new 60-bed care home in St Peter, the Channel Islands. Lakeside Manor and Pavilions, designed by Robert Adam – a leading architect in traditional and classical progressive architecture – will provide quality nursing and dementia care to islanders. Kenneth was nominated to open the new care home by RAFA (Jersey) chairman Martin Willing. They are pictured with Mike Parsons, founder and chief executive of Barchester.

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Residents step back in time for tea dance

RESIDENTS and visitors to Epsom’s Appleby House care home and Orchard Centre stepped back in time to get a flavour of the fifties at a special tea dance. The day included live music, people dressed in clothes from the decade and a buffet of food that was popular back then. The event also featured a custom-made pop up reminiscence room designed to evoke memories from the period. One of the organisers, Elaine Carruthers, manager of the Care UK owned The Orchard Centre – an activity based club attached to Appleby House said: “We invited friends and relatives of the 75 residents and also sent out about 150 invitations to members of our local community including GPs, social services and many others. “The aim of the reminiscence room was to spark memories of a particular time in people who are living with dementia and to help with reminiscence which is very therapeutic.”

Accreditation ‘first’ for dementia homes By Dominic Musgrave

TWO dementia care homes run by Colten Care in Dorset have become the first of their kind in the UK to gain a coveted badge of professional excellence. The Aldbury in Poole and Fernhill in Ferndown, which between them have 113 beds and 150 staff, are now accredited as Practice Development Units for dementia care. More than 60 practice settings have the honour, but the Colten Care homes are the first privately run dementia care units to gain the title. It has been awarded by the Centre for Practice Development at Bournemouth University’s School of Health and Social Care, one of only two national PDU accreditation bodies. During the accreditation process, all Colten Care staff had the chance to suggest practical projects they could implement in the homes to improve the daily lives of residents and communication between staff, residents and relatives. All the projects were assessed against recognised PDU standards. Denise Arthur-Briskham, head of care at The Aldbury, said: “Previously we had anchored practice development very much on nursing

Colten Care MD Ian Hudson, carrying Fernhill’s visiting pet dog Roxy, with Debbie Powell (left), and Rosemarie Kuah, managers of Fernhill and The Aldbury respectively. alone. Now we have united the entire staff team to strive for the best standards in care.” Regular discussions have been held with residents’ relatives on PDU progress. Nicki Ayres, whose grandmother has been a resident at The Aldbury since May 2010, was invited to become involved in the PDU process at an early stage. She

gave a talk at Bournemouth University to Colten Care staff about dementia care from a relative’s perspective. The homes have gained accreditation for three years. They are required to submit an interim report after 18 months describing progress to date and further development plans.

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Provider gives youngsters care insight By Dominic Musgrave A DOZEN youngsters are being given an insight into a career in care as part of a new initiative by The Prince’s Trust and a Scottish care provider. The group of 18 to 25-year-olds have signed up to Get Into Care, a sixweek course that includes an introduction into all aspects of care with accredited learning, as well as work placements at several of Balhousie Care Group’s 24 homes. As well as learning about the Care Standards, looking after residents and their personal needs, the students will also be taught how to write an effective CV, present themselves at an interview and other life skills. Balhousie has financially supported the scheme and also guaranteed each of the 12 students – who are from Dundee, Blairgowrie and Perth – an interview for a care assistant’s position when the course finishes in June. Tricia Stewart, director of HR for the group, said: “We strongly believe working in the care sector is a vocation rather than simply a job and we

want to offer local young people the opportunity to see if care is for them. “Most of the students came to The Prince’s Trust through the Job Centre. As well as attending two taster sessions to determine their suitability before the course started, they also had the chance to meet some of our residents to chat to them about care from the resident’s perspective. “We have guaranteed each of them an interview for a permanent post at the end of the six weeks and we hope those who decide care is for them and who meet the standards required of our employees will go on to become fully fledged members of our team.” The Prince’s Trust students will be based at Balhousie’s headquarters in Perth before being deployed to homes including Luncarty, North Inch/North Grove in Perth, Antiquary and Monkbarns in Arbroath, Moyness in Broughty Ferry and Auchterarder. The partnership stemmed from a meeting between Balhousie Care Group’s chairman, entrepreneur Tony Banks, and The Prince’s Trust.

Zumba instructor Julie Christensen with resident Violet Storey.

Zumba keeping residents fit RESIDENTS at a York care home are keeping fit with the help of the exercise craze Zumba. Every Friday, residents in the Wellburn Care Homes owned Rosevale home take to the floor (or sometimes just their chairs) to do the Latin-inspired dance class. The class, led by instructor Julie Christensen, has proved very popular, with more than half of the home’s 42 residents regularly taking part.

Jeni Bone, activity organiser at Rosevale, said: “The residents really love it and because it has been adapted to help people who less mobile, it means everyone can get involved. “Regular exercise like this is an important part of our activity programme because it not only improves physical health it can also help to ward off mental health problems, such as dementia.”

MP opens purpose-built home HENLEY MP John Howell officially opened the purpose-built Abbeycrest Care Home in Sonning Common. As well as being given a tour of the care facilities by members of staff, he also took the time to speak to resi-

dents about their everyday lives and activities. Caring Homes’ Abbeycrest will provide residential and nursing care for up to 70 people with dementia, and has been designed to meet the University of Stirling’s standards.

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Residents to enjoy original Queen’s Coronation menu By Dominic Musgrave

Doris Patch and Catherine Adams online at Pentlow.

System gets residents surfing RESIDENTS at Pentlow Nursing Home in Eastbourne celebrated Age UK’s ‘Myfriends Online Week’ by getting online and surfing the internet with a recently installed touch-screen computer system. The event is dedicated to helping people in later life discover the social side of the internet, learn the latest ways to make new friends and keep in touch with old friends and family. The Simply Unite computer system at Pentlow is designed specifically for those living in residential care and combines internet, Skype, email and

screen based entertainment through a simple-to-use touch-screen facility. The home’s activities coordinator Catherine Adams said: “Currently we have 15 residents at Pentlow emailing and Skyping their families and friends on a very regular basis. “It has a hugely positive impact on their lives. It helps them stay involved and engaged with their friends, children and grandchildren on a daily basis. Some of the residents have got so confident on Skype and internet searches that they are able to teach the others how to use it too.”

A NEW initiative will see care home residents across the country celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by tucking into a tasty threecourse meal that reflects the actual menu served to Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace on her Coronation. Having secured the original Coronation Banquet menu from Buckingham Palace, the NACC has adapted the feast to meet the current budgetary limitations of care catering and the specific nutritional needs of those in care. Circulating the menu to care caterers across the UK, together with recipes, the NACC has called upon all care homes to embrace the monumental occasion and make the important menu an integral part of their Jubilee celebrations. Residents will dine on the special and mouth-watering menu of chicken soup with croutons to start, followed by a main course of roast beef served with croquette potatoes and mushrooms, plus a side serving of salad or green cabbage, and rounded off with a dessert of mango mousse or vanilla ice cream.

National Chair Karen Oliver said: “The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is a huge cause for celebration for the entire nation, but for those in care homes it holds an extra special meaning as the majority of residents will remember celebrating the Queen’s actual Coronation. “Our Jubilee menu gives all care providers and caterers a fantastic opportunity to offer residents a real sense of celebration and occasion. “The specially-created version of the banquet meets the vital standards of nutrition that a care environment demands, and respects budget limitations. We’re most grateful to Buckingham Palace for sharing the original menu with us. “I urge every care home to make the effort to serve this meaningful menu to their residents and allow them to feel part of the national celebrations. “They are sure to revel in the knowledge that they are enjoying the Queen’s very own menu and cherish the fantastic memories the Jubilee festivities are certain to create.” How is your home celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee? Email your stories and images to dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or call Dominic Musgrave on 01226 734407.

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Research to look at elderly’s life quality By Dominic Musgrave OLDER people’s charity Anchor has embarked on landmark research into the quality of life of thousands of older people across the country. The research will result in the group’s first ‘Grey Britain’ report, investigating standards of basic service provision from town to town, offering insight into the impact of day-to-day services on older people, from transport to healthcare and the high street. The project follows recent research by Anchor that found four in 10 older people have been made to feel like ‘second-class citizens’ and one in three claim they have felt vulnerable after being treated negatively as a result of their age. Due for release later this year, the report will address organisations which are failing to meet the needs of those aged over 65, shining light on issues connected to services that wider society may take for granted. The findings will recognise the service provisions that deserve praise as well as those that need changing to better cater for the town’s older people. Chief executive Jane Ashcroft said: “We all have ideas that could improve the services in our home towns,

Jane Ashcroft whether parking restrictions, healthcare waiting times or bus timetables. “This survey is not just about finding fault, it is about celebrating the services and companies who do their utmost to improve older people’s lives every day. “Now we have the opportunity to make a positive difference to how older people are treated in their home towns, to make their voices heard, and encourage change where needed.” The Grey Britain inquiry follows Anchor’s high profile Grey Pride campaign, calling on the Government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Older People and aims to ensure all older people can enjoy happy living for the years ahead.

Residents at an Audlem care home enjoyed a blockbuster of an afternoon when they took a trip to the local cinema. The group from Morris Care’s Corbrook Court nursing home enjoyed a screening of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the latest film from British Director John Madden, which charts the journey of a group of British retirees who travel to India to take up residence in a hotel, and encounter life changing experiences along the way. The event was particularly momentous for resident Christine Blackburn, who had not been to the cinema for 30 years. Residents Amelia West, Doreen Haile, Doreen Pine and Christine Blackburn are pictured with Corbrook Court social life coordinator Andrea Cozens and registered nurse Sharon Fairclough.

Home celebrates Dance Day A GLASGOW care home celebrated International Dance Day with an afternoon of fun. The 63-bed Mohsen was joined by residents and staff from Nithsdale Lodge Care Home, which is also part of Lotus Senior Living and Nightingale House, part of Sterling Care Homes, for the event. Music in

Motion were on hand to get everyone warmed up and ready for the day, as well as a quiz and sing along. Manager Liz Campbell said: “It really was great to see so many residents having fun and staff making the effort to get dressed up in 1950’s – 1990’s attire. The residents are looking forward to doing it all again soon.”

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New brokerage service offers homes energy finance access By Dominic Musgrave A NEW brokerage service has been set up which claims to be the first to offer care homes access to specialist finance to help them become more energy efficient and save money through renewable energy. The new scheme provided by ReEnergise Finance aims to help providers to connect with the right source of finance for their specific energy needs. Director Adam Hewson said: “Care and nursing homes in the UK have a responsibility to keep their energy costs as low as possible. “Many care facilities are housed in old buildings and are haemorrhaging heat and energy and these inefficiencies are

being passed on in increased costs to their clients. “In an environment where banks are restricted and reluctant to lend against what is perceived as new technology, there is increasingly a need for a specialist intermediary. “In reality, finance is available in the UK for renewable energy; the trick is finding it and working with a partner that will get you the right deal.” He added that Government schemes are available but you have to have already invested in energy efficient equipment to qualify. The company is offering finance packages from £75,000 to £5m for projects involving renewable technologies such as biomass, solar, wind or heat pumps in addition traditional technologies that

improve energy efficiency. They are available through unsecured asset finance, secured commercial loans and as individual project finance. Adam added: “What is apparent is that different technologies require different forms of finance with different terms. “We can offer customised finance for care homes looking to improve levels of insulation or the general efficiency of heating, lighting, ventilation or air conditioning systems. “We can also assist in an investment in renewable technologies such as solar and biomass. These can make a big difference to reducing running costs across a campus and offer very attractive payback times – as long as you have the finance in place at the start to make the initial investment.”

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

In this issue: I Expansion plans

approved Page 24

I Care homes

‘remain a reliable investment’ Page 26

I Time running out

to book your place Page 28

You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk

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CARINGCOMMERCE

The historic Lady Forester Nursing Home. DC Care has completed sale of Downsvale Nursing Home in Dorking for an undisclosed sum. The substantial freehold property, providing high quality nursing care for 35 residents, is located in an affluent, sought after location in the Surrey market town and enjoys excellent occupancy levels. DC Care acted on behalf of Dr B. Mathews, Miss A. Douglass, and Mrs .P Mathews, and the business has been acquired by an established local operator after a discreet marketing campaign carried out by sales negotiator Lisa Rushworth, who managed the sale through to completion.

Tax reclaims for care home 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 comprehensively survey the property which allows us to identify any qualifying items that, for numerous reasons, have previously not been claimed. Don’t delay as the government are considering closing this opportunity for retrospective claims. Call now for your free appraisal. Have you made a Vat reclaim? If you were operating between 1993 and 2002 call now to start making your claim. We will quickly identify the validity of a claim without obligation. If it does not proceed there will be no fee. Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com

Expansion plans approved PLANS to expand and develop the historic Lady Forester Nursing Home in Much Wenlock have been given the unanimous go ahead by Shropshire planners. Family run English Care has spent months drawing up the £4m plans to include a further 20 beds to the nursing home and a further 18 independent living flats at Foresters Court, and improved day care facilities. The four GP beds will also remain at the home. The company rescued the home from closure in October 2010 following an extensive campaign to save it, which prevented the residents and staff from being forced to go elsewhere. The expansion plans will also create around 80 new jobs locally and the work, due to start immediately, will be carried out by sister company English Construction. David English said: “We are ecstatic that the plans have been given the

go-ahead by a unanimous vote. “There has been very little negativity surrounding our plans and our aim has always been to improve the living conditions for our residents and make their facilities as first class and state-of-the-art as we can. “We are delighted with the support we have received from our staff, residents, their family and friends and the comments made by the councillors and planners – who said how innovative the plans were and how great the scheme would be for Much Wenlock. The team here all work really hard to ensure the elderly residents are comfortable, happy and make friends – but the expansion will mean vastly improved facilities and the chance for the residents to be involved in a larger community.” Since English Care took on the running of The Lady Forester, it has invested £500,000 to extensively refurbish the home.

£16m deal to create 150 jobs MORE than 300 new beds and around 150 new jobs are to be created after a £16m deal from Santander Corporate Banking for the development of five new care homes. CarePlaces Fund, in conjunction with Castleoak Group, has secured funding to develop state-of-the-art care homes in Basingstoke (62 bed),

Tewkesbury (60 bed), Five Ash Down (55 bed), Kidderminster (70 bed) and Stoke Mandeville (90 bed). Jon Pike, relationship director for Santander Corporate Banking, said: “These new facilities will provide state-of-the-art facilities for clients in areas of the country where there is excellent demand for new care beds.”

Aurora Care clinical director Sue Aldworth and managing director Michael Lawson.

Group adds home to portfolio SOMERSET based care provider Aurora Care has added the 40-bed Elliscombe House nursing home in Wincanton to its portfolio. The new facility currently has a turnover of £1.25m, which takes the group’s fee income to more than £4m with over 100 beds and more than 200 staff. The group, which own and operates the award-winning Hurst Manor Nursing and Residential Home at Martock and purpose-built Hendford Care Home with Nursing in Yeovil, is

run by joint owners Michael Lawson and Sue Aldworth. Michael said: “This expansion is part of the mid to long term plans for Aurora Care and complements our existing portfolio of quality properties. “We have taken on the existing 50 members of staff and look forward to working closely with home manager Jacqui Lloyd and her dedicated team. There are some great plans going forward and we are very excited about this new project.”

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Care homes ‘remain a reliable investment’ CARE homes remain a viable investment opportunity postrecession, it has been claimed. Health and social care legal specialist at Essex solicitors Birkett Long, Tracey Dickens, said they represent a maintainable future income – which is good news for both buyers and sellers alike – despite local authorities squeezing bed rates and avoiding block contracts. But she warned that those who are looking to purchase a care home should ensure they have the appropriate management experience for the sector, along with a genuine desire to care for the elderly and others with specialist needs. “The industry is highly regulated and so management will require expert levels of administration to ensure the success of the home,” said Tracey. “A poor CQC inspection will affect its value in the future as well as its occupancy rates.” And, from a legal perspective, she advised purchasers to establish if they are buying the business itself or the company that owns the business. “Your solicitor will advise you on the legal due diligence you should undertake before committing to the purchase, as well as confirming the property ownership arrangements for example whether it is leasehold or freehold,” added Tracey. “In addition, he or she will deal with your bank’s

Advertiser’s announcement

The new Buyacarehome website.

Chandler supports site Tracey Dickens lending requirements to enable you to obtain the funds for the purchase. “Solicitors with expertise in the care home sector will ensure that the right questions are asked about the business and that an appropriate contract is negotiated. This will give you comfort that, from a legal perspective, the business is a sound purchase.” She also warned that preparation is key when it comes to selling a care home. “Pre-planning allows owners to capitalise on their hard work and ensure the best value is obtained for the home,” Tracey said. “They need to ensure the home is presented to a high standard, which means maintaining essential maintenance throughout.”

CHANDLER & Co is proud to be involved in the re-launch of the Buyacarehome website; the UK’s one stop shop for buying a care home. We now have 15 business agents throughout the UK advertising hundreds of homes and development sites. More are due to be joining the team shortly and the number of homes for sale is growing by the day. The Buy a Care Home site is an information portal for existing care home owners, group operators and first time buyers. It is an innovative

site recently re-launched with a fresh new look providing a first class service. The website is for people to find out anything they need to know about life in the care sector and to be put in touch with those in the know about everything to do with owning and running, buying and developing, building and managing a care home. The networking between client, agent, lawyer, broker, project manager and architect will be made stronger than ever as a result of this website.

Home recognised with design award A GREATER Manchester care home has been awarded a prestigious award for the manner in which its design and construction ensures the safety of the people who live and work there. Ideal Homes’ Lightbowne

Hall received an Association of Chief Police Officers ‘Secured by Design’ award in recognition of the hard work and effective collaboration with Greater Manchester Police's Design for Security team during the process.

Eric Howard

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Speakers at Script Events’ regional conferences will include, from the left: Paul Edwards, Damian Utton, Sheila Scott and Barbara Pointon.

Time running out to book your place DEMENTIA Care: The Way Forward is the title of a series of must-attend conferences being held nationwide by Caring UK’s sister company Script Events. Following the successful first round of events, which were held at St Mellion Hotel in Cornwall and at Bristol Zoo Conference Centre, further conferences are planned for Hilton Avisford Park Hotel and Hilton Maidstone Hotel on June 13 and 14 respectively. Heading the speakers at Avisford Park will be Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK ambassador Barbara Pointon MBE, who shares the story of her husband Malcolm’s 11-year battle with the condition in her talk ‘Caring

for Malcolm’. She is unable to make the following day, but will be replaced by another high-profile speaker. Caring UK editor Dominic Musgrave said: “The Cornwall and Bristol conferences were a huge success, and it was great to see so many care home operators and managers sparing a day from their busy schedules to join us to hear from some of the leading names in the sector. “The facts and figures about dementia are well documented and will impact on everyone working in the industry in future, which is why we believe our conferences are a must-attend. We hope to have a similar if not better turnout at our next events.

Advertisement feature

Specialist banking for the care home sector RUNNING a care home presents a unique set of challenges. Understanding the impact of increased regulation, the potential of a different corporate structure or the options for raising finance for an extension all require the support of a bank that understands both the issues – and the opportunities. This has been recognised by Lloyds TSB Commercial, which has built a specialist team that understands the specific challenges faced by care home operators. Mark Ellis, head of Social Care Banking Services at Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: “We aim to provide care businesses with support through the highs and the lows, providing a level of insight and guidance that comes through a deep understanding of our customers. “Our specialist team can support structured transactions from straightforward acquisitions to business share purchases to expansion via extensions and more. “When considering finance requests, we’re looking for a management team with a deliverable growth strategy. Of course we have to assess the risk of each business but our understanding of the sector and our customers enables us to look at the long term picture.” For more information on social care banking services from Lloyds TSB Commercial call 0800 681 6078 or visit www.lloydstsb.com/healthcare Any property given as security, which may include your home, may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured on it. All lending is subject to a satisfactory credit assessment. Calls may be monitored or recorded. Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15m. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 under registration numbers 0004685 and 0198797 respectively. We subscribe to The Lending Code; copies of the Code can be obtained from www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk

“The days are also an excellent opportunity for networking, while the extensive exhibition which will run alongside the seminars will feature some of the latest products available on the market.” Joining Barbara at the events will be popular NCA chief executive Sheila Scott, who will ask ‘What next for Dementia?’ in her seminar. Paul Edwards, head of training and practice from the specialist Bradford Dementia Group based within the University’s School of Health Studies, will talk about how dementia care could be improved using evidence from research, policy and practice to drive change. And Damian Utton, a partner at

leading specialist dementia architects and designers Pozzoni LLP, will discuss how the design of a home can have an impact on the quality of life for a person suffering from dementia. Also among the day’s speakers will be Kingsley Healthcare operations director, dementia care and specialist services, Mandy Masters, who will speak about how the group overhauled its approach to dementia care using David Sheard’s methods to find a way to meet emotional as well as practical needs. A representative from the CQC will also speak at each event. To book your place at the special rate of £25 for a single delegate or £37.50 for two, call the hotline on 01226 734475.

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CARINGHOMECARE

Hica to create 200 jobs with service expansion By Dominic Musgrave MORE than 200 new jobs are to be created by the Hica Group as it expands its Hica At Home homecare operations in the North West. Hica At Home is recruiting 50 people to service a recently-awarded Lancashire county council tender to provide care services for residents at the newly-opened Brookside extra care housing scheme at Ormskirk. A further 150 people will be recruited during the coming months, mainly in the Chorley, Leyland and Preston areas, in line with the continued expansion of Hica At Home’s services in the North West. Hica At Home will manage the Brookside extra care contract from its North West offices at the Buckshaw Retirement Village near Chorley. The Brookside development provides accommodation for about 150 residents aged over 55 who may need help and support at home. Hica At Home managing director Penni Brown said: “All our work at Brookside will be aimed at enabling residents to enjoy a better quality of life through supporting them to live more independently and remain in their own homes for as long as possi-

Marathon effort

A NATIONAL homecare provider’s franchise manager was among the thousands who competed in the annual Brighton marathon. Caremark’s Patrick Thompson completed the 26.2 miles in three hours, 51 minutes and 40 seconds, raising more than £500 for Crohn’s & Colitis UK in the process. “Having passed the half marathon point in one hour and 45 minutes I should have guessed I had gone out too quick, which is the problem of being surrounded by seasoned club runners. I am just grateful I had the support and generosity of everyone to carry me the final few miles.”

New role Hica At Home managing director Penni Brown. ble. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are driven by a different ethos to private agencies and the quality of Hica’s service is very much reflected by this.” Hica currently has more than 750 staff in its Hica At Home Division, which provides care to more than 1,300 clients in the North West, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The Brookside contract is the second to be awarded to the firm by Lancashire county council. Hica already helps people who have been in hospital to recover in a home setting at its Buckshaw Retirement Village near Chorley. The contract is also the sixth care tender success to be achieved by Hica during the past year.

HOMECARE provider Carewatch Care Services Ltd has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Andy Stevens as chief finance officer. He will be responsible for the ongoing development and management of relationships with key stakeholders and investors, which will be vital in ensuring that Carewatch can continue to deliver sustained growth in the homebased care and support market throughout the UK.

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National charity launches its ‘pioneering’ EachStep model NATIONAL charity Community Integrated Care has launched its ‘pioneering model for dementia care’: ‘EachStep’. It will see the charity support people with the condition from their initial diagnosis until the end of their lives, by delivering a holistic range of specialist dementia care services from one central location. The charity has developed its first service under this model, a state-ofthe-art £5m dementia care service in the Blackley area of North Manchester, called ‘EachStep: Blackley’, which will be formally opened on June 28 by Professor Alistair Burns, the national clinical director for dementia. EachStep Blackley will provide domiciliary care across Greater Manchester, a short term respite service for 12 people and 24-hour residential and nursing support for 48 people. The model and service practically applies a range of research in the field of dementia care, and has seen the charity work alongside academics, community groups and carer groups, to devise a service that embraces and applies the aims of the National Dementia Strategy. Chief executive Neil Matthewman said: “Our EachStep model is exactly

An artist’s impression of the new home. what is needed to meet these challenges, assisting people with dementia through any difficulties they may face by offering specialist support delivered by highly trained, caring staff in exceptional facilities; giving people with the condition the comfort and stability that they deserve. “We were pleased to see the recent Prime Minister’s ‘Challenge on Dementia’ and Alzheimer’s Society ‘Dementia 2012: A National Challenge’ reports, which called for a higher quality of dementia care, improved staff training, greater com-

munity involvement in dementia services, and better support for family carers. “In EachStep, we have not only anticipated these aspirations but also developed a flagship service for the dementia care sector.” EachStep focuses on supporting people with dementia to live full and happy lives, where they are empowered to take part in meaningful activities that fulfil their interests and reflect their life history, by staff who they have strong and lasting relationships with.

New unit opens in Bristol

A NEW specialist facility to meet the growing demand for dementia services has opened at a Bristol nursing home. The development at Riversway – a dedicated 17-bed centre with trained support staff – ensures each resident receives ‘personcentred’ care. The facility also boasts a redesigned lounge and dining area, and is expected to create new jobs as the unit is developed. Jan Wilkins said: “Significant demands are being placed on the care sector by the increase in the number of sufferers of conditions such as dementia, and Bristol is no different. “As care needs change, Riversway has a responsibility to its residents and their families to offer a tailored care package which offers the right support in the right environment. “For instance, we actively encourage relatives’ friends to support their loved ones with life history and supply us with photographs so that we can have a deeper understanding of that person’s needs and how best we can support them in their daily living.”

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NACC care cook grand finalists are revealed By Dominic Musgrave THE line-up for the grand final of the NACC’s annual Care Cook of the Year competition has been revealed. A record number of entries were received from care caterers eager to demonstrate their skill and creativity through the development of new and exciting recipes suitable for the care environment, and ultimately be crowned the NACC Care Cook of the Year 2012. Seven impressed the judges at the lively regional finals and beat off stiff competition to secure their place in the grand final on June 20 at Unilever Food Solution’s development kitchen in Leatherhead. The seven finalists are: Ellie Cook from Kirkley Lodge in Middlesbrough; Phil Day from Oak House Residential Home in Rutland; Lisa Coles from Oatley House in Bristol; Joe Fower from Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home in Oxfordshire; Daryl Williams from Ty Eirin Care Home in Mid Glamorgan; Margaret Stewart from Methilhaven Home in Fife and Emanuele Ferri from Haven Bay Care Centre in County Cork.

Entrants were required to create a nutritionally-balanced, innovative and delicious two-course menu, main and dessert, that is suitable for customers in a care environment, meets the set budget of £1.30 per person, and can be produced in 90 minutes. The regional finalists demonstrated their menus and culinary skills live to an expert panel of judges. This year extra emphasis has been put on the vital area of nutrition and the cooks were asked to explain their ingredient choices as part of the judging criteria. Karen Oliver,national chair, NACC, said: “The regional finals were amazing with the highest standard of competitors we have ever seen. With such fierce competition our national finalists did an incredible job to win their regional heats. “This year’s competition really has shown the industry the exceptional culinary talent and creativity of the expert practitioners working in the care sector. “ The overall winner will be invited to cook live at the NACC National Training and Development Forum in Blackpool from September 19-21.

Belong Village head chef Sam Jackson has won the healthcare accolade at the annual Cost Sector Catering Awards for her appetising work at the provider’s Crewe site. Judges commended Sam for her dedication to catering to the different nutritional needs of visitors, residents and staff at the care village.Alongside running the village bistro, Sam creates menus for customers living in the specialist households. She said: “Everyday, I get real pleasure from seeing people enjoy a meal I’ve created, but it’s a big compliment to have won this national award.” Belong Crewe head chef Sam Jackson (centre) with James Allred of Unilever and celebrity compere Lynsey Hipgrave.

Bolero Drinks have the ‘solution’ to hydration issues BOLERO is powdered vitamin drink formula which, when diluted, both smells and tastes as good as real fruit juice. However, it costs about the same as cordials (40 per cent discount offered to care homes). Bolero offers more than 20 different flavours, including: cranberry, blueberry, mango, peach, pear and tropical fruits. Bolero is sugar, fat & gluten free and can be enjoyed by both type one and type two diabetics. It can be served either hot or cold. Bolero can also be mixed with milk to create delicious shakes. Although new to the UK, Bolero is already being used by thousands of homes across Europe with sales now exceeding 20 million per month. It has already been adopted by Four Seasons Healthcare, The Salvation Army, The Royal British Legion and Elior.

Enquiries: For further details contact us on 0208 1235458, email info@bolerodrinks.com or visitwww.bolerodrinks.com

Plan offers residents nutritional independence

Company specialises in providing nutritionally-balanced meals

ELIOR’S Provision Plan offers nutritional independence to residents. It is a healthcare offer dealing with three different elements: 1. Training and support for those catering for residents with dementia or high care needs. In conjunction with Age UK and through a structured training programme, employees learn about everything from health and nutrition, the principles of person centred care, texture modified food production and nutrition support in care homes. 2. Sensory and visual communication aids are used to help residents understand what’s on the menu and make the offer more appealing. Picture menu boards help dementia patients with food recognition, and tablet technology is used so residents can choose menu options from the comfort of their own bed or chair. Aesthetically pleasing, functional and easy to use crockery is made available and, as there’s evidence to suggest residents with dementia function on a sensory level, tempting smells can be pumped in to dining rooms before meal times to encourage residents to eat. 3. An innovative range of specialist diets for all conditions, based on fresh produce, personal favourites and the nutritional requirements of residents. Enquiries: Visit www.elior.co.uk

AWARD-winning food production company Tillery Valley specialises in providing nutritionally-balanced meals which are freshly cooked with care before being chilled or frozen for distribution. They have supplied the healthcare, education and local authority sectors across the UK for over 25 years, recently showcasing their latest offering to the care industry at the Bournemouth Care Show. Tillery Valley’s extensive ranges offer care homes an alternative catering solution that balances quality and value. Their dietary expertise and commitment to providing a consistent, satisfying service recently secured the firm a £1.6m multi-year contract with ICare Group, a leading provider of health and social care services. The varied menus are designed to accommodate dietary requirements and individual tastes, offering traditional favourites and speciality dishes. By providing residents with a wide choice of meals that are tasty as well as nutritious, Tillery Valley aim to make mealtimes a highlight for residents, rather than a necessity. Enquiries: Telephone 01495 211555.

A one stop shop for your catering needs 3663 First for Food Service and Spectrum Consortium have worked together for a number of years. 3663 are the UK’s leading food wholesaler with particular expertise in the healthcare market and are a one stop shop for all your catering needs. For more information go to our website; complete our membership form and start saving today. We are owned and directed by care home owners. · Free membership. · Reduce your purchasing costs. · Full range of products and services for the care industry. · Leading national suppliers.

Enquiries: Contact 020 8605 0546 or visit www.spectrumconsortium.co.uk

Lynx Purchasing: helping to grow your care home business THE challenge of managing costs, while still maintaining the highest possible standards of service and care, is one which every care home operator has to face. Working with a purchasing specialist enables businesses to ensure that they are buying the highest quality products and services at the best prices in the market. Lynx Purchasing works with 450 care homes, including single-site businesses and groups. Lynx’s buying experts have decades of experience, and can negotiate better deals with existing suppliers as well as recommending new ones. Lynx operates on a handshake – there are no fees, no contracts and no obligations. The range of products available includes food and drink, crockery, cleaning and hygiene products, as well as catering equipment, laundry products, washroom services, stationery and utilities, Lynx can match care home operators with suppliers whose products and services are the best fit for their business.

Enquiries: For more information call 01937 591088 or visit www.lynxpurchasing.co.uk

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CARINGNEWS

PHS leads the way for laundry PHS Laundryserv is one of the UK’s leading providers of on-site commercial laundry equipment. For more than 40 years our customers have trusted us to provide excellent quality commercial laundry equipment from the world renowned laundry brands of Primus and Miele. With nationwide coverage and a fast, friendly local service, our 24 hours a day, seven days a week answering service ensures the best possible support service for your laundry and equipment. From single washers and dryers to large multi machine sites, PHS Laundryserv specialise in supplying a range of laundry equipment to care homes as well as many other sectors. PHS Laundryserv has the knowledge and expertise to provide the best commercial laundry equipment package available, from offering guidance on laundry equipment through to installation, commissioning and ongoing customer support. And with over 40 years’ experience providing commercial laundry solutions, you can be sure that you’re dealing with the commercial laundry experts.

This month sees one of the UK’s leading care home providers celebrate its 20th anniversary. Here one of the home’s managers, Tracy Turfrey, speaks to Caring UK about the changes she has seen to the industry.

Extra care is the future for industry HAVING been with the Order of St John’s Care Trust since it started in Lincolnshire in September 1992, I have seen so many changes to the way we approach elderly care, which has largely come about due to the changing needs of the resident. There has also been a shift in the focus of care for residents, as today’s care is much more centred on the individual. Homes put a greater emphasis on improving quality of life by finding out more about the person, so they can provide a structured programme of care and activities that reflect the resident’s personal preferences. This includes providing a bespoke range of activities for the residents which could include entertainment and trips out, as well as providing opportunities for residents to maintain and learn new skills and interests, such as gardening and decorating. Care providers are also placing a greater importance on interacting

with the local community, bringing them into the care home. For example at my home Boultham Park House, we have set up a café in order to provide residents and their families somewhere they can visit which offers them a link to the outside world. We also try to create a network with other care homes in the area as well as the local council and meet regularly to share ideas and discuss how we can provide support and guidance to each other as well as to the residents in our care. Dementia care is obviously something that has become more prominent and recently CQC legislation has changed so that homes without specific dementia accreditations can provide care for some residents with early onset dementia as long as they can meet their needs. All staff across the Trust have to complete dementia training and each care home has a dedicated dementia

champion whose role it is to provide a varied programme of activities. This could be anything from reminiscence sessions, to things like Life Story work and specially designed themed rooms and gardens. We have also implemented a number of features to make daily life for residents with dementia easier, without impacting on the lives of other residents. For example, colour coded doors, pictorial menus and oversized board games such as Scrabble to help stimulate the memory. Looking forward I think we will see an even greater decline in residential care over the next 20 years, with extra care coming to the forefront, as more people want to retain their independence as much as possible but in a safer environment. I believe every home will have a dedicated dementia unit and a greater emphasis will be put on training and understanding of person-centred care.

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Complete laundry care GIRBAU UK’s commercial laundry equipment for care and nursing homes is available as part of a unique Complete Laundry Care service designed to make running an on-premise laundry simple, hassle-free and affordable. Complete Laundry Care offers the latest Girbau energy efficient washers, dryers and ironers with a fixed monthly rental that includes all service and maintenance. No upfront capital payment is required and you keep the capital cost of new equipment off your

balance sheet. There are no call out charges or repair bills to pay, so you keep budgets tightly under control. The new Complete Laundry Care package is backed by Girbau UK’s in-house, nationwide same day/next day service and maintenance operation. Under the terms of a unique Pay No Rental service guarantee, the company will pay a whole month’s rental if it is ever unable to attend a service call in the promised time.

2012 fever hits Grahame Gardner Ltd TO MARK the auspicious occasions of the Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the Olympics, Grahame Gardner have launched a new scrub top – emblazoned with the Union Jack. In environments where bunting is impractical, this top enables the wearer to celebrate the Jubilee whilst carrying out their day to day duties. This comfortable patriotic top sits perfectly alongside Grahame Gardner’s Scrub ranges, and is already receiving interest from the Healthcare, Dental, Veterinary and Beauty markets. The unisex loose fitting top has two convenient hip pockets and a red, white and blue contrast collar. Produced in polycotton, comfortable to wear and very easy to care for plus customers can also choose to enhance the garment with the addition of embroidered badges or logos. The Limited edition Jubilee Top is now available on the Grahame Gardner website (www.grahamegardner.co.uk) for £19.95 plus VAT in two sizes (small/medium and large) For further information refer to the website or call 0116 255 6326.

Furniture firm has more than 50 years’ combined experience SOUTHERN Contract Furniture is a design led manufacturer that has more than 50 years’ combined experience of supplying high quality contract furniture to the healthcare industry. By providing excellent service, design and quality, Southern Contract Furniture builds close and long lasting relationships with its customers and our range includes an extensive collection of in-house designed chairs, sofas, tables and other specialised items of furniture for the healthcare market. Southern Contract Furniture specialise in the supply of lounge, dining, bedroom, conservatory and garden furniture for the healthcare industry. They welcome visitors to their factory/showroom, just off junction nine of the M27 in Park Gate near Southampton to observe the manufacturing processes and view a selection of chairs, sofas and tables displayed in their showroom.

Eddie’s knowledge and expertise second to none EMANUEL A Dribble, better known in the business transfer market as Eddie Dribble, has been in the care home transfer agency business for around 40 years. His extensive knowledge and expertise is second to none in negotiating a satisfactory conclusion for many long standing clients In 1972 he founded and subsequently developed the care home division, of the then national transfer agents Luxton and Lowe Limited. Since that time he has personally travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles inspecting and evaluating every type of care home. No matter what size and what cost he has negotiated sales to a range of buyers, which include large companies and single private individuals. He has established a reputation throughout the industry which provides a truly personal service, always remaining fully confidential. Luxton and Lowe Limited were taken over in 1991 by a large London property agent. At this time to keep the personal service and confidentiality, which was also his strict code of practice, Eddie decided he needed to form his own private transfer agency to continue to provide a high quality individualistic service. Since this time he has continued to serve the industry with his own brand of personal and confidential negotiations and keep his commission rates at a competitive level. To this day care homes of every size and description and in every location are continuously required for a list of carefully vetted applicants.

Enquiries: Visit www.scf-ltd.com or telephone 0148576555.

CFS Carpets offer a wide selection of healthcare carpets AS well as the extensive range of contract carpets and carpet tiles, CFS Carpets has a wide range of impervious backed broadloom carpets that are heavy contract – ideal for the healthcare industry. Featuring plain and patterned designs and a wide colour bank, these ranges are competitively priced and have excellent cleaning properties and a 10-year guarantee. Hanbury Care Design, featured in the picture, has a modern colour bank and a matching plain range available too. Sample folders of all the healthcare ranges are available in carpet and flooring along with a selection of other healthcare flooring solutions. CFS Carpets are part of Carpet andFlooring, one of the UK ’s largest flooring distributors. Large stocks of all ranges are held, along with a selection of other healthcare flooring solutions. Deliveries can be made within 24 hours to mainland UK .

Enquiries: Telephone 020 8942 0852.

Beaucare shower head cleaner BEAUCARE Medical Ltd’s new shower head cleaner is the ideal product to be used within cleaning and disinfection regimes in hospitals and care home premises. Research suggests that water systems in such premises are at higher risk of contamination, principally affecting those who are susceptible to diseases as a result of age, illness, or suppression of the immune system. In particular, shower heads can be a breeding ground for potential bacteria and fungi growth including Legionella. Our product includes disinfectant and descaler to kill bacteria growth or build up within the shower head. We have an extensive hygiene and janitorial range providing a solution for all purposes, ensuring high levels of cleanliness and infection control. Enquiries Call 01423 878899, email service@beaucare.com or visit our website at www.beaucare.com

Enquiries: Call 01527 511860 for more information or for samples log onto www.cfscarpets.co.uk

Simple solutions

Leading risk management software supplier

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

DATIX is the leading supplier of patient and resident safety software for health and social care risk management, incident reporting and adverse events. Datix gives care home managers the information they need to build a complete picture of risk in their organisation. Datix can help to improve safety for residents and staff, while reducing administrative overheads. From small care homes to large groups, Datix plays a key part in the corporate governance of the organisation. Key features of Datix for social care include: Management dashboards which display information on the organisation’s risks in a clear, simple format. Sophisticated alerting mechanisms that give care home managers early warning of potential trouble spots. Flexible views of risk management information, allowing risks to be shown by particular care home, department or even an individual resident. Security of access to information, restricting managers to viewing only data that is relevant to their care home or area of interest. Enquiries: Contact 020 8971 1971 or email info@datix.co.uk

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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

New warranty announced HAIGH has announced a new twoyear warranty for the SOLO® single bedpan macerator. Previously supplied with a standard 12 month warranty, this extension is testament to the proven performance and low maintenance requirements of the unit. The SOLO® has been widely adopted by both the private and public sector and disposes of commode pots, bedpans, urine bottles and other pulp items using only cold water and a small amount of electricity. The single use system delivers measurable cost and energy savings for customers. Supported with the extended warranty, full technical reference literature and Haigh’s nationwide network of service engineers, the SOLO® becomes an even more attractive proposition for the market.

New laundry solutions ELECTROLUX Professional has unveiled its new laundry solutions, the W555H washer extractor and the T5130 tumble dryer. These are the first compact professional laundry solutions made for 30,000 cycles, creating excellent performance and combining the latest technology with green thinking and cost reducing features. The entirely new W555H washer extractor and T5130 tumble dryer can endure more than twice the number of cycles than the market standard. While the majority of products on the market last 2,000 to 15,000 cycles, the W555H and T5130, can endure up to 30,000 cycles, thanks to its extra robust construction. In the care sector, it is necessary to have a fast and reliable laundry solution delivering safe and hygienically clean linen time and time again. However, justifying the installation of a large industrial washer within a limited size care home can be difficult. Therefore the new Electrolux W555H and T5130 are especially designed to cope with small but heavily soiled loads requiring thermal disinfection and short process times.

Sophisticated computing made easy THE Hosted Service from Blue Parrot of its acclaimed Everyday Care System has proved a huge success over the last 12 months. The cost, security and ease of access to the system all add up to the ideal solution for the busy care home. Blue Parrot director John Richardson said: “Based on our extensive experience of the inner workings of care homes we knew we needed a solution that gave owners, managers and staff an easy-to-use solution that was accessible any time and from anywhere. “The Hosted Service does just that at a very affordable price. Another big attraction is the fact the Blue Parrot is responsible for all aspects of system administration. That includes all security issues (firewalls/viruses), daily back-ups and upgrades to data-

bases and ECS itself. “We now can even run the application on iPads and numerous other mobile devices that enable quality care to be delivered on the move.” Many clients also take advantage of the generous data storage allowance that come with our standard offering to keep their important files in a safe place – knowing they will be backed up every night and that they can be accessed from the office, the home or a mobile device. ECS and the Hosted Service offer care homes the ideal entry into sophisticated computing but without the complexities or costs usually associated with it. And now we can support the new ‘bloom ‘ workstations from Niko Projects – simple to use controls in care home rooms.

250 homes call in CareDocs THE CareDocs management system is now being used in over 250 care homes. Designed by care home owners to centralise management of a home’s everyday life, the system can produce a detailed, personalised care plan in 15 minutes. It had new features added last year such as events and noticeboard sections and a message centre. There are 25 individual sections to help assess residents, under headings including dementia, mobility and personal care, while the ‘Forms’ section has a selection of paperwork that a home needs most often. There is also an online support and FAQ area. Royston Phelps, who owns Bethany Residential Home in Chepstow and installed the system two years ago, said it had proved efficient at moni-

toring every aspect of a care plan. He said: “It’s also a diagrammatic system so you don’t need a degree in computers to use it.”

Miele Professional has appointed Charles Lindfield as the firm’s decontamination business account manager. A 30-year veteran of the sterilisation industry, first as an engineer and over 20 years in sales as national sales manager at BMM Weston, Charles joins Miele in this newly created role. He takes up his position at a time when the company is preparing to introduce new products into a healthcare market where patient safety and traceability are important themes, and as more and more projects are seeking to purchase from a single well-branded supplier. Charles will be leading this sector at Miele in its mission to closely identify each customer’s need and then exceeding expectations in delivering the perfect solution and exceptional aftercare.

Agecare bath offers clean up IN the competitive nursing and care sector, finding a supplier who will save you time and money can mean the difference between profit and loss. MD of Agecare, Nick Langford, explains: “Agecare has worked hard to separate itself from the pack. Like many competitors, we sell a huge selection of new equipment to the nursing home and care sector. “What makes us different though is

that we adapt to what customers really need. For example we refurbish existing equipment at a fraction of the cost of new, with re-gelling and repairing of all types of care baths being a major growth area for us right now.” Their workshop hosts a team of highly trained and experienced engineers who are fully insured to carry out servicing and repairs, as well as Loler inspections and testing.

Selling or refinancing ...? ARE you currently considering the sale of your care home or the possibility of refinancing for improved terms or developing your home through upgrade or new build? Specialist healthcare brokers, Global Business Finance & Care Home Sales, who have 23 years experience in this sector, can offer both these services with national coverage from an experienced healthcare team.

You will receive advice on the best funding options and a personal introduction to a dedicated healthcare manager at the bank by the team at Global and, as the brokerage are remunerated via the bank’s facility fee, there will be no brokerage fees charged to you. The Global Care Home Sales team has a nationwide database of vetted purchasers seeking both small and large elderly homes and those with

specialist categories such as dementia, complex needs, challenging behaviour and learning difficulties. Your sale will be handled in a very individual way with no upfront fees and market leading commission rates, only payable at completion of the sale. For both these services please see Global’s two half page advertisements within this month’s publication.

Can you afford to use wrong detergent? Company exhibits ‘smart’ MANY care homes spend months deliberating over potential new washing machines, and rightly so. But the due diligence shouldn’t end there. It’s as vital that the detergents used meet the needs of the care environment as it is that the appliances themselves do. Helena Hawkins, manager of Jasmine House care home in Reading, can testify to the importance of selecting a detergent that meets daily demands. While using detergents from her previous provider, she spent around £200 replacing sheets and a further £300 replacing Kylie sheets due to poor wash quality. The detergent not only failed to remove stains and marks, but caused

new marks through chemical damage, leaving Helena with no option but to purchase new linen. Fortunately, using its 39 years’ experience of laundry for the Care environment, JLA came to the rescue with a new range of ‘JLA Clean’ solutions. Helena said: “When JLA told me about its specially formulated detergent, I was keen to try it out… we’ve now gone from having sheets that smelled of chemicals and weren’t fit for use to having soft, freshly scented fabrics – and the JLA Clean detergents are even removing stains that were impossible to shift over months of washing with my old products.”

touchless hand sanitisers GERMSTAR Hygiene is pioneering the use of ‘smart’ touchless hand sanitiser and soap dispensers as a key weapon in vital care home infection control programmes. The company exhibited its range of products at the forthcoming recent conferences organised by Script Events and sponsored by Caring UK at Saltash and Bristol. They will also be showing them at the forthcoming events at Arundel and Maidstone. A recent study showed superbug infections in hospitals fell dramatically during the Government’s Clean Your Hands campaign when the amount of alcohol hand rubs and

soap being used tripled. Hand hygiene is also vital in care homes where infection control guidelines say the use of alcohol hand rub, ideally with an added emollient to decrease the problem of drying skin, is important and should be easily accessible to staff where direct care is being provided to residents. Users of Germstar sanitisers just have to place a hand under the infrared, motion-activated dispenser to receive a measured dose of sanitising liquid rinse capable of killing 99.9 per cent of bacteria, viruses and fungus.

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New ‘InstaBadge’ is a Easylink UK launches monitor re-usable innovation BADGEMASTER, the UK’s leading manufacturer of engraved, ready-towear employee name badges has launched a new product range to fulfil the needs of the re-usable name badge market. ‘InstaBadge’, as its name suggests, enables employers themselves to create instant name badges for new starters. “InstaBadge offers the good looks and performance of a permanent badge with all the flexibility of a reusable one”, said John Bancroft, Badgemaster’s managing director. “It’s ideal for workplaces with frequent staff changes, as new employees can be smartly badged from the word go.” The wearer’s name is held within the badge rather than engraved onto it, so employers can control costs by re-using the badge frames when staff leave.

The design of the badge frames, together with Badgemaster’s longestablished expertise in corporate personalisation, means that customers who prefer the re-usable option needn’t sacrifice either choice or visual appeal for economy. The new range includes nine different styles, all available in any base colour and with plenty of space for company logos and corporate designs to be accurately reproduced. Of special interest to catering, food and beverage serving and food preparation staff, the InstaBadge has a unique advantage for all environments where health and safety are paramount. Its unique patent protected design combines the fastener as an integral part of the badge and so prevents the pin ever becoming detached from the badge.

MEDPAGE Limited T/A Easylink UK are one of the leading suppliers in the UK of electronic care products. Our Epileptic seizure monitors are supplied worldwide to aid care of epilepsy patients at home and in professional care. At this year’s Naidex exhibition, Medpage introduced a new enuresis monitor, EnuSens. The EnuSens is extremely versatile as the key component, the sensor, is constructed from machine washable cotton fabric. Unlike plastic

sensors that can induce excessive perspiration, the EnuSens sensor can be used in a bed, chair or wheelchair. Additionally, the sensor can be used inside a pillow for the detection of vomit. The monitor contains an integral sound alarm with two volume levels and a silent mode, to preserve dignity for the user, when used in a communal lounge. The monitor can also be used with a pager transmitter and can connect directly to any nurse call system.

Mobility Healthcare

Signs

Business

Occupancy specialist

Recruitment

Transport

Care Home Software

Computer Software

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