June 2015
incorporating
no.228 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Last chance to book for conferences By Dominic Musgrave TIME is running out for you to book your place at the next two Caring UK annual regional conferences. This year’s events have the title Shaping The Future of Care, and the next two will be held in the Bristol Pavilion at the County Ground, Bristol and the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay on July 1 and 2 respectively respectively. Speakers confirmed for the Bristol event, which is being sponsored by Quality Solicitors Burroughs Day, include Nadra Ahmed OBE, chairman of the National Care Association. Medicines Management and Dysphasia is the title of Rosemont Pharmaceuticals’ Roger Hindle’s presentation, with James Sage, associate solicitor and head of social care at Quality Solicitors Burroughs Day rounding off the session with a look at Employment Law Essentials for Care Providers. After a break to view the extensive exhibition, which will showcase all the latest products and technology for your care home, CQC inspection manager Sue Burn will give An Update from the Inspectorate. This will be followed by Colin
Sutherland from Wings of Freedom and Neil Hagreaves from apetito Limited. Following a break for lunch the final two presentations will be provided by John Kennedy, director of care services at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation called Care Home Inquiry and a representative from Skills for Care to be confirmed will also talk about ‘Supporting the Dementia Workforce’. At Torquay the following day, the only changes to the line-up of speakers will see Claire Martin deliver Rosemont Pharmaceuticals’ presentation instead of Roger. Matthew Mitten, director of Enrolsme, will also deliver a presentation entitled Pensions – ‘Automatic enrolment needs simplifying’. Tony Barry will chair the events. Group production editor Dominic Musgrave added: “I am sure these conferences will be as successful as our first one of the year we held at Wetherby Racecourse, and would urge any care home operators in these areas to attend to listen to these distinguished speakers.” I To find out more and to book your place at these must-attend events turn to pages 21 and 22.
Residents get better connected with iPads
International opera star Lesley Garrett will be the special guest at a glittering gala dinner for dementia charity Lost Chord at South Yorkshire’s historic Wentworth Woodhouse. The celebrated Doncaster diva is a patron of the charity that provides vital interactive musical experiences for people living with dementia across the region and nationally. The September 26 event will include a drinks reception accompanied by Ampleforth Piped Band, a tour of the house’s famous state rooms and a four course meal with wine, as well as entertainment throughout the meal from Lost Chord’s professional musicians. And the highlight of the evening will be Lesley’s performance of some of the opera world’s greatest arias.
RESIDENTS at a Glasgow care home are getting more technology to help them to be better ‘connected’. Glasgow credit union has donated two new Apple iPads to the residents at Darnley Court to help them to stay in touch with friends and family members who live further away. The home has a strong commitment to helping residents stay digitally active and has a range of tablets available alongside a 24/7 wifi connection. Home manager Tracy Barker believes the extra iPads are a great way to boost the technology available to residents in the home. She said: “We were pleased to receive the two new ipads – it was a really kind and thoughtful gesture from the GCU and residents will make the most of them. “Helping residents to learn digital skills means they can have better contact with relatives and friends who might not live in the area or even the country.”
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Care home provides treats for school’s breakfast club By Dominic Musgrave PERRY Wood Primary School in Worcester received a boost from its neighbours at Perry Manor care home, in the form of a £1,000 donation towards the school’s breakfast club. Pupils of all ages who attend the breakfast club were given the opportunity to vote on exactly what equipment the funds from Perry Manor could be used to purchase and they decided on eight state-of-the-art tablets. The Perry Wood Primary School’s breakfast club, which operates from 8am till school starts every day, has been hailed in the House of Commons as a great initiative which has helped unemployed parents get back into work. It has also been acclaimed for drastically increasing pupils’ attendance – from 90 per cent two years ago, to 96 per cent in 2014, as well as improving general behaviour. Home manager Mike Dearn said: “The team at Perry Manor is keen to forge links with the local community and to get to know our neighbours. We already have a fantastic relationship with Perry Wood Primary School – the children have visited us in the past – and we wanted to build on this by lending a helping hand
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Perry Manor home manager Mike Dearn with customer relations manager Ben Walker, Perry Wood Primary School head teacher Tracy Kelly-Freer and pupils who attend the school’s breakfast club. with the breakfast club. “The club has already proven to be a great initiative for the local community and the school children also seem to love attending every morning. I’m thrilled we
have been able to give the club a boost with our donation. I plan to continue to work with the school on future projects such as the breakfast club and offer support where we can.”
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Royal Alfred representatives Anne Kasey, Brian Boxall-Hunt and Karen Goddard receive the award from Lucy Potashnick, environmental manager at WWF-UK.
Charity takes home award for reducing its carbon footprint By Dominic Musgrave THE Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society took home the Green Award at the sixth annual Toast of Surrey Business Awards following efforts to cut its carbon footprint and operate in a more environmentally friendly way. The Awards, run by the Surrey Advertiser and first held in 2009, bring together business leaders from across the county for a night of celebration and recognition. In a competitive and new category for this year, Royal Alfred was successful in winning the Green Award, which was sponsored by the WWF-UK. In judging this award, the main criteria included seeking out businesses which have really challenged themselves to operate more sustainably and to manage their environmental impacts. Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society chief executive, Commander Brian BoxallHunt, said: “We are well on our way to becoming a self-sufficient home. “Not only are we providing energy to the home, powered on site, we’re also doing our bit to reduce our carbon footprint. There is so much we can do with the money we’re
saving, meaning we can continue to provide the best care possible for our residents. “We are overjoyed at the award win as it recognises the efforts of the entire team. We’re hoping to continue our green initiatives, following the current refurbishment project taking place at the home. We hope others can take ‘a leaf out of our book’ so to speak, and do their part to cut their own carbon footprint.” The home’s campaign to work in a greener way includes its recently installed pellet-fired biomass boiler which has resulted in the home being less reliant on gas, reducing usage to under 20 per cent of previous levels. Solar panels installed in 2012 have saved the home 15 per cent on electricity bills to date. A new 135-metre borehole provides the home’s water supply with estimated savings of up to £8,000 a year. The money saved from these various initiative goes back into the home, funding further projects, refurbishments and extensions for the residents to enjoy. The home also now has a compost bin on site, installed during a recent garden revamp by local volunteers.
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Change of career lands awards for caring duo By Dominic Musgrave
Caremark staff don funny hats in support of the group’s JOGLE cycle team.
It’s a ‘mad hat’ day at provider’s head office CAREMARK’S head office staff wore funny hats in support of the group’s JOGLE cycle team who will be riding the 1,000-mile John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge in aid of Alzheimer’s and dementia related illnesses. Staff members started their fund raising effort for their JOGLE cycle team with the promise to wear a funny hat for the day and donate some money to the team’s Just Giving page. Donations have already started to come in from other supporters and the team aim to raise £100,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Caremark has a team of eight riders currently in training, preparing for
the major challenge early in September. Riding with them will be the two professional cyclists who are currently training them. A key factor in this training is ensuring the team are both mentally prepared and physically fit to complete this marathon. Two of the riders, professional cyclists, will be riding with the Caremark team throughout the challenge to maintain pace, motivation and monitor performance, with a support vehicle carrying essential bike parts, first aid kits, refreshments and other essential support equipment following the team.
WHEN former door steward Simon Algar swapped security for support work, little did he think he’d be landing his company’s top award. Simon, 29, joined the Cheltenham team with Stroud-based homecare provider DoCare two years ago and has been named support worker of the year at the company’s annual ceremony. His colleague Rachel Ritchings, 28, joined DoCare’s Cirencester team in 2014 and was named care newcomer of the year. Simon said: “I’d been working in security but didn’t want to go back to that, partly because of the unsociable hours. A friend of mine suggested homecare, so I thought I’d give it a go. “I didn’t know whether it would be for me or not, but I really love going out and meeting people, and hearing the clients’ stories. “One of them who sadly passed away recently was a Liverpool fan, and I support Manchester United, so we used to chat about football and I’d play football with his grandchildren. “It didn’t seem strange for me, as a man, to be doing this role – I compare it to having male nurses – and the clients seem to have been happy with me. Even when I’ve visited one or two who have said they
Simon Algar and Rachel Ritchings with their awards. prefer women support workers, they’ve turned out to like me.” Rachel, from Kemble, switched to care from a career as a beauty therapist. She said: “I wish I had done it years ago. I love DoCare and I love being able to make a difference. We see some quite poorly people, and to see their faces light up when we visit is a joy.”
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Subject for conference is revealed
CARE England’s annual conference and exhibition ‘What’s New? A year of change?’ on November 12 at the Church House Conference Centre in London will take a close look at the current social care landscape. It will also look forward into 2016, evaluate the Government’s progress six months after the General Election and assess if their strategy is on the right track. Chief executive, Professor Martin Green, said: “Between now and our conference Care England will be challenging the new Government to give clear commitments about how they’re going to develop services and improve quality in the coming year. The best time for decisive action is straight after an election so I will expect more than a rehash of strategies which proved ineffective the first time round.” Confirmed speakers include Dr Jane Martin, the Local Government Ombudsman, Dr Clive Bowman, the distinguished consultant physician and gerontologist, and Ian Smith, chairman, Four Seasons. Further speakers will be announced shortly.
Fundraisers smash their charity challenge goal SOME swam, some ran, some sang and others walked miles – but the hard work paid off for staff and residents of a retirement village who have raised more than £11,000 for a leading dementia charity. Fundraisers at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, near Darlington, took on a range of challenges throughout the year as part of their determination to raise £10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. They were delighted to see all their efforts were worthwhile after raising a total of £11,420.20 for the charity. Jeremy Walford, managing director of the retirement village, started the fundraising efforts back in early 2014 by competing in his first London Marathon and led others to take up fitness challenges of their own. Swimming, walking, running, giving up smoking, losing weight were all challenges achieved by individuals. Residents and staff organised concerts, fun days, photography exhibitions, coffee mornings and many took part in the Teesside Memory Walk in September. Middleton Hall’s ‘Knatty Knitters’ were also kept busy knitting a wealth of items to raise money. They even knitted the grand total raised, with residents and staff handing the cheque over to the charity during a
Staff and residents hand over a cheque to the Alzheimer’s Society with the grand total figures knitted by Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s ‘Knatty Knitters’ group. presentation at the award-winning retirement village. Jeremy said: “We believed it was time we raised awareness of the critical importance of the work of the Alzheimer’s Society as well as raise money. “We felt it was relevant to Middleton Hall and everyone connected with us. It was a cause close to the hearts of both residents and staff and they’ve shown that by working so hard to exceed our target.” A large proportion of the money raised will be spent on local projects.
One is ‘Singing for the Brain’ led by Jenny Leeming, local dementia support worker. Through Middleton Hall’s fundraising this popular local community project will now continue in 2015. Jeremy added: “We’re delighted that our fundraising efforts will not only be used for continuing the pioneering research undertaken by the Alzheimer’s Society but will also be used locally to fund this community initiative that people derive so much benefit and enjoyment from.”
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Care group celebrates its nurses
BARCHESTER Healthcare is celebrating the work its nurses do throughout the UK by giving every one of its nurses a fob watch as a gift on International Nurses’ Day. The group’s nurses have an important role in ensuring that residents receive the best possible quality care daily. Their approach is personcentred and with a variety of complex care needs to attend to, their expertise and dedication is crucial to delivering excellent services. Director for quality and clinical governance, Trish MorrisThompson, said: “Nearly 2,500 nurses work for Barchester Healthcare and I’m immensely proud of them all. “They are caring, talented and strive daily to ensure the individuals in our homes receive the best possible quality care. “To show our appreciation of the great job our nurses do, we want to help celebrate this hard working and incredible profession on International Nurses’ Day by giving a gift to every one of our Barchester nurses.”
Care workers craft their skills for annual parade By Dominic Musgrave CARE workers from across the North East are entering a wonderland of rabbits, baskets and bunting as they prepare for one of the summer’s biggest events. More than 20 staff members from leading specialist care provider, Careline Lifestyles, recently attended a one-off workshop with acclaimed designer Paul Shriek, in preparation for the South Tyneside Festival Summer Parade 2015. The parade, which takes to the streets of South Shields on Saturday July 4, will mark the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, with a host of floats, themed-entertainment and costumed characters. More than 2,000 people are expected to take part, including representatives from Careline Lifestyles, which is sponsoring this year’s event. To help the company prepare for its role, the parade’s artist director, Paul Shriek and his design partner Matt Fox, recently visited Careline Lifestyles’ Deneside Court care home in St Joseph’s Way, Jarrow. There they met with activity coordinators from all 10 of the company’s facilities across the North East, including Bishop Auckland,
Designer Matt Fox and the South Tyneside Summer Festival parade’s artistic director Paul Shriek (both front centre) with councillor John Anglin, chairman of South Tyneside’s events steering group, Rahul Sharma, chief executive of Careline Lifestyles (both back centre) and participants in the workshop. Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Morpeth and Jarrow. With the help of experienced artists, Kath Price and Claudia Van Lieshout Smit, the attendees were taught how to create papier mâché flowers and bunny ears, as well as topiary, bunting and decorated baskets. They now plan to share these skills with residents across the group’s homes, to create props that will be used in the South Tyneside Festival Summer Parade.
Rahul Sharma, chief executive of Careline Lifestyles, said: “We are thrilled to be sponsoring this year’s South Tyneside Festival Summer Parade and are keen for our staff and residents to be as involved as possible. “This workshop was a great opportunity for our activity coordinators to learn from the experts and they are now adapting the techniques to suit the abilities and interests of the residents in their respective homes.”
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NAPA teams up with UFS for Fine Dining Experience Awards By Dominic Musgrave NAPA has teamed up with Unilever Food Solutions to inspire care homes across the UK and Ireland to get involved in its new Fine Dining Experience award and make mealtimes the highlight of residents’ days. The award launches this year as part of the annual NAPA awards. By creating unique and memorable dining experiences, care homes have a chance of winning cash prizes plus lots of other goodies, including a masterclass with Michelin-starred chef Mark Sargeant. Sylvie Silver, director at NAPA, said: “The Fine Dining Experience is an opportunity for care settings to showcase their culinary expertise. It gives chefs the chance to do something really special with the food that’s being prepared. “Everyone can get involved, from the gardener growing the peas that are going on the table, to the activity coordinators organising entertainment, to people from the local community, who wouldn’t normally visit the home. It’s all about giving the residents a real sense of occasion, something special to do, something to look forward to.” There are six categories and homes can either enter one or all of them: 1. Grow your own – for gardeners growing the food served at the table. 2. Setting the scene – the décor used to create a wonderful setting.
3. The chef’s masterpiece – the menu and its appeal to residents. 4. Community connections – getting the community involved in the event. 5. The whole home approach – using the talents of everyone on the staff team. 6. The overall fine dining challenge – A combination of all of the above. To enter, homes need to host an event between July 13 and 20. Each category has a cash prize of £150, as well as a bigger prize of £300 for homes that take part in the whole challenge. James Allred, channel marketing manager for care at Unilever Food Solutions, said: “It’s so important for those in care to socialise over food and experience stimulating mealtimes. The Fine Dining Experience provides a great opportunity for care settings to really show off how they have combined tasty food, drink and activities, and to feel proud of the wonderful experience they create.” UFS has created activity packs and supporting materials to help care homes to put their Fine Dining Experience together. It is packed with invitations, LED tea lights and conversation starter cards to help set the scene, as well as a Fine Dining Experience apron, delicious recipes and PR hints and tips to help care homes spread the word about their event. To request an entry pack call 0800 7833728 (option 2).
Dress circle renamed in care provider’s memory THEATRE Royal Stratford East has decided to honour one of its former patrons Jean Brown by naming its dress circle in her honour. Jean was a shareholder in Sahara Care, and loved to visit the theatre on a regular basis, until she passed away following a battle with cancer. This shared love of the theatre has been recognised by The Sahara Care Charitable Trust, an organisation set up in her memory, who have pledged £50,000 a year for the next four years to the theatre she once loved. Terence Brown, Jean’s husband and chair of the Trust and Sahara Care, said: “The Theatre was an important part of Jean’s life and there was also a strong connection between the theatre and West Ham United the club Jean and I have both supported since childhood. “I am told the first play about our football club took place at the theatre before the First World War. I do hope our donation will go some way towards helping the theatre continue its outstanding work and contribution to the people of east London because I know that is what Jean would want.” To mark the occasion two service
Sahara Care chairman Terence Brown and managing director Sharon Kaur with Kerry Michael, Theatre Royal Stratford East’s artistic director. users from Sahara Care handed over a cheque to the theatre’s artistic director Kerry Michael. Sharon Kaur, trustee of the charity and managing director of Sahara Care, added “The theatre has provided so much pleasure for our service users over the years and this is one way we can all say thank you to the Theatre Royal Stratford East. I know Jean would have been delighted.”
Advertiser’s announcement
An international brand to suit your budget GRAHAME Gardner Ltd has scoured the international healthcare market to find the best workwear options available, and found one of the best in the form of the Landau. One of the biggest names in workwear for health within the US, Landau selected Grahame Gardner as the ideal partner to bring their exciting brands to the UK. Although their name may be unfamiliar to some, they are the innovators behind conceptual scrubwear brand, Urbane Scrubs, the stylish and
colourful scrubs that have been such a huge hit with Care Homes. They also created Scrubzone, classic hardwearing traditional scrubwear, widely recognised as a brand to trust. The newest addition to the Grahame Gardner range from Landau is Smitten, a phenomenal scrub range with textured fabrics and fashionable style detail. With such a varied selection of brands within their portfolio, care home managers are sure to find the perfect products to suit their staff, style and budget.
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Czajka resident Jean Tempest, Jenny Eastham (YAA) and Margaret Gledhill who is part of Czajka’s residents and members social club.
Fundraising efforts take off RESIDENTS and staff from Czajka Care Group’s Fairmount Park retirement complex in Nab Wood near Shipley have raised £870 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance after holding a series of fundraising events in the past month. Margaret Gledhill, who is part of the residents’ and members’ social club, organised a ‘nearly new sale’ as well as a race night in The Clubhouse at Fairmount Park. In addition, Jenny Eastham, who is West Yorkshire’s events and volunteer coordinator at
Yorkshire Air Ambulance, visited The Clubhouse and held a talk about the organisation’s life-saving work and its plans for the future. Konrad Czajka, managing director of the group, said: “The Clubhouse at Fairmount Park has a fantastic social committee that continually lends its support to a whole range of deserving organisations and charities. “Yorkshire Air Ambulance does an amazing job and changes peoples’ lives every day, so it’s a superb charity to raise a great sum of money for.”
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Strength and balance solution reduces falls in older people By Chris Brown FALLS among older people and the associated costs are perhaps the biggest challenges facing communities today. In March 2015, NICE published Quality Standard 86. It contains Quality Statement 5 which outlines the rationale for, and the referral pathways to, the provision of strength and balance training programmes for older people who have a known history of recurrent falls. Performance Health Systems, manufacturer and distributor of Power PlateŽ devices, has launched a new strength and balance solution, which includes software, specifically developed with age related needs in mind. Power Plate is the global leader in whole body vibration equipment. Engineered precisely to apply the science behind a body’s natural response to destabilisation, Power Plate technology uses a vibrating platform to amplify the effects of any movement performed. It creates a safe, consistent, controlled level of vibration that can help improve muscle tone and strength, balance, flexibility and circulation. The Power Plate strength and balance solution combines specific programming, training, measurement
and management tools with two options available. Key areas of the programming address falls prevention, strengthening gait, boosting circulation and supporting routine daily activities to encourage independent daily living and health related quality of life. Older users can work independently, or with the help of a staff member, using the touch screen and interactive video coaching. The primary focus of the new senior software is on lower body strength, balance and proprioception delivered with a safe, comfortable and precise harmonic wave to illicit the best neuromuscular response. With a footprint of less than one metre, Power Plate can be located discretely in a dayroom rather than occupy other revenue generating space, making a stylish addition to any facility, while ensuring its accessibility to residents in an environment they are comfortable in. The package costs from as little as ÂŁ2.74 per month (based on the average cost of care in a 40-bed care home). It launched at the Caring UK conference in Wetherby and will also be shown at the regional conferences in Bristol and Torquay in July, and Southampton and Canterbury in September. Email chris.brown@powerplate.com
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New Dudley extra care scheme welcomes its first customers BUILT at a total cost of £16.2m, Lime Gardens provides affordable, quality homes for over 55’s, comprising 120 homes to rent or buy, combined with extensive health and leisure facilities and 24-hour care and support for those who need it. Already over half full, the modern facilities and quality of care are proving popular with local people keen to take full advantage of all that’s on offer. The range of on-site facilities available to residents include a convenience shop, hairdressers, gym, craft and hobbies room, bar/café restaurant and an events area. The on-site gym facility is very much at the heart of the scheme. Once trained, customers can use the equipment at any time, or join in one of the many gym-trim group sessions supervised by our personal trainer and activities co-ordinator. The comprehensive facilities have proved popular with customers, partly in thanks to their innovative design, catering for the needs of older customers. Supplied by HUR, the equipment features a pressure resistance mechanism that means there are no heavy weights involved. A user simply dials in the desired pressure resistance and the
equipment automatically adjusts to suit. This means fewer sprains or strains as the equipment is tailored to the specific needs of each individual user. A number of customers suffer from arthritis or are recovering from orthopaedic or cardiac procedures. Again, the equipment has proved excellent in aiding recovery through a gentle exercise programme, helping to regain movement and improve fitness. Two other features have also proved popular. The equipment is very quiet to operate, meaning normal conversations can be maintained, even while sessions are in progress. In addition the computerised set-up
means that measuring individual customer progress is easy, fostering a sense of achievement and wellbeing. The landscaped gardens reflect the parkland environment that surrounds the scheme, which was named by local residents after a row of nearby lime trees, honouring the local war heroes of WW!. The scheme has been developed by the region’s largest housing and care organisation Midland Heart, in partnership with Dudley Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and built by contractor William Davis Ltd. Wynne North, mother of new resident Gill North (pictured) said: “This is a fantastic scheme and the perfect home for Gill and her
individual needs; nothing is too much trouble for the team and I can rest safe in the knowledge that Gill is getting the best possible care.” Ruth Cooke, CEO at Midland Heart, added: “This is a truly magnificent scheme, providing outstanding quality care and support for older customers. We have a great staff team, great facilities and I’m confident our customers will be very happy here in a safe, secure environment.” John Millar, acting strategic director for economy, environment and housing at Dudley Council, said: “This is the third extra care scheme that we’ve developed in partnership with Midland Heart and represents the future of housing for older people. It really is first class, both in terms of the physical build, quality of care and the fantastic range of facilities on offer.” Matt Colloby, group business development manager for developers William Davis Limited, said: “The Lime Gardens development is a classic example of collaborative working, the whole project team focussed on the ultimate goal of delivering this quality scheme, on time and within budget, everyone involved should be very proud of their achievements.”
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Ellen Brown, care homes divisional manager at apetito, shares her advice on how care homes can bring restaurant quality to their residents …
Give your residents the restaurant experience WHEN talking to care homes about the challenges they face in catering to residents, quality, presentation and variety emerge as top concerns time and time again. Yet, each are easy to achieve and are key to giving residents the dining experience they deserve. Here are my top tips on how homes can help residents feel like they’re ‘dining out’ at every mealtime: 1. Engage the senses This is key in stimulating appetite, so think about smell, sight and flavour – food should look and smell as appetising as it tastes. Serving food in the dining room is one way to enhance this. By using a service trolley with a hot plate, the smell of the food gives residents the chance to use more of their senses when picking which meal they’d like. 2. Master your menu Good presentation starts with design of your menu, so be sure to
include appetising descriptions of each dish, plus pictures to make it easier for residents to visualise the choices on offer. Create a list of simple hints and tips for each menu option and stick it up in the kitchen as a quick reminder of how meals should look while plating up. Remember – we all eat with our eyes. 3. Toy with texture While residents with chewing and swallowing difficulties must be served food that is safe for them to eat, for all others, the incorporation of different textures within the same meal will be more visually stimulating as well as more interesting in the mouth. 4. Get colourful Use a minimum of two colours in every meal – preferably three. The addition of vegetables is a simple way to bring colour – and flavour – to dishes. 5. Change things up How often do you change your
menu? Introducing variety is key to encouraging residents to enjoy mealtimes and the changes of the seasons offer an ideal opportunity to do this. 6. Use odd numbers When arranging food on a plate, use an odd number of ingredients as an unsymmetrical approach is more visually stimulating. So, use three potatoes instead of four, for example. 7. The right crockery Remember, plain white dishes are the most simple backdrop for variations in food colour. Serving the right amount of food on the right size plate is also important. Overloading a small plate with a normal portion of food can be overwhelming. 8. Include garnish A simple garnish immediately elevates the appearance of a meal. In fact, creating a small herb garden for residents to grow and cut themselves is a simple, cheap and
enjoyable way to involve residents in the preparation of meals (although, again, for residents on a texture-modified diet, it is important to consider the impact any garnish will have on the texture of their food). 9. Work round the clock Adopting the conventional ‘smiley face’ method of plate presentation (whereby starchy ingredients are placed at 10 o’clock, meat at two o’clock and vegetables at six) is an easy way to present food in an uncluttered, appetising manner. 10. Aim high Playing with shape can instantly make a meal more appetising. For example, consider a quenelle of vegetables, try using a ring to shape mash or stack food items vertically. To book a free tasting session with the apetito care homes team, visit www.challengeapetito.co.uk For more information call 0800 542 2631.
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Professional catering New sustainable diploma is launched packaging goes down a storm PROFESSIONAL training for catering in the health and social care sector has taken a step forward with the launch of the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery in Health and Social Care Catering. The first professional qualification for the sector, the ground-breaking course is being piloted at Barnet and Southgate College in North London. The 20-week course and qualification is the result of the collaborative vision and work of the National Association of Care Catering, the Hospital Caterers Association and Barnet and Southgate College. The programme addresses the absence of a recognised formal professional catering qualification dedicated to the health and social care sector. The pilot course is open to chefs and cooks working in hospitals or residential care homes who are able to attend Hospitality House, North London’s state-of-the-art training facility, for the duration of the course. Students will gain the necessary understanding and specific skills required for effective catering in the healthcare, social care and community meal sectors, raising excellence across the board and further safeguarding the health and wellbeing of patients, residents and service users. The diploma will cover the core cur-
riculum required by any professional chef, including effective teamwork, hygiene, the maintenance of health and safety, and cookery units focusing on fish, meat and poultry preparation as well as vegetable dishes. Additional specialised topics specific to the health and social care sector will cover the vital areas of nutrition and hydration, fortification, texturemodified foods, and allergies and diets. Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, said: “The absence of a professional qualification in health and social care catering has been a huge concern and injustice for the sector and those working within it. I’m thrilled that by working together with our association partners we are one giant step closer to redressing the balance. “Caterers within the sector are already doing a great job and the examples of excellence we see daily are inspirational. However, the endorsement that this qualification brings will ensure that standards continue to rise by giving caterers the training, recognition and pride they deserve. It will also broaden the sector’s appeal for school leavers, attracting new talent and flair, and this is incredibly exciting for us all.” The long-term aspiration, following the pilot, is to roll out the course to colleges nationwide by 2016.
NESCAFÉ®, which has been supporting the care sector to reduce waste to landfill with its innovative new refill format that uses 87 per cent lighter packaging than catering tins1, has seen growing demand from care home businesses, with significant new contracts already being won. The refill packs offer the same taste and aroma that makes NESCAFÉ® the UK’s favourite coffee but in a soft pack format. Marking the brand’s continued commitment to driving sustainability in the Out of Home coffee market, the refill packs uses less materials during production. Peter Lawson, a manager os a Barchester care home, said the refill packs have helped him to reduce waste management costs. He added: “Cost is such an important factor in all our purchasing decisions, but we don’t want to have to compromise on the quality of what we offer our residents. In NESCAFÉ® we have found a great partner, that offers a great product that delivers on taste, is value for money and the refill
packs are a core part of our green commitment now.” The refill packs are available to buy in NESCAFÉ® Original 600g and NESCAFÉ® Gold Blend 600g formats and are a key product in the NESCAFÉ® catering range.
CARINGCATERING AND NUTRITION
Sustainable packaging goes down a storm NESCAFÉ®, which has been supporting the care sector to reduce waste to landfill with its innovative new refill format that uses 87 per cent lighter packaging than catering tins1, has seen growing demand from care home businesses, with significant new contracts already being won. The refill packs offer the same taste and aroma that makes NESCAFÉ® the UK’s favourite coffee but in a soft pack format. Marking the brand’s continued commitment to driving sustainability in the Out of Home coffee market, the refill packs uses less materials during production. Peter Lawson, a manager os a
Barchester care home, said the refill packs have helped him to reduce waste management costs. He added: “Cost is such an important factor in all our purchasing decisions, but we don’t want to have to compromise on the quality of what we offer our residents. In NESCAFÉ® we have found a great partner, that offers a great product that delivers on taste, is value for money and the refill packs are a core part of our green commitment now.” The refill packs are available to buy in NESCAFÉ® Original 600g and NESCAFÉ® Gold Blend 600g formats and are a key product in the NESCAFÉ® catering range.
The ChefAlarm® – colour-coded cooking thermometer and timer THE ChefAlarm® professional cooking thermometer and timer, is now available in five food safe colours – blue, green, red, white and yellow. The unit incorporates a fully programmable count up/down timer and includes a multi-functional LCD display which simultaneously indicates the elapsed time, the current and the min/max temperatures during a cooking cycle. Its loud audible alarm sounds when the food reaches the predetermined temperature or programmed time. The ChefAlarm measures temperature over the range -50 to 300 °C, with an accuracy of better than ±1 °C, utilising the units ‘CAL’ feature it is possible for the user to fine-tune the thermometers accuracy to better than ±0.5°C; ideal for critical food safety areas. The loud audible alarm with its adjustable volume (92dB) can be heard in the noisiest kitchen or production area.
The main temperature digits are big and easyto-see from a distance, plus the one-touch backlight button allows the user to read the display in poor light conditions. Enquiries: Call 01903 202151, email sales@etiltd.com or visit www.etiltd.com
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CARINGNEWS
War hero Alex receives surprise Russian medal SURPRISED tenants at an Edinburgh retirement housing development have been paid a visit by Vladimir Putin’s top diplomat in Scotland, armed with a prestigious war medal and a large bottle of Russian vodka – to award a long standing tenant. Alex Ramsay, 88, was part of the 1944 Arctic Convoy – a treacherous mission in freezing conditions, to deliver vital supplies to the Soviet Union as they battled the axis powers at the western front. The veteran of the Merchant Navy was recently awarded the ‘Ushakov Medal’ by Andrey Pritsepov, the Russian Consul General who visited Milton Court Retirement Home in Portobello. Alex said: “I am thrilled to receive another medal for my involvement in the war effort – it gives me a reason to reflect on the time I spent in the merchant navy. My main memory of the convoy was the camaraderie and the great team-spirit on the boat – whilst we battled the enduring and bitterly cold weather. “The team at Milton Court threw a great party, and we all had a shot of Russian vodka – something which the Ambassador said was ‘to celebrate the efforts of brave men’ like me.” Recognised as an integral part of the war effort which helped mount pressure on the enemy from all fronts – the arctic convoys suffered heavy
Alex Ramsay receives his medal from Andrey Pritsepov. losses, with 85 merchant vessels and 16 Royal Navy warships tragically lost during the missions. Linda Mason, retirement manager at Milton Court, said: “We are all so very proud of Alex’s achievements – he is an unassuming and modest man but his story is truly inspiring. “His three older brothers enrolled in the army, and at just 16 Alex was technically too young – but was determined to play his part – against his mother’s will and contribute to the war effort.” Alex became a bus conductor in 1950 before eventually going on to drive buses in and around Edinburgh. He has been a resident at Milton Court since July 2006 and has two children, Christine and Stuart, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Birch Green Care Home in Skelmersdale.
Care home gets Help Direct A LANCASHIRE care home has brought in further helpings of advice to families, friends and interested parties on the issues surrounding dementia. The initiative at Birch Green Care Home in Skelmersdale aims to ease the burden experienced by families and friends whose loved ones have the disease, all centred in the Dementia Bistro. Now it has also received support from the Help Direct organisation, which adds community-based wellbeing services. Birch Green general manager Carol Nickeas said: “The Help Direct team
came to the Bistro to see it for themselves and to signpost information and providing advice at a difficult time for the families of those with dementia. “The bistro environment is also ideal as it’s more relaxed and everyone can benefit from the extra discussion and information sessions. “It is becoming a real hub where everyone can meet and talk about a difficult subject and the issues around it.” Joe Sherville, a Birch Green dementia friend, also attended the event with Help Direct at the bistro to share information and provide guidance.
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Dawn’s skydive sponsors dig deep for day trips ACTIVITY funds for residents of a care home in Rugby took a giant leap, quite literally, from an aeroplane. Dawn Hulley, who works at Willow Tree Nursing Home, raised £600 for residents to go on day trips by doing a sponsored skydive. The 48-year-old is the activities coordinator at the 47-room home, which isset over an acre of private grounds. The sponsorship money is going towards taking residents on outings to the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Park and Twycross Zoo, as well as helping them to bond with each other and enjoy an enhanced quality of life. Dawn said: “I have to be honest, I was terrified. And there were a few moments where I wondered why I was doing it. “But once I was in the air it was so exciting and the adrenaline was
pumping. I was also thinking of all the wonderful residents at Willow Tree Nursing Home and how much it means to be able to take them on some fantastic days out. So when it came to the moment to jump, I was more than ready to do it.” Dawn’s family, friends, colleagues and resident’s relatives all dug deep to sponsor her to do the dive at Hinton Airfield, Brackley, Northants. Trisha Judge, home manager, said: “Dawn really has gone above and beyond the call of duty with this. It’s not many people who are so passionate about what they do they’d jump out of a plane. “This isn’t just going the extra mile, it’s going 3,500ft straight up. We’re so proud of Dawn and the money she’s raised will make an enormous difference to the residents who will get to enjoy some great activities as a result.”
Staff and students from Conyers School with Lin Cordey, manager at Ayresome Court (centre back).
Children visit residents RESIDENTS at Ayresome Court care home in Yarm enjoyed a visit from local school children who taught them the technologies of the 21st century. Year seven and year eight pupils from Conyers School in Yarm taught residents how to use iPads and iPhones, while other residents who preferred more traditional fun enjoyed games of dominoes and Connect Four with the youngsters. The visit was part of a community cohesion and active citizenship outreach programme run by Conyers School. The residents were so thrilled with their new friends that several of them pleaded for them to stay, with
one resident showing her appreciation of the visit by singing a traditional Irish folk song. Lin Cordey, manager at the Akari care owned home, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to the staff and students from Conyers School who visited us. We were overwhelmed to see how maturely the students interacted with the residents, assisting them to get around and chatting to them about their pasts – who said anything about a generation gap. “We’re more than happy for the students to visit us whenever they like as it was an extremely valuable experience for both residents and students.”
Staff from Hollybank Home Care celebrate finishing in the top 10.
Homecare agency rated as one of Wales’ finest A NORTH Wales home care agency has been rated as one of the best in Wales. Family owned Hollybank Home Care based in Flinsthire is celebrating after securing a place in the Top 10 Recommended Home Care Agencies In Wales Awards for 2015. The homecare agency was launched three years ago as an extension to the Jones family’s existing care home business and in that short time has become the sixth most recommended agency in Wales according to website homecare.co.uk. The homecare.co.uk Awards highlight the most recommended agencies in each region of the UK. The Awards are based on recommendations received from service users, their family and friends. The high ranking for ‘Hollybank Home Care’ relates to the number of positive reviews the home care agency
received on the site. Owners Jacqui and Brian Jones and their daughter Natalie Marshall, who is the manager, are thrilled with the accolade which they say is testimony to the high standard of care delivered by their team. Natalie said: “We are delighted that our hard work and person centred care has been recognised. We put our service users at the heart of everything we do and focus on improving their quality of life. We have a fantastic team who are dedicated to their job and want to make a difference to the lives of our service users. This Award reflects this and is a fantastic endorsement of the high standards of care we offer.” The agency cares for adults and older people across the Deeside area with a range of support needs which include those with physical disabilities, mental health conditions,
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Royal opening for new care centre RESIDENTS at the new Hayward Care Centre in Devizes were thrilled to have a visit from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness met residents and staff as he toured the £8m care centre run by charity The Orders of St John Care Trust. He watched a game of skittles/curling, and was offered some home baking before popping in to the residents’ bar for a chat. He then joined assembled guests for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening of the care centre. His Royal Highness was shown around the new care centre by Wiltshire area operations manager Alison Stenning, who said: “We’re all absolutely delighted that The Duke of Edinburgh has done us the honour of coming to open Hayward Care Centre to recognise the link with a local hero. All our residents and staff
have been really looking forward to meeting him and to show off our beautiful new home.” The care centre is named in honour of local hero Reginald Hayward, who served throughout World War I and, in addition to the Military Cross and bar, was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for valour, for his actions in 1918 when serving in 1st Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment. To recognise the honour, a special feature of the visit was the participation of members of The Rifles Regiment of which The Duke of Edinburgh is Colonel in Chief. During his visit, His Royal Highness met representatives of the organisations involved in bringing this project to fruition. These included architects (Hunters), developers (Brackley Investments) and the construction company (Stepnell Construction), as well as the design specialists respon-
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh unveils a plaque at Hayward Care Centre in Devizes. sible for the innovative “household” layout and interior design to help enhance the living environment for older people living with dementia. County dignitaries and representatives from local and regional community organisations were also present to celebrate this special occasion. His Royal Highness was also able to
meet several residents, one of whom, Betty Key, invited him to look at her room. After unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening of the care centre, and wishing everyone living and working at Hayward Care Centre the best of luck in their new home, His Royal Highness concluded his visit by signing the visitors’ book.
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CARINGCOMMERCE
Insure your reputation not just your home ... By David Waters
Stinchcombe Manor Nursing Home in rural Gloucestershire.
Established home sold ACTING on behalf of outgoing owners, Paul and Helen Hutson, specialist property adviser Christie and Co has sold Stinchcombe Manor Nursing Home in rural Gloucestershire. The care home, which is situated in Stinchcombe, has been acquired by Stroud Care Services, who plan to develop the Grade II listed former manor house into a flagship facility. Stinchcombe Manor is registered to accommodate a maximum of 36 clients in 28 bedrooms, 18 of which have their own en-suite facilities. Simon Harvey, director of Christie and Co’s South West healthcare team, said: “We are delighted to have assisted Paul and Helen with the sale
which will enable them to concentrate on their care businesses in Cornwall and equally, we are pleased to have facilitated the acquisition thus allowing Stroud Care Services to expand their operation. “This is the third care home Christie and Co has sold in Gloucestershire in the last few months, following hot on the heels of the Old Vicarage at Frampton-on-Severn and Woodstock Nursing Home in Gloucester, all of which continue to show that demand for care homes in the county remains high.” The freehold interest in Stinchcombe Manor was sold for an undisclosed sum off a guide price of £1.75million.
ALL care home owners know that a comprehensive insurance policy is indispensable to protect their care homes, their staff and their residents. Fewer, perhaps, would consider insurance as a means of protecting their reputation; a means of building and safeguarding a positive profile and providing protection from unwarranted or unfair attacks. A care home owner and client recently contacted us after a local newspaper published false accusations in its online edition relating to an incident in which a resident sustained injuries. The article was littered with misinformation and consequently the managing director of the care home approached CHIS to see if we had any recommendations. Fortunately, the legal expenses section of our client’s CHIS insurance policy covers circumstances such as these, and we immediately put him in touch with a specialist PR company. Liaising with the care home’s management team, the PR company drafted a document detailing the allegations in the article that were incorrect, before communicating them to the newspaper’s editor. These included the assertion that the care home had not followed correct procedures, despite the local
council clearing it of any wrong doing. Just 24 hours later the newspaper published a written apology and correction, much to the care home owner’s relief. The PR company cost just David Waters over £1,000, which was fully covered by the client’s insurance policy. This case highlights the benefits of choosing an insurance broker that thinks laterally and creatively and having a high quality insurance cover in place. Insurance is much more than just a number game. In this litigious society where care homes often find themselves under the glare of the media spotlight, it’s worth remembering the role that good insurance can play in preserving your reputation. David Waters is managing director of CHIS.
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CARINGCOMMERCE
Meadow Court in Worcester.
Extra care development delivered a month early CASTLEOAK, the specialist construction and development partner for care and retirement living, has handed over a £7million extra care development of 57 apartments in Worcester to Fortis Living four weeks ahead of the construction programme. Specifically designed for over 55s, Meadow Court offers one and twobedroom apartments to rent or purchase through shared ownership. Tailored care and domestic services are available and facilities include a hair salon, assisted bathroom, dining area, library, hobby room and coffee shop. Duncan Smith, assistant director of growth and development at Fortis Living, said: “This development is extremely important for Fortis Living and contributes towards our expanding portfolio of extra care schemes. The key objective was to deliver a product that would be highly attractive to both rental and
shared ownership clients. In addition, we were keen for the scheme to be delivered on time and on budget.” As a Castleoak development project, the company’s specialist development team identified and acquired the land and obtained planning permission. In 2013 Castleoak revised the planning consent to meet Fortis Living’s specific requirements and then sold the land to them, who entered into a building contract. Meadow Court is supported by the Homes and Communities Agency. Castleoak chief executive Mel Knight added: “This is our first extra care development for Fortis Living and the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term partnership. We look forward to continuing to work with the development team.” Meadow Court is adjacent to Latimer Court care home, which Castleoak developed for Barchester Healthcare in 2012.
QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BY
35 www.requiredsystems.com
Firm to create jobs in York
First accreditation of independent home inspections awarded THE United Kingdom Accreditation Service has granted the UK’s first accreditation for private organisations that perform inspections of care homes to RDB Star Rating Ltd. The UKAS voluntary accreditation scheme is for organisations that perform inspections of adult social care providers. The scheme’s main aim is to improve the standard of care. The Care Quality Commission is considering how it would be possible to take the result of UKAS accredited inspections into account as part of its monitoring of care homes. UKAS assessed RDB Star Rating for competence, impartiality and performance against the international standard ISO/IEC 17020:2012 (Conformity assessment – Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection). RDB Star Rating is the first organisation to successfully gain accreditation for inspections of residential care homes.
Sue Brand, managing director of RDB Star Rating, said: “RDB Star Rating was established in 1997 to develop an independent assessment system specifically for the Care Sector, to identify and promote ‘quality’ providers to the public and to drive up standards. Over the last two years we have been working closely with UKAS and are delighted to have achieved this award. We feel it will give great reassurance to both the public and quality providers.” RDB Star Rating’s award follows successful implementation of a pilot programme that was first announced in 2013 and will continue until all the participants are assessed and a review of the outcome of the pilot is concluded. Other participants in the pilot scheme are Healthcare Management Solutions Ltd and CHKS, both of whom are on course to complete their assessments by UKAS later this year.
The new Essential Standards are available NOW IT IS all change from CQC and at Required Systems we have updated our Systems to enable you to simply demonstrate compliance. All our Policy /Procedures have been brought into line with the new 2014 Legislation and to make it even easier to demonstrate compliance we have developed a module that shows you how to meet each of the five new categories. This combined with our Provider Compliance Audit Tool will allow you to devote more time to what you are here to do CARE. Please come and visit our stand at the ‘Shaping The Future of Care’ care providers conferences organised by Caring UK’s parent company Script
Media at Bristol and Torquay on July 1 and 2. Enquiries: To find out more call 01236 782477 or visit www.requiredsystems.com
A CARE company is to create up to 100 new jobs in York to meet the demand of the UK’s ageing population. SureCare is looking to recruit care workers to provide personal care and support to a mix of council and private-paying clients in and around the city. The company wants to hear from care workers with a range of experience to provide support during the day, evenings, weekends and for short visits. SureCare’s recruitment drive in York is part of a UK-wide expansion plan which will see hundreds of new jobs created over the coming months. Shayla Arnold, SureCare York’s registered manager, said: “We are incredibly busy meeting the growing demand of older people and
other vulnerable adults living in the York area. Our care workers provide quality care to both local authority and private clients. “We pay our staff above average industry rates and, as an established company, are also able to offer career progression, ongoing training and development and the opportunity to become a valued member of the SureCare family. “The care sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK and it is up to leading care companies like SureCare to ensure we are able to meet the growing needs.” In addition to personal care and support, SureCare also offers home services, respite and holiday care and childcare including babysitting and a mobile crèche service for weddings and other events.
Credit where it’s due ... THE NHS and local authorities should be given credit for leading the way in improving healthcare through early intervention in the expectation of reducing subsequent hospital costs. Pressure care and positioning for stroke sufferers and those suffering from neurological and physical conditions has received a boost from Better Care funding and merging health and social care responsibilities
in co-ordinated/complex care. Care home owners and managers are also looking at residents’ disabilities before support services’ visits. As a result there has been a substantial increase in the use of the Medoris positioning and pressure care products, hand grips, arm supports, seating cushions, and roll pillows, particularly in multi-product use as a costsaving alternative to expensive moulded systems.
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
The Care Act 2014: A revolution in patient turning protecting fees and charging top ups By James Sage CHANGES to the rules on third party top ups (which came into effect on 1 April 2015) will make it more difficult for care providers to charge top ups and providers should move now to protect their income. When can you charge top ups? Under the Act, third party top ups may only be charged where: the service user’s preferred placement is more expensive than the amount in their personal budget; they have expressed a preference for that placement; and a third party is willing and able to pay the difference. Before agreeing a top up the local authority must ensure that there is at least one other provider that can meet the service user’s needs, within their personal budget. If not, the local authority should increase the personal budget and fund the more expensive accommodation. It should not agree a third party top up. The personal budget is “the cost to the local authority of meeting the person’s needs”. The local authority must not automatically default to the cheapest rate or use an arbitrary figure. However, this won’t offer much comfort and there will be continued debate between providers and funders as to what the true costs of care actually are. Providers need to be prepared for this with evidence of their costs. If charging top ups it will be in your interests to evidence why placements are more expensive than the local
authority rate. It will be easier to agree top ups if they are for ‘extras’ provided beyond the standard care package, such as premium rooms. Who should you contract with, and who is liable? The Guidance recommends that local authorities contract directly with providers for the full fees, including the top up. However, providers are not prohibited from contracting directly with the third party payee (which is currently common). You will need to find out what is required under your local authority’s policy. Ultimately, the local authority is responsible for the full fees (including the top up) and any right of action for non-payment would be against the local authority, not the third party. It is therefore possible that local authorities will discourage placements in homes where top ups are required and drive fees down. Top tips Find out how your funders intend to approach top ups and ensure you have the right contracts in place. In the meantime, a) obtain the agreement of the local authority to each top up and b) ensure you have a contract with the third party. Evidence why your placements are more expensive than the local authority rate and specify any ‘extras’ provided beyond the standard care package. Make sure you understand what the true costs of your care provision are. James Sage is head of the health and social care team at QualitySolicitors Burroughs Day.
THE Stand & Turn Easy, exclusively designed by NRS Healthcare, is easy to use. It provides a number of standing and turning options for users with different or varying capabilities – ideal for care home use. The user can push up using the side handles, or pull themselves up using one of the horizontal handles (the height adjustable kneepads can be removed). The wide base frame helps to counterbalance the user, minimising the risk of injury to the carer. Single carer transfers may be possible (subject to risk assessment). Simply squeeze the spring-loaded lever to unlock the frame and rotate the person. All hand holds have a smooth finish for comfort and are easy to clean.
Carers will also find it easy to manoeuvre – simply tilt onto wheels. The new NRS Healthcare catalogue features a wide range of moving and handling equipment suitable for care home use – including the new Stand & Turn Easy.
BVS launches induction training packages SINCE April 1 all health and social care staff must now complete training to the new Care Certificate Standards within 12 weeks of starting work. To help managers provide the appropriate training, BVS Training has produced two new Care Certificate induction training packages – one for care home staff and one for domiciliary care staff. They are video based training resources containing 24 and 21 DVDs respectively. Each resource comes with extensive supporting materials available for download, including lesson plans, an induction workbook, a Care Certificate – certificate, a CPD certificate for each subject covered, handouts, assessment quizzes, assessor document, guidance document, mapping document, and self-assessment tool. The care home induction package costs £1,995, representing a saving of £685 on individual DVD prices, and
£2,250 for the domiciliary care pack with a saving of £570. The video training is filmed in real care homes and domiciliary care environments, portraying real life scenarios. This enables new staff to see how they should be providing care to the required standards. BVS also has a train the trainer DVD resource to help develop your staff to be able to deliver effective in-house training.
White whites and brighter brights with new products The annual presentation of the ‘achievers award’ for going the extra mile at The Manor House Nursing Home, Chatburn in the Ribble Valley was awarded this year to two carers on the staff team. Everyone involved with the home had the chance to vote for the member of the team they felt deserved to win the prestigious award. When the votes were counted, it turned out to be a tie between Stephanie Campbell and Haley Shipston, who between them have worked at the home for 26 years. Katie Pratt (last year’s winner) handed over the shield.
10 years supporting care homes WRIGHT Care Solutions Ltd is a consultancy company in its 10th year of operation which supports residential, dementia and nursing care homes providing care for: older people, adults with learning disabilities and adults with mental health issues. Wright Care services include: crisis management and performing mock inspections in line with CQC requirements/KLOEs, giving full faceto-face feedback, plus a full inspection report and action plan. We also assist with existing
CQC/local authority compliance issues a service may have, monitoring and compliance visits, undertaking quality audits of your service and producing comprehensive action plans. You decide which areas of your service we audit (be it one or all areas), and how often we visit. Other services include: investigations, marketing/improving occupancy, staff management, relief home manager service, help commissioning of new homes; from planning opening.
OVER the past few months Gompels have been working to develop a range of premium quality laundry products that offer outstanding performance, are as effective as sector leading branded goods, but without the prices that support those expensive brand advertising campaigns. Having completed development, extensive testing, and trials, those products are now available to you. The Premium Fabric Conditioner has been specially formulated to include a breakthrough patented antimicrobial action that gives additional protection against microbial and fungal build-up. A key feature of this product is that the technology is not affected by the rinse cycle: the protection continues even after drying, and will work even when the laundered items are worn or used. Testing carried out to AATCC Test method 100-2004 confirms a 99.999 per cent reduction in activity against
both gram positive and gram negative bacteria such as S.Aureus and Kl.Pneumoniae. These tests have also proved that the fabric conditioner leaves an antibacterial finish that ensures that the protection is still working on stored laundry up to three months after the wash cycle, a promise that no other autodose fabric conditioner can make. The range also includes a Premium Laundry Detergent which has been specifically designed for the challenges of a care environment, a Low Temp Stain Remover which is highly effective, even at 30 degrees and lower and Gompels Bactisan which utilises active oxygen technology to brighten whites and kills germs at 30 degrees. Together this new range has been exclusively designed to care for your fabrics, prolong linen life and leave all your laundry clean, fresh and hygienic – even after washing.
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
KC Healthcare introduce Beamz into UK care home market
Shackletons Furniture offers respite to the convalescing SHACKLETONS was chosen by design consultant Three Percent Ltd to assist with the contemporary look of the Geoghegan Group's purpose-built care centre in Guilford. Specialising in respite care, Three Percent was looking to create a contemporary environment that would provide a comforting feeling for orthopaedic rehabilitation away from the domestic confines of patients’ homes. Tommy Cairns, designer and project manager at Three Percent Ltd said: “I have used Shackletons before and have always been impressed with their knowledge and service. “It’s incredibly reassuring to know you are working with team that understands the technicalities of furnishing a care environment – it isn't just about making things look pretty.” The Clavadel is a purpose-built
short stay care centre specialising in post-operative, rehabilitation and convalescent care. Catering for all types of orthopaedic rehabilitation with an expertise in post-operative knee and hip replacement. Shackletons provided seating throughout the facility specifying the right seat heights, foam density and fabric treatments to support the Centre's services and clients. Tommy added: “Shackletons provided a product that works within the timescales discussed. They were always there to discuss any concerns we may have had. It was a pleasure to work with them again, great relationship and a job well done.” Shackletons has been in the business of creating comfort for over 50 years and are the UK's leading design and manufacturer of specialist contract furniture for the healthcare sector.
Beaucare launch new medical catalogue OUR most comprehensive catalogue to date is packed full of all the everyday medical equipment and consumables a care home requires. We have broadened our product offerings within a number of ranges, including introducing new nursing profiling beds, which were showcased at the Birmingham Care Show last year, and dementia care products to mention a few. We guarantee a one stop shop policy, with orders placed by 5pm being delivered next day at no extra cost. Beaucare® Medical Ltd, established since 1992, is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts. Enquiries: To obtain your copy call 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com
Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odourfree, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
KC HEALTHCARE has introduced Beamz into the UK care home market. Beamz is an interactive music system that enables residents to ‘play light’ with the laser beam controls and is designed to help improve cognitive, physical and social skills. Music is a great contributor for improving overall quality of life., and just listening to it provides great benefits for engagement, socialisation, brain fitness and memory care. By introducing Beamz into your care home it will provide opportunities for residents to interact
and make great sounding music made with movement. The benefits for overall wellbeing and accelerating therapeutic outcomes are extraordinary. Medical research has confirmed that consistent, long term participation in cognitive stimulation is associated with a significant reduced risk of dementia by more than 60 per cent. Enquiries: If you have any questions or would like a free demonstration contact KC Healthcare on 01202 233463 or visit www.kc-healthcare.co.uk
The simple way to meeting the new Fundamental Standards QUALITY Compliance Systems provides high quality bespoke Care Quality Commission policies, procedure and toolkits for adult social care providers. No matter whether you’re a start-up or an established service provider. QCS is the simple way to meet the new Fundamental Standards and prepare you for the new CQC inspection regime. QCS can help you: Provide evidence to meet the five Key Questions. Meet all your KLOEs. Support your PIR. Survey your stakeholder.s Coordinate your risk assessments. Develop care plans and much more. Our policies and procedures are continuously
updated in order to provide you with the most upto-date, comprehensive, and user-friendly documents available. If you’re not a QCS customer, what are you waiting for? We offer a no-obligation free trial. Enquiries: Call us on 0333 405 33 33 to find out why we are the go to resource for over 9,000 users nationwide or visit us on www.ukqcs.co.uk
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Recruitment at heart of provider’s strategy Kelly Harrison provides a soothing hand and arm massage to a resident.
Staff complete qualification TWO members of staff from Stocks Hall St Helens have completed training in partnership with Willowbrook Hospice to make a difference to the lives of the people living in the home. Kath Callan, registered mental nurse and Kelly Harrison, healthcare assistant, recently completed a twoday course in hand, arm and foot massage at the Merseyside based hospice. The course focused on practical hand massage techniques, theory of
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therapeutic touch and the correct use of essential oils. Kelly said: “Hand massage is a really effective technique for offering comfort and touch in a nonthreatening, non-invasive way. “These massage techniques are based on simplicity and gentleness and aimed at reducing stress and tension, providing relaxation to the body and mind. It was a very interesting and informative course, taught with a caring and sensitive approach.”
LEADING care home operator Akari Care is putting the recruitment of high calibre nurses at the heart of its Quality Strategy. To attract the very best qualified nurses Akari has enhanced its terms and conditions and has already seen the number and quality of applications rise. The improved package includes: Minimum rate of £12.19 per hour. A sick pay scheme for medically certified absences of two consecutive weeks or more with a deferment period of three days, paying two months at full pay followed by two months at 50 per cent pay. RN’s to be provided with up to £1,000 for Post Registration Education and Preparation for Practice (PREPP) over a two-year period.
Payment of the £100 annual reregistration fee. Lynn Fearn, managing director, said: “We are convinced that the recruitment of good nurses is central to our Quality Strategy and that we can offer dedicated nurses the opportunity to really make a difference to the lives of elderly and vulnerable people. “It is important that the role qualified nurses play in delivering consistently high levels of specialist care is recognised and we have developed terms and conditions that acknowledge this. “The care sector is a challenging environment with stagnant fee levels and this initiative, along with the significant capital programme being implemented demonstrates Akari’s absolute commitment to quality.”
Is your lender offering the most competitive terms? THE end of your loans commitment period is an opportunity for you to ensure you are getting the most competitive funding that is available. As more lenders target the healthcare sector, 2015 is the time to negotiate the right deal for you. Terms include:
1.5 per cent over base. Monthly repayments as low as £4,238.54 (per £1m borrowed). Five-year, 10-year, full-term commitment options. No up-front fees. Chandler & Co – celebrating 20 years supporting the sector.
Loan at base plus 1.95 per cent NEARLY £1m over 20 years with a margin at bank base plus 1.95 per cent and just a one per cent setting up fee. That was the deal negotiated by Mark Widdows of Global Business Finance for his clients when they wanted to buy the site adjacent to their care home. The clients had made direct enquiries to several banks but, without the ‘buying power’ of a
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national broker behind them, were being offered much higher borrowing rates despite only needing a 40 per cent advance. But within three days of engaging with Global as their brokers, Mark had negotiated the much lower interest rate and set up a bank meeting. An offer was received by the clients shortly after and a swift legal process led to a quick completion.
Claim VAT back on your home even if you are not VAT registered IT is true, care providers can reclaim VAT worth about £3,000 per bed for any residents who stayed in your home between 1993 and 2002 paid for by the local authority. You don’t have to be VAT registered to make a claim. We can usually find the information required with minimal disruption to your business. How is this possible? Well in 2002 a care provider called Kingscrest challenged the view held by HMRC and won. There is no cost to you unless we are successful. Typical claims: 50 beds – £240,000; 40 beds – £170,000; 287 beds – £1.25m. And the best part is that you get the money in your bank account before you pay us. Don’t forget
the tax repayment is free of tax – it is extra profit. Enquiries: Call 01233 640985 and ask for Howard to find out more.