Caring UK June 2021 by Script Media

no.293 • £4.75 incorporating

June 2021

Plans are ‘baby steps’ towards care reform

we be able to move towards integration and at that point we need to see a single body delivering both NHS healthcare and social care and not the central and local authority split we have at the moment. “At the moment we are talking about redecorating the house whilst the roof is still leaking. “Reports like this, whilst correct and important, also act as a smokescreen and stop us from seeing that real reform is just not happening. “I am also concerned that this is also yet more costly bureaucratic change. “In the past few years alone, we have had primary care groups, primary care trusts, clinical commissioning groups and now integrated care systems. “The time and resources used on creating ever-more complex bureaucracy could have been far better spent on front line services or on proper social care reform for the future.” The ICG recently wrote to the Prime Minister urging him to make social care reform a priority. In the ICG’s letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Padgham says 1.5m people are now living without the care they need after £8bn was cut from social care budgets since 2010-11. There are more than 100,000 staff vacancies in the sector.

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A GOVERNMENT committee’s new care integration plans are just ‘baby steps’ towards proper reform of the way we care for older and vulnerable adults, campaigners said today. The Independent Care Group says the Government must first better fund and reform social care to help the 1.5m who can’t get the care they need and pave the way for integration. Their words came as a report from the Health and Social Care Committee backed plans for the creation of Integrated Care Systems, bringing health and social care together to improve care. It includes a call for a 10-year plan for social care. The ICG has welcomed the report’s proposals as a move in the right direction but warned that proper reform of social care must happen first otherwise the new systems will be meaningless. Chair Mike Padgham said: “The report is right, in that we do need to integrate health and social care, but in reality, these are just baby steps when we need a giant leap forward. “We need to see urgent, root and branch reform of social care with an injection of funding to create a fit for purpose, sustainable social care sector that has parity with NHS healthcare in terms of status and standing. “Only when that happens will

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Tree planted as memorial at care home

Residents from two Braintree care homes took part in an eight-hour relay with children and churchgoers from the local community to raise more than £1,000 for India as the country grapples with the Covid-19 outbreak. Residents from St Mary’s Court and The New Deanery, along with children from Scallywags Day Nursery and parishioners of St Mary’s church in Bocking, each took turns covering part of the care homes’ six-acre gardens, handing sanitised batons to each other. Jo Whitehouse, activities manager for Sonnet Care Homes, said: “I’m overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to take part and raise funds for India as it struggles with Covid-19, from a one-year-old child to a 106-year-old lady.”

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OAKE Meadows care home in Taunton has planted a memorial tree in the garden to symbolise regrowth after the pandemic. The home was gifted a willow tree by local businessman Matt Foster and it has been positioned in the centre courtyard where it can be seen by residents and staff. Oake Meadows’ activities coordinator Jean Coleman, planned a memorial event which involved planting the willow tree and participating in a minute’s silence to pay respects to show support and admiration to the local community for its efforts throughout the pandemic. She said: “It was lovely to see so many residents join us for this special occasion and acknowledge the variety of emotions the past year has brought to everyone. “The tree is such a beautiful way of marking this. “We have strategically positioned the willow tree, which is planted in a beautiful pot, in the centre courtyard so it can be viewed by most rooms, so we can admire the tree. “Taking a moment to reflect on the pandemic is very important, as it helps to bring closure and is a lovely way to remember those who have sadly lost their lives across the world.” Resident Margaret Hill added: “I think our willow tree is brilliant – I love seeing things grow in our garden. “I do feel sad about all the people that have passed away during the pandemic, so it feels nice to have the tree as a tribute to them.”

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Ainsley Harriott launches new cooking competition IDEAL Carehomes has launched an ‘Ideal MasterChef’ cooking competition with the help of celebrity chef and ‘Ready Steady Cook’ star Ainsley Harriott. Kitchen teams from 23 care homes across Yorkshire, the North West and Midlands have been ‘whisking up a storm’ as part of the operators latest training and development initiative in association with Brakes Foodservices. The contest comes via the Ideal Academy which supports staff through their career development and skills training using targeted E-learning and specialist workshops. Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott was excited to hear about the competition and sent a special video message which includes a culinary poem that he penned himself. He said: “I wish all the Ideal Carehomes cooks the best of luck. I think the competition is really exciting and the idea of being crowned national ‘Ideal MasterChef’ is absolutely brilliant. “I hope you all have a fantastic time and remember to enjoy yourselves; cooking is fun and a freedom of expression and when you do it right, it can be brilliant. Good luck to you all.” The contest, which is set to be held in

Anna Lewandowska, kitchen manager at Fairway View in Nottingham. accordance with current government guidelines, gives the kitchen teams an arena to showcase their talents as each

home grills, steams or scrambles to win their regional heat to go through to the national final held at Brakes Development Kitchen later in the year. The participants will prepare a main course and dessert for a panel of expert judges where they will be scored on areas such as nutritional value, budget, taste and presentation. Each chef will sport their very own ‘Ideal MasterChef’ aprons and receive tailored support and guidance from cookery experts from Brakes Foodservices who will work with them on their menu to advise on technique, ingredient swaps, nutrition as well as budgeting. Driving force for the ‘Ideal MasterChef’ contest and Ideal’s head of development and engagement, Sarah Colling, added: “I cannot wait to see and taste all the delicious dishes our teams prepare. “I have had a sneak peek at some of their competition menus and I can really tell that our chefs are coming to win. “The competition will help to cement the ethos in our homes about the whole dining experience for our residents – every mealtime should be a joy and a treat with foods that they look forward to and are full of vital nutrients and super tasty too.”

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288 Email: bg@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant Sales Manager: Tracy Stacey Tel: 01226 734480 Email: cuk3@scriptmedia.co.uk Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Publishers Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Group Production Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

Interview with Stephanie Walton from Well Pharmacy’s care home service team STEPHANIE Walton has been part of the Well Pharmacy care home service team for over two years. What are the team’s priorities? We are passionate about patient care, quality and safety. We focus on providing person-centred care, what I mean by that is we always think about the resident or patient receiving their medication and how we can make that the best experience possible. We do this by supporting and working in partnership the care home staff to make medication management as simple and straightforward as it can be. So, what makes your service different? We have a national structure but we are proud to support local communities. We aren’t a hub! Each Well Pharmacy sits at the heart of the community, we work with the local teams with local expertise to deliver an outstanding and personalised local service. Each of our pharmacy teams have established and trusted relationships with health care professionals such as GP practices where adhoc events can be

Well Care Home Services is part of Well Pharmacy. With 760 pharmacies, Well is the third largest pharmacy chain in the UK. We have made it our mission to deliver high standard person-centred care to those in residential care. Here’s what Well Care Home Services can offer you:  A national structure providing a local service  No more than five care homes are served from each Well Pharmacy, providing you with a personal service and 1-2-1 support  A choice of four leading eMAR providers with highly competitive offers

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managed quickly and confidently. How do you support your care homes? Our local pharmacy team will be your constant point of contact keeping you up to date with any prescribing discrepancies or out of stock medication. We also work with four of the leading eMAR providers – giving you choice if you want to switch from paper-based records to electronic medicines administration records, we will support you to choose the right partner for you if it’s something you are interested in exploring. One thing we’re particularly proud of is how we’ve made the transition of changing pharmacy provider to Well as seamless as possible. All our pharmacy teams have completed ‘Best In Class’ training to make sure the service we provide our care homes with is the very best it can be.

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Army veteran Colin on new manoeuvres at care village A SOLDIER who spent more than 30 years as a regular in the British Army has joined Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford as its head of facilities. Colin Adams joined the army as a 16-year-old in 1986 and served in the Royal Artillery and then the Royal Logistics Corps during an exemplary military career. He has a number of campaign medals, including from the first Gulf War, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Colin left the regular army in 2017 as a warrant officer but maintained his service involvement as a Squadron Sergeant Major with the reservist 236 (Manchester) Squadron, which is part of the 156 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps. During Operation Rescript, the military operation to help tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, Colin was fully mobilised as the deputy military liaison officer for Greater Manchester, working with the NHS, police forces, fire and rescue services and local authorities across the region. He was demobbed in February and seized the chance to join Broughton House when the opportunity arose. In his role, he co-ordinates the full range of the care village’s facilities spanning the buildings, the grounds,

Colin Adams in his Army uniform (left) and as the new head of facilities at Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford. “They deserve the best for all they security, maintenance, equipment, have done for the country, and I vehicle transport and stores. wanted to do something to give back Colin said: “It’s close to home and to them. I jumped at the chance to work with “I’m really enjoying the role and veterans.

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working with a great team of people who are very dedicated to the residents. I feel I’m lucky to be here in this job.” Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller added: “Colin has made an immediate impact and has shown he is an excellent fit for the role. “After a full career in the regular army and now a reservist in the RLC, his military training and experience has given him the skills to undertake the role effectively, while his background has enabled him to instantly build a rapport with our veteran residents.” Broughton House is currently undergoing a £13m transformation to create the UK’s first Veteran Care Village. The first stage of the redevelopment was completed in September, when veterans moved into a new three-storey building which has 32 residential and nursing care beds over two floors. The next stage of the scheme has begun and will feature 32 residential care and residential dementia care beds and six independent living apartments alongside an Armed Forces Support Hub. Broughton House is seeking to raise a further £1.4m to complete this stage of the project.

CARINGNEWS

Group fined for unsafe care at Newark home

Residents enjoy ‘a cold one’ at their own pub RESIDENTS at Moorgate Hollow care home in Rotherham have been enjoying pints, wines and cocktails galore at their very own Hollow Arms public house. Deputy manager Leigh Ann Peace constructed the pub in the home’s common room as a place for the residents, many of whom are living with dementia, to catch up, gossip and have a great time. Manager Lyn Pilkington said: “The

Hollow Arms was a great idea thought up by our deputy manager Leigh Ann. “She wanted to provide residents with a social experience that mirrored one of our residents’ favourite activities – going to the pub. “Our residents love coming along to the Hollow Arms for a pint or a gin and tonic, some great atmosphere and a gossip with their friends. “It’s been a real home away from home experience for them.”

A CARE provider has been ordered to pay more than £150,000 at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court after it failed to protect residents at one of its homes from avoidable harm. Ideal Care Homes (Number One) Ltd, which runs Bowbridge Court in Newark-on-Trent, was fined £140,000. It was also ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge and £14,36160 costs. At a previous hearing, Ideal Care Homes pleaded guilty to two offences, prosecuted by the Care Quality Commission, connected to its management of a Bowbridge Court resident who had a history of physical aggression towards others. Mary Cridge, CQC deputy chief inspector for adult social care, said: “This is a distressing case and I welcome Ideal Care Homes’ guilty pleas. “People had every right to expect safe care at Bowbridge Court, but Ideal Care Homes failed in its specific legal duty to protect residents from avoidable harm. “The majority of care providers do an excellent job. “However, when a provider puts people in its care at risk of harm, we take action to hold it to account and protect people. “I hope this prosecution reminds care providers that they must always ensure people’s safety and manage risks to their wellbeing.” On 12 December 2017, a Bowbridge

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Court resident with a history of challenging behaviour grabbed and pushed back on a walking frame being used by another resident, Lilian Stark, in the home’s communal lounge, causing her to fall and sustain a head injury. Ms Stark, a 93-year-old woman susceptible to falling due to her frailty and dementia, was also kicked several times by the person while she was on the floor. She was treated by paramedics and recovered from her injury. Although the resident who grabbed Ms Stark’s walking frame had been physically aggressive at least 18 times in the two months before this incident, the service had not acted comprehensively to protect Ms Stark and other residents from the risk posed. This included failing to resolve issues CQC raised following two inspections of the home in the year before the incident – such as improving detail in care plans for people who challenged the service and responding to risk. Ideal Care Homes pleaded guilty to failing to provide safe care and treatment to Ms Stark, resulting in her suffering avoidable harm. It also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of exposing Bowbridge Court’s other residents to a significant risk of avoidable harm, due to its inadequate management of threats to their safety.

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Residents use their green fingers to compete for best garden prize CARE homes across the country marked National Gardening Week by encouraging residents to work together to spruce up their outdoor space. Renaissance Care Group organised a gardening competition between its 15 care homes, tasking residents, staff and relatives alike with transforming an area of the home’s garden or entrance way into something bright and cheerful. The operator initiated the competition to celebrate the benefits which nature and the outdoors can bring to health and wellbeing. It is hoped that residents and their families will be able to enjoy the fruits of the participant’s labour as restrictions are gradually eased and guests are welcomed back. Marketing and communications manager Kirstene Feenan said: “We always work hard to come up with creative activities that our residents will enjoy and benefit from. “Each of the care homes had great fun entering the competition, as well as learning and sharing new skills – the gardens have never looked more loved. “We wanted to create the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones so we are so pleased to see this competition has enabled friends and family to enjoy some quality time

Elsie Connell proudly shows off her hard work at Jesmond Care Home and their families battled it out to with residents. be crowned ‘best transformation’, “Those who did not take part in the ‘greatest resident engagement’, gardening have commented on how ‘greatest community engagement’ nice it has been to see happy people and ‘greatest resident inclusion around the home once more.” Green fingered staff, residents and creativity’, with Beech Manor,

Meadowlark, Whitecraigs and Jesmond being named the winners. Beech Manor in Blairgowrie revitalised its entrance with the addition of a donated bench in tribute to a former resident, while local children who used to visit from a nearby primary school painted stones to add a pop of colour. Staff made sure to include residents with all interests and skills by arranging painting sessions of owl ornaments while others helped arrange plants outside. Meadowlark in Forres created a mini croft where residents are growing root vegetables to be used for a warming soup later this year, while Jesmond Care Home fashioned a seating area where the wildlife can be seen enjoying newly added bird feeders. Whitecraigs, winning ‘greatest community engagement’, called for the local community to join them in decorating its entrance area, with local school children joining to create a fairy garden for all visitors to enjoy. Other entries included Edinburgh based Mathieson House, which had keen horticulturalists potting plants and planting seeds to enjoy later in the year, with plans for a competition between residents for the tallest sunflower, while Glasgow’s Rosepark beautified its balcony area with blossoming flowers.

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AN activities coordinator at Balhousie Huntly has recently celebrated her 80th birthday. Most people are thinking about slowing down when they reach their eighties, but not Liz Thomson. Busting many myths along the way, she leads the events calendar in the Aberdeenshire residential home for dozens of residents, organising daily activities, from afternoon teas and coffee mornings to knitting clubs and card games – and all with a spring in her step. Liz, who has worked in many roles at the home, including in the laundry, kitchen and domestic teams, said: “I have tried retiring before, but I like working. “I really enjoy the time I spend with the residents. I’ve known some of them for nine years now, so organising and leading activities is always enjoyable.” Born in Portsoy, Liz worked in hospitality for many years and even ran her own bed and breakfast in the rural village of Rayne before joining the Balhousie Huntly family when the home opened in 2012. In that time Liz has built friendships with many of the residents, some of whom she is actually older than. Home manager Richard Lake, who has recently joined the team, has been amazed by Liz’s energy. He added: “Every time I see Liz she is always on the move, doing

Liz Thomson something great with our residents. “She’s very caring and empathetic. Being older, she has a wonderful understanding and rapport with our residents. “She’s tremendously hard working – and at 80 years-young it’s very inspiring.”

CARINGNEWS

Home opens new activity hub to promote resident wellbeing A HERTFORDSHIRE care home has opened a new activity hub for its residents in a bid to promote positive wellbeing and exercise – and to pay tribute to their admirable resilience throughout the pandemic. Following the recently introduced Government measures, which permit two people per resident for indoor visits in care homes across England, Foxholes Care Home, near Hitchin, is intent on keeping spirits high after some long-awaited reunions with family members, by launching a new indoor activity centre. Estate manager Neil Gandecha said: “We’re excited to be opening a new

activities room and outdoor visitation area at a time where we’re gradually moving away from restrictions. “They are our way of saying thank you to our wonderful residents, who have been absolutely fantastic during these unprecedented times. “Residents can now spend quality and meaningful time with their family and friends while taking up some exciting new activities, too. “Whether it’s going to the cinema, library or enjoying a game of pool together, the new centre will provide our residents with new innovative ways to enjoy quality time together with loved ones.”

A scheme which promotes exercise, social interaction and entertainment, the recreation hub includes a cinema room, library, bar, communications booth and pool table, providing residents with an array of activities to boost their physical and mental wellbeing. The library, in particular, will include a mobile book trolley and see the launch of the Foxholes Library Club, which will be run by the residents themselves. The centre has been designed so residents can independently find something to occupy themselves with, whether it be playing a game

of snooker, reading a book, playing the piano, making a video call, or just finding a place to socialise with friends and family. In addition to the new activity hub, the Hitchin home has also built outdoor pods; The Foxholes Oval and The Foxholes Wheelhouse, which have been developed specifically for outdoor visitation and staff breaks and offer views of the horse paddocks and rolling countryside. Beyond the pandemic, the pods will provide a space for residents to take part in activities and spend time with their family, including for dining, celebrations, and birthdays.

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Home celebrates passing its infection control inspection THERE was delight at an Ixworth residential care home as it passed its infection control inspection with flying colours following an inspection by the CQC. The Beeches was visited an inspector in February to review its infection control with Covid-19, and to monitor and inspect all health and care services. The home, which provides accommodation and personal care for up to 40 people who require 24-hour support and care, was commended by the CQC for its efficiency in controlling the infection. The report said: “The home had purchased adequate amounts of personal protective equipment to ensure that staff could protect themselves and people living in the home.” Due to the report taking place earlier in the year before visiting was permitted, the CQC report also found that: “Staff recognised that people missed contact with their friends and relatives and had continued to deliver a full programme of activities to cheer people’s mood.” Registered manager Angela Wade added: “We are so thrilled that we have passed the CQC infection control inspection with flying colours. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, our care staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and the wellbeing of both other members of staff and residents.

“To have received this accreditation is such a relief and recognition of our ongoing work. As we start to work towards getting back to a new normal, we will continue to remain extremely vigilant in our approach to help protect our staff and residents from Covid-19.” In order to protect staff and residents, the home has continued to follow Government advice and has recently reopened its doors, welcoming loved ones back to the home following the easing of restrictions. During the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, The Beeches introduced a new visiting pod to allow residents and their loved ones to meet indoors, while remaining Covid-secure. The visiting pod allows for only two people in the room at once and includes Perspex that sits in between individuals and hand sanitiser stations.

Advertiser’s announcement

How safe are your ratings? CQC’s inspection policy remains as “normally within 12 months of the last comprehensive inspection report being published” where the last rating was Requires improvement, and “normally within six months ...” where it was Inadequate. CQC fell progressively behind “normally” long before the pandemic, to the low point in 2018/19 of 62 per cent compliance with its published targets (see page 24 of the 2018/19 Annual Report) against a target of 90 per cent compliance (you know what would happen if you were 90 per cent compliant). The pandemic will have caused further deterioration in the re-inspection figures. However, there are substantial numbers of care homes and home care agencies that have faced overly long waits for the opportunity to publish the improvements since their last rating. A review by CQC in 2017 found that 79 per cent of adult social care services rated Inadequate had improved at the next inspection. Taking the figures for services rated Requires improvement, from CQC data as at May 4 2021: n For care homes, there were 1,052 last inspected in 2019, and 902 from 2020. n For “community based adult social care services”, there were 488 last inspected in 2019, and 326 from 2020. The lower figures from 2020 of course reflect the suspension of inspections in March 2020, and not some catch-up in follow up inspections. However the above services do not

even get a mention in the current position of “undertaking inspection activity where there is a clear risk to safety”. To be fair, the position is not out of control. Unless your service happens to be one of the above. The CQC does not have a ‘duty of care’ for your business, but it must exercise its discretion properly in law as to the operation of the ratings system. If your rating was trashed in 2019 because your PRN protocols just, didn’t, have, quite, enough, detail, and your audits just, didn’t, quite, pick that up, and where your contracts have been suspended and your insurance premium has gone through the roof, you are entitled to ask what your fee to the CQC has been spent on. In this post-lockdown world (in the UK) what can you do? Try sending a formal request for a comprehensive inspection to the head of inspection for your area. If you get no response, try sending it again with a copy to the local press. Hopefully this will trigger the lawful exercise of discretion as to the arrangements for your next inspection. HSC Professional (Consultancy) now offers consultations on Zoom. Email me at mail@hsc-prof.com to sign on for regular alerts and updates on coronavirus and the rest. Visit my Facebook page or Twitter page at @hsc_prof to view my videos on notifications, Riddor and more. facebook.com/HSC-ProfessionalConsultancy-1715456902020143/

Connie Davis with some of the medals she won.

Residents go for gold SPORTS fans at a dedicated dementia care home in Poole have held six days of Olympic-themed competitions. Residents of The Aldbury, owned and run by Colten Care, enjoyed gentle rivalry across 12 separate tournaments. These involved games such as shuffleboard, hoopla, balloon tennis, keepie-uppies and even magnetic table-top curling. Companionship team member Wendy Harrington said: “Staying active is so important, especially during these extraordinary times, and this was a brilliant way to lift people’s spirits. “It got better and better over the six days and it was great to see the interaction, encouragement and teamwork among residents and staff. It made quite an impression on many of our residents.” To put everyone in the mood

beforehand, staff decorated corridors and lounges with flags and pictures of the famous five coloured rings. They also displayed an electric flame to mimic the traditional torch used to symbolise continuity between the ancient and modern games. Different house groups at the home competed in two activities each day with scores tallied to reveal the 12 overall winners. There was a final-day medal ceremony featuring gold, silver and bronze badges and ribbons, with medallists donning laurel-leaf crowns in front of an Olympics-inspired backdrop. Shuffleboard proved to be the most keenly contended game with spectators cheering on the competitors throughout. In the end, Connie Davis managed to pip two fellow residents at the very last minute to win the tournament.

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Residents launch new vintage style shop RESIDENTS at Mountview in Leicester have been enjoying a spot of retail therapy as staff revealed the newest addition to their home. The team and residents welcomed the Lord Mayor Councillor David Snartt to officially cut the ceremonial ribbon and declared ‘The Mountview News’ store officially open. Home manager Stacie Weaver said: “I am delighted with how our store turned out. “I believe the store will truly enrich the lives of our residents, allowing them to maintain their freedom of choice, dignity and individualism. “I also think the vintage sweet section is a wonderful addition, simulating memories of residents childhood with retro sweets on offer.” The store has been a huge hit with

residents who have been heavily involved in the renovation from the start, helping to pick the name, colour theme and decoration by creating mood boards which saw them settle on a ‘vintage’ layout. Residents can shop at their leisure and purchase newspapers, magazines, clothing and accessories, toiletries, stationery and greeting cards, cosmetics, DVDs, homeware and decorative trinkets. It also has a retro confectionary aisle which staff hope will give residents a taste of the past. Prior to the launch, residents insisted they would like to be in charge of the shop, and with so many willing volunteers, the care team held small, informal ‘job’ interviews for the store manager position, declaring Liz Banks the official manageress.

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Eagles Mount is first carbon-neutral home EAGLES Mount in Poole, part of the Luxurycare group, has become the UK’s first carbon-neutral care home after offsetting its environmental impact. The care home has partnered with specialist company Carbon Neutral Britain to calculate its carbon footprint and offset its total emissions through financial support for international projects which help reduce greenhouse gasses in the Earth’s atmosphere. In April, Luxurycare Eagles Mount Ltd offset its total carbon footprint for 2020, reversing its environmental impact and becoming a certified carbon neutral business – a status that lasts for 12 months. As a sizeable residential home, the largest emissions at Eagles Mount came from energy consumption – electricity and mains gas, but the calculation included everything from staff travel to and from work to water usage, inbound deliveries to waste. In all, the homes’ carbon footprint, measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, was 163.08 tonnes, produced directly and indirectly from its activities over the space of the year. Luxurycare managing director Mandy Kittlety said: “With climate change an ever more pressing concern for all of us we are incredibly pleased and proud to be the first care home to officially be certified carbon neutral by Carbon Neutral Britain. “This has been a fascinating process, which has not only enabled us to neutralise our environmental impact but has provided us with a

much deeper understanding about where that impact arises. “While we already take steps to be as environmentally aware as possible, we are now looking at what more we can do to be ‘greener’ and are currently implementing numerous changes in support of our goal in developing a community at Eagles Mount that works together to protect natural resources and continues to reduce our carbon footprint.” Through Carbon Neutral Britain’s Climate and Woodland Fund, the care home has funded internationally certified carbon offsetting renewable energy and forest projects around the world, including hydroelectric power in the Amazon and China,

wind power in the Philippines, and reforestation in Nicaragua. These projects, with verified emissions reductions certified by the United Nations, have been selected based on their direct and indirect impact around the world – not just in offsetting, but also in supporting education, employment, and clean water, as well as having net positive impact on the local wildlife. James Poynter, director – business development and offsetting verification, Carbon Neutral Britain, added: “With UK businesses accounting for more than 85 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions, corporate action is the number one priority in helping stop climate

Advertiser’s announcement

change, and emission calculating, and offsetting are now the most popular method for businesses to make an environmental impact. “Whilst it is mandatory for the biggest UK companies to calculate and offset their carbon footprints, we work with hundreds of businesses across every sector each year who want to do that voluntarily – but this is the first care home we have ever calculated emissions for. “Combined, these small and medium-sized businesses have a big impact, so if more step up, as Eagles Mount has done, it will move Britain closer to its ambition of being carbon neutral and have a real impact on climate change as well.”

Maintaining independent living in a care setting THE decision to move into a care or nursing home is a life-changing event for both the person making this transition and also their families. With it come worries and fears about how their life will be after they move out of their own home, with concerns about the loss of independence being one of the biggest worries. While most care settings encourage individuals to be as independent as possible, are there any barriers to this being achieved? Often heavy fire doors on bedrooms, corridors, and communal rooms, while essential for fire safety, cause huge issues for residents. So how can this be changed without falling foul of fire safety regulations? Simple and easy-to-fit solutions like batteryoperated door retainers such as Dorgard, Dorgard SmartSound and Freedor SmartSound offer the ability to legally hold fire doors open. These devices are battery-operated and can be easily fitted to your existing fire doors by your handyman. The Dorgard and Freedor ‘listen’ for the sound of the fire alarm and on hearing it will automatically allow your fire door to close, preventing the spread of fire and protecting residents and staff from the toxic smoke of a fire. Residents in care settings, who have hearing impairments or who are deaf, may worry that

they will not hear the fire alarm and may fret about how they will be woken in the night in the event of a fire. This can be distressing and can lead to poor sleep and anxiety. Deafgard is a batteryoperated fire alarm monitor that ‘listens’ for the sound of the fire alarm. When activated by the fire alarm going off it will trigger the vibration pad, which is placed under the pillow at night, or under a cushion in a chair during the day. There is also a strobe light that is activated to alert the individual that the fire alarm has gone off. Deafgard is easily transported from bedroom to lounge and will give your residents, who have difficulty hearing, confidence that they will be able to independently act should there be a fire. These simple but effective solutions ensure that you can maintain your fire safety responsibilities, while also promoting and maintaining the independence of your residents. These changes can make a big difference to the emotional well-being of those in your care and can promote good mental health as well as allaying the fears of new residents. If you would like to discuss your needs further with our knowledgeable customer care team, please call 0800 978 8746 or visit www.safelincs.co.uk/dorgards

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Residents Joan Hayden and Margaret Carver in the new tea room.

Comfort, hygiene and ease of use – essentials in the accessible bathroom

THE Pressalit Shower Change Table 3000, designed for comfort, hygiene and ease of use in an accessible bathroom environment, is now available in two new colours. This popular Shower Change Table, which offers a stable and secure platform for showering and changing adults and children with complex needs, is now offered in Sapphire Blue and Graphite Grey. With the choice of a height adjustable or a fixed-height version, the Shower Change Table from Pressalit, the leading Scandinavian designer of accessible bathroom solutions, is well-placed for use in private homes, Changing Places toilets, hospitals, education establishments and institutions. As with all products in the Pressalit range, its stylish and award-winning design focusses on comfort, hygiene and ease of use. For maximum use of space, it can be folded up against the wall when not being used. With smooth contact surfaces, eliminating any gathering points for dirt or bacteria, the Shower Change Table is easy to wipe down and clean before and after use. The table is extremely comfortable and secure for the user, its slightly curved form enhanced with an adjustable neck support which can be moved to either end of the table.

The inbuilt design and flexibility of the table ensures optimal working conditions for the carer. The ergonomically designed safety rails have a practical lower central section, which provides better access and work environment while transferring, showering, drying, changing and dressing the user. The safety rails can be operated with one hand by the carer enabling them to maintain eye contact and physical contact with the user during the whole process. The water collection tray has an integrated water outlet to prevent water from splashing on carers, or the floor. The flexible hose attached to the centre mounted outlet of the tray can be connected wither to an outlet in the floor or on the wall. The height adjustable model is operated with a wired hand control, offering a height adjustment of 700mm. The Shower Change Table 3000 has a maximum load of 200kg. Pressalit offers a variety of mobile and wallmounted, height-adjustable and fixed height shower and changing tables of high quality. Enquiries: Call 0844 8806950, email uk@pressalit.com or visit www.pressalit.com

Tea-riffic transformation to care home’s lounge RESIDENTS of Rogers House can have their cake and eat it too, thanks to a new in house tea room created by staff. “Let them eat cake!” was the message at the Wigmore care home as residents made their first visit to the new tea room, which was formerly used as one of the several small lounges. Activity coordinator Hannah Newman-Brown said: “The residents absolutely love it in the tea room, as it gives them the experience of going out to eat. “We plan to use it for special birthday celebrations and guests, when we can, as well, we hope it’ll get used a lot more than it did before as we have lots of ideas.” Designed with inviting relatives in and hosting birthday parties in mind,

staff decided to transform the lounge when they realised that the regular afternoon tea celebrations were a favourite amongst the residents. With the help of some fundraising, the staff managed to raise enough money to completely transform the room, they sourced everything from a dresser and wallpaper, to decorative lighting and fine china, doing all the redecorating themselves. The project proved worthwhile, as the end result was a beautifully decorated room, filled with florals and pastel colours. Shelves display vintage teapots and bunting hangs across the corners. The room provides a lovely atmosphere for residents to tuck into some tasty tea and cake together and relax, in what feels like a trip out to meet friends.

Advertiser’s announcement

Ensure world-class infection control in accessible wet rooms through antimicrobial technology EXACERBATED by Covid-19, the control of healthcare-associated infections continues to be a major challenge for care homes and hospitals. This involves a combination of infection prevention strategies which need to include safe and innovative bathroom and wet room equipment. Without the right antimicrobial baths and bathroom fixtures, harmful microbes can thrive leading to bather and carer contamination. Equally the design and quality of equipment is critical, so cleaning is effective and surface integrity is maintained. This is where Gainsborough powerassisted baths and G360 bathrooms are proven to deliver an effective, holistic approach to infection control. BioCote protected bathing Gainsborough is the only specialist UK bath manufacturer capable of providing a world-leading level of integrated infection control technology. BioCote is an additive which is included during the GRP manufacturing process and provides 99.9 per cent 24/7 protection against an array of harmful microbes. These including Influenza H1N1, E. coli, Salmonella and antibiotic-

resistant CRO, CRE, VRE and MRSA. As it is integrated into composite materials, BioCote cannot be wiped or worn away and hence provides continual hygiene management and protection. With Covid-19 risks the need for bathroom products that limit microbes and pathogen growth is now super-critical for care environments. This is of particular importance in communal accessible bathrooms, with high traffic multiple users, which presents the risk of cross

contamination between bathers and carers. All of Gainsborough baths for example include BioCote as standard. It is a pioneering, invisible solution that requires zero maintenance or extra specialist fluids – representing a cost-effective and sustainable solution. Wider infection control In addition to antimicrobial baths, there are multiple features to consider when facilitating a safe and hygienic bathroom or wet room. These can include antimicrobial

treated surfaces, easy-to-clean sanitary ware, specialist ventilation and efficient drainage. For an accessible bathroom or wet room to maximise infection control, all components need to be considered as a whole along with operational use and cleaning routines. The presence of BioCote treated products in a bathroom or accessible shower room reduces the build-up of dangerous microbes everywhere, even on products that do not include the technology. However, BioCote is only a complementary solution; it must be implemented with strict and consistent cleaning protocols. This is where simplistic design of sanitary ware, showers and other fixtures is essential – ideally with seamless or minimal joints so disinfectants can reach all areas. Summary Infection control is now more of a priority than ever before in the longterm care sector. By combining antimicrobial technology, quality equipment and considered design, accessible bathrooms and wet rooms can assist greatly with the battle against harmful microbes. https://www.gainsboroughbaths.com/

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CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

Boost your cleaning regime with the power of steam THE Cambridgeshire Care Home is an attractive, modern purposebuilt care home with beautiful landscaped gardens situated in the Cambridgeshire countryside providing care for up to 72 elderly people. The home prides itself on providing bespoke care for residential, nursing and dementia residents whether their stay is for a short respite period or as a permanent resident. Their use of modern technology helps them to provide the best quality, personalised care for their residents and activities on site include a cinema, Sky TV, 64-inch Yeti tablet, Wi-Fi throughout, therapy room and hair salon, private dining facilities and a bistro where they are proud to maintain a fiveStar food hygiene rating. With such high standards it goes without saying that the same principles apply to cleaning and hygiene throughout the home. Hotel services manager Rosita Sanoja had experience of the Duplex Steam range of floor cleaning machines whilst working for a previous care home group and was so impressed she recommended them here.

In care and nursing establishments the knowledge that cleaning can be combined with a proven infection control programme is a vitally important factor to be taken into account when considering a cleaning machine purchase. From bedrooms and bathrooms to kitchens, lounges, dining rooms and corridors, the Duplex 420 Steam can deliver a floor cleaning solution to most needs.

High Performance Cleaning Machines

Duplex have been supplying cleaning machines to the health and care sectors for over thirty years and in that time our machines have been helping to keep hospitals and care homes clean and sanitised for staff, residents, patients and visitors in all parts of the country. These premium grade machines are made for the most demanding tasks and are especially relevant with the ongoing issues caused by the Covid 19 pandemic with their ability to deliver steam at temperatures high enough to kill 99.998% of bacteria.

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It’s perfect for daily maintenance cleaning and periodic deep-cleans and can be used to clean carpets and hard floors. The 420 Steam cleans without the need for aggressive chemicals making it ecologically-friendly and economically sound as no harsh chemicals are used in the cleaning process meaning no chemical effluent enters the waste water system and, like the other Duplex

Steam models it not only cleans it also sanitises with the power of steam at temperatures high enough to kill 99.998 per cent of bacteria. To demonstrate the efficacy of our products we commissioned independent tests by the Hospital Infection Research Laboratory in Birmingham which gave us certified data that proves our machines kill the bacterium most common in the environment including Clostridium Difficile. The Duplex 420 Steam is also perfect for cleaning the safety flooring often found in care homes where the risk of slips and trips must be minimised. Although safety flooring can be amongst the most demanding types of flooring to clean and maintain the Duplex Steam scrubs deep into the profile which gives safety flooring it’s slip-resistant properties leaving it both clean and sanitised. With on-site Covid-secure training and installation carried out by one of Duplex’s fully trained technicians, staff at The Cambridgeshire Care Home can look forward to many years of high performance floor cleaning enhanced by the power of steam.

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CARINGNEWS

Residents post letters across the pond

Operator offers virtual holidays for residents A GROUP of London care home residents, who were largely isolated during the pandemic, have been taking virtual holidays to destinations around the world. Residents at Roseacres in Barnet have, over the past few weeks, enjoyed professional guided tours around the canals of Venice, The Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Giza, all from the comfort of their living room. Advinia Healthcare, who manages Roseacres, and live-streaming travel platform Heygo have teamed up to provide these interactive adventures as a way of addressing the isolation and boredom that many residents have felt over the past year, and to help them find meaningful ways to connect with friends and family who are unable to visit. Dr Sanjeev Kanoria, founder and chairman of Advinia Healthcare, said: “As you get older, connection and communication with the wider world can gradually become more difficult and your world begins to feel much smaller. “It is wonderful that with this

technology we can offer residents the opportunity to travel the world with their relatives, without any of the risk. “We know it’s not as good as the real thing, but it has been such a boost to morale for residents and staff at the home during this difficult time.” Heygo’s live tours allow groups to tune in via a shared screen in a care home living room or join from the privacy of their own room. Travellers are able to invite others to join remotely and to communicate with other tourists and their guide. The platform, which was launched during the pandemic, offers more than 50 tours a day in more than 60 countries around the world. This is not the first technological trial at Advinia, which is one of the UK’s largest private care providers. Last year the group carried out a ground-breaking trial in its homes that measured how robots might alleviate loneliness and boost mental health. Advinia plans to roll out the tours to each of its 36 homes over the coming months.

RESIDENTS at a Kilmarnock care home have signed up to a novel pen pal partnership with another older people’s residence in Kilmarnock – but this one is 3,600 miles away in the US. Activities coordinators from Mansfield Care’s Argyll House and Commonwealth Senior Living in Kilmarnock, in the east coast state of Virginia, carefully matched each Scottish resident to their American counterpart, based on background, hobbies and interests. Lyndsey Lang, activities coordinator at Argyll House, said: “I came across Kilmarnock, Virginia, through a Google search and was amazed to find they had a care home too. It seemed like the perfect place to set up a partnership. “The residents have been very enthusiastic about writing their letters. “There’s been lots of reminiscing going on. “The pandemic has been quite a lonely time for a lot of them and some don’t have regular family to stay in contact with. “Setting up the pen pal arrangement is designed with this in mind. It gives them someone to share their stories with. “A lot of our residents struggle with mobility issues so myself and some of the team have been helping out with the actual writing part, but the letters are all their own words. “They’ve covered everything from previous jobs, to favourite memories to current interests. “Some of them have been up to three pages long. “The residents have been able to explore Commonwealth Senior Living via Facebook. “They’ve enjoyed connecting with the home visually and seeing who they’re writing to.”

Resident Christine Scott So far, 15 residents have taken part in the arrangement, which amounts to around half of the 31-bedroom care home. With the support of staff, each one has written their own personal letter, introducing themselves and what they like to do. Lyndsey added: “We’ve only just posted the letters, so we’re still awaiting replies. “But I’m looking forward to seeing new friendships flourish as a result. “While this is the first time we’ve done anything like this, if the initial response is anything to go by, this will hopefully become an ongoing partnership for years to come.”

film the next one. “It is excellent to see all the support we have had from the online community; it was completely unexpected.

“Our residents have been overwhelmed to see the likes and views going up and up and into the millions. “Each time we upload a new video our residents are aiming to beat their previous records.” Alongside recreating music videos, the Ashworth Grange residents have also taken part in many ‘TikTok’ trends such as the ‘Wipe it Down’ challenge as well as recreating clips to well-known chart songs. Everyone was really excited to discover just how far their videos have reached after seeing comments from Australia, the USA, Norway, Russia, and even Brazil. Home manager Paul Rowson added: ”The Tik Tok videos have been great, our residents love creating them, and I think they help to give an insight into the fun and upbeat atmosphere we have here at Ashworth Grange. “To think that it all started as a bit of fun, we never expected to get so many likes and followers, but the support has been amazing.”

Residents’ viral Tik Toks go global STAFF and residents at Ashworth Grange care home have been filling their afternoons with fun and laughter by creating a series of entertaining videos on social media app Tik Tok, which has seen them rise to fame around the world. Since launching their account just two weeks ago, residents at the 64 bed care home have amassed more than 58,000 followers, receiving a combined total of more than 982,000 likes across their videos. Residents were overwhelmed to find one of their Tik Tok’s to hit song ‘Cheap Thrills’ by Sia has received more than four million views, 620,000 likes and 16,000 positive comments, while another video recreating Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ racked up an impressive 1.8 million views. The videos have been a great morale booster for the whole home and staff cannot believe how much the residents are enjoying creating them. TikTok ambassador at Ashworth Grange, Amy Fairest, who organises, films, edits and features in many of the viral videos alongside residents,

said: “Creating the Tik Toks with our residents has been brilliant. “Everyone wants to get involved and I have new content ideas suggested to me every day, they just cannot wait to

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Winterbourne View 10 years on By Neil Grant Background There are defining moments in the history of health and social care, one of them being the Panorama programme into the serious abuse of patients at Winterbourne View Hospital in Bristol which was broadcast 10 years ago in May 2011. The public outcry contributed to a change in senior management at CQC and the abandonment of what was felt to be a light-touch approach to regulation. It also led to the Transforming Care Agenda which focused on reducing the number of people in hospital settings with a learning disability or autism. The 10th anniversary is a time to reflect on the extent to which changes to regulation and commissioning have delivered a more communitybased model of care in this sector. CQC There is no doubt that CQC has adopted a firm position in relation to new services for people with LD or autism since it first published its guidance called Registering the Right Support back in January 2016. It has applied what is known as the national model of care, namely services that are small in scale (typically no more than six), based in or near a residential community and cater for local need. CQC has been criticised for stopping

Neil Grant investment in new community services given the restrictions it has imposed through its promotion of the national model. What has happened is that there has been a move away from care homes to supported living services, even though ironically the latter often do not fulfil the national model in terms of their size. It will be interesting to see how CQC regulates this sector in the next few years, having issued revised guidance in October 2021 called Right Support, right care, right culture which applies to all settings, including supported living. Commissioning Back in 2012, there were around 3,400

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people in inpatient LD facilities. The intention was for this figure to fall to 1500 by 2017. However, this was never achieved, and the current total is approximately 2,050. The Health Select Committee on 14 April held a session on the treatment of autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities. It heard from a doctor who said that around a third of those in inpatient settings would benefit from discharge: roughly 700. So, progress has been made but there is still much to do. One of the concerning aspects noted by the Committee was the rise in restrictive practices and sectioning, an issue that has been highlighted by

CQC over the last year. Conclusion Sadly, there will of course always be a need for inpatient settings to treat mental health issues but significantly the Government White Paper on mental health states that LD and autism should not be considered mental disorders warranting detention. The consensus is that there needs to be a major expansion in community provision with clear pathways to ensure people do not end up in inpatient facilities for years and years. We know what works. We just need regulation and funding to make it happen. n Neil Grant is a Partner at Gordons Partnership LLP.

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New North London home opens with intergenerational care

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CARE HOME SALES NATIONWIDE

Provider unveils its new strategy gh

Operator opens new Dutch-inspired dementia village in South Cheshire

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Work begins on £6.1m York development DEDICATED new homes for people living with dementia and for those who need assisted living services in York are starting to take shape, as building work begins on a £6.1m project at Regency Mews in the Dringhouses area of the city. The scheme, which has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects for The Abbeyfield York Society, will see a further 17 extra care and eight dementia care studio flats, all with en-suites, created within a 2,500m2 new-build annex next to the grounds of Abbeyfield’s existing and fully occupied extra care and sheltered housing scheme – Abbeyfield House. Caroline Newnham, from The Abbeyfield York Society, said: “There is a real lack of suitable accommodation for older people across York and with an ageing population both regionally and nationally, this shortage will only continue to increase. “We have been successfully

“This welcome development will help to ease some of the shortage of suitable residential accommodation for older people in York and the homes will be available on a social rented and market sale basis.” Personal care, catering and pastoral services will be provided from established facilities within Abbeyfield House, and new communal spaces, including lounges, dining rooms, and multi‐function hobby and meeting rooms form a key part of the design. Outside, a dementia‐friendly garden and an extra care garden are central to the overall build, and there will also be a courtyard garden between both buildings, which will provide a sheltered green space for residents and their visitors to enjoy. Vistry Partnerships Yorkshire is carrying out the construction work, which is due to be completed by the summer of 2023.

An artist’s impression of the scheme at Regency Mews. operating our extra care and sheltered expand our offering by incorporating housing schemes in York for more a purpose build new annex of 25 than 50 years. homes adjacent to Abbeyfield House in this predominantly residential “By purchasing and developing neighbourhood. this parcel of land next door, we can

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GABRIEL COURT Residential Care Home

GABRIEL COURT KETTERING NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Dear Grayson and Dawn I thought that a brief letter from my family expressing our sincere thanks for all your efforts was very much appropria te, following completion of our sale last week. It has been a long and at times, diffi cult process, but throughout you have both made yourselves available to us as selle rs, almost 7 days a week, and that has really helped keep our deal on track over the many months of the process. Being able to talk to you both, even over week ends, frequently reassured us, and your constant positivity was a real factor in helping to get the deal across the winning line. We would thouroughly recommend your services to any home owner, look ing to benefit from your 40 plus years as a very successful agent in the sector. With kind regards Mr. P Garcha, Director Gabriel Court Ltd Kettering, Northamtonshire

Gabriel Court is a Care Home registered for 44, management operated, and in existing ownership for 13 years, offering 38 bedrooms, with 19 having ensuite facilities. It has been purchased by Ravi and Anand Sodha, of the Pinner, Middlesex based ARMA Care Services Ltd. This is the 2nd home purchased by the family through Lamont Johnson in recent times, the other being The Old Rectory at Dymchurch, Kent.

Home ouse Care CT Spencer HBirc 7 9EZ hington, Kent, Spencer Road, Tel: 01843 841460

Mr. Grayson Taylor Managing Director Lamont Johnson Dear Grayson wn for all the support and like to thank you and Da Hari and I would sincerely the time we first met. m assistance given to us fro Spencer House on the r to finally decide to place s to hand. You and Dawn yea wa It had taken us over a n pleased your informatio process of this sale. market, and we are very us throughout the ting por sup y ntl sta con have been r House without your cult for us to sell Spence diffi ely rem ext n bee e It would hav in selling Care Homes. expertise and knowledge to anyone considering ion in recommending you We would have no hesitat mes. Thanks again. Ho selling and buying Care Yours Sincerely

Hari Shan and Lee Panch me Spencer House Care Ho

SELLING NATIONWIDE FOR OVER 40 YEARS

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SPENCER HOUSE BIRCHINGTON KENT

Spencer House is a care home registered for 25, with 22 bedrooms and a CQC rating of “Good” in all 5 categories. The home has been acquired by Mr Promise Iginedion of the Margate based Hope Care Ltd.

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING, PHONE GRAYSON or DAWN TAYLOR TODAY

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Hammerson House will offer the operator’s unique inter-generational care initiative, a vibrant living and social environment and an innovative therapeutic approach

New North London home opens with intergenerational care

NIGHTINGALE Hammerson’s new care home Hammerson House has opened its doors to new residents. It will offer the operator’s unique inter-generational care initiative, a vibrant living and social environment and an innovative therapeutic approach to 116 people. Combined with Nightingale House in South London, the two establishments will offer ‘home from home’ care to more than 250 residents, which is around 30 per cent of the care beds needed for the Jewish community in the London area. Harvey Rosenblatt, president of Nightingale Hammerson, said: “I am absolutely delighted that after nearly three years of redevelopment, Hammerson House is opening its doors to residents. “Our home has been designed to fulfil the vision of providing innovative, high quality care. “We have been able to achieve this through the valued support of

our donors, volunteers and local community. We are enormously grateful for their generosity.” Nightingale Hammerson was the first UK care home to integrate a children’s nursery onsite in Nightingale House in South London. The new home will continue the group’s pioneering work in this area, working with a variety of local nurseries and primary schools in North London. This was a priority when planning the new home as experience from Nightingale House showed that the daily interaction and opportunities for reading, singing and cooking between the children and residents actively helped to address social isolation, boosted cognitive and physical stimulation and provided self-worth through sharing experiences with and helping the children. The children also benefitted by being part of a positive learning

environment. At Hammerson House, residents will be offered a vibrant programme of activities such as theatre and shopping trips. There is a particular focus on providing cognitive stimulation through group sessions, such as conversational French and discussion groups. Residents will get to hone their creative skills with the engagement team, working with clay, textiles, cookery and art and there will be a regular selection of musical events and concerts on offer. Hammerson House offers bedrooms with ensuite wet rooms, ergonomically designed furniture and specialist beds to make life as comfortable and practical for residents. The new home comprises of four floors, encompassing six ‘households’, each specialising in different care provisions for residential, nursing and dementia

care. Each household has its own living room, activities kitchen, dining room, winter terrace, ‘multi-sensory’ (Namaste) room. Every floor has a spa bathroom, which supports the work of the therapy department. Hospitality experts have donated time pro bono to design the new home to ensure that the living spaces are beautiful and the residents feel as at home as possible. The team at Nightingale Hammerson take an innovative and preventative approach to care, running regular exercise classes as well as courses on fall prevention to help residents to protect against one of the biggest risks to health and wellbeing for many in their later years. Residents do not have to travel externally for therapy as all are provided within the home’s therapy suite, the communal areas and in the residents’ rooms.

committed to continuing to pursue improvements in care and support for those with dementia and their families.” Each bedroom in the dementia wing features modern and comfortable furniture while the facility also includes spacious

lounges and dining rooms overlooking a large sensory garden. Ryan Smith, chief executive of Dunluce Healthcare, added: “We are incredibly proud of the exceptionally high standard of our dementia wing, both in terms of the finish and the level of care it offers, ensuring we really do offer a fantastic home for our residents. “It was a pleasure therefore to welcome the Health Minister Robin Swann to Oakmont Lodge, which we believe can act as a centre of excellence in dementia care for the future.” Dunluce Healthcare also recently announced plans to build an £8million nursing home in Newtownards which will accommodate 80 residents and create 100 permanent jobs. Building work on the centre at the former site of Ards FC is due to commence in June and will take around 18 months to complete.

Health Minister officially opens Bangor nursing home’s new dementia wing HEALTH Minister Robin Swann has officially opened the new £2m dementia wing at Oakmont Lodge nursing and residential home in Bangor. Operated by Dunluce Healthcare, the 24-bed facility designed specifically for the needs of those living with dementia, provides residential and nursing care of the highest quality, in beautiful and modern surroundings. The extension to the Bangor West home, which employs 100 staff, brought the overall number of beds to 80. Robin said: “I greatly enjoyed the visit to Oakmont Lodge and the opportunity to meet residents, staff and owners. “I welcome the excellent work that’s been done here to improve the standard of care and comfort of those living with dementia. “The condition is one of the greatest health care, social and economic challenges facing society

and the demographics indicate that this is likely to continue for some considerable time, or until a cure for dementia is found. “I recognise that for those living with dementia, specialist care is invaluable to help improve their overall quality of life and I am

Provider unveils its new strategy HC-One has announced its strategy to better meet the evolving care needs of the country, and in particular the growing number of people living with dementia. This is part of the operator’s mission to be the first choice for families, colleagues and commissioners. A key element of this strategy is HC-One’s commitment to refurbishing more than 200 of its homes to modernise and enhance the facilities it offers in local communities, alongside its ongoing new build programme that will be bringing with it a new generation of purpose-built care homes, with homes in Bingham and Telford due to open this summer. Chief executive James Tugendhat said: “We are pleased that Welltower, with its expertise and commitment to the sector, is supporting HC-One. We are confident we can improve and develop HC-One to be true to our purpose of serving at the heart of each of our communities and being the first choice for families, Colleagues and commissioners. “The continued support of our owners, and all of our stakeholders, gives us the confidence to weather any further challenges from the pandemic and to reinforce our strategy of better meeting the evolving, and more complex care needs of the communities we serve.”

Another crucial part of HC-One’s strategy is its journey towards being a leader in sector pay and reward. The group recently announced a pay increase of at least three per cent for staff. In addition, those workers who had previously been paid at National Living Wage rates will now be paid at a minimum hourly rate of £9, bringing them above the hourly minimum National Living Wage. These investments are supported by new capital from HC-One’s current owners, Safanad and Court Cavendish, in addition to a refinancing deal agreed with Welltower, a global investor in healthcare and wellness real estate. Safanad and Court Cavendish has taken the opportunity to increase its investment in HC-One, ensuring that the operator is benefitting from continued and concentrated support from its shareholders, alongside the backing of Welltower. Safanad’s new equity investment will increase its ownership and result in Safanad taking majority control of HC-One going forward. The £540million deal to refinance all of HC-One’s existing debt facilities with Welltower enhances HC-One’s long-term financial stability and enables it to deliver on its strategy. As part of this refinancing deal, the group is also reducing its debt by £66m.

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Silver Lodge in Chapeltown, Sheffield.

Former Sheffield home sold DC Care has completed the sale of a former care home previously registered for 32. Silver Lodge, located in the Chapeltown area of Sheffield, is situated on a private road with a number of attractive residential properties in the immediate vicinity. The large building, believed to date back to Victorian or early Edwardian times, sits centrally in a good-sized plot with surrounding landscaped gardens. The property was offered to the market for a variety of alternative uses including specialist care, independent/supported living, conversation and re-build, inviting a lot of interest from potential buyers. The home was acquired by MCH Diamond Property Limited, who intend to convert the care home into 14 apartments. These will be a mixture of eight one-bedroom flats, five two-bedroom flats and a threebedroom flat.

Silver Lodge was appraised by DC Care’s northern region director Alison Willoughby and the sale was managed by senior sales negotiator Lisa Rushworh. Alison said: “The desirable location and great potential meant this instruction appealed to a number of buyers both in the care industry and beyond. “I’m excited to see the development scheme the buyers have decided on come to fruition and look forward to working with them on other opportunities. “There is a clear demand for similar properties for this and other buyers, and I’d welcome confidential discussions with owners of smaller closed (or closing) care homes.” The project will take 15 months from start to finish but MCH Diamond Property aim to phase the development so hey can release a number of flats earlier and not wait for full project completion.

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Former Silver Lodge, Sheffield - Prev. Reg 32

DC Care is delighted to announce the recent completion of the sale of Silver Lodge, a former care home previously registered for 32 clients, located in the desirable Chapeltown area of Sheffield. When industry knowledge and wisdom are needed, when a discreet sale is desired, our clients choose DC Care to sell their healthcare business.

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Richmond Villages Willaston is designed to help residents remain active and maintain their independence in a safe and social environment.

Operator opens new Dutch-inspired dementia village in South Cheshire RICHMOND Villages, part of Bupa, has opened a pioneering new village for people living with dementia in Willaston, South Cheshire. Inspired by a Dutch ‘household’ care model, Richmond Villages Willaston is amongst one of the first specialist villages in the UK to champion community living for those with dementia. The model is designed to help residents to remain active and retain their independence. Living in small households, they are able to continue day-to-day activities in a safe and social environment. This new approach to care reflects findings from Richmond Villages’ new Strength in Community: The Future of UK Dementia Care report, based on the experiences of 1,071 people who currently care or have previously cared for a loved one with dementia, conducted by YouGov. The new specialist Richmond Village consists of six households, each designed with accessibility in mind. Households have six en-suite

bedrooms with private patios, as well shared living areas and safe outdoor spaces. In place of traditional support services such as cooks and cleaners, residents are supported by household assistants who help with meal-planning, cooking, cleaning, gardening and organising activities around their own interests and care needs. Designed with leading experts in care, the village has introduced innovative new technology. At night, residents will be ‘acoustically monitored’ using an auditory system. This observes noise levels in residents’ rooms while they sleep, alerting staff if sounds exceed or drop below expected levels, and otherwise allowing residents to retain their independence with an undisturbed night’s sleep. Philippa Fieldhouse, managing director of Richmond Villages, said: “People across the country are working hard to care for loved ones

with dementia. “We want to provide the right support, when it’s needed. “This Dutch household care model has had strong results in the Netherlands and is an exciting step forward for UK dementia care. “We want to help people lead fulfilling lives, supporting them to retain their independence and connection with the community, so that they can live well with dementia. “The learnings from this village will shape the future of care across our other homes and villages, offering people with dementia the right care for them.” New residents will be assessed in their own home by Richmond’s dementia experts to replicate as much of their daily routine and home environment in the village as possible. Set in secure landscaped grounds, the village also hosts a restaurant with private dining, hair salon, nail bar and treatment rooms, and a children’s play area for residents to

welcome their families. In addition to households, the retirement village has a 35-bed care home for dedicated care for those in the more advanced stages of dementia. The report found that nine in 10 carers say that maintaining independence helped their loved ones live a longer and happier life, while 42 per cent agreed it helped manage their condition. In addition, over a third of carers also felt that dementia care should involve the wider local community, with over two thirds saying they would welcome support assisting their loved one while out and about. The report also acknowledges challenges carers face when looking after loved ones at home, with three quarters finding it challenging to keep them safe from harm. Nearly half struggle to adapt their home to make it more dementia friendly, while a similar number say they do not feel confident in providing sufficient care at home.

Allegra Care and Moorfield acquire Hampshire group ALLEGRA Care, the UK-focused care home operator, and Moorfield Group, a leading UK specialist real estate fund manager acting on behalf of Moorfield Real Estate Fund IV (Moorfield), have completed the acquisition of Sentinel Health Care, the privately owned nursing home group. Sentinel Health Care owns a portfolio of five operational nursing homes providing 200 beds, located across Hampshire. All five homes offer attractive facilities including communal lounges and landscaped gardens and are characterised by providing high quality care. The New Forest, Dunwood Manor, Waverely Lodge and Cedar Lawn homes are focused on nursing care, while the Fordingbridge home is focused on providing dementia care. Helen Jones, CEO of Allegra Care, said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Sentinel Health Care homes. “Sentinel’s well earned long track record of compliant service and

commitment to resident care make them an excellent addition to our portfolio. “We warmly welcome the Sentinel team into Allegra and turn our immediate attention to integrating the homes into the Allegra model.”

This is the first acquisition following the establishment of the partnership between Allegra Care and Moorfield in 2020 which is aiming to create an initial £125million portfolio of modern, fit-for purpose nursing and dementia care homes in

demographically supported locations across Central and Southern England. The partnership will seek to acquire exisiting operational assets, including those offering asset management potential such as the Sentinel Heathcare acquisition, together with newly developed homes. The acquisition was supported by Allied Irish Bank (AIB) as debt provider. Charlie Ferguson Davie, CIO of Moorfield Group, added: “We are pleased to have made our first acquisition as part of our partnership with Allegra Care and we look forward to using our combined expertise to deliver the highest quality of accommodation and care. “We will continue to look for more opportunities to grow the portfolio and address the under-provision of nursing and dementia homes in the UK.” Allegra Care and Moorfield were advised by CBRE, BCLP and Menzies. Sentinel Healthcare was advised by Savills, Royds Withy King and Hazlewoods.

Operator to pay real living wage BOROUGH Care has become the country’s largest residential care provider to receive a real living wage accreditation from the Real Living Wage Foundation, as part of its commitment to delivering a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. This will see employees of the not-for-profit organisation receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.50, compared to the government minimum wage which currently stands at £8.91 per hour. Dr Mark Ward, CEO at Borough Care, said: “Everyone at Borough Care has worked towards this goal over several years: to give our whole team a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. I have personally never been prouder of any achievement in my career. “Social care is widely undervalued and knowingly under-resourced by government at every level. It doesn’t have to be that way and I’m truly thrilled that we can play our small part in changing that narrative to give our staff a well-deserved fair wage.” The care sector is notorious for being underpaid and undervalued, with the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting its significance and importance in society. According to Skills for Care’s annual report on the state of the adult social care workforce, care worker pay has fallen behind that of retail staff and cleaners over the past eight years.

Walrond House housing scheme in Hackney

Dr Mark Ward

The real living wage will see Borough Care paying its staff significantly more than the industry average hourly wage for care workers, at £8.50. The care provider, which has 12 residential homes in Stockport and Leek and employs more than 600 members of staff, is one of only a handful of North West firms to have achieved the accreditation, with nearly a quarter of all jobs in the region (20 per cent) paying less than the real living wage – around 584,000 jobs. The real living wage is the only rate calculated according to the costs of living. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that wish to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, not just the government minimum. Since 2011 the living wage movement has delivered a pay rise to more than 250,000 people and put over £1.3billion extra into the pockets of low paid workers.

Scheme up for two awards ANCHOR Hanover’s Walrond House housing scheme in Hackney, London, has been shortlisted for two awards in this year’s Inside Housing Development Awards. The accolades celebrate the very best residential developments across the UK from the past two years. Walrond House has been shortlisted for the Best Development (UrbanLondon) and Best Regeneration Project (Urban) awards. Senior development manager Nick Hodgskin said: “Walrond House is a truly unique redevelopment project combining a residential project with the redevelopments of a large urban block including existing public and community spaces. “It has had a huge impact on many different groups and is truly an intergenerational project.” Located in Newington Green

in Hackney, Walrond House is an intergenerational housing scheme consisting of 72 residential apartments, of which 28 are affordable rent apartments for older people, 12 shared ownership and 32 outright sale non-age restricted apartments. The scheme, completed last August, also includes the regeneration of three retail units and a resource centre to meet the community’s needs. The site combines the redevelopment of an existing sheltered housing block with two pieces of land owned by Hackney Council to create a striking multi-use development which offers double the number of homes as on the previous site. Winners will be announced in November.

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CARINGNEWS

Staff to become Dementia Friends

Management software developed with the resident at its heart WE ALL know the importance of maintaining dignity and respect when providing care cannot be overstated. Even small actions, like properly communicating and recognising each other’s strengths and views, can have a great impact on self-worth. Care home residents with dementia are among the most vulnerable in our society, and often aren’t able to make decisions for themselves. Practicing high levels of personcentred care has become key to caring for and treating individuals living with dementia, to better understand each person’s unique needs, abilities and goals. CareDocs is a digital care management software that was developed with the resident at its heart. Our platform gives residents a voice by helping provide tailored, individualised care – even to those who can’t speak for themselves. Person-centred care can be easily accomplished with the CareDocs system supporting you, and our care sector experts have designed it so as much information as possible can be recorded for the resident at every step. Completing our comprehensive digital care assessment will allow you to create an in-depth, personalised plan to support individuals in all aspects of daily routines and help them lead full and happy lives. Our assessment includes several

dementia-specific questions to gather information surrounding how the condition affects the individual’s daily life, what the main symptoms are, whether they express frustrations, if they recognise family or friends, if they experience hallucinations, if they recognise themselves in the mirror, and the outcomes you aim to achieve. Although there are no shortcuts for completing an assessment, we are able to make the task more efficient so the overall process is faster, meaning you can get their plan implemented sooner. We only display questions relevant to previously supplied answers to save you from asking unnecessary questions or wasting time manually searching for the next appropriate follow-up question. This extra level of detail not only makes the assessment results more accurate but also increases the resident’s comfort and service experience. When you’re ready to move on to the care planning stage, instead of re-writing the information from your assessment into a template, a draft can be generated automatically within seconds using only the answers you have provided. To ensure it’s completely personcentred as possible, we’ve made it simple to read through the draft, make changes and personalise it where necessary. A Dorset care home has thanked one of its residents for leading services of worship every Sunday since the first lockdown began more than a year ago. The Reverend Jim Cocke was the Church of England’s longest serving priest until his retirement in January 2020 when he moved to Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury. When the pandemic started, it restricted the scope for external Church representatives to visit and hold services at the home, so Jim stepped in. Every Sunday morning since then, he has led a 30-minute service, giving fellow residents a regular focal point for Bible reading, prayer, worship and hymns. Until his retirement, Jim was an ordained priest for more than 67 years.

EVERY member of the team at Encore Care Homes will undergo training to become a Dementia Friend. New and existing members of the team working across all departments within the group, including the care team, catering, housekeeping and administration, will go through the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme, which aims to transform the way that people think, act and talk about the condition. The training has been introduced across Encore’s four care homes so that the team can provide greater support and individualised care to the residents, some of which have varying levels of the condition. They will learn about dementia, as well as how to support and communicate effectively with residents. All new members of the team will receive an additional day of training during their induction which will be dedicated to dementia, and will incorporate the Dementia Friends programme. They will learn about the different approaches, strategies and tools which can support the person-centred care and positive communication which works best for people with the condition. Director of health and care Lindsay Rees said: “I have been a Dementia Friend for a number of years and believe the initiative is a really

simple way to engage people with the valuable and important concept that it is possible to live well with dementia. “The initiative is fully in alignment with our mission to put the residents’ needs and wishes at the heart of what we do, which is why we have committed to embed it in the foundations of the dedicated dementia care that we offer.” Encore’s purpose-built care homes across Dorset and Hampshire feature specific floors that cater for people with varying levels of dementia needs, from the early signs of dementia through to behaviour that can be challenging, and end-of-life care.

Andy Bridgewater appointed ARM’s new head of sales and marketing MARKET leading manufacturer of wireless nurse call and staff alarm systems, Alarm Radio Monitoring Ltd has announced the appointment of Andy Bridgewater as its new head of sales and marketing. Former Royal Engineer with Her Majesty’s forces, Andy joined the business in late April, having over 15 years experience within the sales and engineering industry. Andy’s appointment to the senior management team comes at an exciting time for ARM with numerous new products and systems being launched throughout the year, none more so than the Bed Angel, an innovative wireless bed occupancy monitor. Stuart Ibbs, operations director for ARM, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy to lead our sales team during what is an exciting period of growth for the business. “With numerous new products entering the market over the coming year, his appointment is a big part of the company’s commitment to

provide high quality products to the care and staff alarm industry. Andy’s drive and passion for team management will strengthen our sales division, he will be crucial in mentoring our sales team to roll out the new products we are due to roll out.” Andy’s role as head of sales and marketing will see him lead sales growth for ARM as their product range continues to expand throughout the UK. The Bed Angel, new monitoring software and 7’ touchpad display are either currently available or due to enter the market shortly. Andy added: “I am delighted to join ARM at such an exciting time as it continues to grow throughout the UK and innovate within the health care industry. “Alarm Radio Monitoring’s focus on people development and working as a team is something I firmly believe in, and I am looking forward to working with the sales team to exceed targets whilst continuing to deliver the outstanding customer service that ARM is renowned for.”

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