Caring UK March

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March 2020

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Ombudsman gives councils fees reminder COUNCILS across England are being reminded by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman of their duties under the Care Act to administer ‘topup fees’ for people contributing towards relatives’ care.

The warning comes after two councils – Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, and Lincolnshire County Council – disputed some of the Ombudsman’s recommendations against them.

Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said: “Councils are encouraged to administer the top-up fees, and recoup the money from relatives, because it gives the best security for vulnerable people living in care homes should there be any problems with payments.

“The reasons both councils have given for departing from the guidance – the financial cost of doing things properly – is irrelevant.

“At the heart of the matter, we have two councils absolving themselves of their responsibilities to offer the public its basic protections set out in law.

“We also issued guidance to councils back in 2015 on administering these fees, and were quite clear that leaving the administration of top-up fees to care homes was wrong.

“I now call on both authorities

to reconsider both my reports and make the necessary arrangements to ensure they comply with the recommendations I have set out.”

In the case of Dudley, the Ombudsman found the council, as standard practice, had been asking relatives to enter into an agreement with the care home to pay the amount, rather than administer the funding itself and claim the money from the relatives.

The Ombudsman asked the council to consider stopping this practice, however the council challenged the Ombudsman’s recommendations. It argued it would cost too much to administer the changes, and that it did not have to give the relative a choice of who to pay. It also argued that other councils continued to administer fees in the same way.

In Lincolnshire, the Ombudsman found the council did not give people the option to pay the topup fee to the council.

Again, the Ombudsman asked the council to review its procedures to give people the option of paying the top-up fees directly to the council.

Lincolnshire rejected the Ombudsman’s recommendations, again arguing it would cost too much to administer and that the use of agents – in this case, the care homes – to carry out the council’s functions was allowed.

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Music theme for annual Care Home Open Day

Actor Dean Andrews will host this year’s Caring UK Awards on December 3, Caring UK is delighted to reveal. Best known for his role as DS Ray Carling in the BBC drama series Life on Mars, he continued the role in the sequel series, Ashes to Ashes, until 2010. He is currently starring as Emmerdale villain Will Taylor. The event takes place at The Athena in Leicester.

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CARE homes nationwide are preparing for Care Home Open Day on June 26for what will be the eighth year in a row.

The theme this year is music, which encompasses all manner of music, arts, innovation and technology.

Care Home Open Day is bursting with ideas as to how to mark the occasion brimming with links to music organisations.

There is something for everyone, allowing care homes to get creative on a small or big scale.

Hilary Woodhead, executive director at National Activity Providers Association, said: “Care Home Open Day is the perfect opportunity to make friends with a local care home.

“I think that many people will be amazed at what’s on offer; every home and every day is different.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, added: “Now well established, Care Home Open Day is a real marker in the calendar.

“Care homes really are the hub of their communities, let’s keep it that way and continue to connect.

“The immense innovation throughout the sector needs to be showcased and enjoyed.

“There is a link between music therapy and dementia and this needs to be made more widely known; Care Home Open Day is the perfect vehicle to do so.”

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CARINGNEWS

Charity thanks care staff for getting in the saddle A WELLBEING charity that enables people with a disability or additional need to go out and cycle in the New Forest has received a funding boost thanks to care home staff.

Volunteers at PEDALL have thanked team members at Colten Care for raising nearly £1,800 to help with their costs.

Much of the money was raised on a sponsored bike ride staged as a thank-you for the enjoyment residents experienced on outings last summer.

Altogether, 76 residents from seven Colten Care homes went on 21 trips around the New Forest’s off-road cycling network using the charity’s specially adapted bikes.

A carers’ survey showed improved moods and feelings of confidence in four out of five residents taking part in the rides. Around half were seen to have increased their levels of communication and

Colten Care residents and staff on the day of the fundraising ride across the New Forest in aid of PEDALL. socialising.

“These excursions proved Ben Benson-Breen, senior hugely popular with many companionship team leader residents returning for more for Colten Care in the New outings. Some said they Forest, said: “Thanks to hadn’t been on a bike in years PEDALL, our residents were and never thought they would able to go off-road and enjoy have the opportunity to do the natural beauty of the so again. We were only too Forest in comfort and safety. pleased to raise some money

for the charity in return. We can’t thank them enough.”

The partnership has blossomed, with some of the charity’s volunteers joining residents and staff as Colten Care led the environmentthemed Lymington Carnival with a carbon-neutral float.

In the autumn, nine Colten Care staff got on their own bikes for a 50-mile fundraising ride visiting each of the provider’s homes in Salisbury, Brockenhurst, Lymington, New Milton and Mudeford, raising £600 for the charity along the way.

Links between Colten Care and the charity are set to continue with more rides for residents planned in the summer.

Homes will also keep fundraising while PEDALL project manager Donna Neseyif will be visiting the Kingfishers care home in New Milton to give a talk about the wider work the charity does.

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

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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 National Sales Executive: 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.

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4

CARINGNEWS

Club creates a ‘close knit’ community for residents

There are no bad hair days at Barnes Lodge in Tonbridge as a traditional barber regularly visits the male residents to provide a nostalgic experience. Andrew Kuipers’ pop-up barber shop has proven to be a real highlight for residents of the care home. Using a namaste approach, with a focus on engaging all the senses, the barber gives residents a unique haircut experience. He uses old fashioned products to trigger memories and the haircuts are brought to a close with a relaxing head massage. General manager Nicky Pett said: “We have been introducing a namaste approach to our care and activities and the barber visits really embrace this. It’s such a reminiscent and therapeutic experience – the seat is never empty when he visits.”

A POPULAR knitting club at a Surrey care home, which regularly meets to create pieces for a number of charitable causes, is helping to restore a sense of pride and responsibility in older people – including one member who used to knit items for soldiers during the Second World War. The ‘Knit and Natter’ group at Huntington House, based on the Huntington and Langham Estate, in Hindhead, Surrey, was initially set up by a lady who lived with Parkinson’s and arthritis in order to help speed up her progress, and has now become an integral part of life for its members.

The group has rekindled fond memories for member Mollie Bridge, aged 94, who used to spend nights around the fire with her mother and grandmother, knitting socks for soldiers who were away fighting in the war.

Mollie, who was taught to knit by her grandmother, said: “My mother would go down to the council buildings each week for the wool; one week was royal blue for the Royal Air Force; the next week was navy blue wool for the Navy; the third week was green for the Army.

“After the war ended, I said I’d never knit another sock and I haven’t. I love knitting though, I used to knit all my own clothes, from cardigans to scarves – never socks though. It’s very

Mollie Bridge relaxing and sociable.”

In recent years, the group – which now comprises residents, staff, one of the Estate’s directors and two ladies from the local WI – has produced knitted poppy brooches for the Poppy Appeal as well as blankets and beanie hats to be donated to hospitals in the UK and South Africa to help keep premature babies warm, all using

wool produced from a herd of rare Ryeland sheep – one of the oldest English breeds – which lives on the Estate.

Charlie Hoare, director of the Huntington and Langham Estate, said: “When we were asked by one of the residents if they could set up a knitting circle it was an immediate ‘yes’, but it was only after it started that I realised just how much purpose and meaning there was behind their knitting – knitting was a hobby that came with responsibility and pride, one that has supported soldiers and premature babies; people in incredibly vulnerable situations.

“Regardless of whether you knit or not, being part of a charitable project, and raising money for meaningful causes such as the Poppy Appeal, comes with a sense of purpose and a feeling that you are making a difference to someone else’s life.

“When you become reliant on others to care for you, as is often the case for people living here, you can feel a loss of self-worth, but you don’t have to. Finding a way to help others can often make up for losing the independence to look after yourself.”

As well as being used by the Knit and Natter group, the wool is also sold by Huntington and Langham to raise money for various other charities.

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CARINGNEWS

Inadequacy of social care funding revealed LATEST Care England Freedom of Information analysis has again highlighted the underfunding of independent sector care homes when juxtaposed with those fees paid to state-run homes.

Care England found that independent care sector, private and charitable services were expected to provide standard residential care for less than £500, versus state-run homes in both neighbouring and the same local authorities being afforded more than £700 in weekly fees.

Local authority run providers represent seven per cent of jobs in the sector versus 78 per cent residing in the independent sector.

In some cases this was representative of 44.38 per cent more being granted in fees per week per resident for 2019/20 for standard residential care, even though all services are held to the same standards by the Care Quality Commission and quality is no better in local authority run homes.

Research by LaingBuisson estimate the average costs of an economically

“The stark divide provides further evidence of the multitude of difficulties that independent sector providers face.”

run residential home between £623 to £726 depending on standard of accommodation and whether or not they are supporting people living with dementia.

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: “Such analysis only furthers the independent sector’s calls for greater oversight to be placed upon commissioning processes. These discrepancies in levels of funding cannot be justified.

‘This is not the way to promote joint working across systems and accentuates the lack of parity with which the independent care sector is treated.

“Residents should not be affected by different levels of funding based on whether they are placed within either independent or state provision.” n Manchester City Council paid fees as little as £459.74 to independent providers in 2019/20, whereas less than 20 miles away in Kirklees Metropolitan Council state-run homes received payments as high as £721.90 to provide the same type of care (older persons residential care) in the same year. This difference is representative of £13,636 over the year as a whole. In addition, other local authorities like Rotherham were given just £456 per resident per week despite being located just under 27 miles from Kirklees. n Similarly, Care England became aware of the same theme when juxtaposing fees evident in the localities of Sheffield City Council

Martin Green and Leeds City Council. The two geographical areas just 33 miles from one another, however, were much more steeply divided when it came to care home fees. For example, Leeds City Council stated in its FOI reply that it paid local authority care services £726 per residential resident.

While in the case of Sheffield, the general residential fee was £481. Over the course of a year, this amounts to £12,740 per resident or £318,500 in the context of a 25-bed care service. Neighbouring Rotherham independent care sector providers were too expected to provide care for as little as £456 per resident per week. n While in the case of Lancashire County Council fees provided for state-run, versus, independent sector run homes are particularly

stark. Fees paid for residential care in local authority run homes stand at £656.70, versus a stark £466.55 for independent sector providers in the same local authority. Over a year, this equates to £9,890 more being paid to nationalised care homes. n Similarly, Wigan’s independent social care providers were expected to provide residential care for less than £450 and in contrast – as stated above – Lancashire Council paid their own providers as much as £656.70.

However, both councils are located just 23.6 miles from one another.

Martin added: “The stark divide provides further evidence of the multitude of difficulties that independent sector providers face. It is incumbent upon Government to utilise the majority granted to it, to secure the future for some of society’s most vulnerable.

“In some cases, the discrepancies in funding levels amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds – this simply isn’t right in the context of a sector under great financial pressure.”

Martin continued: “The stark divide provides further evidence of the multitude of difficulties that independent sector providers face.

“It is incumbent upon Government to utilise the majority granted to it, to secure the future for some of society’s most vulnerable. In some cases, the discrepancies in funding levels amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds – this simply isn’t right in the context of a sector under great financial pressure.”

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CARINGNEWS

Providers dismayed over CQC’s failings, says Group’s chair

Home reunites former service people at community lunch BEAUMONT Hall care home in Beaumont Leys has launched a regular lunch event after ex-service residents expressed their desire to meet like-minded people from the local community.

Residents at Beaumont Hall have previously served in the Army, Navy, Royal Air Force, The Grenadier Guards, police forces and fire brigades and they were keen to reconnect with their peers.

The home’s gesture is also an initiative to ‘give back’ to the community and thank local service people.

The first ex-services event was held just after Christmas and its success has meant that Beaumont Hall is making the free two-course lunch a monthly occurrence.

Beaumont Hall lifestyle manager, Emma Hudson-Beaver, said: “Watching the residents light up as they all discussed their time in the forces was incredibly rewarding, and they haven’t stopped talking about it since. I feel very strongly about giving back to those who dedicated their lives to protecting and honouring our country and the lunch is just one way to do this.”

THE head of a care association says providers are dismayed after the main inspection body for the sector admitted shortcomings in its reports.

The Care Quality Commission has said it will have to reinspect almost 40 adult social care services in England after it found duplicate material in inspection reports.

Mike Padgham, chair of the Independent Care Group, said he has called for talks with the CQC and for reassurance that the inspection system is safe.

He added: “The Care Quality Commission does a very important and very onerous job and must have the respect of care providers.

“It is vital that, when it comes to inspections, the reports they produce are above reproach. Professionals, providers and the public must have total confidence. It is particularly important that those reports can be relied upon by those making informed care choices based on them.

“This incident is damaging to CQC’s reputation and does beg the question: who is inspecting the inspectors?

“The CQC is, justifiably, very quick to punish care providers if they fall short and shows very little leniency.

We need to have confidence in the CQC. While it is gratifying to see

“Many are questioning whether this type of ‘cut and paste’ report writing is commonplace and what other issues might be lurking within the inspection system.” that the organisation is acting to get its own house in order I know that ICG members are very concerned and it has shaken confidence in the inspection process.

“Many are questioning whether this type of ‘cut and paste’ report writing is commonplace and what other issues might be lurking within the inspection system. We have therefore invited Kate Terroni, chief inspector of adult social care with the CQC, to visit us in North Yorkshire to discuss these failures and what can be done to restore confidence and prevent anything similar happening again.

“Hopefully she will be able to offer our members some reassurance that the inspection process is as fair, accurate and robust as it needs to be.”

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CARINGNEWS

Therapy dog proving a big hit with residents A LOVABLE pooch called Fred whose future looked bleak after his elderly owner was unable to look after him has been given a new lease of life as a therapy dog at a care home.

The nine-year-old Shih Tzu is proving a massive hit with residents at Pendine Park’s Hillbury Care Home in Wrexham who’ve adopted him as one of their own.

Manager Cindy Clutton came to the rescue when’s Fred’s owner had to go into full time nursing care when she stepped in to offer the friendly ball of fur a permanent home.

After hearing of Fred’s plight, Cindy picked him up and decided to see how he would get on with Hillbury House residents.

She took him into work with her – and the rest is canine history.

Cindy said: “Fred took to it like he’d always been here. He potters around and spends time with residents who just love him to bits. I often find him curled up fast asleep on someone’s lap.

“It’s actually a huge tonic for residents too. They love the interaction with Fred and there is competition to see who can stroke him first every morning.

“When he gets tired or needs a break he heads for my office and curls up in his basket for a sleep. He’s landed on his feet to be quite honest.”

Fred the Shih Tzu at Hillbury care home with manager Cindy Clutton and resident Gwen Davies-Barrett. be quite a bit younger than that. He’s And she takes Fred to see his former got the energy of a two-year-old. owner in Cae Bryn Nursing Home as “And I have plenty of helping hands often as she can. in caring for Fred when he comes to “The issue was her owner needed work with me every day. to go into full-time care and sadly, “The wife of our gardener calls and as much as he loved Fred, he was takes him for good walks and if he’s struggling to take care of his daily not getting fussed over by residents needs,” Cindy added. then members of staff are only too “I couldn’t see Fred go to a rescue keen to play their part. centre so decided to give him a permanent home. I’m told he is nine “Fred has to be Wrexham’s most but I’m not sure and think he might spoilt pooch.”

Home makes dream come true for Jack

AN RAF veteran has relived his days of flying a Spitfire during the war.

Jack Sussens, who lives at Huntington House, in Hindhead, Surrey, flew both Spitfire and Harvard planes, including to rescue wounded servicemen during missions to the jungle as part of the Burma Campaign, following which he was awarded the Burma Star.

The 98-year-old, who is also a member of the Burma Star Association, had always wanted to see a Spitfire one more time, so the home’s staff took him on a special visit to Goodwood to see one of the planes he knows so well.

Charlie Hoare, director of the Huntington and Langham Estate, where Huntington House is based, said: “Everyone has parts of their lives that shape them as people, and become part of their identity.

“Flying a Spitfire in the RAF is obviously a hugely important part of Jack’s life, and it’s brilliant that he can still be reminded of it so vividly through seeing a Spitfire in person.”

After leaving the RAF, Jack lived with his wife and two daughters in Haslemere, Surrey, working as a bank manager at NatWest in Chippenham. His wife died more than 30 years ago, so Jack was left to raise his two daughters on his own.

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CARINGNEWS

Inseparable ‘double act’ carers have 40year age difference

Firm’s carers recognised OUTSTANDING carers who work for a Norfolk homecare company were honoured at a special celebration event at Fakenham Racecourse.

A total of 90 carers from Extra Hands, which has offices in Heacham and near Norwich, were nominated for the prestigious Gill Chase Award – an annual event to thank carers who have been nominated by their service users and their families for their outstanding work.

The Gill Chase Award was started five years ago in memory of a longstanding Extra Hands carer who died suddenly in 2014 aged 68, and this year eight carers were shortlisted.

The judging panel said the competition was extremely tough, but carer Stella Cason, who joined Extra Hands just over a year ago, took the 2019 title.

She said: “I didn’t expect this. I

really enjoy what I do. I’m happy here and it’s nice when you know you’ve brought enjoyment to somebody and made their lives easier – that’s rewarding enough for me.

“It’s lovely to get this award. But, as I say, if I go somewhere and a service user has got a smile for me, and they are happy when I’ve left that is rewarding enough for me. One of my service users recently put a little sticky note on me that said ‘Stella the Best’ and that just meant everything to me.”

Runner up was Dereham resident Andrea Johnson, who has worked for Extra Hands for just over two-and-ahalf years.

The other nominees were Pamela Aberdeen and Julie Wooberry, as well as Susan Bloy. John Thompson, Amy Rix and Joanne Warrant were also shortlisted.

CARERS Tara Hicks and Chris Jones started working together eight years ago, and have since become an inseparable pair.

The delightful duo work as community carers for Brunelcare, delivering care in people’s homes as a team.

The double act started working in care together eight years ago before joining Brunelcare in May 2018. Tara, 30, and Chris, 70, are so inseparable that they were even interviewed together for the role at the charity, and asked if they could continue working doubles together.

The pair now visit people’s homes in the South Gloucestershire area delivering personal care for Brunelcare clients.

Prior to his job in care, Chris worked in the ambulance service for 25 years.

He made the switch to care 10 years ago after taking time off to care for his relatives, and started working with Tara two years later. Tara also started working in care 10 years ago after wanting a career change from her role in retail.

She said: “I love working with Chris, we are such a great team and just get on really well. I’ll deliver the personal care in a client’s home while Chris will do the household chores, and in

the next home, we’ll swap around. It just works for us.”

Tara and Chris’ friendship also extends outside of work. They enjoy going to the cinema or shopping in their spare time, and have made plans to see musical performances together later this year.

Chris added: “Despite the 40-year age gap we make a fantastic team. We both have a similar sense of humour and a huge passion for care and what we do.

“Tara won’t be getting rid of me anytime soon – I have no plans to retire yet, I love my job too much.”

The double act say they have formed an unbreakable friendship, and plan to continue working together at Brunelcare for as long as possible.

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11

CARINGNEWS Advertiser’s announcement

How safe are your ratings?

REGULATION of care services has attracted many myths over the years.

My favourite was the yarn that if operating theatres didn’t have carpets then neither could GP surgeries.

Some of these myths have been taken beyond a joke however. If your inspecting officer asked what you would do if all your staff went down with the Ebola virus, as one did to my certain knowledge, what answer would you give? Phone round the agencies? Run ads in all the papers?

Put a bed in my office and work round the clock till the end of time?

Nope. The answer is that the inspecting officer may not set tests of ‘compliance’ which (a) are vanishingly unlikely and (b) no one in the world could meet.

To do so is an abuse of the power of inspection and of the process of law. So a two-word answer would do, know what I mean?

There is an emerging fable around the use of visitors’ books in care homes. GDPR. OMG. Surely it’s now a heinous offence to keep a record of people’s names at all, let alone display them where other people might – horror of horrors – see them.

Digital signing in is a possible solution, but what if the power goes out in the early stage of a fire anyway? And if not, who is supposed to volunteer to sit down at the computer and print out the current list before then checking who is still in the building?

The answer is quite simple really. A proportionate risk-assessed response, in the individual case, to the legal requirement to keep visitors safe (and your residents safe from visitors).

This from a case officer at the Information

information which is relevant.

“Following that you would need to ensure you complied with the security principle. You should have appropriate technical and organisational measures in place to protect the personal data you hold, and these would vary depending on your organisation, and the type of data you are recording.

For example if a visitor was to take your log without authorisation, you may be able to mitigate the risk involved by using a single sheet of paper, rather than a book.”

Commissioner’s Office dated February 7 2020 in response to my enquiry: “The legislation doesn’t stop an organisation using a book or paper system for recording visitors. However, as with all processing of personal data it should be lawful, fair and transparent. Furthermore there should be consideration to the security principle.

“In terms of being lawful, fair and transparent you need to consider if you have a lawful basis to record this data. Then whether it is necessary for you to store the data, and if so for how long.

Finally you would need to be able to provide individuals using the system the privacy

There’s just one problem. For those who will inspect your arrangements, proportionality may not be their strong suit. So do keep a copy of the ICO response.

The interpretation of any legislation (including the GDPR) as blocking you from complying with any other provision of law (including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations) is of course ridiculous.

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12

CARINGNEWS

Residents continue to receive support thanks to 24-hour volunteers

Ciao Amore and Camelot Care staff with resident Jacky Totterdell.

Home’s residents enjoy pizza, pasta and tiramisu RESIDENTS at a Wellington care home have had a taste of sunshine to chase away the winter blues with some authentic Italian cuisine, prepared for them by the staff of Taunton restaurant ‘Ciao Amore.’

The activities team at Camelot House and Lodge organised the Italian Day as the latest in a series of international cultural events for the enjoyment of the people with dementia who live at the home.

The suggestion came from care workers Federica Cherchi and Carla Farris, who are both of Italian heritage and passionate about genuine Italian cooking.

Activities co-ordinator Richard Dempslake said: “There were

amazing Italian appetisers, two delicious pasta dishes to choose from, a tiramisu for dessert and Italian blush wine with lemonade to wash it all down.

“The dining room was decked out with the familiar checked red and white tablecloths, Italian flag bunting and music chosen by our Italian staff.

“In the afternoon we watched a replay of the 2006 World Cup – which Italy won – and everyone waved Italian flags and enjoyed some Italian cheeses.”

Federica and Carla kept the residents amused with an Italian quiz, which included a language round that enabled everyone to learn some useful phrases.

A FORMER kitchen assistant at a retirement housing development in Dulverton has introduced a 24/7 Personal Assistance Service which has enabled residents to continue to receive support and live independently.

The innovative scheme was the brainchild of Sandy Takel, who is now the catering manager at Hanover Court, which is part of Anchor Hanover and has 28 residents, some of whom receive funding for care services.

Following the withdrawal of funding for care, Sandy suggested that a local response service be formed to continue to provide tenants with care and support.

Sandy said: “During its first year a lady called Nancy – who was 100 years old – was told by social services that she would have to move to a nursing home.

“Moving Nancy would have caused her a lot of upset, anxiety and confusion. All she needed was the support of someone being on call if she had an unexpected crisis.

“Having the support of the response team meant that she was able to remain at home, where she stayed until she passed away at the age of 103.”

Sandy Takel The Personal Assistance Service currently consists of six local people who provide a 24-hour, seven days a week on-call service. It provides a response service and advice was sought from the CQC to ensure it works in line with their regulations.

This vital service has enabled around 20 residents to stay in their homes which would not have been possible if the project had not been introduced.

Mike Stables, estate manager at Hanover Court, added: “It’s a simple service to use. When a resident requires help they press their pendant and it will go to Anchor Hanover On Call, who alert the on-call responder.

“The responders are all local volunteers who are also carers so can deal with situations as they arise.”

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Caring UK Care Providers Conference Pushing the boundaries of care excellence

SPEC IAL OFFE R

Ashford International Hotel, Kent 7th April 2020

BOOK

£25 sin

£40 tw

Speakers include:

NOW

gle de

legate

o dele

gates

Nadra Ashmed OBE, National Care Association Jo Wallace, Care Quality Commission

Lunch & refres hmen ts includ ed

Karen Morse, Skills for Care Dr Michele Board, Principal Academic, Bournemouth University Alan Pocock, Care Docs

S

Good y ba attend g & an certifi ce cate

t

Steve Gardner, Oomph! Wellness

th Eas u o

CARING UK CONFERENCES 2020 IAL SPEC R OFFE

Bournemouth Football Club 8th April 2020

South

NOW K O te BO lega

e de singl tes lega o de w t 0 £4

£25

h& Lunc ents shm refre ded inclu

Speakers include: Professor Martin Green OBE, Care England Sally Newell, Care Quality Commission Christiana Evans, Skills for Care Alan Pocock, Care Docs

& bag y d o ce Go ndan e t t a e ficat certi

Dr Michele Board, Prinicpal Academic, Bournemouth University Steve Gardner, Oomph! Wellness Delegates will receive a CPD six hour attendance certificate at the end of the conference

Tel: 01226 734412 www.caringukconferences.co.uk Email: cr@scriptmedia.co.uk

BOOKING FORM

Pushing the boundaries of care excellence Single delegate rate £25 per person Two delegates £40

Event attending: South East

Ashford International Hotel, Kent TN24 8UX

Tuesday 7th April 2020

South

Bournemouth Football Club BH7 7AF

Wednesday 8th April 2020

North East

Ramside Hall, Durham DH1 1TD

Wednesday 8th July 2020

North West

Village Hotel, Blackpool FY3 8LL

Thursday 9th July 2020

Scotland

Double Tree Cumbernauld, Glasgow G68 0EW

Wednesday 26th August 2020

Yorkshire

York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX

Wednesday 4th November 2020

South East

Colchester United Football Club CO4 5UP

Tuesday 17th November 2020

Northamptonshire

Kettering Conference Centre NN15 6PB

Wednesday 18th November 2020

Delegates attending (Please print in block capitals) Title

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All places booked must be paid within 15 days of booking and before the conference unless otherwise agreed with Script Events.

A telephone or fax booking must confirm when and how payment will be made A refund will be given, less £20 admin, fee for cancellations received more than 15 days prior to the conference. No refunds will be given with less than 15 days to the conference. However, delegate substitutes will be accepted to the day of the event at no extra cost.

Where invoices are requested and agreed, payment must be received within 15 days from the invoice date. We understand and will exercise out statutory rights to claim interest and compensation for the debt recovery costs under the late payment legislation if we are not paid according to agreed credit terms. An interest rate of 8% above base rate will apply for late payment.

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15

CARINGNEWS

Pioneering dementia technology used to train home’s staff BRISTOL City Council is funding the training of more than 30 staff using virtual technology which replicates the experience of living with dementia.

Redfield Lodge is one of a handful of care homes in the city to use the dementia simulator, which gives staff an insight into what life is like for people who have the degenerative condition.

The aim of the training is to show staff the perspective of a person living with dementia and the simple changes that can be made to help improve their lives.

Councillor Helen Holland, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “With an ageing population there is always going to be a need for a skilled and compassionate care workforce.

“This forward-thinking technology will help staff understand the condition from a patient’s point of view, to help us deliver personcentred care with the individual at the heart of decision making.”

She added: “Dementia and the way we provide care is changing. People are staying in their homes longer with

support from our adult social care transformation programme – Better Lives.

“By the time residential care is required, dependency needs are usually much higher. The more we can learn about dementia, the better equipped we are to provide the right environment and care that meets the patient’s needs.”

Training involves wearing a visual simulator headset, headphones and multiple-layered gloves, whilst being instructed to undertake daily activities.

Rahma Said, care assistant at Redfield Lodge, the only local authority home for people living with dementia in Bristol, said: “The training provided a real insight into dementia and just how overwhelming everyday tasks must feel.

“By understanding the issues faced by a person with dementia, we can start to make simple changes to the way we care to help reduce their frustration and anxiety.”

The training is set to be rolled out to all managers and staff at the care home.

Widow volunteers at home bearing husband’s name THE widow of a decorated RAF pilot has spoken of her pride at volunteering in a High Wycombe care home which bears her husband’s name.

Jules Bendell is one of the first volunteers to help out at Royal Star & Garter, which opened last April and provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.

The second floor is named Bendell House after her husband following a public Who’s Your Hero? competition run by the charity to honour people with strong links to the military and the surrounding area.

Manager Chelle Daly said: “It’s an honour to have Bugs’ name gracing our home, and I’m delighted our close

connection with the Bendell family is continuing with Jules’ volunteering.

We’re lucky to have her.”

Wing Commander Anthony ‘Bugs’ Bendell AFC OBE RAF was cared for by the charity at its Richmond and Surbiton homes. Bugs, who was ranked among the RAF’s most skilled and talented pilots during the Cold War period, retired in 1987 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

He had hoped to move into the High Wycombe home and took part in its ground-breaking ceremony in 2016, but died later that year.

Jules has been a frequent visitor to the High Wycombe home, attending the Remembrance and Starlight services and helping out with activities.

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Residents of Westacre Nursing Home in Winchester received a cheerful and therapeutic visit from a group of alpacas. They were encouraged to pet them, groom them and even take them for a short walk around the nursing home’s expansive gardens. Residents who were unable to visit the communal areas of the home, where the main activities took place, were treated to a one-to-one visit from the alpacas, named Guinness and Hickory, in their individual rooms.

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16

CARINGVALENTINE’S CELEBRATIONS

The Bluebirds, who are the backing singers for Jane McDonald on her ‘Cruising with Jane McDonald’ TV show, entertained residents at the Manor House Nursing Home in the Ribble Valley with their Valentine’s show. The residents and visitors thoroughly enjoyed the dancing duo. They looked great, dressed for the occasion in red polka dot dresses and everyone sang along to the romantic melodies. The conservatory was trimmed with the residents’ handicraft decorations and bunting added to the Valentine’s Day atmosphere.

99-year old Jim and Betty Drury, 94, both residents at Fernside Hall Care Home in Halifax, West Yorkshire, got the giggles together when asked about Valentine’s Day gifts and romantic gestures to one another over the years. The two of them well and truly see their room there as a home from home and the team have helped fill it with pictures, memories and trinkets from holidays and their honeymoon in the Isle of Wight.

At the home’s Valentine’s party the pair dug out their old wedding album for a reminiscence afternoon and were joined by their family and grandchildren.

A couple who recently celebrated their 55th Valentine’s Day together at Hambleton Grange care home in Thirsk have offered advice on maintaining a long lasting and loving relationship. Mike and Maureen Hannan met in 1964 during a chance meeting at a bus stop on a rainy day. The couple said the most valuable advice they could offer the younger generation would be to find someone who is kind and caring, but also willing to take an interest in your hobbies. Maureen shared how she would always find time to join in with Mike’s hobbies such as watching football matches in order to spend time with him, and likewise Mike would always will join in with Maureen’s interests too.

Love was in the air at Athena Healthcare Group’s Abbey Wood Lodge in Ormskirk. The day began with a Buck’s Fizz breakfast listening to harpist Susan Lambert, with Steve Wilson providing the entertainment in the afternoon and glasses of Prosecco and wine available. Residents enjoyed singing and dancing with family and friends.

Married couple Alan Lewsey and his wife Jean celebrated 64 years of love this Valentine’s Day with their care home providing a special meal for the pair – while they also offer advice on love and longevity to younger generations. Currently residing in Foxholes Care Home in Hitchin, as respite residents, the pair have been reminiscing about their early life together – where they went to the London Palladium to see stars of the day including Nat King Cole. The couple are in Foxholes recuperating for a few weeks while Alan gets back to full health following a stint in hospital.

The Beeches Residential Home organised a special Valentine’s Day event for residents and their friends and loved ones, as a treat on the romantic day. Care staff from the home, based in Ixworth, transformed the lounge and dining room with hearts and balloons and organised a romantic afternoon tea. According to research carried out by carehome.co.uk a third of those working in the sector say they have actively helped residents interested in each other to spend time together. The Valentine’s Day survey, which questioned 2,077 care home owners, managers and staff, also found around one in 10 say their residents go on dates.

Devoted couple Kay and Ted Lawes enjoyed their 72nd Valentine’s Day together as they gear up to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary later this year. They reminisced about their seven decades together at Hazel End in Bishop’s Stortford, where staff spoiled them with a romantic ‘date night’ at the home’s top floor Sky Bar. Kay and Ted were both 24 years old when the couple met at a chance encounter as they both holidayed with their families at Golden Sands holiday camp in Hopton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, in the summer of 1948. The couple, who were the first residents to move into Hazel End last December, are making the most of the facilities: enjoying regular films in the cinema and welcoming their friends and family to the vintage tea room.

Bluebird Care Reading, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead and Bracknell spread the love again on Valentine’s Day. Team members drove around the local areas to deliver red roses to their customers – an annual tradition. In addition to the roses, customers also received a voucher so they can book in a free one-hour social call with Bluebird Care. This year the provider also joined forces with Kerry Mayne and Nichola Woolford – owners of Partyliciouss and Kakealiciouss, a family run business based in Maidenhead. Kerry and Nichola made more than 100 cupcakes for all customers, which were hand wrapped for each of them to enjoy. This was the sixth year Bluebird Care has done this, which means they have donated more than 1,000 hours worth of care to support customers and their families.

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20

CARINGNEWS Community Integrated Care has announced the appointment of Teresa Exelby as its new chief people officer. In her new role she will lead the charity’s People Services Team, which comprises its operational field-based people team, payroll, learning and development, employee relations, recruitment, communications and reward functions.

Teresa joins the organisation – which employs more than 6,000 people – from Morrisons Supermarkets, where she held the role of people director for manufacturing, logistics and head office, and was responsible for talent, workforce planning, and all peoplerelated activities across these teams.

Her career in retail spans 25 years, with notable achievements including leading the people agenda in relation to mitigating the risks from Brexit for Morrisons, and managing the people changes throughout a series of mergers.

Simon Morris has been appointed as a non-executive director of the growing elderly care provider Advinia Health Care. He is the former long-serving CEO of Jewish Care – the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Simon is also a non-executive director at Hillingdon Hospital Foundation Trust.

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Advinia leadership team and I look forward to helping them on the next stage of their journey to become one of the UK’s leading providers of elderly care. This is an exciting time for the company with ambitious growth plans in the pipeline and I hope my experience can help them achieve their vision for the business.”

Carolyn Ball has been appointed general manager of Belong Morris Feinmann, Didsbury, Manchester; a state-ofthe-art care village providing 24-hour nursing and dementia care through specialist households and independent living apartments. An experienced leader, Carolyn brings with her six years’ Belong management expertise, including the last two years as front of house manager at the Didsbury care village, since its opening in 2017. She was influential in the set-up of both Belong Morris Feinmann and Belong Warrington, including recruitment and subsequent training and mentoring of colleagues, drawing on her HR and administration knowledge which she has developed since joining Belong Macclesfield, back in 2008. Lorraine Johns replaces Carolyn as front of house manager, heading up reception, housekeeping and caretaker teams.

Nikki Higgins has taken over the reins as home manager at Ideal Carehomes’ Hambleton Grange in Thirsk. She has been part of the Hambleton Grange team since 2018, initially joining as care manager. Nikki began working in the care sector more than years ago and, due to her dedication and commitment, quickly moved forward in her career, taking on more responsibilities and crediting her success to the fact that elderly care has always been close to her heart.

A Southend care at home company is looking to recruit additional employees following the appointment of a new registered care manager.

Claire Murphy has joined PerCurra and a key part of her role will be to ensure the highest quality of care is provided to clients in Southend and Essex. This is something close to the heart of Claire, who changed career to pursue her passion following the death of her father from motor neurone disease nine years ago.

Claire has since held a variety of managerial positions in healthcare, especially senior management roles in hospitals, residential care homes and most recently as a head of department at a renowned chemotherapy clinic on Harley Street, London.

Passionate chef and culinary coach Chris Williams has joined Runwood Homes as the organisation’s first group hospitality manager.

His role aims to raise the bar in food standards and the mealtime experience in the organisation’s 71 residential care and nursing homes across England and Northern Ireland.

With a cookery career spanning over 25 years, in challenging roles as head chef and executive chef for prestigious hotels and restaurants, winning AA rosettes and culinary accolades aplenty, Chris’ passion for food has also seen him competing for the coveted title of BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals in 2011 and was announced as a finalist of the 2018 National Care Chef of the Year.

Borough Care has promoted Nerys Carpenter to the position of area manager.

Nerys was previously home manager of the operator’s Shepley House in Hazel Grove.

As an area manager, Nerys will support Borough Care’s home managers in providing the best possible care and making sure services continually improve. Ensuring the teams at Borough Care’s homes provide a safe, harmonious environment for residents, and support their physical and emotional wellbeing, will be a critical part of the job. Nerys has spent her whole career in care at Borough Care, having worked there for more than 20 years. She has worked her way up, starting as a care assistant and progressing through the ranks to care supervisor and deputy manager.

A Nab Wood nursing home has welcomed a new manager, appointing Rebecca Blackburn to care for its 32 residents and lead its team of 40 care professionals.

She has been appointed to run Czajka Care Group’s Fairmount Nursing Home, which provides fulltime care, respite care, palliative care, day care and short breaks from its purpose built home, which forms part of the wider Fairmount Park retirement development.

As the clinical lead and deputy manager, Rebecca previously helped to transform a Sheffield home from a CQC rated ‘needs improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ over a five-year period. Following that success, she became deputy manager across two nursing homes caring for 40 residents in Wakefield, where she spent a year.

22

Provider improves access for residents ANCHOR Hanover Group is a housing provider specialising in retirement and independent living.

The housing is made up of flats where each resident has their own front door entrance and communal facilities available.

The minimum age requirement for occupancy at Hanover Lodge is 60 years old.

Estate manager Helen Parsons noticed that with the age of residents, the heavy self-closing fire doors were becoming problematic.

She said: “With an ageing demographic, it transpired that some of the residents were finding it difficult to open and close these doors”.

This included doors to their own flats and the self-closing doors for the building entrance and the communal laundry room.

Helen explained that “front doors were increasingly difficult for residents to manage due to debilitating health conditions” which led her to look for a solution.

Helen found out about Fireco’s products through the previous estate managers and some of her area managers previously had some products installed with positive results.

Freedor SmartSound was the bestsuited product for Hanover Lodge as “they take the weight out of the door and allow it to be moved as if it were almost weightless”.

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Skopos launches new upholstery collections each year, developed specifically for the needs of the care environment.

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Skopos also offer a choice of anti-microbial faux leather collections and have recently added three new designs; Kiri, Hiako and Tama, ensuring a wipeclean option for care furniture, perfect for seat pads and chair arms.

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upholstery, curtains, bedding and cushions. The new Mau Loa and Oslo collections are available on 13 different basecloth options, perfect for creating a stimulating or truly relaxed environment.

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Designed with care in mind The residents benefitted from improved access as they no longer needed to battle with the heavy fire doors. Freedor SmartSound also allows residents to place open doors at any angle. This gives residents more time to enter and exit without doors closing on them.

“Fireco has been extremely helpful,” added Helen.

“We experienced a few technical difficulties with the initial units that I had installed but these were rectified immediately. I cannot fault their after-sales care both to myself and the installers that they trained.”

“I would not hesitate to recommend Fireco or the product.”

SHACKLETONS has been creating high quality furniture for the senior living sector for more than 60 years.

Experience has informed us along the way, giving rich insights into the needs of our customers and so we design everything specifically with care in mind.

Deep knowledge and understanding of the sectors requirements underpin each stage of design and production for every single piece of furniture we make.

The Shackletons finished product is truly unmistakable. We are classic yet modern, stylish yet practical.

Our dedicated craftsmanship is centred around the needs of the wide variety of people who enjoy our products.

This is matched by a unique passion for design and creativity resulting in furniture that is supportive, comfortable and indeed beautiful.

We like to think that Shackletons furniture adds a touch of luxury to your home. A sense of comfort and ease.

This elusive quality inspires us to be the best of class and to keep a special level of care at the forefront of us minds.

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Creating beautiful and practical interiors for the care home industry Who We Are We carefully balance aesthetics and experiences with durability and cost so that all our interior solutions are truly fit for purpose.

From creating sensory stimulus through colour, style and texture to ensuring comfort through correct posture and physical support, everything we do is designed to create beautiful spaces that live and breathe and last for years to come.

With over 12 years experience in creating beautiful and practical interiors for the care home industry, we understand just how important your business is and we believe that it’s what’s inside that really matters.

Sommer Rose are a friendly, hard-working consultation team providing the full package of furnishings, fixtures and equipment whether it be for your new build home or refurbishment project.

We pride ourselves on our comprehensive industry knowledge and have also worked with the Alzheimer’s Society on design for dementia. All products are sourced from the UK’s most trusted manufacturers of quality, bespoke, friendly dementia products.

“

WHAT’S INSIDE THAT MATTERS Sarah helped on our project with the soft furnishings including wall art and accessories, creating a full interiors solution.

From the beginning of the project with initial meeting to the completion, Sarah was very professional, I was impressed with her product knowledge, she took pride in her work which is reflected in our beautiful care home.

We are looking forward to working with her on future projects.

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Please call or email Sarah Thompson for a FREE consultation throughout March:

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24

Home brings the sunshine indoors ...

RESIDENTS of a dementia care home in Plymouth are enjoying an early taste of spring with a specially created indoor garden that has been installed in a cosy corridor.

The idea was the brainwave of Butterfly Lodge service manager Abby Wiseman.

She said: “At this time of year we’re obviously not able to take our ladies and gents out into the garden as often as we do when the weather is warmer, so this lovely project is a way to bring the outdoors inside where everyone can enjoy the flowers no matter what the weather.

“Because Butterfly Lodge is a purpose-built Swedish-designed home, our residents already enjoy a lot of natural light and the home has great views out over the Tamar Estuary, but this is ensures they still have a warm, natural-feeling environment to relax in when the February winds are blowing outside.”

Wooden garden chairs and a table nestle in an alcove, where one wall has been papered to resemble the brick wall of a house and fitted with an arched mirror designed to look like a window. Beneath the mirror a flowering window box continues the garden theme and artificial grass has been introduced to clad the lower half of the other walls.

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Development funding within the care sector

By Derek Breingan

THE current demand for care services in the UK is rapidly outpacing the availability and suitability of its resources.

It is therefore a very good time, where possible and appropriate, to invest in improving existing care home stock and delivering new developments to meet the demands and expectations of a wider and an increasingly discerning marketplace.

Under this climate Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank has been assisting existing customers as well as new ones in supporting the development of key projects including refurbishments, extensions and new builds.

More recently this has also included Housing with Care which is increasingly becoming a key part of the housing market shortage.

There are risks however including: n Property design and developments with no consideration for day to day operational aspects. n Project is not designed appropriately or is in the wrong location. n Rising costs for both land and construction. n Lack of available staff to support new beds in the location once

Derek Breingan

developed. n Construction complications and complexities including delays and cost over runs.

However, by engaging with the correct professional team at the outset the issues above can be mitigated or accounted for.

In our experience the lack of experienced advisors who have a track record in delivering care related projects leads to a higher percentage of subsequent issues.

This includes the funding partners.

The importance of this is relevant whether you are adding five beds to an older existing care home or developing a new 60 bed facility.

Housing with care is also an evolving model both in the type of

accommodation, services provided and size of the scheme.

Invariably these also require an element of property sales and therefore have an additional aspect to consider. Due diligence undertaken appropriately can therefore save expensive later costs being incurred.

Appetite for funding of projects can vary depending on the outcomes of the foregoing however a well planned and researched project, with a clear business plan supporting the feasibility, is an attractive proposition to some lenders.

With borrowing costs at a stable low there are good reasons to consider improving and investing through development finance and to future proof care businesses.

At Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank we have funded 48 care developments in the last five years amounting to more than 4,000 beds as well as supporting housing with care projects.

With this experience we are happy to speak to anyone seeking advice on how to deliver and finance developments in the sector. n Derek Breingan is the head of health and social care at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank.

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Make sure you have the right insurance

By Simon Bentley THE chances are if you are reading this you will already have insurance in place for your care business, but whether you have been trading for years or are new to the sector, sometime knowing if you have the right cover in place can be daunting.

Here are a number of possible options and covers you can opt for but below we focus on three areas.

Buildings insurance Over the years you may have been reviewing your sums insured. To check you have them insured for the right amount you may have had a survey undertaken, which has provided you with guidance on such values.

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If you have not reviewed your sums insured we have access to a facility which can give you a desktop survey starting from £179 including VAT. Business interruption and indemnity period This cover can be confusing so briefly in the event of a claim it keeps you in the same financial position as if the claim had not occurred.

There are many different ways the cover can be written but generally in the care sector it is based on your gross fee revenue.

This is then multiplied by the

chosen indemnity period and it is recommended that you should include a small uplift.

When calculating the indemnity period this should be based on the time it would take to demolish and clear the site, obtain necessary permissions, rebuild and get back to the same trading levels as before the claim. We would suggest a minimum of 24 months.

When you are looking at the insurance renewal it is worth talking through with a broker to see of you have the covers you need and see what other covers might be beneficial for your business.

This could be legal advice and

expenses, cyber liability, engineering inspection, key individual cover, health insurance etc.

If we can be of any assistance with any review please contact us on 01273 977221 or email info@phoenixsrs. co.uk Phoenix Specialist Risk Solutions specialise in care insurance across the UK. Phoenix is the preferred insurance partner to the RNHA and have offices in East Sussex.

A range of insurance policies are available from Phoenix.

Visit www.phoenixsrs.co.uk n Simon Bentley is a director at Phoenix Specialist Risk Solutions.

LV Care Group continues expansion Founded in 2011 the group is based in Jersey employing over 300 staff and offers premium care services for Home Care, Dementia Care, Mental Health & Wellbeing Care, Nursing or residential accommodation in both Jersey and the Isle of Man. LV offer the full cycle of care.

LV Care Group consists of Lavender Villa Residential, Cheval Roc, Rosemary Cottage, LV Pharmacy, L.I.N.C Mental Health & Wellbeing and LV Home Care, Crovan Court (Based in Isle of Man) The residential and nursing homes enable residents to enjoy living in a beautiful home, whilst ensuring they have full nursing assistance on hand. Independence and quality of life remain paramount and every resident is treated with the utmost respect. The nursing teams are highly skilled, regulated and offer a premier standard of care. Whatever your personal circumstances, LV Care Group will find the right solution for the residents.

The LV Care Groups mission is to enhance the lives of their residents and their families by providing the highest quality care, companionship and support.

As well as their first Nursing home on the islands they offer Home Care services that can support clients in the comfort of their own home. With fully trained and regulated staff, they create a personal care plan tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle. They offer a full range of services,

from 24-hour tailored support, to day and night sitting services. For those needing support with more complex needs such as dementia care or learning disabilities support, they have a fully qualified team on hand to help.

Having just completed the Latest project Care Home- Le Petit Bosquet, their current project- is a 50 bed New Build Care HomeLes Charrieres, and recently have invested ÂŁ9.5m when they took over the property from the Catholic order little sisters of the poor, which has been running care homes in Jersey for 130 years and are continuing to grow the business for the future.

Working in partnership with Sommer Rose Interiors (sarah@sommer-rose.com) for refurbishment, extension and new build plans internal investment for the comfort of the residents is ensuring the LV Care Group is the perfect place live when care is required.

To find out more about the group and for more information on employment and other opportunities please visit the website www.lv.care

26

sponsors

Considerations when choosing a lift

By Adrian Sunter FIRE prevention work has been a statutory duty for fire and rescue services since 2004, with the introduction of the Fire and Rescue Services Act. Typical activities include Home Fire Safety Check, Safe and Well visits and arson prevention.

In England between April 2018 and March 2019, FRSs and their partners completed 347,748 HFSCs targeted at people aged 65 and over, and 170,257 HFSCs targeted at disabled people.

In both instances, the number of completed checks were up on the previous 12 months and five years.

However, this increase contrasts with the overall decline of HFSCs since 2010/11. In 2018/19, FRSs and their partners completed 594,766 HFSCs. This was one per cent fewer than the previous year and 11 per cent fewer than in 2013/14.

With prevention activities targeted towards vulnerable members of the community, everyone has a responsibility to be vigilant and prepared in case of fire, particularly those in a domiciliary care or living independently in a warden environment.

Fire escape Like many UK fire and rescue services, the London Fire Brigade is proactive in promoting fire safety in

one that must be factored in when selecting a lift solution for the home.

Through the floor home lifts are rising in popularity amongst care providers, offering an invaluable means of movement between two floors for less able individuals.

With an increasing number of through the floor lifts being installed it is important that care providers, managers and buyers are aware of the fire protection considerations when selecting and advising on the choice of home lift.

the home.

One key area is a home escape plan.

The brigade advises – if ‘…you – or anyone you live with – might find it difficult to escape quickly without assistance in an emergency, make extra plans to get them to safety,…’ and goes on to offer a free home fire safety visit for additional expert advice.

This is a vital consideration and

Smoke and fire protection A through the floor lift requires an opening to be created for the lift to pass through when travelling from floor to floor.

This instantly breaks the fire integrity and removes the fire protection of the first-floor structure – potentially enabling a fire to move freely between floors.

To minimise risk, it is vital that an independently certificated through the floor lift is selected and installed, one which complies with BS 5900:2012 (powered home lifts with partially enclosed carriers and no lift way enclosures) and is independently tested by an approved notified body.

Terry Lifts’ Harmony home lift, for example, is compliant to BS 5900:2012 – maintaining 30-minute fire and smoke integrity between the two floors, whether it is parked

upstairs or downstairs.

Smoke alarms will usually be at each landing unless the lift is in the kitchen, then the alarm in that room will be a heat alarm to prevent cooking smoke setting it off.

When the fire alarm is activated, the home lift is taken out of service immediately, if it is parked.

If a journey is being made when the alarm is triggered, the home lift is taken out of service as soon as the journey is completed. No other automatic operation of the lift is allowed.

Normal door operation is possible at all times.

Approved installation With these safety considerations it is critical that a compliant home lift is installed by a certificated engineer.

All Terry Lifts’ installers and service engineers, including assistants, will be qualified to a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Platform Lift Installation / Service and Repair, for example.

A Construction Skills Certification Scheme card is compulsory.

It’s worth noting that the installation of a through the floor lift is available through the Disability Facilities Grant for some local authority and housing association residents.

The amount of funding offered can vary up to 100 per cent of the cost. n Adrian Sunter is the commercial director at Terry Lifts.

WE SPECIALISE IN BUILDING YOUR VISION FOR CARE

Oldbury Grange Nursing Home, Shropshire

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Contact: 01743 234234 Morris Property Limited Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury, SY3 8LH info@morrisproperty.co.uk www.morrisproperty.co.uk

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27

sponsors Advertiser’s announcement

How does fire safety feature in the design of your care setting?

FOR people requiring care and needing to live in a care setting we should remember that this becomes their home and as such we are responsible to make their home safe, comfortable and enjoyable to live in.

Looking at the design of your setting gives focus to this issue, but it is important to remember that design is not just about how the surroundings look. It is also about ensuring that people in care can live as independently as possible, boosting feelings of independence, self-worth and good mental health.

Care settings provide homes for 433,000 people in the UK, many of whom may be frail or have a disability that requires them to use walking aids.

Fire doors, while an essential feature to maintain good fire safety, and a legal requirement, can cause issues for residents as the heavy nature of the door and the fast closing action of the fire door closer, can result in residents becoming trapped in corridors or suffering injuries. Good planning can alleviate these issues while ensuring adherence to fire safety legislation.

Making changes to your current fire doors need not be costly, time consuming or disruptive to your residents and staff. Solutions such as Dorgard fire door retainers and Freedor SmartSound wireless door closers, which are battery operated and wireless can be installed by your handyman in minutes.

These devices look stylish and will enable you to legally hold your fire door open, enabling residents to move independently around the home, freeing up valuable time for your carers to focus on delivering more urgent care.

Operator secures planning consent for its 24th home

For small and medium settings with low or normal noise levels the original Dorgard is ideal.

If your setting is very noisy the Dorgard SmartSound would be best suited with its enhanced sound recognition. For large premises with a multitude of fire doors the Dorgard Pro provides the best solution and can incorporate up to 500 fire doors in one system. Pro also offers a ‘one glance’ check to verify that the entire system is functioning correctly.

Freedor SmartSound is a wireless, battery operated free-swing door closer. This system enables your fire door to be left open in any position and to function as a regular door until your fire alarm sounds.

On hearing the fire alarm, Freedor SmartSound will automatically turn its free swing action off and automatically close just like any other fire door.

HALLMARK Care Homes has secured planning consent with help from national planning and development consultant Turley for a luxury 79-bed care home in Bath, Somerset.

The 1.3-acre site has been purchased by Hallmark who will create a brand-new residential, dementia and nursing care home in keeping with the local area to be built

by Savista Developments.

The state-of-the-art development, which will create 120 jobs, will feature a café, cinema, hairdressers, therapy room as well as a wellness suite, winter and roof garden and library, as well as a mixture of en-suite bedrooms and suites.

The new home will also have a specially designed dementia community with a centralised activity hub which will include an additional hair salon, a reminiscence lounge and activity room.

Meanwhile, outside there will be a wildlife refuge, a courtyard and landscaped gardens for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Chair of Hallmark Care Homes and managing director of Savista Developments, Avnish Goyal, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for this wonderful facility that will be an asset to the community and local residents.

“The home will have a number of innovative ideas and new features that we are looking to showcase when it opens in late 2021.”

Turley provided planning and heritage and townscape services for the project. Construction will commence in April, with the development scheduled to open its doors to its first residents in late 2021.

The development will be the Billericay-based care group’s 24th care home.

wallpaper murals Banbury MP Victoria Prentis officially opened the refurbished conservatory and dining room at Featherton House care home in Deddington. The much-improved dining area and conservatory is part of an extensive improvement programme at the care home.

Residents also had the opportunity to chat with Victoria about current affairs, their views on the local area and what will happen now the UK has left the European Union. Acting manager Rachel Freeman said: “We’re delighted to be a part of our local community.

That’s why it was such a pleasure to welcome Victoria to look round our refurbishments and officially open the dining area.”

Victoria Prentis MP is pictured opening the new dining room with resident Joan Hearmon.

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sponsors Advertiser’s announcement

Wondering how your residents will cope with a refurb?

THE Bond Hotel in Blackpool may be the ideal solution with tailored support for your residents – providing a safe and enjoyable break away from the disruption and stress.

The Bond Hotel has been providing holidays for guests who live in care home and residential settings for more than 30 years, and during January and February we have a short closure every year to carry out our own refurbishment plans.

We close our doors for a short

period so we can decorate and revamp our bedrooms ready for our upcoming season.

This year we are completely refreshing 20 of our bedrooms and replacing the lift in the hotel, jobs that would cause a lot of disruption if we were open.

So we take the start of the year to do this, ensuring our guests holidays are not affected by the improvements we continue to make to The Bond Hotel.

During 2019 we noticed more of a

demand from our care groups looking to do the same, taking their residents to The Bond Hotel for an enjoyable holiday, returning to completed work and a fresh new look.

“We stayed at The Bond Hotel in June 2019 as a group of six. The hotel provided my residents and staff with accommodation and equipment and we had a brilliant week away.

“While they were away we fitted a new kitchen into the home and decorated three of the bedrooms.

“My residents returned to no disruption going on and had a great holiday.

“There was no impact on them as they were having such a good time away.”

– Sarah, Kent If you are planning to carry out essential or routine work in 2020 why not consider taking your residents on a short break during this time.

Request a brochure or find out more by calling 01253 341218.

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Annie Warren and Huma Anwar with resident Roy Gallagher and Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Charles McIntyre.

Mayor praises home at sensory room opening THE Fountains care home welcomed Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Charles McIntyre, to open its new sensory room.

It will provide a calming environment for residents, particularly those living with dementia.

Features such as gentle lighting, comfortable furnishings, calming music and stress relieving objects will create a peaceful ambience for residents to use the sensory room for effective de-escalation or general relaxation time.

Huma Anwar, home manager at The Fountains, said: “We all had

a wonderful afternoon for our official sensory room opening with Councillor McIntyre.

“The staff and residents all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we really appreciate his great feedback.

“The sensory room is a great addition to the home and the residents are already making the most of their new facilities.”

Funding for the sensory room was won by the home through the Salix Homes Springboard Heroes initiative, in which they were entered into a draw to become Springboard Heroes 2019 with a prize of £1,000.

31

sponsors

What are the important things that sell your care home?

WHEN looking at a care home what are the most important things that sell your home.

Without doubt number one is the kindness and professionalism of the staff, but in terms of practical considerations the environment is essential.

Relatives want to be sure that they are leaving their family members in a home which is comfortable, well-maintained and where they will be well looked after and nourished.

A short checklist: n Are seats at the correct height and offer comfort and a good arm to grip on rising? Is there a mix of seating to allow for individual preferences. n Do dining tables accommodate wheelchairs? n Are space standards sufficient for people to move around easily and without danger? n Is décor clean and in good condition? n Is flooring non-slippery, clean and in good condition? n Are there handrails in the corridors which are easy to use? n Is it easy to find the resident’s bedroom? n Are toilets and bathrooms clean and in good

• • • • • • • •

order with facilities to allow residents to bathe with dignity and ease? n Do bedrooms have enough space and layouts that allow the residents to move around easily and be able to find what they require (this becomes even more important with dementia residents, where drawers may need to be marked with the contents)? n Are beds comfortable and at the correct height? n Do rooms and corridors feel homely and comfortable and is wayfinding clear?

If, after looking around your home, your feel that some improvements and updates are needed, then please talk to us.

We have more than 20 years’ experience, work solely in the care sector, are ID qualified and also trained in dementia design.

Above all, we listen to what you want to achieve and know how to achieve a pleasing environment which your residents and their families will appreciate.

Enquiries: Call us on 020 8339 6133, email eda@access21ltd.co.uk or visit www.access21interiors.co.uk

Colours within ranges approved

by University of Stirling DEMENTIA friendly design can make a real difference in improving the quality of life for thousands of residents in care settings living with dementia.

Age-related changes and impairments can make it more difficult for someone living with dementia to understand and navigate a built environment, resulting in an increased feeling of isolation and stress related behaviours.

The colours within the Equinox, Tones, Evolve and Economix ranges have recently been assessed and received approval for use within dementia inclusive environments by the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre. danfloor is pleased to announce that the majority of colours have been accredited with ratings ranging from 1a, use indiscriminately and 1b, which means they can be used throughout.

A few more patterned colours have received a rating of 2, which are still considered suitable for dementia inclusive environments, but must be used with some caution.

By providing Light Reflectance Values and

DSDC ratings for all our colours helps you to create therapeutic environments which are visually stimulating and safe to navigate for all residents.

As part of danfloor’s commitment to the healthcare sector, and for those living within a care environment, we will continue to work with Stirling University’s DSDC team during the development and colouration of our ranges.

This will ensure our products continue to meet the DSDC dementia design principals and contribute to creating dementia inclusive environments.

In addition to the colour and design of our collections, when investing in a danfloor carpet you can be confident that it’s also built to withstand the demands of your healthcare environment; with soil and stain resistant yarns, antimicrobial yarn treatment, an impervious membrane, and outstanding sound absorption properties our carpets help to create a therapeutic and inclusive environment for all residents.

Enquiries: Find our more and request your free samples at www.danfloor.co.uk

32

sponsors Advertiser’s announcement

Renray works closely with Cumbria Care CUMBRIA Care is the County Council’s in-house provider of reablement, homecare, residential care, supported living, shared lives and day care services to adults with eligible care needs.

Cumbria Care had developed two new purpose-built 60 bed care homes offering care for older residents who are frail and/ or have dementia, and now required a supplier to supply and install residential furniture and fixtures.

Key requirements in finding a solution included furniture and soft furnishings that: n Were in line with pre-determined interior design schemes. n Complied with quality standards. n Met the general principles of Cumbria County Council’s Dementia Design Guidelines. n Fitted within the set budget.

After winning both projects via a tendering process, Renray went on to successfully supply, deliver and install circa 1,500 products across the two sites (including bedroom furniture, lounge chairs and sofas, dining chairs and tables, occasional coffee tables and sideboards, and soft furnishings inclusive of curtains, pelmets and scatter cushions), within the required time scales.

Renray’s sales director and project manager worked closely with Cumbria Care and their interior designer to pull together products and finishes that met their brief, communicating regularly to keep the client up to date on progress, and quickly resolving any issues encountered.

The client commented that Renray’s personnel, including the delivery team, are one of our key strengths,

with staff who are “helpful and knowledgeable” and “worked well with the client and Cumbria County Council” producing a high quality service throughout the contract.

Some issues were encountered onsite, mainly damaged or faulty products that required replacement.

The response from Renray’s project manager and team was positive and they set to work quickly to replace the products which reassured the client.

The client commented that “it’s easy for companies to appear good when everything goes well but the real test is how they respond when things go wrong.

“Your response demonstrated that as a company, you care about your customers” which resonates with Renray’s core value of putting our customer’s first.

When asked what Cumbria

Care found most attractive about Renray’s solution, they replied “Renray understood the tender brief and proposed products which were attractive, fulfilled requirements and could be delivered within time and budget.

“They worked brilliantly with the client and the interior designer in refining the choice of products and finishes whilst keeping costs within brief.”

Overall, our work with Cumbria Care and the County Council was a huge success story.

The key objective to create homely and safe facilities within budget was exceeded. Cumbria Care has reported they have only received positive comments and feedback on the interior of their homes, and confirmed they would work with us again and recommend our services.

34

sponsors Advertiser’s announcement

Care Home Murals director Michael Potter describes how close collaboration with St Luke’s Care Home, Caversham (B&M Care Group) has resulted in a new approach to mural design for their dementia unit.

Wallpaper murals developed in collaboration with care home WHEN Kim Franks, the manager at St Luke’s, invited me to discuss her ideas for a new ‘seaside’ themed area for the dementia unit the opportunity to be creative was too good to miss.

Her vision was to create a colourful visual and tactile experience to provide not only a bright and refreshing environment for residents to enjoy but also to encourage reminiscence about past family holidays.

The backdrop would be a large wallpaper mural of a typical beach scene, full of bright sunshine colours, around which would be placed all sorts of three-dimensional and meaningful ‘holiday’ memorabilia.

Our usual (and successful) approach of incorporating beautiful photographic scenes in the designs obviously wasn’t going to work for this project.

For starters, with a wall length of over seven metres, finding suitable photo imagery was likely to be distinctly problematic, so we clearly had to go back to the artistic ‘drawing board’.

We determined that the mural needed to be light, bright and

uncomplicated, making it easily approachable for her residents.

We also needed to convey the ‘essence’ of the seaside rather than represent a specific beach location, to give residents more scope to engage with the scenery in their own special

way. Our proposal was to adopt a new and more illustrative approach, with a style similar to that in children’s book illustration, using line drawing and simple colours to produce very clear imagery.

Familiar motifs and easily

recognisable features would be used to evoke the sense of a timeless seaside scene easily accessible to the viewer.

Kim said: “All of our murals work well in the home as a way of reminiscence, way finding and creating a light, bright and cheerful atmosphere for the residents who live here as well as staff and visitors.

“When Mike came up with the proposal of actually illustrating our vision rather than using photographs, it allowed everyone to be involved creatively, with residents and staff being able to have input into the design which was exciting for us do.”

A recent CQC report, which rated St Luke’s as an ‘outstanding’ home, was extremely complementary about the mural.

Following this success we are delighted to have been commissioned

by St Luke’s for a second and even more adventurous set of ‘Garden’ themed murals for a lounge and dining area within the dementia unit.

These wallpapers have just been installed being part of the refurbishment due to for completion in the near future.

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As a result of ongoing development there are now three types of Dorgard, offering you a tailored solution to your specific setting and need.

All Dorgards release your fire door to automatically close when the fire alarm sounds. For most applications the original Dorgard offers a quick and easy method. The new Dorgard SmartSound has in addition refined sound recognition, meaning that it will not trigger the fire door to close when vacuum cleaning. The Dorgard Pro can either be acoustically triggered or hard wired into your fire alarm system. The Dorgard Pro system is ideal therefore for larger settings and can provide cover for up to 500 fire doors. The Pro also offers you the ability to check the status of all your Dorgards at one glance.

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38

CARINGCATERING AND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Consistency: the path to good nutrition

By Emily Stuart WITH many older people losing their appetites in later life, it is crucial care home residents receive meals that meet their varying and often changing nutritional needs.

A failure to do so can lead to issues, such as malnutrition and dehydration.

Providing quality, nutritious meals in care homes should be a given; but perhaps less documented is the challenges chefs face of guaranteeing maximum and impactful nutritional content.

From the cooking method, to the sourcing of the ingredients, these variances can lead to inconsistent nutritional values and quality of a

Emily Stuart

meal.

Every chef cooks in their own way; the consistency of meal quality, size and nutritional values may vary depending on the style and experience of the person creating it.

Different cooking methods impact the nutritional value of an ingredient in various ways, meaning it can be challenging to accurately interpret the nutritional values of a meal.

For example, one chef may favour boiling vegetables over steaming, but be unaware that the water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C and the various B vitamins), can become diminished unless the boiling water is used throughout the creation of the dish.

As well as this, the ingredients can impact on the nutritional value of a meal.

The longer fresh ingredients, such as fruit and vegetables, are kept before consumption, the less likely they are to retain their maximum nutrient profile.

Flash-freezing fresh ingredients can lock in nutrients, making it easier to have confidence in the level of nutrition they are providing.

When catering for residents with more complex dietary needs, such as those at risk of malnutrition, a strong understanding of nutritional care planning is imperative.

Being aware of the nutritional content of each meal allows chefs to develop menus which are both tasty and nutritionally balanced.

However, many care homes may

struggle to recruit a skilled chef with experience in nutrition for older adults.

If a care home lacks this knowledge in-house, they should ideally be able to work with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to plan their menus.

Overall, consistency is key to meeting the nutritional needs of residents.

From quality and freshness of ingredients, to the cooking methods used, the smallest changes can impact the nutritional content of a meal.

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Care homes are encouraged to seek support and training for catering staff where necessary, providing them with the tools and knowledge to provide healthy, nutritious meals that meet residents’ needs.

Alternatively, care homes can look to use pre-prepared catering solutions, which are developed by a team of experts including food developers, chefs, registered dietitians and registered nutritionists, to ensure every meal service can deliver what the residents require. n Emily Stuart is a dietitian at apetito.

CARINGCATERING AND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Gracewell of Bath’s head chef wins competition NICK Sauter, the head chef at Gracewell of Bath, won Gracewell Healthcare’s company-wide MasterChef competition.

The event was open to all chefs at the group’s homes and entrants were initially challenged to prepare a main course and dessert with a budget of £5.

Nick has worked at Gracewell of Bath since it opened in 2017, becoming head chef in September.

He has 25 years’ experience as a chef, with a diverse career that has involved opening a Four Diamond restaurant in the Caribbean. Nick went on to become the private chef for the Governor of Bermuda, during which time he prepared meals for dignitaries from around the world, including The Queen, Prince Phillip and Princess Anne.

Up until he became head chef at Gracewell of Bath,Nick worked at The Latymer, a Michelin star restaurant that featured on MasterChef, and the Bath Spa Hotel – 2 Rosette.

Nick said: “I am so honoured to have won this competition. It took a lot of hard work and preparation, as the other chefs across the company are also very experienced and talented.

“I pour my heart and soul into every dish I create, and Gracewell of Bath residents are always extremely appreciative.”

The company wide MasterChef competition involved three stages,

Gracewell of Bath head chef Nick Sauter. and after the semi-finals, four finalists including Nick were tasked with demonstrating flair, creativity, taste and quality when preparing dishes for the judging panel.

In the final there was no budget, so Nick was able to go all out and create an impressive dish that consisted of almond topped hake with langoustines, confit cherry tomatoes, a lobster bisque and pea puree.

As the winner, Nick will represent the UK in Denver, Colorado at Gracewell’s leadership conference in the Spring, while all finalists will have their dishes featured as ‘Signature Dishes’ on the Gracewell Spring menu cycle.

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40

CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Student nurses to begin work placements A NEW generation of nurses is beginning placements at Royal Star & Garter after the charity began welcoming students studying at the University of Roehampton.

The new partnership will see the university’s Adult Nursing degree students work a six-week placement at the Surbiton care home.

Royal Star & Garter already offers work placements to nursing students at Kingston and St George’s Universities.

The new partnership also coincides with the World Health Organisation designating 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.

Two student nurses from the University of Roehampton began their placement at the end of last year.

Pauline Shaw, director of care at Royal Star & Garter, said: “Campaigning during December’s general election highlighted the country’s desperate need for more nurses, so we’re delighted to be playing our part in helping to train and inspire this new generation.

“Royal Star & Garter has a reputation for providing exceptional care and, in the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, we’re continuing to share our experience and learning. ”

New Sandbach care home to create around 50 jobs CHESHIRE’S newest care home, Elworth Grange, is recruiting for up to 50 team members ahead of its launch this Spring.

Positions available include management, front of house representatives, care assistants and kitchen and domestic staff. The new team will complete an intensive induction period before the home opens, when they will provide residential and dementia care for up to 66 residents.

Elworth Grange, which has benefitted from a £10m investment, will be Ideal Carehomes’ 20th facility and boasts a cinema room, garden rooms, a tea shop, landscaped gardens and sky bar.

Head of development and engagement, Sarah Colling, said: “It is a great time to join the Ideal Carehomes family – we have some unique initiatives such as our #thisisme programme which links residents and staff with similar interests, and also our annual Ideal Care Awards event is always a huge success.

“We have just achieved our first overall ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission so we know that Elworth Grange will be off to a great start. As a growing group of care homes there is plenty of scope for progression for the right people.”

Ideal Carehomes offers a genuine career ladder through its newly launched Ideal Academy, as well as a host of training opportunities and benefits.

Staff will have access to some of the most innovative and supportive care technology in the industry and will be provided with a recently updated uniform, offered in a range of colours determined by job role. deal Carehomes director, Stacey Linn, added: “We are very excited to be opening our first luxury care home

in Cheshire and are keen to hear from people living in the local community who are looking for fulfilling careers within care.

“Whilst our environments are second to none, it’s our staff team who make our homes the best places to live.

“We are looking for people who really want to make a difference.”

Elworth Grange will be holding public open days in Spring where local residents can call in to have a look around the home’s facilities.

Learn how to recruit successfully in social care at the Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo The Care Hub joins the Dementia, Care and Nursing Home Expo on the 17th & 18th March 2020 at the NEC, Birmingham to share with the industry how to successfully source, recruit and retain outstanding staff into the social care sector.

If you are fed-up of wasting money on recruitment, frustrated at the levels of high staff turnover and can’t find the right people with the right values then why not consider outsourcing your recruitment process to The Care Hub?

Sharing their years of experience in the care industry and more specifically a proven track record in improving the recruitment and retention of staff into the care sector, The Care Hub will be at stand H1134 to directly address the challenges most care providers struggle with.

The Care Hub will advertise your roles, screen and shortlist your applicants, manage your offers, process your DBS and reference checks, freeing you and your team up to focus on delivering outstanding care.

Aimed at both care home and domiciliary providers The Care Hub will leave delegates with actionable tips and advice that when put into action guarantees to help business growth and enable the switch from reliance on expensive agency staff.

In true Care Hub style the company’s Managing Director Scott Sherriden will be hands-on to answer direct questions, show you ways around bottlenecks and barriers, and share tactics for overcoming recruitment challenges.

If you can’t make it, don’t panic, you can still benefit from amazing advice by booking a free telephone consultation with Scott.

Contact The Care Hub today to find out how you can find the right care workers for your business Call 0330 335 8999 or email me on scott.sherriden@thecarehub.com

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CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

41

A year ago Lincolnshire’s nursing associates became the first in the UK to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s register. A new role designed to bridge the gap between social care workers and nurses, this group of skilled carers are already making an impact on the lives of others as Caring UK reports.

Nursing Associates celebrate a year of caring for others THIS group includes Emily Gillott, a nursing associate at Drovers Call Care Home in Gainsborough.

Last year, Emily graduated with a Nursing Associate Foundation Degree from the University of Lincoln, making her one of the first people to ever take on the role.

Originally a senior care assistant, Emily wanted to become more involved in the clinical side of care and says becoming a nursing associate has allowed her to explore this area while still working closely with people.

She said: “I wanted to develop my knowledge and being a nursing associate, I get the best of both worlds.

“I get to challenge myself with more clinical tasks, while still being able to spend time caring for others.”

“In the past year, nursing associates have become invaluable to the social care sector.”

The average day of a nursing associate can involve everything from taking an ECG to administering medication and dressing wounds, allowing registered nurses to handle more complex clinical tasks.

Emily hopes to continue growing her skills in 2020, and as the nursing associate role is still developing, she looks forward to where her career may take her.

She added: “At the moment I’m content with being in the role I am,

but eventually I’d like to become a registered nurse.

“I feel that nursing associates are a great asset to the nursing family and there is plenty of potential to develop your career.”

As well as a promising career in its own right, nursing associates can also progress onto graduate-level nursing and must adhere to the same code of conduct laid out by the NMC. Melanie Weatherley, chair of the Lincolnshire Care Association, believes nursing associates are not only an important addition to the NMC family, but also to social care.

She added: “In the past year, nursing associates have become invaluable to the social care sector.

“The role is bringing additional clinical skills to social care, but also includes spending hands-on, quality time with service users.

“This makes it a great option for senior social care staff who want to develop their career further.

“In the next year, nursing associates will continue to be valuable assets in caring for service users with increasingly complex needs.”

New initiative educates staff on care issues A NEW initiative at Airedale Nursing Home is helping to educate staff and residents on issues affecting the elderly.

The ‘Champions’ scheme sees teams combining personnel from all areas (including nurses, admin, kitchen, reception and maintenance) to produce an informative display each month around a variety of topics.

Subjects range from infection control to dementia; from diabetes to fire safety.

“As a team we are really passionate about the care and support of residents, relatives and friends,” said Maria Kopec, manager at Airedale.

“To enrich staff roles and support training and development, Champions were allocated to certain areas...the champions take pride in producing a display each month, which are invaluable learning, information zones for everybody.”

During the preparation period, staff discuss the subjects of their displays not only with residents in the home, but also with outside agencies in order to gain a better understanding of the subject matter. Occasionally, activities are also coordinated to fit the theme of each month’s display.

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Provider celebrates the talent and energy that apprentices bring to the workplace A SOCIAL care provider celebrated its dedicated apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week and urged more people to consider apprenticeships as a career option.

Optalis provides care and support services to older people and adults with disabilities across Berkshire.

This year’s campaign took the theme of ‘Look Beyond’ and aimed to encourage people to look beyond traditional routes into employment and explore the diversity of career options now available to them through apprenticeships.

As part of the campaign, Optalis shared its

Tanya Snooks

compelling stories to highlight the talent and energy that apprentices bring into the workplace.

One of these is Tanya Snooks, who is in the first of her three-year BSC Honours Social Work Degree Apprenticeship.

Tanya found out about the apprenticeship through the principal social worker at Optalis and expressed an interest. Six years on she attends Bucks New University once a week alongside working with the community team at Optalis to support adults with physical disabilities and long term health conditions and older people.

Tanya said she hopes to be a qualified social worker in the next two-and-a-half years and looks forward to her role developing, taking on safeguarding and Court of Protection work, with the vision of moving on to a more senior role to support others with similar career aspirations.

She added: “I have always wanted to do a social work degree since starting my job in the physical disabilities and older people team more than eight years ago. Doing the apprenticeship meant I could stay in the company doing a job I love.”

Another employee at Optalis, who has enrolled in an apprenticeship and is already gaining invaluable experience in the workplace is Amber Wickens, human resources assistant.

She worked in sales at a car dealership and, although she enjoyed it at the time, didn’t see any development opportunities. Amber then discovered Optalis, who has since helped her to become an HR assistant and supported her ambition of becoming a HR practitioner.

She added: “I like working here and my team are very supportive. It’s such a great organisation to grow in, there are always opportunities to get your

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Optalis prides itself on its in-house learning and development and offer a full programme of support for apprentices right through to aspiring managers as part of its development programme.

Jeannette Crisp, director of HR and corporate services, added: “Our apprentices fulfil a vital role in our organisation. We support and mentor and always encourage development and progression, so we are able to retain our talented workforce.

“Our vision is to create opportunities which have a positive impact on every person and community we operate in, providing innovative, safe services to our customers.”

In addition to hosting apprentices in services and supporting student placements from education establishments; Optalis is currently supporting 14 employees in their chosen apprenticeship. The apprenticeships range from HR to finance and health and social care to social work.

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ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING? New day centre and extra care homes to support older people

Page 48

Dr Sara Kayat attends care home opening

Page 49

Bristol opening is first of five for operator

Page 51

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CARE HOME SALES NATIONWIDE

Quartet of homes acquired in deal THE owner of an independent group of residential care homes has made four recent acquisitions in a refinance and funding deal backed by Allied Irish Bank (GB) in Nottingham.

Paul Nery started the Rose Care Group in 2012, growing to three care homes in the South West by 2015: Alphington Lodge, Exeter; Beechcroft Residential Home near Bath and The Homestead, Exmouth.

The four recent acquisitions to the group are the 24-room Wolborough Court and 30-room St Benets Court in Newton Abbot, 25-room Greycliffe Manor in Torquay and the 26-room Bishopsteignton House in Teignmouth.

A former strategy consultant, Paul left his career to look after his father in his old age. His experiences led him to seek a different path and enter the care industry.

He said: “What really drives me is the desire to treat our residents as

we would want our own mothers or fathers to be treated.

“Creating a home-from-home and a genuine family feel for our residents is absolutely essential, as is looking after our staff so that they’re happy in their work.”

Naomi Tudor of Shakespeare Martineau provided legal advice to Allied Irish Bank (GB).

Carol Noonan, relationship manager at Allied Irish Bank (GB) in Nottingham, added: “Paul and his team have built a high quality group of care homes which will be enhanced by these four acquisitions.

“His approach is to uphold the highest standards in a highly regulated sector, invest in his properties and support his registered managers and staff. We’re pleased to be able to back this latest stage of Paul’s growth aspirations and look forward to building on our relationship in the years ahead.”

Carol Noonan, relationship manager at Allied Irish Bank (GB), Nottingham with Paul Nery, managing director of Rose Care Group.

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to instruct of ownership, we chose sed that after 20 years . This was a very tory Rec Janet and I are so plea Old The of dle the discreet sale fessionally and Lamont Johnson to han ont Johnson handled pro us and one which Lam for n isio dec nal otio em with great sensitivity. r constant er so quickly, as was you found us a suitable buy out, what turned out ugh thro It was fantastic that you sale the of in dealing with all aspects suppor t and flexibility us all! for k, wee a s day 7 be to proved to phen Lopeman of Kuits, healthcare solicitor, Ste ist cial spe d nde me Your recom ss for Janet and I. relieved a lot of the stre be a massive help and we would have lism and personal touch, ch for your professiona be seriously y ma who er own Thank you both so mu to any nding Lamont Johnson me om rec in on itati no hes sale of their home. considering a discreet Kind regards

EASTBURY HOUSE LONG STREET SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3BZ Tel No: 01935 812132

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Selling a Care Home after 45 years is a difficult proposition. We have tried different agents over some years, and have had several people to view. But it was important to me to find the right person. And this is where you Grayson, and your wife Dawn excelled. It is rather like children and schools, horses for courses. You have the knack to successfully match buyer to seller, and with your larger than life personality, you lighten the situation and do not waste time sending unlikely prospective buyers.

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48

New day centre and extra care homes to support older people Resident helps to launch provider’s latest home A 106-year-old resident was the guest of honour recently at the opening of a new £8.5m Hallmark care home in Henley-on-Thames.

Eileen Symonds, the group’s oldest resident who lives at Kew House in Wimbledon, cut the ribbon in front of 150 interested guests as part of Henley Manor’s official launch.

Hallmark Care Homes’ managing director, Ram Goyal, said: “I am proud of everyone who has been involved in the building and opening of the care home, including the Savista Developments team and the team involved in the grand launch.

“We are looking forward to making Henley Manor a part of the community providing high-quality care for residents in the future, enabling them to live life to the full.”

As part of the 80-bed residential, dementia and nursing care home’s special event, guests were invited to view the home’s state-of-the-art facilities, which includes a cinema, luxurious hair salon, farmhouse kitchen, therapy room and café.

Other design innovations at the home include a walk-in therapy bath, a clubhouse which can be reserved for functions, and a sensory room to support people living with dementia.

Meanwhile outside there is a putting green, aviary, greenhouse, living wall and water wall surrounded by landscaped gardens.

The afternoon event which was attended by local businesses and care professionals alike was culminated by speeches, a ribbon cutting ceremony and buffet lunch.

PLANS to build 50 extra care homes, a new state-of-the-art day centre and community hub to support older people in the borough have been approved by Southwark Council’s planning committee.

The new four-storey building will be an extension to the current extra care services at Tayo Situ House in Peckham, which opened in 2016.

The community housing scheme was named after the late Mayor of Southwark and dedicated Peckham ward member Councillor Tayo Situ.

Coun. Situ was a Peckham councillor from 2002 up to his death in May 2011.

Councillor Johnson Situ, cabinet member for growth, development and planning, and one of Tayo’s sons, said: “It was a wonderful tribute to have the homes named after our father in the part of the borough that he loved and worked so hard for during his time as a Southwark councillor.

“It is especially fitting that those original flats and the new proposed ones aren’t just affordable, new council homes, but homes that have a special purpose – to help some of our older residents stay happier and healthier in their own home.

“I am pleased that this legacy is continuing with this fantastic new day centre and community hub that will provide services and help support some of the borough’s older and more vulnerable residents and their families.”

The centre, with technology to enhance the care and support offer to people with dementia and other complex needs, was originally proposed as part of the development in 2016. But when the building it was due to be housed in was found to be structurally unsound it was put on hold while it was demolished and the new plans drawn up for a new facility with the additional extra care housing – all at council rents.

Complete construction partner Stepnell has finished a new, high specification care facility in High Wycombe for the charity Royal Star & Garter, which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.

The £25m scheme offers award-winning nursing, dementia and therapeutic care in a welcoming and stimulating environment for the ex-service community and their partners. Stepnell’s Wantage team worked with Scurr Architects across an 83-week programme to create the four-storey facility that has already secured a prestigious BREEAM Excellent rating. The development provides accommodation for 74 residents, including purpose-designed dementia care for 30 service users, alongside communal facilities such as a large dining room, lounge, physiotherapy room, bar, hair salon and activity and training rooms.

Group acquires three homes SANDSTONE Care Group has acquired three facilities from Orchard Care Homes.

The North West homes are St Helens Hall and Lodge, Longridge Hall and Lodge and Fleetwood Hall.

The acquisition by Sandstone follows the decision last year by Orchard Care Homes to reduce its portfolio by around 25 per cent.

Sandstone Care Group was established last year. Its three directors, Ben Challinor, James Parkin and Richard Shore, have more than 50 years’ combined experience working in the industry.

The company has also this month opened its first purpose-built care

home in Newtown, Powys.

The 73-bed luxury nursing and residential facility offers the highest quality care for older people, including those with dementia.

Sandstone expects to acquire further homes during 2020 and is also considering additional sites for newbuild care facilities.

James said: “We are excited to have been able to add three of Orchard’s homes to our portfolio.

“Orchard has a similar commitment to ourselves to provide residents with the best possible care within a vibrant community setting.”

All Orchard staff are transferring across to Sandstone Care.

49

Dr Sara Kayat attends care home’s opening CLARIDGE Place – Sanders Senior Living’s care home near Solihull – hosted an official grand opening attended by TV doctor, Sara Kayat.

The 1920’s inspired event, with entertainment provided by live band The Gatsbys, was attended by hundreds of people, including members of the public, health and social care industry professionals, as well as other officials and partners linked to the new home.

Dr Sara Kayat, best known for her TV appearances on GPs: Behind Closed Doors and a regular medical expert on ITV’s This Morning, was invited to attend the home’s opening and provided an engaging, insightful talk about looking after our health and wellbeing as we grow older.

Home manager Clair Gurteen said: “It was an absolute joy to officially open Claridge Place. The home is beautiful, a stunning place for older people to live and I am pleased to have the most amazing team of people working here beside me to deliver high quality care and lifestyle choices.

“We have been overwhelmed with the number of people who have expressed an interest in living and working with us.”

Guests enjoyed guided tours of Claridge Place, showcasing the large suites, library, cinema, private dining,

Dr Sara Kayat with home manager Clair Gurteen and first resident Maria Pinto. bistro, lounge, café, salon and spa.

Director of commissioning and premium services, Peta Mandleberg, added: “It has been extremely exciting to open the second in the collection of Sanders Senior Living homes.

“The quality of these homes is second to none and Claridge Place really raises the bar for older living in Solihull. We look forward to welcoming many more people into Claridge Place. The turnout on the day to have a look around was inspiring.”

Taking part in the ribbon cutting ceremony was the home’s first permanent resident Maria Pinto, who made an unplanned speech on how welcomed and happy she felt.

Abergele care home sold DC Care has completed the sale of Dol Awel – a care home registered for 12 in Abergele, North Wales.

This sale has come full circle as DC Care sold the home in 2006 to the outgoing owner Wayne Harrison for an undisclosed amount.

He said: “I cannot recommend DC Care highly enough. They were lovely to deal with, always on the end of the phone and kept me updated from the minute they were instructed.”

The home is a second purchase for its new owner, who has another small care home in Colwyn Bay. Regional director Alison Willoughby appraised the business and senior negotiator Lisa Rushworth, managed

the sale transaction.

Alison added: “Smaller homes can be seen as challenging to sell, with some lenders reluctant to consider them.

“However, they can be an excellent addition to a portfolio, and in this case I’m sure Dol Awel will compliment their existing home. I am so pleased Lisa and I were able to meet Wayne’s expectations, both on value and on service.

“It’s something we always strive to do. We’d like to wish Mr Harrison a very happy retirement from the care industry, although we know he has a number of other business interests so will not be taking it easy.”

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SOLD

Dol Awel, Abergele, North Wales - Reg 12

Plas Newydd, Criccieth, North Wales - Reg 18

DC Care opens 2020 with a brace of successful sales in Wales!

When industry knowledge and wisdom are needed, when a discreet sale is desired, our clients choose DC Care to sell their healthcare business.

SALES | ACQUISITIONS | APPRAISALS | CONSULTANCY

01937 849 268

www.dccare.co.uk sales@dccare.co.uk

specialist healthcare business agents

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Broome End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex - Reg 35

New Care Sector Entrant Secures Sale of Broome End via DC Care DC Care is delighted to announce the successful sale of Broome End, an attractive care home registered for 35 residents within the categories of old age and dementia care, located in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

Broome End is highly regarded having collected several accolades, including "Care Home of The Year" and "Champion of Champions" at the 2019 Prosper Awards for Essex County Council. The business has been acquired by Mr Haris Khan, owner and operator of a healthcare recruitment agency in South West England, with Broome End marking his first care facility purchase.

The sale was managed by DC Care's Senior Sales Negotiator Michelle Natkus and Southern Region Director Andy Sandel, who facilitated a previous transaction for Broome End as part of a former Southern Cross care home portfolio, Andy summarised: "When the time was right for our vendor to consider a discreet disposal of Broome End, it was felt there would be strong interest from a wide variety of parties, as high-quality care facilities with outstanding profitability are that widely sought-after."

Michelle followed up on Andy's comments: "Andy and I would like to congratulate Mr Khan in his first care home acquisition. It demonstrates that opportunities still exist for new entrants looking to purchase a care facility, particularly those with the knowledge and experience required in the sector."

Haris Khan, Managing Director at Curaa Group Ltd added: "Broome End Care Home, Curaa's first acquisition, recently won Home of the Year at the Essex Care Sector Awards.

Thanks to our amazing team I have no doubt we can build on this momentum in 2020. We would like to thank Michelle Natkus of DC Care for using her insight into the care home market to help secure our first home."

When industry knowledge and wisdom are needed, when a discreet sale is desired, our clients choose DC Care to sell their healthcare business.

SALES | ACQUISITIONS | APPRAISALS | CONSULTANCY

01937 849 268

www.dccare.co.uk sales@dccare.co.uk

51

Bristol opening is first of five for operator CARE UK held a ceremony to mark the opening of a new care home in Bristol – the first of five it will open this spring.

Residents, team members and the community joined the mascot of the local rugby team at the launch of Trymview Hall, at a party that was also attended by children from the neighbouring Manor House Nursery.

The opening ceremony included the announcement of local hero winners, a competition which ran in the lead up to the home opening to recognise people who go above and beyond for their community.

Rose Pope was crowned the winner and presented with a prize by Care UK regional director Omar Taylor.

She was nominated for her work as a carer and for ensuring the people she looks after have active lives, this includes organising an annual group trip to Minehead for the past 21 years.

The celebration saw Brizzley Bear, alongside one of the first residents, Tom Fitzpatrick, join Rose to cut the ribbon to officially open the care home.

Home manager Pamela Arnsmeyer said: “Our launch party was a wonderful success and the perfect way to mark such an important moment for Trymview Hall.

“The local schools, businesses and neighbours have been so warm and

welcoming; we feel like we are already part of the community.

“We were delighted to have such honourable guests among us, and it was fantastic to see residents, team members, friends, family and locals all joining in the fun. It was truly a day to remember.”

Care UK will also be holding opening ceremonies at new homes it will be opening in Ashford in Kent, Hythe near Southampton, Chester and Bracknell between now and April.

The new care home in Bristol provides full-time residential and dementia care for up to 66 people and has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence.

The care home will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities and will include its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.

New entrant purchases award-winning home DC Care has completed the sale of Broome End, a care home registered for 35 residents within the categories of old age and dementia care, located in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

The home is highly regarded having collected several accolades including ‘Care Home of The Year’ and ‘Champion of Champions’ at the 2019 Prosper Awards for Essex County Council.

The sale was managed by DC Care’s senior sales negotiator Michelle Natkus and southern region director Andy Sandel, who facilitated a previous transaction for Broome End as part of a former Southern Cross care home portfolio.

Andy said: “When the time was right for our vendor to consider a discreet

disposal of Broome End, it was felt there would be strong interest from a wide variety of parties, as high-quality care facilities with outstanding profitability are that widely soughtafter.”

The business has been acquired by Haris Khan, owner and operator of a healthcare recruitment agency in South West England, with Broome End marking his first care facility purchase.

Michelle added: “Andy and I would like to congratulate Mr Khan in his first care home acquisition. It demonstrates that opportunities still exist for new entrants looking to purchase a care facility, particularly those with the knowledge and experience required in the sector.”

“Our fingerprints are all over every sale”.

Benefit f ro m t h e value of ex p e r i e n c e with a fully managed s e r v i c e f ro m b e g i n n i ng to end.

From corporate clients to private owners and charities, our experience provides the right advice and support throughout the deal process.

Whether acting for the seller or purchaser, our areas of expertise include: • Nursing and Residential Homes • Independent Hospitals • Specialist Care Homes Including Learning Disability & Mental Health • Children’s Services and Schools • Turn-key Developments • Vacant Properties • Land and Development Sites

Achieve the result you want and sell your care business confidentially.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SALES & ACQUISITION SERVICES

www.healthcarepc.co.uk

Tel: 01937 222107

enquiries@healthcarepc.co.uk

52

CARINGNEWS

Annual chef of the year and dining awards announced THE food and dining awards for 2019 have recently been presented to teams and individuals working in Care UK’s 120 homes.

Alex Wendling, head chef at Lennox House, was named Chef of the Year 2019 having been named runner-up the previous year.

Judges said that Alex continues to go from strength to strength in his delivery of excellent food for residents in the London home.

He said: “I was delighted when my name was called. I grew up and trained as a chef in France. I then moved to Sweden and worked in catering there before moving to the UK, and I think this has enabled me to bring a wide-ranging experience to the home.

“Our home is wonderfully diverse and I think I have been able to use the knowledge I gained, working in kitchens around London and beyond before joining Care UK, to create not just appetising choices, but also multi-cultural dishes that reflect the tastes and cultural heritage of our residents.”

His winning menu was a main course of succulent stuffed chicken thighs served with dauphinoise potatoes and winter vegetables followed by a rich dark chocolate

Alex Wendling with his winning menu (left) and the Best Dining Experience team from Mountfitchet House near Stansted. filo tart served with rum and vanilla Essex which had also been nominated prepared and appealing meals, so mascarpone. for the second year in a row. Judges they can look forward to mealtimes The three runners up were: said the Mountfitchet House team knowing that the food not only looks n Alex Millichamp from Chandler continue to deliver a luxury dining and tastes delicious, it also enhances Court in Bromsgrove. experience with a personal touch. their health and wellbeing. n Deborah Moran from Davers Court They praised the atmosphere and “Delicious, home cooked food is a in Bury St Edmunds. presentation of the dining rooms, key ingredient for enjoying life in the n Yavor Dimitrov from Highmarket which they said were welcoming, home, and our chefs prepare meals house in Banbury. and they applauded colleagues for made from the very best ingredients.

The Chef of the Year cook offs encouraging residents to take their “We cater for all tastes, diets and took place the summer and autumn time to enjoy both the food on offer cultural requirements, and there’s and were judged by experts in the and the social engagement. always plenty of choice. We also love hospitality sector and Care UK Home manager Allison Squire said: an excuse for a celebration, so they directors.

“The team involve the residents in also create special menus and treats The award for Best Dining designing the menu, which I know for calendar events such as Easter and Experience went to the team at everyone really appreciates. They Christmas, Chinese New Year or even Mountfitchet House, near Stansted in present our residents with fully Halloween.”

Group is first in area to introduce service Margaret Howl, right, and Sue Turner enjoy one of the monthly get-togethers.

Homes step up bid to confront loneliness

PEOPLE across the South who may be feeling lonely this winter are invited to join free monthly get-togethers featuring gentle company and conversation.

Twenty-one Colten Care homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex and Wiltshire are starting the Tea & Togetherness gatherings from this month.

They are part of a long-standing bid by the family-owned provider to help confront community loneliness.

The move follows the success of an initial monthly get-together which began last year at the group’s Bourne View facility in Poole.

It has continued to grow in popularity with more and more people from the community attending.

Mark Aitchison, Colten Care chief executive, said: “We want to build

on our success at Bourne View by introducing similar events for all the communities our homes serve.

“We’ve been making contact with people across the South through GP surgeries, churches and community facilities to help promote what we’re doing. We have always worked hard to help elderly people who may be at risk of feeling isolated - it’s not something new for us.

“But, equally, we know there is increasing awareness of the impact of loneliness on health and wellbeing and so we’ve stepped up our efforts to make a difference.”

Research by Age UK estimates there are 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK, with the number of over 50s experiencing loneliness set to reach two million by 2025/6 – a 49 per cent increase in 10 years.

A SCARBOROUGH care provider has become the first in the area to introduce a new telemedicine service designed to provide roundthe-clock access to clinical support and advice for its residents.

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group has introduced a new video-enabled clinical response telemedicine service at its three homes in Scarborough, in partnership with provider Immedicare.

Through the service, staff at the homes can access a highly-skilled multidisciplinary clinical team 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help them get advice and guidance on a resident’s medical condition.

Introduced with the support of the Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group the service is designed to give residents immediate video access to medical advice so that the homes can decide on the best course of action.

Managing director Mike Padgham said: “We are very pleased to be introducing this new telemedicine facility with Immedicare and the CCG and looking forward to the benefits it will bring to our residents, staff and local GP services.

“It will be a great aid to us in decision-making and getting expert medical opinion on the best way to care for a resident in each particular circumstance.

“Of course it will never replace the

moment when we need to call out a doctor or ambulance but it will certainly give us greater input in making those decisions.

“It always benefits the resident if they can remain in the home rather than be admitted to hospital unless it is truly necessary.

“We are very grateful to Immedicare, the CCG and North Yorkshire County Council for their support in introducing this new telemedicine and looking forward to working with it.”

The overall benefit of telemedicine is in giving care and nursing homes access to immediate clinical advice and reducing unnecessary ambulance call-outs, reduce in and out-of-hours GP visits and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

“We are confident this will assist us in providing the very best care for our residents and provide additional peace of mind to their relatives that we have access to the best clinical support and advice, round the clock,” Mike added.

Immedicare provides videoenabled clinical support to nursing and residential homes around the clock. It provides more than 30,000 digitally-delivered consultations a year. Some 60 per cent of these do not require any onward referral and in 90 per cent of cases residents remain in their homes after the consultation.

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

How the sector is benefiting from fresh perspectives?

MEET Qasim Bata. He’s living proof that new blood, innovative ideas and fresh insight can be transformative.

As an ACCA accredited professional, Qasim spent a decade working in financial services, which included four years at Deutsche Bank, before deciding to start a domiciliary care business.

He founded PBL Care five years ago with Mohammed Lalji, who serves as the agency’s registered manager.

Since then, their Birmingham-based business, which has won several awards, has gone from strength to strength.

In terms of scale, its 70 carers currently provide a variety of personcentred care services to 50 service users, which sees them carry out more than 70,000 monthly visits between them.

The wide range of care and support services that PBL care provides has been recognised both nationally and regionally.

Qasim says that recently his company was judged by Homecare. co.uk, the UK’s leading domiciliary care review website, “to be the highest-rated home care agency in Birmingham and Solihull”.

He notes that while working in the sector “is extremely rewarding”, it is also “very challenging”.

Qasim says that with the CQC

Qasim Bata expecting providers “to do more with less”, there’s more admin to complete than ever before. Equally, he adds that “it’s very difficult to keep track of a multitude of policies and procedures”.

In order to keep up with regulation, he uses software supplied by Quality Compliance Systems, a compliance management system which is currently being used by more than 4,000 care providers up and down the country.

Qasim said: “Although we’re growing rapidly, we simply can’t afford to

employ a specialist policy team to draft and update the many thousands of policies and procedures necessary to meet CQC standards.

“But by subscribing to QCS’s technology, we also get access to its policy team, who not only supply us with all the policies and procedures we need, but also provide us with real-time notifications whenever policies change.”

But what really makes the difference for Qasim is the enhanced level of engagement that QCS’ tailored suite of policies and procedures brings to his carers.

He added: “Carers who’ve come to us from other agencies often remark on how much easier it is to understand the policies that we use on a daily basis.

“Secondly, they love the fact they don’t have to hunt each individual policy down, extract them from an A4 file and print them out.

“Instead, all our staff, have access to the QCS app, which means they can access them digitally and seek out only the relevant part of the policy – as and when they require it.

“This enables them to provide person-centred care, which really improves our patient’s quality of life.”

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t obstacles. There are many, which staff working for PBL Care have to tackle

each day.

Take the challenge of overcoming language barriers between carer and service users, for instance.

Qasim says that many elderly service users have South Asian roots and some prefer to speak in Urdu, Hindi or Punjabi rather than English.

He added: “When English is not the first language, it’s vital that those we care for understand the policies and procedures in their care plan.

QCS is a great help to us in this respect, because it translates all the documentation into more than 100 languages.

“As a result, not only do service users benefit, but using technology to overcome the language barrier makes a massive difference to carers and families too.”

With the future looking bright, Qasim and his team, are looking to further expand the service this year, but not at the expense of high quality care, which he says “should always come first”.

“We also work with the NHS. We’ve just received an exemplary inspection and currently hold a five-star online NHS rating.

“However, our top priority this year is to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC. We’re very confident we can get there, especially with QCS giving us a helping hand.”

Preventing falls and enhancing safety with specialist bathroom solutions FALL prevention and enablement of safe transfers is an essential recognised criterion for any reputable healthcare provider.

An ageing UK population is now widely documented and conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, arthritis, and dementia that lead to limitations in physical and cognitive functioning, mean many care home and hospital residents are at risk of falling.

It is estimated that care home residents are three times more likely to fall than people living at home.

Additionally, the NHS state that: “Falls in hospitals are the most commonly reported patient safety incident with more than 235,000 falls reported in acute hospitals, community hospitals and mental health trusts in England annually”.

With a fall in a care home or hospital often preventing or delaying a patient’s return home, the impact can affect confidence and independence as well as physical and mental capabilities.

This is turn can lead to increased frailty, falls and fractures.

In fact, according to the NHS, falls are the most common cause of injury related deaths in people over the age of 75 and NICE estimates

that each year, almost a third of over 65s fall at least once with an estimated 500,000 fragility fractures.

CQC guidelines state that care providers must assess risks to health and safety during any care or treatment.

A fall is typically due to an identifiable ‘risk factor’– with the bathroom being one key area that care providers can tackle.

Many older people prefer to utilise a bath for washing and relaxation yet often lack the ability to do so safely and independently.

Muscle weakness, reduced stability and eyesight changes play a part in higher risk of falls especially within badly designed and ill-equipped bathrooms.

Slippery and uneven floor surfaces, toilets at the incorrect height, insufficient lighting, lack of safely secured handrails and ill-maintained transfer equipment such as wheelchairs and hoists, are just some of the risk factors.

To ensure fall reduction and enablement of safe moving and handling for dependent service users, care homes and acute care facilities are increasingly seeking to replace outdated and conventional bath and shower rooms with

suitably adapted wet rooms and accessible bathing facilities.

Specialist service providers such as Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms provide a proven range of assistive baths and specialist wet room equipment backed up with thorough care staff training and annual servicing packages.

Through its G360 solution services, Gainsborough covers every minute detail of bathroom planning and implementation from specialist anti-slip flooring, lighting for dementia clients, antimicrobial tiling grout for reduced infection control through to specialist bather transfer chairs and hoists.

The company also provides a high spec CGI visual design with greater realism and specification detail – so that all aspects of a new wet room or bathroom can be deemed accessible and safe for both bather and carer before any work commences.

Gainsborough believes it is of fundamental importance that the provision of suitable bathing facilities and specialist adaptations ensures safe and controlled moving and handling excellence and greatly reduces fall and injury risks.

It recognises that increasing

number of care facilities are adopting single-handed care procedures to effectively deal with staff recruitment challenges and budget efficiencies.

Hence its user-friendly bathing solutions include powered and ergonomic assistive equipment, such as height-adjustable baths and powered bath seats which can be easily and safely accessed by service users in order to maximise independence, while room designs allow for ample wheelchair and hoist access and 360-degree bath access for carers.

In its ‘Care homes and equipment’ guide 2019, The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) states: “The right piece of equipment can make a life changing impact to a person’s life in a care home.”

The prevention of falls and enablement of safe moving and handling capabilities in healthcare provisions, care homes and hospitals, can and should be supported by the provision of specialist equipment to enable risk reductions for both service users and carers.

Call 01527 400 022 or visit www.gainsboroughbaths.com

53

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

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Logical progression

Home’s five-star solution to achieving resident dignity and independence A FIVE-star rated care home is adopting an innovative approach to enabling its residents to retain their dignity and independence.

Rough Lee in Accrington caters for people with disabilities who need 24-hour support. Its ethos is to encourage independence and choice wherever possible. Thus it is built on one level to encourage ease of movement around the premises and grounds, and is optimising its use of assistive technology.

To this end, it has had a Closomat Palma Vita wash dry/ shower toilet installed in one of its en-suite wetrooms. It brings the total number of Closomats that the home has to five: to date, three in appropriate en-suites – personalised to individual resident’s needs – and one in each of the communal bathrooms on each of the home’s two corridors.

More are planned.

Looking like – and capable of being used as – a conventional WC, the Closomat has integrated washing and drying functions. There is no need, if chosen, for the user to wipe or be wiped clean.

“I’m surprised more care homes don’t have them,” said manager Andrea Buckley. “We are in the process of an ongoing upgrade of the 17 bedrooms; we’d like to fit Closomats in every en-suite where the residents can use them.

“It’s about dignity and independence, so, where appropriate, residents can ‘go’ without staff support. Most of the residents use the ones in the communal bathrooms: they like that the WC washes and dries them, they feel clean, without having to rely on our staff.”

Among the existing Closomats, Rough Lee has specified additional accessories where required: one features integrated fold-away arms, to give the resident enhanced leverage and support if needed.

Closomat’s Palma Vita is unique in this ability to accessorise to accommodate individual needs, be it initially or retrospectively. Options include supports, seats, operating devices, and height adjustability.

Enquiries: Call 0161 969 1199, visit www.closomat.co.uk or email info@closomat.co.uk

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ACCOUNTANCY SAVVY!

Our goal is to work with you to carefully assess your personal or business requirements with the ultimate aim of reducing your tax liability – evaluating your needs and offering expert advice where and when you need it in a professional albeit informal environment.

THE world of technology is an ever changing landscape and successful care home environments will always embrace and evolve with it.

Technological developments are unveiled at an extraordinary rate and many of these are being adapted to benefit both health and care markets.

Smart devices including mobile phones and tablets have become an indelible fixture in our daily lives and can now bring a whole host of benefits to care home managers, carers and owners. Apps provide enhanced capabilities in care home management, resident plans and even nurse call systems.

Care homes that embrace new technologies find staff have more time to do their jobs and care for the residents, rather than getting bogged down by administerial tasks that detract from their principal duties.

Staff can receive real-time alerts, deliver faster response times and update care plans on the move. The data that can be compiled using these technologies can be analysed and used to tweak care plans and identify areas where time could be better allocated.

In addition to the smart phone revelations, artificial intelligence technologies such as Acoustic

Monitoring are becoming more prevalent. Acoustic Monitoring is now actively accredited with improving residents’ nights and encourage better sleep.

This lends itself to the residents having better days which, in turn, means that staff have better and more productive days. Acoustic Monitoring results in up to 60 per cent fewer nightly disturbances for the residents which leads to up to 70 per cent fewer nightly visits by caring staff. That can, in turn, free up 40 per cent of staff’s time during the night so they can get on with other duties.

The future is a world with quieter and calmer care homes, which can only be a benefit to all, and the combination of smart solutions such as Acoustic Monitoring and mobile app technology is a logical progression towards that.

The Dementia Care and Nursing Expo 2020 at the NEC in March offers an ideal opportunity for visiting care home managers and owners to explore and try out these emerging technologies. Only by talking to the manufacturers about how these sorts of solutions can be deployed will they learn about the benefits to their residents, coupled with the cost and time savings that are available.

Portal hosts firm’s social care courses CareTutor is the new, interactive video-based eLearning portal, which hosts all of the award-winning and accredited social care courses from BVS Training.

CareTutor offers the best in social care eLearning, offering high-quality, cost-effective video-based training, giving your staff the skills your organisation needs.

Where other providers offer textbased eLearning, CareTutor is the only provider to offer interactive, video-based training courses to the social care sector.

Not only is our content more engaging and effective, we are matching low-quality text-based eLearning providers on price – from 45p per user, per month.

With more than 45 professional video courses available (and more

coming soon), CareTutor has all the courses you need to train your staff to the highest possible standards.

CareTutor features: n Full traffic light-based training matrix and reporting. n Courses meet care certificate, AWIF, Scottish and NI care standards. n High-quality videos with professional actors and modern, real-life care home and home care locations. n Courses produced with the support of leading UK social care consultants. n Peer reviewed by organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society, SCIE and Boots the Chemist.

With our unique understanding of the Care Home Business, we can assist in the following ways:

• Start-up business advice • Advice & assistance with the purchase or sale if applicable.

• Tax • Preparation and analysis of financial statements.

• Bookkeeping and payroll services • Sales invoice preparation and monthly analysis for credit payments • Tax planning strategies.

• Understanding service user funding • VAT (if applicable) • Business succession planning.

JER ACCOUNTS SERVICE

7 St Pauls Yard, Silver Street, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 0EG tel: 01908 210666 Email:jane@jeras.org.uk mobile: 07956 917591

Beaucare launch CareClean™

BEAUCARE® Medical announces the launch of their CareClean™ premium concentrated laundry range, the new lines include bactericidal laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, destainer and sanitiser dedicated for use in professional environments including the care industry.

The range is a cost effective solution which incorporates a powerful bactericidal action, along with the capability to work at low temperatures and deal with severe soilage problems.

The detergent incorporates a spring fragrance

for long lasting freshness.

All of the range is designed for use through Beaucare’s automatic dosing machines, ensuring ease of use for the care home laundry staff.

They are available in 20, 10 and five-litre durable plastic tubs with secure screw lids for safe storage.

Full product information literature is available on the range.

Enquiries: For further details on the CareClean™ Laundry, contact the sales team on 01423 878899.

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01527 400 022

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© Gainsborough Healthcare Group. 10 & 11 The Oaks, Clews Road, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 7ST.

DESIGNED WITH CARE IN MIND

To find out more call: 01924 868 470 For more information visit: www.shackletonsltd.co.uk