Caring UK May 2013 by Script Media

May 2013

incorporating

no.204 • £4.75

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Leaders back call for rating system return By Dominic Musgrave THE industry has welcomed the findings of a report which has called for a return of a rating system for care homes. The Nuffield Trust was commissioned by Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt MP last November to review whether ‘Ofsted-style’ performance ratings of provider performance should be used in health and social care. Chief executive Dr Jennifer Dixon said the analysis in the ‘Rating providers for quality: a policy worth pursuing?’ report suggests a gap has arisen in information for the public since quality ratings were abolished. She added: “The information that does exist is spread across a number of sources, which may reduce its impact and use by the public. One aggregate, comprehensive rating of providers may provide more clarity and simplicity for the public, especially if it came from one ‘official’ trusted source.” RNHA chief executive Frank Ursell supported the report’s findings, but he did have concerns about the CQC’s role in running it. He added: “Whilst we can see why the Nuffield Trust has suggested that the CQC should be the body that runs the new system – a

proposal the Health Secretary appears to have accepted – we can perhaps be forgiven, on the basis of the CQC’s past performance, for having reservations on that score. “It should be borne in mind that the CQC swiftly and rather unceremoniously abolished the ratings system that the previous regulator had introduced. We hope that the creation of the post of chief inspector of social care to oversee a new system, albeit presumably under the umbrella of the CQC, will overcome our past disappointments.” Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of ECCA, also welcomed the possibility of new ratings. He added: “Nuffield rightly reflects that there is a real desire for quality ratings in social care. We regret the speed with which the former star ratings system for social care was discarded and the gap in knowledge that this has left for people seeking care services. “A national and independent approach to the assessment of quality, over and above essential standards, is necessary and can be used by state commissioners and individuals and their families alike. We hope the government will respond with a strong vision for the future on care quality.”

Painting stars at antiques event

Former cricket umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird MBE OBE unveiled a plaque to officially open a new £5m care home in his home town of Barnsley. Silk Healthcare’s Mapplewell Manor is a purpose-built, new residential 83-bed care home and senior day centre specialising in dementia care. The new facility will create approximately 90 full and part-time jobs to the area over the coming months. The majority of the funding to support the construction was provided by RBS, with a £500,000 grant coming from the Government's £1bn Regional Growth Fund.

STAFF and residents at a Norfolk care home welcomed over 50 people as they threw the doors open for their annual ‘Antiques Roadshow’. Mayor of Attleborough Samantha Taylor was guest of honour for the event at Brooklyn House, with the star item on the day belonging to the home’s manager Sarah Taylor, who discovered that a painting bought at a car boot sale could be worth a considerable amount of money. “I couldn’t believe the valuation,” she said. “My Mother bought the painting a few years ago. I just brought it in to get the day going, so to get that valuation was a very pleasant surprise. “Our residents and their relatives loved seeing the expert valuers in action. It is so important to everyone at Brooklyn House that the home plays an active part in local life, so we always enjoy hosting these events.” A similar day is planned in October.

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Home renamed after months of threats By Dominic Musgrave A SALISBURY care home has been renamed after suffering months of threats by email and telephone. Caring Homes’ Winterbourne Care Centre has been renamed Laverstock Care Centre after people incorrectly thought it was the infamous South Gloucestershire service which was shown on BBC’s Panorama programme. Following a recent CQC inspection, it met all of the five relevant standards. Winterbourne View in Bristol, the home at the centre of the abuse scandal, has been closed down and six care workers jailed after an undercover reporter secretly filmed support staff slapping patients, pinning them under chairs and giving them cold punishment showers. Laverstock manager Helen Pessell said that, following a second programme, the group felt it was left with no choice but to change the name and draw a close to the false association. The new name was decided through a staff competition run at the home. She added: “The past 18 months have been challenging at times, but we are hoping this will draw a line under that period, and we are all looking forward to a new era as Laverstock Care Centre. “We decided to choose our receptionist

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Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Reporter: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463

Laverstock Care Centre manager Helen Pessell with Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor John Collier. Sandra Pentelow’s entry of ‘Laverstock Care Centre’ from the shortlist as it perfectly reflects the home’s history of, and ongoing intention to, play an active role in local life.” The renaming was marked with a ceremony for the community led by Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor John Collier. Residents and staff at the centre, which provides residential, nursing and special-

ist dementia care for up to 80 people, were joined by friends, relatives and members of the local community to usher in a new era for the home. Special guests at the renaming ceremony included Elizabeth Bartlett, who works closely with the home as an independent dementia consultant. She gave a talk on ‘Living life with dementia at Laverstock Care Centre’.

Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 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. You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk

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Ex-home owners prosecuted after resident’s death

Resident Molly Grace spots her childhood photos with Lifelines manager Anna Richmond.

Site hosts heritage exhibition A RARE art display depicting the history of the Tarner region in Brighton has become the centre piece of a heritage exhibition being held at an extra-care housing estate in the town. Dozens of guests joined residents from Hanover Housing Association’s Patching Lodge and beneficiaries of Community Service Volunteers’ Lifelines project as they took a journey back in time to learn about the joys and sorrows of life in Tarner

from the Great Depression of the 1930’s to the present day. The exhibition was formed when Hanover support assistant Caroline Carter realised that Tarners had a rich and vibrant history after speaking to Patching Lodge resident Molly Grace. “The exhibition has so far proved to be a huge success,” said Caroline. “I couldn’t have pulled this it off without the help and support of CSV older volunteers and staff from the Lifelines project.”

THE former owners of a Buckinghamshire care home have been sentenced for serious safety failings after a frail 76-year-old woman died following a fall from a hoist. The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted Ashbourne Group UK Ltd, part of Southern Cross Healthcare, which owned the Lakeside Care Centre in Aylesbury at the time of the incident on December 25, 2010. The Southern Cross Group went into administration in July 2011. Aylesbury Crown Court was told that Barbara Kilty, who had been resident at the home for more than three years, slipped from her wheelchair after she was transferred from her bed using a hoist. She broke her hip as a result of the fall but the incident was not reported within the care home. Ten days after the incident Barbara was sent for an X-ray after she continued to show distress on being moved and even though an initial medical examination had found no injury. The widow and mother of six was eventually taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital 17 days later and had an

operation to correct her hip fracture. She died shortly after the operation. The court heard how HSE's investigation found that the risk assessment, equipment and procedures for safely moving and handling residents at the care home were not suited to the needs of an immobile and dependant resident such as Barbara. Ashbourne Group UK Limited, whose address was given care of its Administrators in Glasgow, was found guilty of breaching Section 3(1) of the Heath and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Judge Mr Recorder Laird QC said: “The company are in liquidation and have no assets. Any fine the court could impose would therefore be meaningless. “The standards at Lakeside Care Centre were woefully inadequate. Had Ashbourne Group UK Limited still been trading I would have imposed a fine of £100,000. “However, because the company has no assets I impose a nominal fine of £1.” The Lakeside Care Centre in Aylesbury is now in the hands of new owners.

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Students add colour to the boring wall with their eye-catching mural.

Students transform outlook for city residential home By Dominic Musgrave STUDENTS from the University of Bristol have transformed the outlook for residents at a Clifton care home, painting an eye-catching mural to brighten up an otherwise boring wall. Staff at Carlton Mansions already had a good relationship with student volunteers and decided to ask the University of Bristol Students’ Union for their help in creating a fun scene. The Painting and Decorating Society stepped up to the challenge, initially

finding out what residents wanted and then dedicating a total of 25 hours to complete the project – even braving the snow and freezing temperatures. Final year anatomy student Nicola Chivers, 21, who coordinated the project, said: “We spoke to residents about what they wanted to see and came up with the final design, which incorporated iconic images of Bristol such as the ss Great Britain, hot air balloons and the Suspension Bridge. “The initial plan was to finish the

mural during Volunteering Week in February but the weather was just awful so we had to find time in between the snow, rain and deadlines. We’re so pleased with the final result and all the residents have been so enthusiastic, each having their own favourite part of the mural. It was lovely to do it for them.” The University of Bristol Students’ Union was able to secure some funding for the cost of materials. Jemma Harford, community engagement coordinator for UBU,

said: “We already have groups of student volunteers going into the home to befriend residents and provide musical entertainment, so we were delighted that they came to the Students’ Union first for help. “We contacted our Painting and Decorating Society and asked them if they would like to coordinate the job and they jumped at the task. “ We have such a talented pool of students at Bristol who are only too willing to give up their free time to give back to the community.”

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PM lends support to Nutrition Day By Dominic Musgrave

A care-at-home provider which has been operating for less than 18 months is in contention for a regional award for providing excellent customer care. Bluebird Care in Swindon is in the running for the customer and staff care award at the annual Wiltshire Business Awards. Ben Curtis, managing director of the fledgling company, said: “We’re very proud to have reached the final of the Wiltshire Business Awards, especially as we are a relatively new company. We are growing steadily and I think this is because we place great emphasis on providing a good, old-fashioned service.” Ben is pictured with Bluebird Care Swindon care manager Christine Simpson.

PRIME Minister David Cameron lent his support to the recent nutrition day staged jointly by the Hospital Caterers Association and the National Association of Care Catering. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the importance of good nutritional care, which includes hydration, in all social and health care settings throughout the UK. In a letter to the associations, the Prime Minister strongly acknowledged the HCA and NACC campaign. He wrote: “I am happy to lend my support to your campaign which complements the Government’s own efforts to ensure good nutritional care. “Individuals, carers and professionals all have roles to play in ensuring good nutrition and hydration. “The changes to the health system, with a greater focus on healthcare outcomes, strategic oversight by health and wellbeing boards at the local level and a leading role for local authorities in public health, present an opportunity to ensure that the causes and consequences of malnutrition are addressed by the whole system.” The day focused on providing vital advice and guidance to health and

social professionals on the action that can be taken to help prevent undernutrition and dehydration in the future. The overall aim of Nutrition Day was to illustrate how, by making positive changes to eating and drinking habits, people can improve their quality of life. Karen Oliver, chairman of the NACC, said: “It’s important to understand how much food and fluid is required on a daily basis, how this can be increased and what good practices to follow are. “I call upon all involved in social and health care to play their part in helping us to promote this vital element of good nutritional care up and down the country. “Many social and health care staff are in a position to help monitor the health of older people and it is vital we ensure they have the awareness and tools to provide the care our vulnerable patients and service users deserve.” The HCA and NACC provided information and supporting materials which can be used to promote good practice for all those working in these settings. These can also be used to highlight to patients and customers the dangers of becoming malnourished or dehydrated and how to avoid suffering from these conditions.

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Tony Banks, chairman of Balhousie Care Group, with Maddy Halliday, director Scotland of the Stroke Association.

Marcella Field

Bond ball raises £25,000 Second for Marcella A SPECTACULAR night of James Bond, martini and explosions organised by Balhousie Care Group raised £25,000 for the Stroke Association. Around 250 guests attended the annual charity ball, held at Fingask Castle in Rait, Perthshire, which paid tribute to 50 years of James Bond. The proceeds from the ball have been handed over to the Stroke Association, marking the launch of its new fundraising partnership with the care group, which cares for up to 1,100 people in 27 homes. Tony Banks, chairman and founder, said: “We are over the moon to have raised so much money at our first fundraiser for our new chosen charity, the Stroke Association, which has close links with Balhousie Care Group as we care for many people who have had strokes and understand the chal-

lenges they can face. “The charity’s aim is to support people and enable them to live as meaningful a life as possible, which is very closely aligned to our own. “We can see many benefits to working closely with the Stroke Association and continuing to raise money to fund research into strokes and encouraging prevention and cures.” The partnership between the charity and Balhousie Care Group will include awareness raising and training for staff to help them better understand the effects of a stroke. A raffle and auction, compered by Grant Stott, included a set of Ultimo underwear signed by Mel B and a special lunch at the House of Lords with Downtown Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.

A SANCTUARY Care chef has had a taste of success by scooping second place at a prestigious regional cookery competition. Marcella Field, chef manager at Watlington and District Care Home in Watlington, Oxfordshire, competed with six other chefs in the South East regional final of the National Association of Care Catering’s care cook of the year competition. The challenge was for chefs to produce a nutritionally balanced menu that was suitable for a care home setting, comprising of a main course and pudding. The dishes were judged on a range of factors, including creativity, cost and flavour. Marcella served up a main course

of chicken Wellington served with seasonal vegetables, dauphinoise potatoes and a rich chicken jus. This was followed by a rhubarb and ginger syllabub with a tuile biscuit. She said: “This competition is a great way to showcase that the food care catering teams prepare is high quality, fresh and homecooked. “I was thrilled to get through to the regional finals and enjoyed every minute of the experience. While I would have loved to win I’m so pleased to have come second – it makes me even hungrier for next year’s competition.” The competition takes place annually at sponsor Unilever Food Solutions’ head office in Surrey.

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Crufts debut for therapy dog Jessie A FORMER rescue dog that provides happiness to pet loving residents at a Wellingborough care home took centre stage at prestigious show Crufts. Jessie, a five-year-old black Labrador, is a regular at Lancum House offering comfort and company to its residents, many of whom have dementia. Jessie, a member of national charity Pets as Therapy, made her debut at the world’s biggest dog show representing the charity and took part in a PAT dog parade in the Good Citizens ring. She was also on the Young Kennels Club stand on behalf of the charity to encourage child and dog interaction. Michelle Johnston, activity coordinator at the Shaw Healthcare owned home, said: “Pets are very therapeutic particularly to elderly people. “Many of our residents had pets before they came to Lancum and are used to having animals around them. “They pet and stroke Jessie and make a real fuss of her. It relaxes them, encourages conversation and really lifts the mood.”

Wonder Wagon transports musical joy to residents By Dominic Musgrave THE wonders of Wrexham and music have been prescribed to schoolchildren and residents of a care home by Dr Song. Youngsters from the town’s Victoria CP School joined with residents of Pendine Park’s Hillbury House care home for the performance by the musician – otherwise known as composer Stacey Blythe. The bi-lingual hands-on event, in the home’s chapel, was part of Welsh National Opera’s Wonder Wagon initiative, part of the WNO’s Singing Doctors project. Photos of the residents and youngers, posing in picture frames, will go on display in the town later this year as part of the project. Sarah Edwards, Pendine Park's artist in residence, said:” These workshops are very fulfilling for those who live at the home, and enriching for their lives. We know making music is very popular with the residents. “Both the residents and the children had their photos taken within the picture frames, and they were asked to suggest their own wonders of Wrexham. “One resident said St Giles (one of the seven Wonders of Wales) while another said she was the Wonder of Wrexham herself.”

Dr Song, Stacey Blythe entertains Pendine Park’s Hillbury House care home residents and youngsters from Victoria School. The youngsters, aged six and seven from the school’s Year Two, spent time with the WNO’s Singing Doctors project manager Ruth Evans to try out different instruments, dress up, wear masks and to talk about the Wonders of Wrexham, before posing for photos. Then they joined the elderly residents to create a musical work together, under the guidance of Dr Song, playing instruments such as drums, tambourines and even triangles.

Stacey, who brought along her harp, accordion and a host of instruments for the residents to play, said: “These sessions are some of the most special workshops that I have been involved in. “I am constantly surprised by the reaction for the residents – the power of music to move them is so beautiful. “I find there is a special interaction between the residents at the sessions – people are very surprising with the music they can create together.”

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Tracey Ord and Lindsey Cleary.

Awards celebrate care stars TWO members of staff at a North East care home have been recognised for their hard work and dedication. Care UK’s Church View facility’s assistant chef and laundry assistant Tracey Ord scooped the customer service accolade at the Sunderland Echo Best of Health Awards, while senior care assistant, Lindsey Cleary was a finalist in the carer of the year category. Tracey said: “I felt really honoured to have been nominated for this award and felt proud and privileged to have won. “I have been working at Church View for two years now and I love it. I love the residents and the people I work with too. “I really wasn’t expecting to win –

you expect to see people who work in hospitals to win – but I have won and I am so happy.” Both were nominated for the awards by administrator Leesa Tallon. She said: “I nominated Lindsey for the award because of her drive to go the extra mile to ensure everyone is well cared for. “She works very hard with people with communications problems so that she can ensure they have what they want and that their care plans reflect them as individuals. “I nominated Tracey for the customer service award because she understands that true dignity starts with choice and she works hard to ensure that residents get the food they enjoy.”

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Programme is launched by Minister MINISTER for Care and Support Norman Lamb launched a new national support programme for registered managers during a visit to a Castleford care home. The MP unveiled the scheme at Ideal Homes’ Newfield Lodge. The intention is to build practice and leadership amongst home managers, to strengthen the pipeline of talent in the sector and to drive up the quality of care and support. Norman said: “I am pleased to be launching this key initiative and having a local network for home managers which this support programme will facilitate, will make a massive difference.” The programme is based around four key themes: Putting values into practice: building practical support and engagement among registered managers at local and regional level. Gathering and disseminating information, including around values-based recruitment. Engaging with employers. Promoting the idea of registration and/or accreditation.

Homes put the kettle on to help tackle loneliness By Dominic Musgrave MORE THAN 300 Bupa care homes across the UK opened their doors to offer a warm welcome to older people in the community who were in need of a little company. Following recent reports highlighting the problem of loneliness among older people who live on their own, staff and residents at Bupa’s care homes put the kettle on for special Communi-tea parties as part of Communi-tea Week – a nationwide campaign which uses teathemed social events to help tackle the problems of isolation and loneliness in older people. Bupa’s care homes held fundraising activities, such as raffles and cake stalls at their Communi-tea parties to raise money for the WRVS, a national charity which aims to help older people remain independent in their own homes and active in the local community. Siobhan Drane, Bupa Care Homes’ community partnerships manager, said: “Loneliness amongst older people living on their own is far too common as they struggle to get around as easily and become more dependent on others visiting. “This was a great opportunity for them to have a natter and a bit of fun with people from their local area,

Tim Brookes, who heads up catering services at Bupa Care Homes, enjoys Communi-tea Week with Bupa Care Homes’ community partnerships manager Siobhan Drane. both young and old – and in addition it raised valuable funds for a charity which works to keep this problem at bay.” Tea party guests were also treated to cherry Bakewell cupcakes, which were the winning entry in the recent

Bupa Bake Off, a national competition to find the official Communi-tea Week sweetbake. The competition, which was hosted by well-known TV baker Brendan Lynch, proved popular, attracting entries from around Great Britain.

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Residents in the newly opened convenience shop.

New shop helps residents step back in time By Dominic Musgrave

VISITORS to a newly opened shop at a Chessington care home may well feel like they have stepped back in time as the walls are covered with 1950s posters, sweets are crammed into see-through jars and weighing scales are on show – even the cold counter is laid out on a marble surface. The 1959 inspired convenience shop inside Amy Woodgate Resource Centre for dementia sufferers has combs, hair nets, old school chocolate bars and all things reminiscent of yesteryear for sale. Handyman Tony O’Gorman, who built the shop, said: “I am really pleased with it. “There’s a few bits I still need to sort out but it’s pretty much finished. I might add a postbox outside the shop. “The residents that have seen it are impressed. It is a bit embarrassing how lovely everyone is being.” Claire Windsor, activities co-ordinator at the centre, said: “It is a shop but also a room to reminisce in.

Residents can just go in to have a wander around – not even to buy anything. This is somewhere to get a chocolate bar or even some bubble bath. Residents can shop without going to the supermarket, which is big and busy. It is empowering for them to make their own decisions.” Many of the shop’s products have been ordered from the internet or have been donated and have a likeness in appearance to the packaging from many of the residents’ younger years. Resident and dementia sufferer Lola Myers, who will be running the shop, said: “I am an old girl and have been around a long time. I am looking forward to running the shop and having a chat.” The grandmother-of-five who has been in the West End and owned her own beauty shop also said she would not get confused about the decades as the shop is much smaller than the grand ones from her day. Have you done something similar at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

Andy Long, Sainsbury’s Golders Green store manager (left) together with Azhar Iqbal, deputy store manager and Ronnie Lutalo, customer assistant, presented Ben Morrison (second from left), Jewish Care’s assistant director of fundraising and marketing with a cheque for £699.17. £449 was raised in store through activities relating to the recent Purim festivities and £250 was a Sainsbury’s community grant. The money will enable Jewish Care’s Selig Court residents to buy items for their coffee mornings.

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Provider launches accolade A DOMICILIARY care provider has launched a new award recognising those people whose second nature is to make time for others or go the extra mile to lend a helping hand. Primary Care’s ‘Big Heart’ follows a positive response to an appeal the company made at Christmas time for everyone to spare a thought for their neighbour, especially if they are older or infirm, and be a friend. Director Natalie Emmerson said: “We know from research that the elderly feel invisible in our youthfocused culture, yet they have had the most amazing life experiences. “They value their independence, but just need a little more help than they used to. There are many people out there who look beyond age and appearance and think of the person; we want to honour them.” Through this award Primary Care want to encourage greater neighbourliness. The award is open to everyone – men, women, teenagers and children – and nomination forms can be downloaded from the company’s website.

Residents making memories with community art project By Dominic Musgrave RESIDENTS at a newly-opened Sanctuary Care home, school children and Iffley residents are creating history with a piece of community artwork. Poet Mike Garry has written a poem which is being transformed into a mosaic thanks to artist Amanda McCrann, which will be embedded into the gardens of Iffley Residential and Nursing Home. The artwork was commissioned by Seddon Construction Ltd – which built the home on behalf of Sanctuary Group – as part of the planning process. Having worked closely with Oxford’s The Isis Academy and St Gregory the Great Catholic School – the students from which provided ideas which helped shape the poem and mosaic – local residents visited the Sanctuary Care home to add tiles to the mosaic with the home’s own residents Sheila Jillings and Charles Clapton. Rita Harris, regional manager for Sanctuary Care, said: “It makes me feel very proud that our residents have had the opportunity to contribute to this magnificent piece of history, which will be in the grounds of our home for them, their loved ones and the people of our

Residents Sheila Jillings and Charles Clapton with artist Amanda McCrann and poet Mike Garry. community to admire both now and for years to come.” When complete the mosaic will form a two-metre circular tiled piece, which will include the main body of the poem entitled ‘Warm Rays of Sun Amidst Cool Falling Rain’. It will be surrounded by six smaller one-metre circles which will contain

the remaining stanzas and will be surrounded by visual borders, depicting patterns inspired by Iffley. It will be placed in the grounds of the home, which opened in January, as a permanent piece of artwork. Iffley Residential and Nursing Home has 76 en-suite bedrooms, including rooms for couples.

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Project helps Gemma switch careers from hair to care By Dominic Musgrave

A SWANSEA woman has switched careers from hair to care with the help of the South West Workways project. Gemma Pritchard, who had always wanted to work in the hair and beauty industry as a teenager, realised she was on the wrong career path and has now landed a job at Sketty’s Old Vicarage Nursing Home after being unemployed for a year. The project provides support to help people overcome the barriers which prevent them from finding work. Participants, who choose to take part in the project, are helped with job applications, CVs, interview techniques, personal development and access to training. South West Workways referred Gemma onto a number of courses and she carried out a voluntary placement with Fforestfach Day Centre, where she helped adults with learning difficulties. It was this experience that helped Gemma decide that the care industry was the right choice for her. She then landed a temporary job at The Old Vicarage that’s now become permanent. Gemma said: “I’d been in college studying hair and beauty for three

Gemma Pritchard years but had decided it wasn’t the career for me. “I was on the dole for nearly a year, had no experience of anything else and didn’t know what to do. “Having a job has made a big difference. I’ve got more confidence and I now feel that I’m good at something. If I hadn’t had help from Workways, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity.” Cheryl Hicks, matron at The Old Vicarage, said: “Gemma has fitted in really well with the rest of the team. She is conscientious and hard working – she’s definitely the right person

for the job.” Workways, backed with £12.6 million from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, is led by Neath Port Talbot Council in collaboration with Swansea Council, Carmarthenshire Council and Pembrokeshire Council. Participants are also sometimes matched with local employers to help them gain the experience needed to find long-term employment. During temporary job opportunities, participants are paid at least the national minimum wage.

Firm finds novel way to interact

A FORWARD-thinking housing and social care provider has launched a novel way of interacting with people who use or are interested in its services. Bield has commissioned video profiles of key staff talking about their role and their favourite part of working for Bield, as well as an initial portfolio of videos to showcase some of its services. Chief executive Brian Logan said the gallery of videos on YouTube will allow them to speak more directly to people about the services and care they provide across each of their 170 locations across Scotland. He added: “The videos are a fantastic way for us to interact with anyone that either uses our services or wants to know more about Bield. But specifically, they provide an engaging and accessible means to both see and hear exactly from key staff who run Bield.” In the video each staff member discusses the role they play at Bield and what their favourite part of working for the company is. The first series of 10 videos on the YouTube channel also includes films of three of Bield’s care homes and services.

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Lucy runs in London Marathon A CORNISH care home worker has run her first London Marathon to raise funds for a disabled children and adults' charity. Lucy Clark-Pickering is the activities co-ordinator at Breage House, a specialist care home operated by Swallowcourt, and ran the marathon in aid of Phab, a national charity which brings people with and without physical disabilities together on equal terms and encourages integration within communities. With over 200 clubs across the country, including Truro, Camborne, St Austell and Falmouth, the charity also offers support to families and carers. Lucy, who was given Mondays off work to focus on her training, said: “With the extra £600 Swallowcourt donated I am nearly at my £1,650 target. It’s really been a big help. “The hardest bit is asking people for money, times are quite difficult at the moment, but I’ve had some really kind donations from residents’ parents, carers, managers and friends.” Breage House is one of seven care homes across west Cornwall operated by Swallowcourt.

Technology uses residents’ TV screens to keep in touch RESIDENTS of an extra care scheme in Tyne and Wear are among the first to trial a unique tool that allows personalised messages to be targeted through their televisions. Housing 21 and digital media specialists i-Spy Digital have installed Care Messenger onto TVs in a number of apartments at Winton Court in Winlaton. The idea is that personal messages from healthcare professionals, carers or family members – such as appointment reminders, activity announcements and medication prompts – can be sent via mobile phones or through a web portal which then pop up on the recipient’s television screen. Victoria Barclay, regional operations director for Housing 21, said: “This is a revolutionary communication tool for assisted living and Housing 21 is delighted to be at the forefront in trialling this new solution. “For many older people modern technologies such as mobile phones, computers and the internet have passed them by, but the television is something they feel familiar and comfortable with. “Now staff can send out reminders about events, tell people what’s on the lunch menu or advise what the weather’s like today – the possibilities are endless.

Resident Dorothy Bowman demonstrates the Care Messenger solution at Winton Court. “We’re very excited at the potential provided by Care Messenger service in helping to combat loneliness and isolation, increasing levels of reassurance and in encouraging independence.” Each resident uses their own TV connected to a set top box which provides a full range of TV channels and internet connection. The i-Spy infotu.be™ software is pre-installed on the set top box and assigns a unique ID to each user. The user receives personalised ID cards which they can then distribute to their family and friends. The i-Spy server acts as a gateway

for the routing of messages and other information to the TV for overlay display or for storage on the set top box for later viewing. Users can open or close message boxes or choose from a number of responses, which can be linked to a call centre or database monitoring activity, triggering a phone call or visit as required. The 12-month trial in the homes of the extra care residents started in November. The next phase, which will begin this month, will see the trial extended to Housing 21’s care customers living in the local community.

CARINGNEWS

Community scheme offers the elderly care with their meals By Dominic Musgrave A NEW community service which offers the elderly care with their meals has been launched as a groundbreaking pilot scheme in Lancashire. The Peace of Mind initiative from the ICare Group offers varying levels of home support through their community assistants for those who need it, along with hot meals as a way of bringing both services together in one place. “This gives the elderly in Lancashire more independence and choice of further support where it may be relevant,” said Stephen Emmanuel, chairman of the ICare Group. “The care is on a level of help and support where community assistants not only deliver their meals but help with small jobs, provide reassurance and can alert other services where appropriate. “This means that the elderly who are feeling vulnerable know they can receive a meal with a care visit costeffectively. It may even mean that a problem can be recognised early rather than them having to spend time in hospital. “We are a community service after all and we have wanted to offer this for some time. This not only supports

the elderly to stay in their own home, but also provides an early observation and support service for our challenged health and social care sector. We have chosen Lancashire as a trial in the UK.” For relatives or others who know someone who would benefit from support, the service comes at minimal cost and can also include a home safety check, all run from the ICare site in Chorley. Stephen added: “Increasing numbers of elderly people are found to be vulnerable, and just a visit each day or every other day may help them. “Many of our staff carry out jobs which are way above the call of duty but they do it anyway. “This additional support was highlighted during the recent period of snow when we were possibly the only organisation visiting some of the elderly in the community. “We want to create something new here which works within the communities as an added service of reassurance.” All ICare meals meet the National Association of Care Catering guidelines. Is your care group offering a similar service for your local community? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

Chocolate treats for residents RESIDENTS at Stretton Hall nursing home had their taste buds tickled when they took part in a handmade chocolate craft making and tasting session at an event organised by Morris Care. Residents came together to learn how to make bespoke handmade chocolate bars, ganache and individual chocolates with social life coordinator Julie Hamilton, who has over five years’ experience making the tasty treats. They had fun mixing double cream, luxury melted Belgian chocolate and cocoa powder to make a smooth and creamy ganache before having a go at creating their own chocolate with a range of fillings and toppings including dried cranberries, candied ginger and a variety of nuts. Residents also enjoyed sampling some of Julie’s chocolates before indulging in their own specially made delicacies. Julie said: “The activity is a great way to stimulate all the senses and get the creative and imaginative juices flowing. Many of the residents came up with some impressive chocolate combinations.”

Stephen Emmanuel

CARINGNEWS

Debby’s innovation is a recipe for success By Dominic Musgrave A SENIOR manager at a North East retirement village has been recognised for her pioneering way of working with residents. Debby Lamont has achieved a first class honours degree in dementia studies from Bradford University while working as head of care and quality at Middleton Hall, near Darlington. The trained nurse has also gone on to win a highly commended BUPA Award for Innovation in Person Centred Care for the project she included as part of her final dissertation. Debby, of Richmond, North Yorkshire, was spurred onto studying for her degree after watching the film The Bucket List – where two terminally ill men go on a road trip with a wish list of ‘to dos’ before they die. She says she found her niche with the dementia course. “I wanted a new challenge and I was passionate about this course,” she added. “Although it was tough at times, Middleton Hall supported me

all the way. “I really enjoyed it and over two years it gave me a deep understanding of what people with dementia are going through and meant I was able to critically analyse the workplace and incorporate what I was learning.” Debby was instrumental in setting up the retirement village’s Family Living service whereby a small group of residents, who generally have dementia, live together and actively participate in daily household tasks, such as helping to prepare meals. As part of her final dissertation, Debby also instigated a project entitled A Recipe for Success, where Family Living residents undertake baking sessions to improve their well being and engagement. Residents were asked what they used to bake and their recipes and memories were brought to the baking sessions. Families also helped by jotting down memories about their loved ones’ baking on post it notes. “Our residents with dementia live in a family environment and they do the things that they would have done at

Debby Lamont has put her degree into practice at Middleton Hall Retirement Village. home,” added Debby. “Recipe for Success is about ensuring that residents are at the centre of the activity. “It was really rewarding to see them join in. We watched their confidence grow when we gently prompted them

and it enabled them to remain in control which is important. “We had the opportunity to learn from the experts because we found out what was meaningful to people in the past and they ended up showing us how to do things.”

A Must-attend event for care home owners and managers for 2013...

Quality in Care How to achieve and maintain the highest levels of care using trusted methods and incorporating the latest technology. Quality in Care is the theme for this year's care conferences - hosted by Caring UK's sister company Script Events. Many aspects of quality will be covered by our stellar line-up of speakers, everything from nutrition to activities and the environment to funding. The first two conferences will be held in April 2013 at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel on Wednesday 24th April and Exeter Golf

Club on Thursday 25th April. As always we promise a day full of talks from top industry experts who will be passing on their knowledge. Running alongside the conferences will be an extensive exhibition, which will showcase the latest products and technology for care homes. To avoid disappointment please fill in the booking form overleaf to guarantee your place!

Prices: Single d eleg £25 ate Two de lega £40 tes

BO OK

NO W

CONFIRMED DATES FOR 2013

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

24 April

25th April

Cheltenham Chase Hotel

Exeter Golf Club

Cheltenham Chase Hotel – Wednesday 24th April

0845: Doors open for registration, refreshments and exhibition viewing

0800: Doors open for registration, refreshments and exhibition viewing 0930: Welcome and opening remarks: Tony Barry – Sales and Marketing Director, Script Media Group 0940: Getting the Funding Right in 2013 - Sheila Scott - National Care Association 1020: Care Home Construction - Steve Pippard – DECs Group 1050-1130: Refreshments, networking and exhibition viewing – visit stands to enter free prize draw 1130: Practical Aspects of Dysphagia - Claire Martin and Roger Hindle – Rosemont Pharmaceuticals 1210: Partnerships and Integrated Care - Martin Green OBE – English Community Care Association 1250: Legal Focus - Caroline Williams – Freeth Cartwright LLP 1310-1410: Buffet lunch and exhibition viewing – visit stands to enter the free prize draw 1410: Vision and Dementia - Dr Scott Mackie - Visioncall 1440: Nutrition and Hydration - Carol Harris – National Association of Care Catering 1510: The Next Phase - Christopher Hastings – Care Quality Commission 1540: New Compliance Assessment Tools - Peter Hawkins – Required Systems 1550: Q&A Session chaired by Tony Barry – followed by prize draw, review and closing remarks 1600: Close

1000: Welcome and opening remarks: Tony Barry, Sales and Marketing Director – Script Media Group Limited 1010: Getting the Funding Right in 2013 - Sheila Scott – National Care Association 1050: Care Home Construction - Steve Pippard, Managing Director – DECs Group 1120 – 1200: Refreshments, networking and exhibition viewing – visit stands to enter the free prize draw 1200: The Practical Aspects of Dysphagia - Claire Martin – Rosemont Pharmaceuticals 1240: Vision and Dementia - Dr Scott Mackie - Visioncall 1320 - 1420: Buffet lunch, networking and exhibition viewing – visit stands to enter the free prize draw 1420: Nutrition and Hydration - Carol Harris – National Association of Care Catering 1450: The Next Phase - Hickman and Mandy Sharp - Care Quality Commission 1520: New Compliance Assessment Tools - Peter Hawkins – Required Systems 1550: Q&A session chaired by Tony Barry – followed by prize draw, review and closing remarks 1545: Close

All timings and speakers are subject to change

For more information contact us: Tony Barry - Sales & marketing director. Tel: 01226 734 605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Lauren Osbyrne - National events coordinator. Tel: 01226 734 333 Email: lo@scriptmedia.co.uk

Must-attend event for care home owners and managers for 2013...

Quality in Care Key speaker – Martin Green OBE Martin Green is the chief executive of the English Community Care Association; the largest representative body for independent social services in the UK. In 2012, in his role as Department of Health Independent Sector Dementia Champion, he led the development of the Dementia Care and Support Compact for The Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia. He was also awarded an OBE for Services to Social Care in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Speakers to include...

Jennifer Roberts

Sheila Scott OBE

Chief executive of the National Care Association

Claire Martin

Rosemont Pharmaceuticals

Steve Pippard Managing Director Decs Group

Lesley Hickman & Mandy Sharp Care Quality Commission Representative

Carol Harris

National Association of Care Catering

BOOKING FORM Single delegate rate £25 per person I Two delegates £40 Which events do you wish to attend? Cheltenham Chase Hotel - Wednesday 24th April - GL3 4PB Exeter Golf Club - Thursday 25th April - EX2 7AE

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All places booked must be paid 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 our statutory rights to claim interest and compensation for the debt recovery cost 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 payments.

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Must-attend event for care home owners and managers for 2013...

Quality in Care How to achieve and maintain the highest levels of Care using trusted methods and incorporating latest technology.

CONFIRMED DATES FOR 2013

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

17 July

18th July

Park Inn Southend-on-Sea

Basingstoke Country Hotel

Quality in Care will include nutrition, dementia, care funding, activites and fitness for residents, Social Media

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

9 October

10 October

Cedar Court Hotel Wakefield

Hilton Hotel Blackpool

Don’t just take our word for it...

Prices: Single d eleg “Very well organised and interesting – nice to sit and listen in £25 ate Two de lega comfort the food was delicious” - Edgemont View Nursing Home £40 tes “The best speakers – very good day” - Riversway Care Home

“Good venue, nice food and good speakers” - Cedar Care Home Confirmed speakers are: Martin Green - ECCA, The National Care Association and The Care Quality Commission

Must-attend event for care home owners and managers for 2013...

Speakers to include...

Dr Scott Mackie

Sheila Scott OBE

Chief executive of the National Care Association

Claire Martin

Rosemont Pharmaceuticals

Steve Pippard Managing Director Decs Group

Wendy Dixon and Ann Ford

(Wakefield and Blackpool events only)

Karen Oliver

National Association of Care Catering

Name

Surname

I enclose a cheque payable to Script Events Please invoice me Please phone for my credit/debit details BOOKING CONDITIONS

Delegates attending (Please print in block capitals) Title

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Lauren Osbyrne Email: lo@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734 333 Fax: 01226 734 478 Address: Script Media Group Ltd, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS

Please sign here to indicate you have read and accept the booking conditions:

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CARINGNEWS

The positive effect clay activities can have on residents By Emily Hall

I BEGAN working at Nightingale House in Wandsworth as a pottery teacher just over two years ago and have seen the incredible effect clay activities can have on residents. Pottery classes take place three times a week, and potter Ruty Bejamini and I try to work with as many residents as possible who wish to ‘have a go’. We offer regular morning classes and one-to-one activities in the afternoons, and the average age of our students is 89. We are fortunate to have fantastic facilities, which allow for the creativity to flourish. The large activity space at the home also provides cookery, textiles, computing and games. We have an exhibition space to showcase the most recent work by the residents, and a library of art books including a back catalogue of Ceramic Review donated to the home which all offer visual stimulation to the residents. With the two kilns firing on a regular basis, the residents (the Nightingale Potters as they are

known) are like a little production line, creating anything from sculptures and figurines to tableware, textured tiles, bird feeders, gifts for relatives or things for their room. The work is truly incredible; it is such a joy to open the kiln and be presented with an Aladdin’s cave of imagination and personality. They all have such an individual style, and while they all have their own initials stamp to sign their work with, you can tell the creator. The class can mean so many different things to each person. Some want to really get stuck in, some don’t like clay work but like to paint, others like to watch, some sit and chat; the atmosphere has to be right. The music is always on, tea and cake at the ready, books and inspiration strewn round the table and an enthusiasm for what and who you are teaching. When you are working with such varied ability and disability such as those with dementia or who have had a stroke, the whole process of working with clay becomes very personal and has to adapt to suit their needs.

A piece of work created in one of Emily’s classes.

Emily Hall Having studied pottery I was taught processes and techniques and these become only loosely significant when working with the residents. It is more about your way of thinking, being inquisitive and noticing the little things about someone, analysing their moods, their behaviour and trying out different things with them. It’s a conversation starter and a way of socialising, reminiscing about things they have done. I took the job at Nightingale House with the passion for working with people and the challenge of sparking this curiosity in others. And the hands on experience I have gained has been both rewarding and fascinating. I have translated my skills into a range of activities suitable for residents with varying abilities and disabilities. While I am not trained as an art therapist, using my clay knowledge and my people skills has proven in practice that pottery in a care home can be a valuable tool for engaging a diverse audience in an enjoyable activity, a new found passion, a creative outlet or a therapeutic exercise.

Inspectorate publishes its first review of nutrition

THE inspectorate has published its first dedicated review of privacy, dignity and nutrition in both care homes and hospitals. The 2012 Dignity and Nutrition Inspection Programme (DANI) has found that while most older people are having their needs met, a number of hospitals and care homes need to make improvements. It highlights the fact that often small changes can make a big difference to people’s experience of care. The CQC inspected 500 care homes and found 84 per cent respected residents’ privacy and dignity and 83 per cent met their nutritional needs. This means staff were aware of people’s likes and dislikes and made sure people with dementia were given support to choose and eat their food. However, there were times when inspectors witnessed people not being given help to eat and drink or not given personal care in a way that respected their privacy. CQC chief executive David Behan said: “We found good care and care that had improved. However, it is disappointing people are still not being given enough privacy when receiving personal care and that they are left alone when they call for help. “This is basic care and getting it right can transform a stressful experience for an older person into a supportive and caring one. “Safe, good quality care is not complex or time-consuming. Effective leadership and staff who feel supported make this happen every day. We want services to learn from the best.” CQC published its first DANI programme in October 2011, which checked two standards at 100 hospitals. The inspections have been widened to include five standards for this programme. The inspections took place last summer.

Luxury home set for summer opening By Dominic Musgrave A NEW multi-million pound luxury care home complete with its own cinema, residents’ bar and café is due to open this summer in Bedlington, Northumberland. Redevelopment of the former Elliott Garage site has commenced to provide the plush 41-bedroom care home and day care facility which will create more than 50 new jobs in the area. Run by new care provider Alcyone Healthcare, Baedling Manor aims to turn people’s perceptions of a stereotypical care home on its head. Managing director Darren Taylor said: “Not only will we be providing unrivalled and unique personcentred care to each resident, but we have also paid particular attention to every detail in the home. “From luxurious, practical interior

design to a specialist dementia care unit that will provide and promote opportunities for stimulation and fulfilment, we can support residents to live a purposeful and meaningful life and help them to maximise their full potential.” The 2550 sq m development will be equipped with a hair salon, newsagent, gastro-style bistro, function suite, activities space, library and spa facilities as well as a sensory garden and 41 bespoke specialised suites providing residential, respite and day care. He added: “Providing a convenient ‘village like’ feel within the grounds ensures that our residents will have everything they need at their fingertips, in addition to being able to enjoy immediate access to all local amenities. “Being situated in the very hub of

the local community makes our care services easily accessible and also provides the added advantage that residents can remain very much a part of the wider community so it will suit every need.” The scheme will also be available to local healthcare specialists and support services to deliver a range of community care services. He added: “As soon as we are open, we will be championing ‘Dementia Friends’ – a Government initiative which aims to raise public awareness of dementia. We will host regular meetings and events and offer support and information for local people living with dementia and their main carers, family and friends.” With work due for completion in August this year, Alcyone Healthcare has started the recruitment process for managers and care workers.

Darren Taylor on the site of Baedling Manor.

CARINGCOMMERCE

Astrologer and television personality Russell Grant was the special guest at the annual Pinders Healthcare Design Awards ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Country’s best developments recognised at annual awards THE annual awards aim to promote and recognise the best developments in all types of care-related property, while the categories seek to acknowledge the contribution made by home owners, designers and architects to the well being and quality of life for those in their care. Two of Barchester’s three finalists were outright winners, with Lakeside Village in Jersey scooping ‘Best Care Complex’ and Harper Fields in Balsall Common ‘Best Large Care Home’. Lakeside Manor was designed by Robert Adam Architecture and is a 60-bed care home with two pavilions either side of the building. Each pavilion contains four independent living apartments, offering luxury and autonomy for residents. The Village also has a pub that is popular with residents, their visitors and the local community. Harper Fields, designed by Gelder and Kitchen, is an 80-bed home which provides nursing and dementia care, as well as residential care. Kenneth McKenzie, director of development, said: “We were up against stiff competition and it is

unheard of to have three finalists, let alone two winners. “We’ve achieved this by working with people at the top of their game, including outstanding architect.” The team who designed, built and manage an innovative dementia care home were also celebrating less than a year after its opening. Colten Care’s St Catherines View in Winchester was named best specialist dementia facility, with judges describing the home’s attention to detail as “clearly built on an understanding of how to enable independence”, adding that employees were actively using the design ideas to benefit residents. Residents live in small house groups and are helped to retain practical life skills and independence for as long as possible through shared daily activities. Colten Care’s head of technical design Alan Portsmouth said: “People living with dementia respond very well to environments that are safe, therapeutic and stimulating. “That approach has informed all aspects of the design of St Catherines

The Barchester Healthcare team led by Kenneth MacKenzie, director of developement (seated), with their two Pinders awards. View and the ongoing care we give our residents every day.” Hallmark Care Homes won an award for the third consecutive year, with the 55-bed Bucklesham Grange in Ipswich picking up the accolade for best new build in the ‘Small Care Home’ class. MD Avnish Goyal said: “A huge amount of energy and hard work goes

into planning our homes and getting the design just right to enable our residents to live active, fulfilled lives. To win a third Pinders Award in as many years is an outstanding achievement.” Bucklesham Grange follows in the footsteps of Alexandra and Anisha Grange Care Homes, which won in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

Local operators buy The Chimes THE Chimes Rest Home in Lytham St. Annes has been sold by specialist property adviser Christie and Co. The care home had been operated privately by the current owners since 1991, during which time they had established a strong reputation in the area for residential care for the

elderly, along with a successful meals on wheels service which operated from within the home and serviced the local area. The home is registered for 21 service users in 15 single and three double bedrooms, and has been bought by local operators Mr and Mrs Boodhoo.

The Molescroft Group has launched its new purpose-built 64-bed care home in Hull with funding from Barclays. The firm, which already operates Beverley Grange, a 75 bedroom care home in Beverley and Queensgate, a 30 bedroom residential home in Hull, has converted the site at the Holy Name Church. The 18-month conversion includes the church as the central part of the design and provides purpose-built accommodation for elderly residents, dementia patients, and patients with physical disabilities. Barry Haslam, Barclays relationship director, is pictured with Jane Richardson, business manager, Molescroft Group.

CARINGNEWS

Latest judicial review challenge on fee ceilings set by local authorities By Daniel Corker TIMES have changed in the care home sector. During the noughties, rising property prices and a steady flow of local authority income lured many into the market, often buying in at top prices for homes of lesser quality. However, the budget of October 2010 reduced grants to local authorities by an average 7.25 per cent and in many cases this led to a freezing of or setting much tighter ceilings on the level of fees which they were prepared to pay for residential care. Landmark ruling on fee levels In December 2010, the High Court handed down a landmark decision ruling that Pembrokeshire County Council had unlawfully set the level of fees to be paid to care homes in 2010-11. As a result, the Council was forced to make its decision again and subsequently raised its fee from £390 a week per resident to £448. The decision of the Court provided care home providers with a ‘legal sword’ for challenging the local authority's decision making process in relation to the setting of care fees. This has led to a spate of judicial review challenges. Claims all over the country have successfully challenged decisions setting the “usual cost” in

2011 and again in 2012. The challenges have been brought on largely the same grounds: that the local authority failed to have due regard to the actual cost of care as required by statutory guidance, and failed to comply with duties of consultation. Where decisions have been successfully challenged on the authority’s failure to consult (for example Newcastle City Council in October 2012) it is clear that the authority either has to engage in a genuine attempt to ask providers for information that will lead to discovery of the actual cost of care and then make a decision which gives due regard to that; or alternatively tell the providers what their proposals are, and the reasons for them, and then reconsider their proposals in the light of the comments of the consultees. Where challenges have been brought on other grounds, different elements have proved relevant. For example in November 2011 Sefton Care Association successfully challenged the freeze on fees by Sefton Council. The Council was accused of being driven to an improper degree by budgetary consideration and had consciously fixed the fee level in a sum significantly less than the actual costs. Consequently it was unable to demonstrate that the fees set were

Daniel Corker sufficient to allow it to meet assessed care needs and to provide residents with the required level of care. Latest challenges In December 2012 Devon Council was found to have breached its duty to promote equality, in this case for older and disabled people, by failing to conduct an adequate assessment of the impact of its care home fees decision on these groups; mainly, it failed to identify measures to mitigate the risk to continuity of care should care homes close as a result of fee levels. The latest authority to lose a legal challenge was Redcar and Cleveland Council in January. In this instance the court found that the council had relied too heavily on benchmarking its fees against the lev-

els set by other authorities, and that although benchmarking could provide useful information it needed to be combined with information which related specifically to its own area before it could be said to have reliably established what the actual costs of providing care are likely to be. Leaving aside individual decisions, there are (at least) two things worthy of note here. The first is that the challenges were not brought by individual care homes but by associations formed to represent the interests of care home providers in a certain district. The second relates to the process by which these challenges are brought, which is called judicial review. This process allows a court to review the decision of a public body and decide whether the process behind it complied with specific legal duties. The councils cannot be challenged, legally at least, on the level and fairness of the fee itself. The claim has to be brought no later than three months after the grounds for the claim arise. So to any care home provider contemplating a challenge to local authority fee levels, good advice would be to get together, and get your act together. Daniel Corker is a partner in Freeth Cartwright’s specialist care sector team.

CARINGDEMENTIA

Residents enjoy sensory room RESIDENTS at a Hull care home are enjoying the benefits of a new sensory room thanks to the fundraising efforts of a local society. The Society of MICE (Men in Charitable Endeavours) handed over a cheque for £3,500 to Hica’s Riverside Grange, which has been used to create a sensory room where residents can relax and unwind. Dawn Gordon, personal care manager at Riverside Grange, said: “The ‘Mice Sensory Room’ is used by our residents every day, and it is especially beneficial for people who

have dementia and complex needs. “The visual displays, scents and sounds in the room are calming and soothing and it is a lovely space for them to use and enjoy. ” The room is equipped with fibre optic strings of lights, bubble tubes, a coloured light box and projectors that can be used to create moving scenes on the walls and ceilings and a relaxing ‘starry moonlit sky’. To complement the visual effects, relaxing soothing music is played and an aromatherapy oil unit pumps out aromas such as calming lavender.

Inspection success for specialist care home STOCKS Hall Care Home has received an exceptional standard inspection report from the CQC. An assessor from the inspectorate observed how people were being cared for and spoke with carers and family members of the people who live at the St Helens home. Manager Julie Gaskell said: “It is a great accolade and a testament to all of the people who work here at Stocks Hall St Helens to receive such a glowing CQC report showing our hard work and commitment to all who live here with us. It was lovely to read such touching words from both friends and family members. I think we have a fantastic team that are

dedicated and committed to promoting person-centred care which is individualised to the specific needs of all who live here with us." During the inspection, staff were seen to be engaging with the people who live at the home in a positive and friendly manner, and there was a relaxed atmosphere with people clearly looking at home in the environment. The CQC assessor commented that the people who work at the home demonstrated the appropriate skills, qualifications and training need to carry out their job roles to an excellent standard. Stocks Hall is a 54-bed home with a dementia unit.

Chloe Meineck with one of her Music Memory Boxes.

Chloe connects with families using music By Dominic Musgrave A FORMER Brighton University student has been working with day centres and care homes to understand how people with dementia can access cherished memories, and connect with their families and communities through tactile objects and music. Supported by Autonomatic at Falmouth University’s Academy for Innovation and Research, Chloe Meineck’s prototype uses a Raspberry Pi computer that triggers the playback of a pre-selected song matched to an object embedded with a corresponding RFID tag. Together with their carer or family member, dementia sufferers can make or choose a special object they associate with a piece of music or sound recording and a memory.

This object is then placed inside the box, which will identify the RFID tag to play the pre-selected recording. Chloe, 23, said: “It’s been the most rewarding experience working with dementia sufferers who are able to laugh, share and sing about their life with others when they connect familiar objects and music together. “It’s all possible thanks to very accessible computing technology using Raspberry Pi and RFID tags. I’ve developed prototypes for the kit version so anyone could make their own Music Memory Box, whether you are seven or 70. “The kit allows for maximum customisation to create a truly bespoke item. “The next stage is to test my various prototypes across regional care homes, develop the kit further and set up my next company.”

A pioneering new care home for people living with dementia has made three appointments at senior level. Harrogate-based Vida Hall has appointed Ann Davy as senior care assistant leader responsible for 10 care staff and supporting the needs of 21 residents. Pam Farres has been appointed team leader for residential care and Biju Jose has been appointed to the position of registered nurse. The trio have worked together for four years at a large care provider in Harrogate and combine nearly 70 years’ experience between them.

If you’ve got a story for the Dementia section of Caring UK email it to dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Care monitor revolutionises routine check recording NIGHT Owl is a care monitoring system that has revolutionised the way that hourly, daily and routine checks are recorded. The responsibility of detailing the care given to the clients is still with the care professionals but is supported by a document produced by The Night Owl system that has recorded the times and actions taken for each of the clients. The paramount benefit of Night Owl is in the fact that there is evidence of when the checks have been made and the action required. This evidence is an invaluable asset to all involved in the care home environment – management has vital documentation that gives the necessary evidence to prove that check and actions have been made as it is impossible to record an event without being in the room of the client.

Environmental accreditation BADGEMASTER has become the first company in the industry to gain the ISO1 14001 Environmental Accreditation from the British Standards Institute. Since Badgemaster started trading in 1992, directors John and Vicky Bancroft have aimed to make Badgemaster as environmentally aware as possible. This includes ensuring that all waste materials are recycled and disposed of responsibly; everything used to make the products and run the business is energy efficient, from energy saving light bulbs to state-ofthe-art laser engraving; staff are trained on environment awareness – going hand in hand with health and safety, and manufacturing processes and machinery are efficient in order to use less electricity.

Falls awareness AGE UK’s Falls Awareness Week is fast approaching on June 17. SensorCare are busy starting preparations to help care providers continue to reduce the rate of falls in the elderly. Following a surge of requests to use SensorCare over the past few months, it is expected this year’s Falls Awareness Week is one to look out for. Continued research into the use of SensorCare has shown that use of the system can reduce the rate of falls by 50 per cent (Great Western Hospital, 2013). Falls groups are now establishing a precedence for the use of SensorCare in all areas where there may be a risk. SensorCare are taking requests for free 14-day trials. Please quote ‘Caring UK’.

E-Learning with a Speakers blended approach revealed FLEXIBILITY, economical delivery and the value of employees’ time all explain the recent trend towards elearning. A key advantage of e-learning is that it provides flexibility, allowing the individual the opportunity to work in their own time and at their own pace. They can often work from home, reducing the need for taking time off work and saving money on travel expenses to go to training venues. The carbon footprint box can be ticked. The government’s document Putting People First highlights the importance of enablement, encouraging the need for maintaining and improving the independence of the service user in order to improve choice, dignity and the quality of life. Recent cases in the media only serve to emphasise the importance of good training in the care sector. Julie Cartwright, an occupational therapist by background and director of Interactive Healthcare Training fully supports this philosophy. She said: “It is important that older people or those with disabilities are given the maximum help to be as independent as possible so that they can continue their hobbies and interests and maintain the social interactions that will stimulate and maintain their physical and mental wellbeing.” Interactive Healthcare Training has

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Julie Cartwright most recently developed the Common Induction Standards in an e-learning programme supporting the principal of enablement. It is fully interactive with multiple choice questions. Julie recommends this online programme should be followed by a classroom session to reinforce the learning material. There are case studies within the CIS drawn from real life scenarios which can be discussed and debated in a group session to demonstrate engagement and retention of knowledge. These illustrate both good and bad practices and can be used to illustrate how they might relate to an individual service. A classroom session can also be used to teach the company policies/protocols and procedures and questions can be asked in a face to face situation.

Register now for new Care Management Conference THE new dedicated Care Management Conference at Naidex National is offering an abundance of free seminars and networking opportunities, aimed solely at those running care homes. It is a free to attend CPD-certified event with speakers offering expertise on key issues affecting care homes. It will cover changes in government funding and understanding the new CQC regulations, as well as recruiting staff, marketing and improving dementia care. The event begins with a workshop on attracting and retaining the perfect workforce from Sharon Allen, CEO at Skills for Care. Alan Rosenbach, special policy lead at the CQC, also looks at how the regulator’s changes will impact care homes and standards that homes must meet.

Alistair Burns, national clinical director for dementia at the Department of Health, will discuss the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia, while Andrea Sutcliffe, chief executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence will share her experience in accountability and safeguarding vulnerable adults and mitigating risk. Visitors can also watch a debate on the role of care homes in the future with Simon Patient, owner of Heritage Manor, David Coull, chief executive of Coverage Care in Shropshire, Paul Mancey, chief executive of Orchard Care Homes and Barry Sweetbaum, founder of SweetTree. The Care Management Conference takes place at the NEC, alongside Naidex National, between April 30 and May 2.

New bath range launched ACTIVE Bathing, the Astor Bannerman brand designed specifically for long term care bathing products, has launched the new Compact range of assisted baths. The Compact, so called because of its compact external size but maximised internal dimensions, saves space in the bathroom, yet offers generous internal

dimensions, and through clever design uses less water than a convention tub, so saves money too. Designed in the UK by a team with over 30 years' experience in specialist bath design, and manufactured in Germany by another Astor Bannerman company, Beka Hospitec, the Compact offers the best of British design with German excellence in engineering.

A LINE-UP of visionaries, pioneers and political decision makers from across the health and social care sector will present at Health+Care’s series of four co-located conferences taking place at London ExCeL this summer. Speakers include Health Minister Rt Norman Lamb MP, who will give a keynote address explaining plans to transform social care, with the potential for new policy to be formed based on the content from this lively opening. Labour’s position in the debate will be highlighted by Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Burnham MP. He has been a vocal participant in the debate and will expand on his party’s approach to whole person care – with additional emphasis on resources and future direction. Health+Care's events on Personalisation, Dementia care, Home Care and Residential Care are designed to show how to keep people out of hospital and long-term residential care. Other keynote speakers will include Andrea Sutcliffe, chief executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence, who will help to examine how to commission and implement patient-centred care, raise quality and drive efficiency. Dementia Tsar Professor Alistair Burns will speak on how the industry is rising to the dementia challenge, how to commission and implement patient-centred care while raising both quality and efficiency. Further programme highlights include lessons from Torbay and Blackburn – two of the most advanced examples of integration.

Bath design system is launched GAINSBOROUGH Specialist Bathing has designed, installed and supported assistive hi-lo powered baths from concept to completion in a range of long-term care environments for more than 25 years. Its new AspectTM design service now provides enhanced visualisation and specification capabilities during accessible bathroom planning to benefit care managers, healthcare professionals and specifiers. The AspectTM design system has been specifically developed so that Gainsborough can provide highly accurate scaled drawings, crisp 3D renderings and bespoke plans of a specified new bath in-situ. This ensures projected end result can be visualised more effectively in residential care settings through to acute hospital wards. So when a Gainsborough bath is specified, care providers have the added reassurance of designing the optimal bathing solution for their specific needs.

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

desderman® pure is ‘proven’ to be effective AN NHS laboratory study has shown that desderman® pure ‘provides an effective solution for minimising the risks associated with the transfer of contamination’. desderman® pure ‘eliminated hundreds of thousands of bacteria on both gloved and ungloved hands (including staphylococcus aureus and Escheria coli)’. Those taking part in the study noted that desderman® pure was ‘soft on the hands’, ‘easy to use, and ‘had a pleasant odour – much better than others we’ve tried’. desderman® pure hand hygiene gel is an advanced rapid acting alcohol based hand rub formulated for hand disinfection in 30 seconds. It is colour and perfume free, is gentle on the skin and is suitable for frequent use. desderman® is effective against the bacteria (Tb, MRSA, VRE), funghi and viruses (Inc. HBV, HCV, HIV, polio, herpes simplex, adeno, rota and caccinia virus) within 90 seconds of use. Enquiries: Email mail.uk@schuelke.com call 0114 254 3500 or visit www.schulke.co.uk

WITH over 13 million items of clothing being washed every week in UK care homes it’s no wonder it gets mislaid and lost, especially when the name label has fallen off leaving the garment unidentifiable. Across the UK busy care home staff spends over 6,000 hours per week rummaging through lost property and residents’ rooms to find mislaid clothing at a cost of almost £2m. Time that could be devoted to what your care team does best, caring for

Liking Lilac at Patford House Surgery NURSING staff at Patford House Surgery are sporting a new lilac look from Grahame Gardner Ltd, bringing fresh spring shades to the busy Wiltshire practice. These classically styled iride and white tunics and dresses complement the existing uniforms worn by the healthcare assistants, and also co-ordinate well with the practice colours of burgundy. Long term customers of Grahame Gardner, Patford House ordered their new uniforms via www.grahamegardner.co.uk. Sue White, practice nurse manager, said: “The site makes it very easy to select and order the garments for you. Not only can you view the available garments, but you can also see stock levels and waiting times. This information helped us efficiently make an informed decision about which garments we wanted. “Staff had a choice of either dresses or tunics, so were able to pick the style that best suited their individual style while maintaining a very strong team image.” Enquiries: Visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk or call 0116 255 6326.

catheterisation protocol. Enquiries: Call 0114 254 3500, email mail.uk@schuelke.com or visit www.schulke.co.uk

your residents. Traditional methods of labelling such as sew in and iron on labels can degrade with constant washing leading to faded names or the label coming off. Snappy Tags(tm), the unique one snap labelling system for care home clothing, applies to garments in seconds, won’t fall off, and by using advanced laser technology the resident’s name is guaranteed not to fade.

Armstrong equipment provides reliable service in care home NICHOLAS House is a purpose-built care home for 30 residents in Burnham, near Slough run by the Abbeyfield (Maidenhead) Society. The laundry was equipped by Armstrong Commercial Laundry Equipment with two Primus 13kg capacity washer extractors, a Huebsch 15.9kg tumble dryer and a 1,400mm ironer. The laundry handles all the dirty washing generated by the home including bed and table linen, towels, kitchen clothes and all the residents’ personal clothing. Jill Wheeler, one of four housekeepers, said: “The home generates so much laundry that it is operating at least seven hours a day, seven days a week – sometimes longer.” All the flatwork is ironed – everything from bed linen to tea towels. Jill added that the equipment is foolproof and

Convenient and effective skin cleansing before and after urinary catheterisation SCHULKE UK has introduced 30ml octenilin® cleaning solution sachets for antimicrobial cleaning and decontamination of the skin before urinary catheterisation and for general catheter care. Octenilin cleaning solution contains octenidine – which has a broad antimicrobial effect, including multi-resistant strains. It is alcohol, perfume and colour-free, so is suitable for use on sensitive skin areas. Many years of clinical experience with octenidine has shown it to have excellent skin and mucous membrane compatibility meaning it is gentle on the skin. Urinary catheterisation is associated with a high incidence of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which account for 80 per cent of hospital acquired infections (Pellowe 2009). Guidelines recommend that ‘for urethral catheterisation, the meatus should be cleaned before insertion of the catheter’ (NICE, 2003). Many hospitals and care homes are successfully using octenilin solution as part of their urinary

Mislaid residents’ clothing impact on home efficiency

easy to use, but all the housekeepers are trained to make sure they use the correct programmes which of course include a thermal disinfection cycle. Enquiries: Telephone 01635 33881 or visit www.armstrong-laundry.co.uk

Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.

Beaucare launch Aquabathe range Beaucare® Medical Ltd’s Aquabathe range of bathing equipment is designed for the rigorous demands of care home environments. Built to the highest standards, the Aquabathe range offers solutions to suit customers’ special requirements. The Hi-Lo and Aquabathe II come in five different sizes depending on your requirements, with various options such as manual or power traverse

seat, left and right hand setup, TMV3 shower assembly, and whirlpool or air spa capabilities. We can install and service nationally, using our certified engineers. So, if your bathrooms need revamping, why not let us quote? Enquiries: Call 01423 878899, email service@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

Manufacturing comfort is in demand SPECIALIST furniture manufacturer Shackletons took its latest range of comfort furniture to the Bournemouth Care Show to share what is good about Yorkshire manufacturing and craftsmanship. Although deemed as a challenging time for manufacturing, the Care Show illustrated there is demand for quality designed and manufactured furniture. Shackletons returned to Yorkshire with national enquiries and a renewed optimism that will continue to build on the company’s continued growth. Jason Bloom, national sales manager at Shackletons, said: “There is no doubt we are operating in a challenging market, but the trend in our business has seen a sales increase of 40 per cent this financial year, with the Bournemouth Care Show indicating we are on track to continue at this rate of growth.”

Shackletons regional sales managers Lisa Gibbons, Sarah Thompson and Amanda Wells with national sales manager Jason Bloom. “Without compromising on style or design our person-centred approach is a winning formula when it comes to care homes looking to achieve a better quality of life for their residents.

“Care home operators recognise quality of care is linked to better design within the care home environment and we manufacture our fit for purpose furniture with those needs in mind.”

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Rising Stars wins award SOMERSET Care’s ‘Rising Stars Programme’ picked up the best recruitment initiative prize at Skills for Care’s annual award ceremony. Chief executive Alyson Martin, group head of HR and training Sue Baverstock and Judith Clark, workforce learning and development manager, attended the ceremony accompanied by Kevin Mellor, manager of The Halcon Centre and a representative of ‘The Rising Stars’ programme. The scheme is a management development course which helps members of Somerset Care to progress into management positions within the company. Alyson said: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious national award on behalf of our team.”

Denture care