Caring UK May 2018 by Script Media

May 2018

no.259 • £4.75 incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

New uniform is launched after staff consultation

Speakers are revealed for conferences By Dominic Musgrave THE line-up of speakers has been revealed for Caring UK’s second round of conferences in Keele and Blackpool in May. The Exceeding the Boundaries of Care events take place at Keele University and Herons Reach Hotel, Blackpool on May 22 and 23 respectively. Nadra Ahmed OBE, chairman of the National Care Association, will begin the event at Keele, followed by Jon Ibbitson from the CQC, who will give an update from the inspectorate. Prior to the mid-morning break a representative from Skills for Care will discuss ‘Quality leaders, quality care’. Gill Hooper, a registered nutritionist and researcher from Bournemouth University, will begin the second session, which will be followed by a presentation by Jessica Hiscock from event sponsor CURA Ssytems. The final speaker will be Alys Griffiths from Leeds Beckett University. Her talk is entitled ‘Improving care for people with dementia – what can research tell us?’. The following day at Blackpool

will again be started by Nadra. She will be followed by Ginny Ryder, inspection manager for the CQC, with a Skills for Care representative concluding the sessions. After the break Gill Hooper will be followed by Ben Atkinson-Willes from Active Minds, who will discuss ‘Delivering quality of life in care’. Dr Rachael Kelley from Leeds Beckett University will bring the session to a close. Caring UK editor Dominic Musgrave said: “Our first conference of the year at Bournemouth Football Club was a huge success. “As you can see we have once again put together a stellar line-up of speakers, who will talk about a range of topics throughout the day. “With the exhibition running alongside and the opportunity to network, these conferences are truly not to be missed, and I would urge all care home and domiciliary care operators and managers in the area to attend these events. Further events are planned to take place later in the year at The Bridge Hotel and Spa in Wetherby on July 4, Ascot Racecourse on July 11, Riviera International Centre, Torquay and Cheltenham Racecourse on September 12 and 13 respectively and Colchester United Football Club on October 11.

Levi Roots, star of Dragons’ Den and creator of Reggae Reggae sauce, visited Mission Cafe in Bromleyto share an afternoon of conversation and music in celebration of the important work Mission Café does to support vulnerable adults and those living with dementia. Levi spent the afternoon chatting with residents of two of Mission Care’s homes, Love Walk and Greenhill, as well as sharing his stories with local members of the community. Levi also treated all at Mission Cafe to a number of songs, including his famous jingle for Reggae Reggae Sauce and Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.

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SPRINGHILL Care Group has unveiled a new uniform following consultation with staff and stakeholders. Feedback received through an online survey led to the recent introduction of new uniforms and name badges, plus a new uniform policy, to ensure standardised practice across the group. The uniform consultation resulted in a number of key findings – including that more than two thirds felt staff should wear uniforms but would welcome a review to the existing policy to help better identify staff and their roles. Other results showed that 84.6 per cent of respondents felt uniforms were necessary to create a professional identity, and 70.2 per cent were keen to see each job role reflected in a different uniform and colour. Birch Green Care Home in Skelmersdale will be the first to adopt the new style, which will be rolled out across the group shortly, with Springhill Care Home in Accrington the next in line. New name badges have already been introduced. Virginia Perkins, associate director for people and organisational development at Springhill Care Group, said: “We pride ourselves on our employee engagement by making sure we listen and respond to our workforce.”

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Don’t leave it too late to get your award nomination in CARE homes which may have potentially award winning facilities have been urged not to leave it too late to get involved in this year’s Caring UK Awards. Nominations for the 2018 event close on July 30, with care homes and teams who are thinking about entering being encouraged to start planning their submissions and pulling together all the relevant information. Event organiser Lucy Dickinson said: “The Care Awards are designed to reward dedication, hard work and achievement within the industry. “We’ve already received some great nominations and with our new venue and categories there is so much to be looking forward to! We’ve got some amazing plans up our sleeves to ensure 2018 is bigger and better than before, and I can’t wait to start sharing them with everyone.” The awards, which are now in their second year, are

Volunteer team of the year award winners Abbeyfield The Dales, Ilkley. Trophies will be handed organised by Script Events out at a glittering end of year in partnership with Caring party on Thursday December UK and headline sponsor 6 at The Athena in Leicester Clydesdale and Yorkshire where the best of the best Bank. in 20 categories will be Other well known industry recognised. names are also showing their To find out more or submit support for this year’s Caring your nomination, head to UK Awards, with category www.caringukawards.co.uk sponsors including Service Tops tips for submitting a Sport, Shackletons and successful Caring UK Award CareHomeBedFinder already entry: confirmed.

n When writing your nomination, try to include as much detail as possible. The more information that can be provided, the more we learn about you and why you should be shortlisted over other entrants. n Supporting evidence is key, we like to go by the motto of “The more, the better!” This helps us to build up a strong picture of the work you are doing, and the ethos you, your home and your team has. Great examples of supporting evidence can include: n Photos of your home and it’s facilities. n Testimonials from residents, families and staff. n Press releases. n Examples of activity schedules and meal plans. n Copies of recent CQC reports. Basically anything that showcases your home or your team, and helps you to stand out from the crowd.

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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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. Follow us on Twitter @caringuk

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NACC Care Chef of the Year 2018 finalists are confirmed THE 12 finalists for the National Association of Care Catering’s Care Chef of the Year 2018 culinary competition have been confirmed. Following a series of regional heats, the NACC is one step closer to crowning the nation’s best chef working in the care sector. Across Scotland, Wales, the North, the Midlands, the South West and the South East, care chefs have been showcasing their exceptional talent, skills and knowledge in this specialist field of catering to secure a coveted place in the national final. The final 12 stood out to the judges for their innovative, tasty twocourse menus, suitable for a care environment, that demonstrated clear nutritional understanding of the ingredients used, as well as aptitude and flair in their flavour combinations, technical execution and presentation. They are now preparing to go head to head at the national final where they will compete for the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2018 title. The national final takes place on June 6 at Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy. The finalists are: n David Oswin, Signature at Loxley

Park, Sheffield. n Anthony Newton, Primrose Bank, Poulton-le-Fylde. n John Grover, Auchtercrag House Care Home, Ellon, Aberdeenshire. n Brian Gollan, Ivybank House Care Home, Polmont, Falkirk. n Steven Harding, Dormy House Care Home, Sunningdale. n Sam Nurse, Coombe Hill Manor, Kingston-upon-Thames. n Simon Lewis, Gracewell of Frome, Somerset. n Nicola Burroughs, St Monica Trust Retirement Village, Keynsham Bristol. n Cheryl Crook, Heol Don Nursing & Residential Centre, Cardiff. n Stuart Pelham, Sunrise of Cardiff. n Martin McKee, The Hawthorns, Aldridge. n Christopher Williams, Fernhill House Care Home, Worcester. Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “Congratulations to the 2018 finalists. “The incredible talents of chefs in the care sector continually impress me, and all the competitors in this year’s NACC Care Chef of the Year competition are no exception. “The standards at the regional heats were exceptionally high and I applaud everyone that took part for being

such fantastic ambassadors for care catering. I can’t wait for the final – it’s going to be an exciting and closely fought event. “The NACC works hard to raise the profile of care catering and promote the specialist skills and knowledge that chefs in the sector demonstrate daily. Catering for those in a care environment is challenging. “From ensuring meals are nutritionally balanced and beneficial, through to meeting individual needs such as special diets, cultural

requirements, reduced appetites and eating difficulties caused by conditions such as dementia and dysphagia, there’s a lot to learn and consider. “The Care Chef of the Year competition is a great platform to deliver this message and a fantastic source of inspiration for us all. It’s great to see finalists from previous years returning with their eyes on the main prize – this shows the esteem in which this competition is held. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck.” Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Cooks and Premier Foods, the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is designed to continually challenge care chefs and celebrate their excellent talent, skills and professionalism. It also raises the profile of care catering as a rewarding, dynamic career choice. The competition requires entrants to create a nutritionally-balanced, two-course menu (main and dessert) that is suitable for service users in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses must be no more than £2.25 per head based on three portions and it is to be produced in just 90 minutes.

CARINGNEWS

Chief inspector is keynote speaker

Victoria collecting her prize from TFM DJ Steve Furnell.

Administrator wins holiday A LUCKY care home worker has won a holiday to the island of Madeira after taking part in a local radio competition. Victoria Farn was one of only a handful of callers to make it onto the air as part of a birthday giveaway run by TFM. The Newcastle-based station asked for listeners celebrating their birthday that day to get in touch and Victoria was selected by DJ Steve Furnell. The administrator at Bannatyne Lodge initially believed she was entering to win tickets to see Shrek the Musical. After winning the competition she was surprised to hear she had also won a week in Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago off the north west coast of Africa.

She said: “I’d asked my manager if I could make the call to the station, so I can’t thank her enough for letting me do it, as I was lucky enough to win a holiday. “I’ve never won anything before, so this is a real treat for me and my mum to go on holiday. “I gave the Shrek tickets to my friends who have young children. They had a brilliant time at the show.” Lynn Chapman, home manager, added: “We’re all absolutely delighted for Victoria. What a brilliant prize and such a deserved winner. “She is a hard worker and well-liked by everyone at the care home, from the residents to the staff, so we’re all so pleased for her to win this holiday. And, let’s be honest, a little bit jealous too. I’m sure she’ll have a great time.”

CQC’s chief inspector for adult social care Andrea Sutcliffe was keynote speaker at a business event for adult social care providers held at Brighton Racecourse. With the adult social care sector facing increasing challenges and mounting financial pressures, local care providers flocked to the Surrey and Sussex Care Showcase to learn how to meet these challenges headon and prepare their businesses for the future. This year’s theme of Making Connections in Social Care reinforced the importance of how all areas of social care, health and community services need to work together to ensure a sustainable long-term future for the sector and help care providers plan ahead with creativity. The Showcase seminar programme was headed by keynote speaker Andrea. Other speakers from the sector included Margaret Willcox, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS); David Williams, CEO of St Monica’s Trust; Avnish Goyal, chair of Care England; Brian Morton from the Royal College of Nursing and Vic Rayner from the National Care Forum. The programme also featured plenty of practical advice sessions for providers covering subjects such as medication, speech and

language therapy, epilepsy awareness, technology, recruitment, training and legal matters. Erica Lockhart, chief executive of Surrey Care Association and one of the Showcase organisers said: “The shortages of nursing and care staff, pressure on council finances and uncertainty about how health and social care service will be integrated are some of the biggest challenges facing local care providers today. “Our annual Care Showcase helps keep providers abreast of developments to ensure they can continue to offer high levels of quality care to the vulnerable adults they serve.” As well as the topical seminar programme and networking opportunities, the 12th annual event’s extensive exhibition area also offered a ‘one-stop shop’ for products and services from over 70 training providers, IT companies, legal and business advisors, care associations and suppliers to the care industry. The Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Peter Field, officially opened the Showcase 2018 and the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Mo Marsh, was also in attendance. The Showcase was supported by the Surrey Care Association, East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and West Sussex County Council.

CARINGNEWS

Group celebrates Gill’s 20 years of service

A ‘Good Old Days’ themed musical afternoon had residents singing along at Morris Care’s Stretton Hall in All Stretton. Rockspring Community Choir from Ludlow delighted an appreciative audience with a selection of popular show tunes as part of the afternoon of entertainment. Residents entered into the spirit of the occasion by wearing period hats and joining in with the singing. Popcorn cupcakes and dandelion and burdock drinks added to the fun at Stretton Hall, which provides care for up to 50 people, including specialist care for those living with dementia. Resident Nancy Randell is pictured with social life coordinator Isobel Pitts.

Miss Teen visits residents MISS Teen Nottingham has been spending time with Sandiacre care home residents ahead of a national competition. Alina Antonia visited Longmoor Lodge Care Home to take part in various activities with the elderly residents. Resident Thelma Harwood had her hair curled by the two-time winner of the Miss Teen Nottingham Galaxy competition. She also held the home’s pet guinea pigs with resident Marjorie Marriot and helped serve lunch.

Alina said: “I felt very welcome coming into Longmoor Lodge and it was lovely meeting all the residents. The atmosphere was brilliant. “I will be talking about my visit to the home when I attend the Miss Galaxy UK contest and I hope to visit again in future.” Samantha Ely, home manager at Longmoor Lodge Care Home, added: “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Alina’s company and are looking forward to seeing her again in future.”

HILLCROFT House residential care home in Stowmarket, Suffolk has celebrated the 20th anniversary of a much respected and popular member of its team. Gill Row was in for a surprise when residents and colleagues hosted a celebratory presentation in honour of her two decades with the Healthcare Homes Group. Gill began her career in 1998 as a care assistant, initially working night duty at Fornham House residential home in Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds. Within a short space of time she had worked her way up to senior carer positions, before later becoming deputy manager; a post which she held at the home for four years. Gill then transferred to Hillcroft House in Stowmarket to provide support while the home underwent renovations, including an extensive purpose-built extension. It was during this time that she met her future husband Alan and relocated permanently to the Stowmarket area. Manager of Hillcroft House, Amanda Atkins, said: “Gill continues to work at Hillcroft House and is a highly valued and respected senior in our team. “We are honoured to share in these celebrations to thank Gill for her service and loyalty. We look forward

Hillcroft House manager Amanda Atkins with Gill Row. to working with her for many more years to come.” Gill added: “It was a lovely surprise when the team announced a presentation in my honour. I really enjoy my job and I have met some amazing people and made some wonderful friends along the way. “There is such a rapport among my colleagues and the residents here; it makes it a great atmosphere to work in and there is always a lot of support from the team.”

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CARINGNEWS

The Rev Wynne Roberts – known as the Welsh Elvis – has been singing for residents at Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Care Home in Caernarfon. Wynne sings with resident Daphne Egan.

Elvis impersonator has residents all shook up

AN Elvis impersonator who’s also a hospital chaplain had residents at a dementia care centre of excellence All Shook Up when he paid them a visit. The Rev Wynne Roberts dropped by for an hour-long show at Bryn Seiont Newydd in Caernarfon. Kitted out in the trademark white slacks and boots, multi-coloured scarves and custom-made shades, the be-quiffed rocking reverend thrilled a full-house crowd in the music room with a procession of the King’s hits. When he’s not performing as the rock ‘n’ roll legend Wynne’s day job is as chaplain manager for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board covering all its facilities across North Wales from his base at Ysbyty

Gwynedd in Bangor. Nia Davies Williams, Bryn Seiont Newydd’s resident musician, said: “Inviting Wynne here was part of our programme to enrich the lives of residents and we find that music can be particularly helpful for people with dementia because it stimulates emotions in a way that few other things can. “We often have more classical performers here but it’s great to have some really fantastic pop music every now and then, especially Elvis songs with which many residents can identify as it comes right from their own era. We’re very grateful for Wynne for coming along and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance.”

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Home set to buy VR gear Care home celebrates with skydiving fundraiser its 10th anniversary STAFF at a Dundee care home are gearing up for a charity skydive to raise money for high-tech virtual reality equipment for its residents. Balhousie Clement Park, part of Balhousie Care Group, was so impressed by a trial it recently ran, in which residents donned a VR headset and ‘virtually’ went around the world, that it has committed to the ambitious fundraiser. The home is following in the footsteps of its sister care home, Balhousie Forth View in Methil, Fife, where deputy care home manager Samantha Beattie raised £1,500 for the state-of-the-art equipment. It includes a laptop and virtual reality headset. Balhousie Care Group, which has 25 care homes throughout the north-east of Scotland, owns a full VR system including accessories and is currently lending this out to each home on a rotational basis. Margaret Stephen, care home manager at Balhousie Clement Park, said: “It was fascinating watching residents’ reaction to the VR equipment. This took them on trips they could only dream of making now, including underwater and ‘flying’ around the United States. “It wasn’t long before I persuaded two members of staff to commit to buying our own set of equipment. One of Clement Park’s residents,

George Gallagher, had spent time living and working in the USA. While staff looked on, George described some of the notable landmarks he virtually flew over during a Google Earth tour from The Grand Canyon to Devils Tower monument. The software enables residents to visit ‘virtually’ anywhere, including visits to Paris, rock climbing and cinema to, thanks to Google Earth, their childhood homes. Yvonne Manson, Balhousie Care’s dementia consultant, added: “VR technology is an alternative, and very valuable, form of supporting our residents with extra mental and physical stimulation, and that’s essential for their well being and state of mind. “It’s exciting that technology is offering up all of these possibilities for the elderly and we’re delighted to be giving those experiences to our residents.”

A NORTHAMPTONSHIRE care home is celebrating 10 years of delivering care in the community. Shaw healthcare-run Thorndale care home in Kettering marked the milestone with drinks, a celebratory cake and a buffet. Staff, residents and their family members were joined by special guests, including the Mayor of Kettering, Councillor Scott Edwards, Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member, Councillor Bill Parker and Russell Brown, Shaw healthcare’s chief financial officer. The residential home, on the outskirts of Kettering town centre, provides care for up to 60 physically frail older people, including those living with dementia, and was rated ‘good’ by the CQC in its most recent inspection. Home manager Teresa Taylor said: “Staff, residents and our

Scott Edwards (Mayor of Kettering) with home manager Teresa Taylor and Russell Brown, Shaw’s chief financial officer. special guests have enjoyed a lovely afternoon to celebrate 10 years of providing care in Kettering. “Recognising this significant milestone is important and I would like to pay tribute to the staff who work hard to ensure that we provide a high standard of care.“ Shamrocks, shillelaghs and the land of leprechauns was in the spotlight when residents join in the ‘craic’ for St Patrick’s Day celebrations at a care home in Great Wyrley. Entertainment by fleet-footed Irish dancers was a highlight of the fun. Irish-themed food, music and decorations were also included in the event. Residents and staff at Waters Edge have been taking part in a world journey, stopping at a different country each month. For March they stopped off in Ireland and St Patrick’s Day celebrations was just one event.

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CARINGNEWS

Dream day out for lifelong Wigan Warriors fans

Caring Homes Group has appointed Tracey Fletcher-Ray as its new managing director. Tracey joins the company from Berendsen PLC, where she was accountable for strategic leadership of the healthcare business. Prior to this Tracey worked for Bupa Health Clinics where, as managing director, she operated as a member of the Bupa UK Board. is heading up the Caring Homes division, using her wealth of expertise both as a leader and in the elderly care sector. Tracey will work in partnership with senior operations director Julie Mason and new operations directors Adam Wilkins and Darren Kennedy to push forward the group’s Well Led Together strategy.

TWO residents of Belong Wigan care village and lifelong Wigan Warriors supporters, Lily Pointer, aged 81, and Mary Cunliffe, aged 89, enjoyed the day out of a lifetime when they received VIP treatment and went to watch their heroes play against Wakefield Trinity. The pair used to be season ticket holders and go to every Wigan Warriors game, even travelling to Wembley to see their favourite team play. Unfortunately, since the two ladies’ husbands passed away, neither of them have been to watch a match. When Claire Culshaw, manager of Belong’s home care service, Belong at Home, discovered that the pair, who are both living with dementia, had formed a tight friendship based on their shared love of rugby league and a passion for their local team, she wanted to reignite the excitement they once experienced watching a live Wigan Warriors match. So, in keeping with Belong at Home’s commitment to going the extra mile to realise a positive outcome for its customers, Claire wrote to the club to see if she could get tickets for the two to see a match at the DW Stadium. Not only did the club offer the ladies complimentary tickets to a match, the pair were invited to a ‘Rugby Memories’ reminiscence session

ahead of the big day. There they met their favourite player, John Bateman, who presented them with their tickets. On the day of the match, the two friends were given the honour of going out onto the pitch before the start of play to present the referee with the match ball and got to watch the game from the comfort of a corporate box with full hospitality. Afterwards, the ladies got to meet the Wigan Warriors players and were presented with personalised shirts and a rugby ball signed by all of the

Mary Cunliffe 89 (centre left) and Lily Pointer (centre right) on the pitch before the match with Claire Culshaw, Belong at Home manager (left) and Claire Taylor, Wigan Warriors’ community development manager (right). team. Claire said: “When I found out that Lily and Mary had become friends through a shared love of Wigan Warriors and that they used to go to every game, I had to find a way of getting them back involved. “Belong at Home is all about enabling our customers to achieve their aspirations and doing whatever we can to have a positive impact as well as providing bespoke home care solutions. I’m very grateful to Wigan Warriors for making the ladies’ dream come true.”

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CARINGCATERING, NUTRITION AND WELLBEING

Ensuring a safe and pleasurable eating and drinking experience By Jane Murphy

GOOD nutrition and hydration is a central part of care to meet national care standards to achieve care excellence. However eating and drinking well is so much more than simply providing adequate food and nutrition to meet a person’s needs. It is important to recognise the impact of the social and physical environment on interaction with food and drink as part of the overall ‘eating experience’. Socialisation is key. Moving into a care home should not mean that social activities are lost and mealtimes become a prescriptive routine event. Mealtimes should be an enjoyable unrushed experience supplemented by availability of snacks or ‘mini meals’ 24 hours a day. Are residents able to access food and drink at times between meals and during the night? This is more likely to occur in people in the early to mid-stages of dementia as people tend to sleep more during the day and are awake at night. In all cases adapting to suit the individual is the best way to deliver person-centred care. Mealtimes are the highlight of the day for many people living in care. So it’s not surprising if there is a

reluctance to eat if the food presented is not appealing, doesn’t taste very nice or has been sitting on the side getting cold and has become dry. The eating experience starts well before we sit down to a meal as gastric juices are produced through the smell of food to stimulate the appetite. Retaining the ability to be able to influence food and drink choices is often one of the few things left that people have control over as they age, especially with increased risk of ill health and frailty. Choices can be confusing in people living with dementia. Recognising the names of different foods in those who are losing their cognitive function can be challenging. Therefore showing people foods before a meal to help make a choice is another way to enhance the eating experience. Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are common in older people and often caused by other conditions including dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease. It can make the experience of eating less enjoyable and puts people at risk of undernutrition, dehydration and pneumonia. Care staff should be able to recognise the signs if there are difficulties in swallowing and need referral for specialist assessment. They should ensure that eating and

drinking is safe and as pleasurable as possible – know which foods can be most easily swallowed eg thick fluids such as smoothies are easier to control in the mouth than thin fluids, when and how people eat, ensure correct positioning to eat and modify the texture of food to suit, be well presented and appetising. Other ways in which the eating experience can be improved: n To encourage socialisation, visitors and family member should be invited to have meals with the person in care and increase the enjoyment of food. n A comfortable supportive environment to encourage independence including specific eating, drinking and food preparation tools (seek specialist help when necessary) n Food preferences should be respected – ensure that there are plenty of food choices and update care plans regularly to reflect changes in food and drink preferences. n Many older people have been the main food prepares all their life or grown their fruit and vegetables. So connect individuals with foodrelated activities, eg getting involved in food preparation, lay the table, cake baking, pick herbs and prepare vegetables. It can not only increase the appetite but also promote a sense of purpose and belonging as well

as independence and wellbeing to positively impact on food and drink consumption. n Some older people have smaller appetites so the amount of food presented should be modified to suit and avoid pressure on them to eat to ensure mealtimes are enjoyable. May be having small meals more often is better suited for some people rather than three larger meals a day. Care staff have an important role in creating the kind of social environment that will encourage people to eat and drink and ensure a safe and pleasurable experience. The provision of food and drink should be person-centred and people be encouraged to eat and drink independently for as long as possible to maintain dignity in care too. Therefore it is crucial that care staff have access to appropriate nutrition education and training as an essential part of workforce development. To access helpful training material on nutrition and dementia care, click on Understanding Nutrition and Dementia where you’ll be able to download a workbook ‘Eating and Drinking Well: Supporting People Living with Dementia’. n Jane Murphy is a professor of nutrition and co-leads the Ageing and Dementia Research Centre at Bournemouth University.

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Residents begin to grow their own produce

RESIDENTS at Czajka Care Group’s Brookfield Care Home at Nab Wood near Bradford and Beanlands Nursing Home in Cross Hills near Skipton,have no excuse for not getting their five daily portions of fruit and vegetables after they began growing their own organic produce in their grounds. Large vegetable patches have been created at both homes, which are being used by residents and Czajka’s gardening team, to grow a wide range of vegetables, as well as some fruits and flowers. They also include paved pathways and raised planter style areas that are fully wheelchair accessible. Konrad Czajka, managing director of Czajka Care Group, said: “Lots of our residents enjoy gardening and these vegetable patches give all our residents, including those in wheelchairs, the opportunity to plant and grow produce and flowers. Everything that grows in our grounds is fully organic and we are also cooking it in our kitchens, for our residents to enjoy. “We always provide a lot of emphasis on mealtimes across our five homes, because it’s such an important, social and enjoyable part of our resident’s daily routines. “We cater for the requirements of vegetarians, vegans, diabetics and those with religious diets.”

NUTRITION AND WELLBEING

Dysphagia in care home residents with dementia By Emily Stuart

NEARLY 50 million people are currently living with dementia, a number which is expected to increase to 131.5 million by 2050. To help tackle this, it is important to highlight the problems faced by dementia patients and to demonstrate how we can overcome them. Dementia is caused by a number of progressive brain disorders that affect the ability to perform activities of daily living, memory and behaviour. As the illness progresses into the advanced or severe stages, individuals may experience oral deficits which cause dysphagia. Swallowing is a complex process with many stages. Any one of these stages can stop working, causing the swallowing process to become defective. This is becoming a common complaint in dementia patients. Treatment for dysphagia in dementia patients is more difficult than for those without dementia. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems such as: malnutrition, dehydration and aspiration pneumonia. Here is some advice on how to manage the condition: Triggering the eating process – Mealtimes can become stressful

Emily Stuart for someone with dysphagia and dementia. The patient may be confused by the food and cutlery, and can worry about risk of choking. For a patient with advanced dementia, finger foods may aid the eating process. This taps into the automatic motor rhythm and gives them the freedom to feed themselves. Another way to trigger the eating

process is through alternating between hot and cold food, as this can trigger a swallow. Getting the right nutrients – It can be difficult for dementia patients to receive the correct nutrients, especially with the additional complexities of dysphagia. A patient may become disinterested or agitated by the meal in front of them. In this instance, the meal should be split onto two plates, serving half the meal at a time. This will help the patient to eat the whole meal without having to sit down for an extended period. Another method is to serve five or six small meals throughout the day. If a patient becomes fussy about what food they are eating, a list of food preferences and dislikes could be developed, so they are always given their preferred meals. Enteral feeding– If the patient’s dementia becomes severe, it may be a better option to provide hydration and nutrition through tube feeding. This will ensure the patient isn’t affected by health risks such as malnourishment and aspiration pneumonia. The decision to go ahead with enteral feeding is complex, so it is important the patient and caregivers are aware of all the risks and benefits involved. n Emily Stuart is a dietitian at apetito.

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Residents Mary Evans and Enid Becker celebrate the win with care assistant Nancy Broad.

Cracking menu change IN a major change to its previous advice, The Food Standards Agency has stated that eggs carrying the British Lion mark can now safely be eaten runny, or even raw, by vulnerable groups, such as older people. The new runny egg advice is great news for care caterers and residents as the familiarity of eggs, particularly as part of breakfast and snack meals, can be really helpful when providing meals for people with dementia who may be more able to recognise dishes which have associations with their past. Eggs, either on their own or as part of another dish, can also be useful as finger foods for residents who struggle to use cutlery or who find it difficult to sit down for long enough to eat a meal. Ideas for finger foods featuring eggs include hard boiled eggs,

stuffed eggs, homemade scotch eggs, Spanish omelette cut into cubes, mini omelette wraps, egg mayonnaise on crackers or bread, and mini quiches. Traditional ways of serving eggs, such as boiled eggs and soldiers, can be good choices, especially at breakfast or as a snack meal. Of course some people with dementia are very happy to try new foods and people’s dietary preferences can change, so try less familiar dishes like smoked salmon frittata cut into small pieces too. Brightly coloured dishes or those which contrast with the plate they are served on can also be more obvious for people with dementia, so can encourage appetite. The new runny eggs advice means there has never been a better time to put them back on the menu. www.egginfo.co.uk

Home serves up food award A SHREWSBURY care home has won an award for the innovative and fun ways it encourages residents to eat well. Briarfields, a residential home for older people run by Coverage Care, scooped the 2018 Think Food award from the NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group. Think Food is a practical pathway to signpost care homes in the treatment of malnutrition with everyday food and drinks. Briarfields has introduced a number of initiatives to ensure that residents who are identified to be at risk of under eating can up their calorie intake in a healthy way. Home manager Denise Morris said: “The Think Food pathway has become a key pillar of our care and all our staff are aware of how it fits in with our day to day operation. “We always have fruit and cake available and residents can also

visit our ‘shop’ to buy a range of snacks. We have a hydration trolley in the summer offering smoothies and fruit, which is a novelty for residents and encourages them to take on extra fluid. We also do special activities like film afternoons where they can have ice cream and popcorn. “For those people that have specific dietary needs we create individual plans to ensure they are eating enough. For instance, we have one resident with dementia who was burning off a lot of calories, as she was very active walking around the building. She liked to stop in reception so we placed a special jar of treats for her there which helped her to take on the extra food she needed.” The home was presented with a food hamper for residents and staff for the way it has adopted the Think Food approach.

CARINGEASTER IN OUR CARE HOMES Pupils from Bishop Chavasse Primary School dropped in on Barnes Lodge Residential Care Home in Tonbridge to create some Easter bonnets with the residents. The residents and children gathered in the dining room and got stuck in to adorning their bonnets, using chicks, ribbon, fresh flowers and more. Following their creative session the children treated the residents to a singsong, performing All Things Bright and Beautiful for them.

Easter was celebrated at care homes across Teesside – with bonnet making masterclasses and fayres. The Gables Care Home in Middlesbrough and Ingleby Care Home in Ingleby Barwick were among those to mark the occasion with a variety of activities. At The Gables, residents created Easter bonnets, adorned with bunny ears, fluffy chicks, brightly coloured eggs and other decorations. A raffle of chocolate eggs helped raise over £110 for the residents’ fund, which pays for day trips throughout the year. In Stockton-on-Tees, at Ingleby Care Home an Easter fayre helped raise over £245 for their residents’ fund. A cake stall sold cupcakes baked by the Ingleby Care Home kitchen staff to help with the fundraising.

Ducklings hatched at a Northumberland care home just in time for Easter. The Oaks Care Home, in Blyth, had been incubating the baby birds for several days before they began to break free of their shells. Four new arrivals greeted the elderly residents with chirps before enjoying a dip in a specially provided paddling pool. The residents were delighted to see the ducklings – before they are homed at a local farm. Professional hatching provider Incredible Eggs gave the care home the opportunity to incubate the ducklings and see them hatch. Advertiser’s announcement

Skills for Care updates its ‘Good and outstanding care guide’ for 2018 SKILLS for Care supports providers to create a well-led, skilled and valued adult social care workforce. The updated ‘Good and outstanding care guide’ is ideal for providers who want to achieve or sustain a good or outstanding Care Quality Commission rating. The guide also includes the recent changes to the CQC’s inspection approach (introduced in November 2017). The guide features examples of good and outstanding care and support, and how you can make it happen. It includes: n Tried and tested ways to prepare for inspection to demonstrate you’re meeting the CQC’s fundamental standards. n Practical examples and recommendations from good and outstanding service providers. n Tips on what to avoid and common pitfalls. n Real-life examples of what’s impressed inspectors. n Revised areas of inspection. Download the guide for free at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/go The ‘Good and outstanding care

guide – extended workbook edition’ is also available with extra activities including questions and checklists to support providers reflect on their service. This helps to assess current performance and identify where improvements could be made. The workbook edition can be purchased online at: www. skillsforcare.org.uk/bookshop

Residents and staff at Chirk Court Care Home in Chirk celebrated Easter with linedancing and laughter, adding a touch of flair with Easter bonnets and chicken outfits. As wells as Easter chicks, residents also welcomed some other feathered friends from the Stockley Birds of Prey Centre. “We were delighted that the Ellesmere Line-dancers kindly volunteered to provide some Easter entertainment for our residents and bought along baskets of chocolate eggs for the residents too. It was a lovely event,” said Mandi Southern, activities coordinator at the care home. Residents at Beaumont Hall were thrilled with a visit from Leicester Tigers’ mascot at their Easter family fun day. Welford took a break from cheering on the Tigers to visit the residential and dementia care home to meet with residents, their families and the local Beaumont Leys community. Residents and staff have been planning the Easter family fun day and they invited the local community along to enjoy an Easter egg hunt, Easter games, face painting, homemade cakes and a raffle. Leicester Tigers has a close bond with Beaumont Hall since they teamed up for the innovative ‘Project Rugby’. The regular sessions at the home see residents use rugby techniques to aid and improve physical wellbeing.

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Lincolnshire families to benefit from new sensory garden AN innovative garden being created by Tanglewood Care Homes in Spalding will soon allow elderly residents suffering from demetia to enjoy the outdoor environment safely and independently. Work on the new purpose-built garden is already in progress at the operator’s Cedar Falls Care Village in Spalding. As part of the Cedar Falls Community Garden Project, Tanglewood has partnered with Living Through Landscapes, Thrive, Groundworks, Tesco and Homebase to carefully form every element of the design by taking into consideration the needs of those living with dementia. Founder and director of Tanglewood Care Homes, Tracy Ann Shelbourn, said: “The Cedar Falls Community Garden Project is one of our most ambitious outdoor projects to date and will be available for all Cedar Falls residents to enjoy as well as visitors from the surrounding communities. “All too often people living in residential care settings do not have access to safe environments where they can spend time independently outdoors, particularly people living with dementia. “We’re continuing to develop our outreach programmes which focus on residents living with dementia, and we wanted to design an outdoor model of care to reflect this and to inspire other care homes to also use their outdoor space more effectively.” Key features of the new sensory garden include: n Pergola walkways offering a 360-degree sensory experience for people at all heights and mobility preferences. n A flower planting and vegetable growing area that has been carefully curated to provide sensory stimulations ranging from scent to touch to taste. n Flexi-pave resin-bound surfacing which is suitable for wheelchairs. n Gazebo space for private relaxation with family members, suitable for all

Residents at more than 40 Care UK homes across the country celebrated World Poetry Day. The fun-filled events organised by the provider’s lifestyle teams included intergenerational activities with local schools, poetry recitals, and workshops where residents were supported to pen their own poems to enter into Care UK’s ‘time to rhyme’ poetry writing competition.

Resident Lillian Westland with team member Kay Brown at Cedar Falls in Spalding. weathers. n Bird-friendly area with feeding tables. n Multiple entrances to allow residents to come and go independently. As well as welcoming the wider Lincolnshire community it is hoped that when complete, the community garden will be used as a venue for further dementia care education programmes. Tracy added: “The garden project is already included in the University of Kent’s study into outdoor living for those with dementia. “Some people enjoy more active pastimes, whereas others prefer to simply relax in the garden, and we’re sure that the new community garden will have something on offer for everyone. “We’ve received overwhelming support from relatives of Cedar Falls residents and Tanglewood staff that have either donated money directly for items within the project, or sponsorship of the garden planting areas of specific foliage or plants. We look forward to welcoming families across Lincolnshire who have been touched by dementia in some way to come and enjoy this new space.” The first phase of the Community Garden Project at Cedar Falls care home in Spalding is due to be completed in the near future and the final phase will be completed in June.

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CARINGNEWS Singing and dancing therapy sessions have been taking place at a Sheffield care home to help residents living with dementia. The monthly activities are run by charity Lost Chord at The Laurels and The Limes Care Home. Louise Spooner, home manager at The Laurels Care Home, said: “We have been working with Lost Chord for some time now and we see a huge difference in our residents following one of their sessions. Dementia is most closely associated with memory loss but music continues to have a powerful effect on those living with the condition. We see an uplift in mood, less aggressive behaviour and greater sociability among those who take part.”

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Residents Catherine Rush, Audrey Butterworth, Norah Brooker and Irmgard Wisla with the statue.

Nursing home’s silhouette for Tommy campaign A TOTTINGTON nursing home is remembering the fallen with a ‘Tommy’ statue. Abbeywood Residential Home bought a Tommy Silhouette as part of the Remembered campaign which is being run by charity There But Not There. The charity has created a number of metal silhouettes to be placed around the country to remind people of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War One. Groups interested in supporting the campaign can purchase their own Tommy in perspex or metal from the charity. Abbeywood has done just that, purchasing a sitting silhouette for their memorial garden. Stacey Johnson, deputy manager,

said: “We look after people who were in the war or whose families were. “Their era is wartime and they’re all affected by it. It’s important to us that isn’t lost as time goes on.” At the moment Tommy is sat in the home’s entrance. Stacey added: “We want everyone to see him and ask about him and once everyone has seen him and the weather gets better we’re going to place him in the garden. “We plan to use our Tommy as part of our reminiscence sessions with the residents, as they often have many interesting stories from their experience in war time. “All of our staff are incredibly interested by the different ways of life during the war.”

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CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

A woman who gave up a job as a beautician to pursue a career in the care sector has been named Learner of the Year through an apprenticeship scheme funded by the Welsh government. Caring UK reports.

No more ‘same old, same old’ for Amyleigh AMYLEIGH Normanton started work as a support worker for the Regard Group in 2008 and has since obtained four QCF diplomas in adult health and social care through the organisation Progression Training. She is now manager of Garthowen residential care home in Rhydowen, near Llandysul in Ceredigion, which supports people with learning disabilities, mental health and complex needs. “I was a trained beauty therapist and had just started training as a hairdresser, but three months in I realised that I had had enough. It was just the same old, same old every day,” said Amyleigh, aged 27. “I applied to be a support worker at a Regard service in North West Wales because I needed a job basically. But, once I was there I found I absolutely loved it and realised I’d found my calling. “It’s so rewarding. No two days are the same. Knowing you’re making a difference and giving people the best quality of life possible gives me a real sense of achievement that would be hard to experience anywhere else.” Since taking over as manager at Garthowen last August, Amyleigh has implemented an activity system to make sure individuals at the

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service are actively involved in the community. She has increased the number of daily in-house activities including baking, and crafts and weekly karaoke and discos. One person now attends a local knitting club, others attend chair aerobics and there are also walking sessions and holidays to increase community inclusion. “It’s all about having a good care plan in place and a motivated staff team that shares both my own and Regard’s vision and values,” added Amyleigh. Amyleigh, who travels 62-miles each day to Garthowen from her home in Dolgellau, obtained her care qualifications through Progression Training as part of a work-based learning scheme. The scheme, funded by the Welsh government and the European Social Fund, involves monthly work-based sessions with an assessor from Progression Training. “I’m really lucky as I would never have been able to get these qualifications any other way because I needed to work,” added Amyleigh, who has an eight-year-old son on the autistic spectrum. “Regard has been really supportive

Garthowen support worker Barry Peate and manager Amyleigh Normanton. throughout my training. They are a “Amyleigh is a good example of fantastic organisation to work for, what an apprentice can achieve”, and I’m really lucky to have inspiring said Sara Davies who was Amyleigh’s managers whose knowledge is assessor at Progressive Training. outstanding.” “Regard is very lucky to have such a Progressive Training provides QCF fantastic staff member and it’s great training for the Regard Group’s care to see an employer encourage and services across Wales. support staff development.”

CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Boston College’s apprentice of the year Sammy Jo Butler with Peter Cropley, chair of corporation at the College.

Apprentice wins top accolade at College YOUNG carer Sammy Jo Barlow is celebrating after winning the Apprentice of the Year award at Boston College for her work at Walnut Care in Skegness. Sammy, aged 18, who started at Boston College two years ago, managed to beat tough competition to win the accolade. She joined Walnut Care as an apprentice in February last year and works at Barratt Court Extra Care in Skegness. Sammy was originally born in Manchester but came to Skegness five years ago. She studied at Skegness Academy before continuing her education at Boston College. She said: “I’m really excited to win

this award. “I was nervous when I first started at Walnut Care, but over the past year I’ve grown in confidence and knowledge. “I’m grateful to Walnut Care for the opportunity. I hope to continue to pursue a career in the care industry in the future.” Sammy will go on to complete her level three in health and social care. The Boston College Apprenticeship Awards, to celebrate the successes of students, were held during National Apprenticeship Week. The evening was hosted by Radio Lincolnshire’s Melvyn Prior and sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses (East Midlands).

An apprentice at 50, Shelly can’t believe how good she feels SHELLY is a support worker who takes huge pride in her role and the difference she makes every day to the lives of people she helps at Holland House, a support service for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome. When Shelly reached the big 50 she decided to take some time away from her current role. During that time she supported a neighbour in caring for their husband who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The experience changed Shelly’s life and she began to consider how she could use her caring and compassionate nature to benefit others. A friend suggested a career in care and helped her to create a CV and apply for roles. Shelly persisted and applied for a job as support worker with Consensus Support Services, which she was offered and eagerly accepted. After six months Shelly knew this role was one she loved, and she wanted to expand her

knowledge and educate herself further. Consensus Support Services worked with leading training provider Qube Learning to offer apprenticeship training for its staff and Shelly started the NVQ Level 2 Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care. Having just completed her NVQ, Shelly feels more confident, competent and says her selfesteem has gone through the roof. She is eager to get going on her NVQ Level 3, something she had never thought she would hear herself say. Qube Learning is proud to be an OFSTED grade 2 (Good) training provider and works with hundreds of employers across the country to deliver a range of training and qualifications to a multitude of learners. Find out how an apprenticeship could kick-start your career or contribute to your organisation by contacting the training experts at Qube Learning. Enquiries: Visit www.qube-learning.co.uk

The Bluebell Park team with the dementia simulator.

Care service welcomes new simulator to help understand dementia

A LIVERPOOL care service for older people has embarked on a unique training experience to understand life from the perspective of a person living with dementia. Bluebell Park is an extra care village for over 55s, provides housing, support and care services which enable and encourage people to live independently for as long as they wish to and are able to. The service’s specialist care and support is provided by national social care charity Community Integrated Care. It welcomed an innovative and thought provoking virtual dementia simulator provided by Training 2 Care, which took guests through a sensory experience that helped them walk in the shoes of a person living with dementia. The simulator aims to give participants a greater insight and understanding of the condition, and brought together colleagues, family members, housing partners, local healthcare professionals and commissioners, with the aim of using this to influence how they interact and support a person with dementia. Samantha Brennan, Community Integrated Care’s North West regional director, oversaw the project. She said: “The dementia simulator from Training 2 Care was an

incredible experience, and one that will change the way we deliver support to people living with dementia. “To bring together so many of our stakeholders also proves how committed Community Integrated Care is to delivering outstanding care and support, driving up quality and standards of dementia care. “This virtual dementia experience gave all participants a real life perspective of life with dementia, and we are now reviewing how we positively interact with people in both our personal and professional lives to make a difference. “The feedback has been truly overwhelming – we know that we’ve already made a difference for the people that we support, which is the outcome we wanted.” Mark Adams, Community Integrated Care’s chief executive, took part in the simulator. He added: “This was one of the most powerful training exercises I’ve seen throughout my career. It gave us a shift in perspective that we often need to think about how we should support people living with dementia, and will no doubt improve the way we work going forward. “A huge well done to the team for organising such an innovative and emotional training session.”

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CARINGNEWS

Procurement success for specialist provider Complete Care Agency Ltd LOUISE Ellis-Copley, director of Complete Care Agency Ltd, has announced the successful tender bid and contract award to deliver care in partnership with the National Health Service. Complete Care Agency Ltd is a specialist health care provider that is changing the face of care delivery in the home. The owner and director of the company believes in the value of staff and their training as the key to excellence in delivering such high level care in the community. Complete Care Agency recently released the following statement:“We are pleased to announce the following news – our bid for both National Health Service contracts have been awarded to Complete Care Agency, the specific contracts awarded are:

n Domiciliary Care for Continuing Healthcare. n Domiciliary Care for Continuing Healthcare (Complex) . “Both of these contracts carry a total value of £95m. “It has been an exhausting and highly demanding tendering process. The level of expectation and the information provided was required to be very of the very highest standard, as you would expect for such an important contract. “The process itself demanded that the applicants knew the business, the sector and had vision for the future needs of the National Health Service. “The successful tender bid has underlined that we are leading the sector and our vision remains clear on the future of healthcare at home. “Our specialist knowledge and ability to deliver high level specialist

“Our specialist knowledge and ability to deliver high level specialist care in a community environment, has translated on paper into a recognised model that can deliver on a large scale.”

Louise Ellis-Copley care in a community environment, has translated on paper into a recognised model that can deliver on a large scale. “The award of the contract is a testament to our staff such as support workers, health care assistants, management and the unseen back office staff. “The success of these contracts emanates through the ability to not only write an outstanding bid but the ability to translate that in to practice. Writing something on paper is one thing, making your proposal possible is a challenge.

“Final results of the tender were quite conclusive, we ranked first in the weighted questions for one of the contracts and second in another. “We are delighted with this result as that really does put us at the very top of the sector. “Our team have demonstrated that we have the specialist knowledge and business ability to deliver contracts of this level. “Complete Care Agency is one of the chosen companies that can improve patient outcomes and deliver a seamless service from hospital to home. “This makes the NHS more efficient and cost effective. But most importantly the patient is happier. “As we go through our company mobilisation plan we hope to implement key strategies to reduce admissions to local hospitals, improve discharge planning with hospitals and crucially improve communication with all health care professionals with the independent sector. “After working with the National Health Service for some years, this contract further solidifies our commitment to them. We look forward to making this contract a roaring success.”

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Duo unite against dementia in Mount Everest adventure

TWO Alzheimer’s Society colleagues will “push themselves to the limit” when they embark on one of the world’s greatest treks. Anna Ward and Hayley Woodyatt will swap heels for hiking boots for the dementia charity on a sponsored trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp. And they hope their Himalayan hike will raise £20,000 to help the charity find a dementia cure and provide vital support for people affected by the condition. “We will be walking in extreme conditions, at high altitude and will most likely return home two broken women,” Anna, 26, said. “But we’re ready to put ourselves through this because in the 16 days it takes us to complete our trek, 7,680 people will develop dementia and there is currently no cure.” Anna, who lives in Bexley, South East London, has been inspired to take part in the 115-kilometre walk after meeting people affected by dementia while working for Alzheimer’s Society over the last five years. She now manages the charity’s Will to Remember project which helps people affected by dementia create their own wills and they will by driving her on amid challenging Himalayan conditions. “Everest Base Camp is possibly the hardest fundraising challenge we could think of and are physically

Anna Ward (left) and Hayley Woodyatt. capable of,” Anna added. “But I’m so looking forward to this challenge and no doubt those reminders of why I do what I do will come in useful on those harder days when the air is thin and I’m absolutely exhausted.” For Hayley, a Will to Remember executive who lives in York, the fight against dementia is a close to her heart as her maternal grandparents were living with vascular dementia when they died. “One of my saddest moments was hearing my granddad tell me about his granddaughter, Hayley, and

pointing me out in a photograph,” she said. “It was really tough watching my mum go through losing her parents to dementia and I wish now I’d known more about the condition so we could have made things easier for them.” Hayley, 39, added: “This is why I am so determined our trek to Everest Base Camp will raise awareness of dementia and how Alzheimer’s Society can support more people affected by it. I wanted to take on a trek that would push me to my limits and earn our sponsorship money in the toughest way.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown has been appointed chief executive of Jewish Care following a robust recruitment process. He will take up the appointment on July 1 in succession to Simon Morris, who announced last December his decision to step down after 15 successful years. Currently the director of fundraising and marketing at Jewish Care, Daniel has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility at the charity having begun his career over two decades ago delivering front line services. Daniel said: “I look forward to working with the president, honorary presidents, chairman, board of trustees and the thousands of dedicated colleagues, volunteers and supporters of this exceptional organisation to ensure we can continue to meet the growing and changing social care needs of the community.”

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Former private residence in Mid Glamorgan sold

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Planning approved for new £8m care home in York

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Care home a step closer to opening By Dominic Musgrave OAKLAND Care, a luxury care provider with more than 25 years’ experience, has announced the practical completion of its latest luxurious home ‘Beechwood Grove’, which is set to open its doors to residents and the Eastbourne community in May. To mark the practical completion of the building works, Harnoop Atkar, chief executive of Oakland Care visited the new home with his father Sav, who identified the site back in 2014 and has a lifetime of social care experience as the inspiration behind business. Together they met with the new Beechwood Grove team, including home manager Jeff Levine, as well as Jason Briggs of HSBC, who have provided funding for the project. He said: “We look forward to becoming part of Eastbourne’s

create more than 60 jobs in the local area and provide exceptional care and five-star living for up to 58 residents. Jeff Levine, home manager, Beechwood Grove, said: “The new

home is shaping up to be a wonderful addition to the Eastbourne, and we can’t wait to share our beautiful home and five-star services with the local community. “We are well underway to recruiting a full staff team who are now completing an intensive training programme so that we can provide the very best care and support alongside the luxurious accommodation. “We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Eastbourne community.” Beechwood Grove will comprise of 58 en-suite bedrooms, offering individuals personalised residential, nursing, dementia and respite care in a five-star setting. The home aims to promote individuality through a programme of tailored activities, each of which will be designed to encourage active, healthy and fun lifestyles for residents.

Sharston House Nursing Home, Cheshire

Morton House, Worcestershire

vibrant retirement and care community and making Beechwood Grove a place where people can come together to live, love and be loved.” Once the beautiful interior design is complete, Beechwood Grove will

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Former private residence in Mid Glamorgan sold DC Care has completed the sale of The Laurels Care Home in Aberdare, South Wales on behalf of Keith Jones. The home is located on the outskirts of the town centre, with a population of just over 31,000, and is located almost halfway between Swansea and Cardiff. The building is a former private residence which has been significantly extended to provide care in all single accommodation bedrooms. As well as light and spacious accommodation, there are gardens to the rear, which have been designed to encourage use by clients. The business was appraised by regional director Alison Willoughby

and the marketing of the home and sale was negotiated by senior sales negotiator Lisa Rushworth. The Laurels has been acquired by Siva Sriplan and his business partner. Alison said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The role of an agent is to facilitate and in this particular instruction, we knew that the sale would progress smoothly with a more hands off approach by us, with both buyer and sellers communicating regularly. This helped to foster an extremely amenable relationship between the parties.â&#x20AC;? The asking price of the business was ÂŁ650,000 for the freehold, although the sale price was undisclosed.

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T: 0203 488 3013 M: 07903112694 E: info@mabonandray.uk W: www.mabonandray.uk A: 222 Regent Street, London, W1B 3TR

Planning approved for new £8m care home in York

A new manager with a strong track record in the care industry has been appointed at a Rotherham care home. Luke Owens has taken the top job at Broadacres Care Home, in Parkgate, and has already issued an open invitation to those looking for support for their loved ones. “I want the community to see firsthand the passion and commitment we have at Broadacres,” he said. “Anyone interested in learning more about the home and the support we provide to those requiring care is welcome to pop in when they’re in the area.” Prior to joining the Hill Care Group, which operates Broadacres Care Home, Luke managed and took his previous home from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ under CQC standards.

PENOYRE & Prasad has received planning permission for a new £8m care home in York. The one-to-three-storey building was designed to enable modular construction to provide a cost efficient and faster build option for the client, in line with the urgent need for more care homes to house the growing elderly population. This project is one of a number of Elderly Living schemes being developed at Penoyre & Prasad exploring better ways for frail elderly,including those living with dementia, to live safely and enjoyably into old age. The building at Burnholme Care Home surrounds a secure and sheltered garden, and all 80 bedrooms are en-suite. Penoyre & Prasad’s design for the care home provides for a wide variety of spaces for residents to enjoy, either privately or as a social activity, including a central outdoor courtyard, café, bar, shop, arts and crafts workshop, library, cinema, beautician and hair salon, and gym, all located in the ground floor ‘hub’. The new care home sits within a wider masterplan for the Burnholme College site that includes a community space, health centre and sports facilities for the local community, as well as a new housing development. Bedrooms are arranged in small clusters of between nine and 11

rooms, each with their own selfcontained facilities, which include a communal lounge, dining area with kitchenette and quiet room. All of the communal lounges and dining areas have large windows and doors leading out either to the central garden or large communal terraces on the upper floors. All bedrooms have bay windows, or on the ground floor, glazed doors giving direct access to the central garden. The flat roof areas on the lower one-storey part of the building are sedum roofs, adding extra greenery to the scheme, and contributing to the sustainability strategy of the project.

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Fundamental principles behind the design are to create calm and clear spaces for the residents, including for those living with dementia. Circulation routes have been designed to avoid dead ends, doors will be clearly visible, coloured to stand out from surrounding walls, as will furniture, to assist wayfinding. Penoyre & Prasad Project architect, Richard Schunemann said: “With our experience in designing for people with dementia, combined with application of best practice principles of the University of Stirling’s Dementia Toolkit, we have created a safe and comfortable environment that truly meets their needs.”

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DC Care is delighted to announce the recent sale of Havengore House near Southend, Essex, one of our quickest transactions in recent years. The sale of the home was completely discreet, with the home never actually being advertised on the open market. When industry knowledge and wisdom are needed, when a discreet sale is desired, our clients choose DC Care to sell their healthcare business.

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Cornish Home successfully sold

‘Outstanding’ nursing home has new owner

HEALTHCARE Homes Group has completed of the purchase of The Old Vicarage residential care home in Leigh, near Sherborne, Dorset. Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC, The Old Vicarage takes the group’s portfolio of residential and nursing homes up to 37 across the South and East of England. The company has acquired the facility from Josie Aggett and Carey Faulkener; two sisters who took over its running in 2016 following the loss of their parents, Annie and Ian Sinnott; both of whom had originally opened The Old Vicarage in 1984 as a

residential home. Gordon Cochrane, chief executive officer of Healthcare Homes Group, said: “The Old Vicarage is a fantastic home that has been built with devotion and professional dedication since 1984. “We are delighted to complete the purchase of the home, which has an excellent reputation across the Dorset region as well as recognition from the CQC in the form of its outstanding rating plus an impressive 30 industry awards to its name.” The purchase of the 41-bed home completed for an undisclosed sum.

Antron Manor Care Home, Penryn, Cornwall.

Lamont Johnson are delighted to announce the completed sale of Antron Manor Care Home, a long established home set in over an acre of landscaped gardens, registered for 16 residents, with all single bedrooms, having ensuite facilities. Sold on behalf of Ken Rogers to Mrs Rebecca Wood and Mr and Mrs Blight. For a no obligation appraisal and advice on how we can help sell your home, phone us on 07920 475 440 or mail us at lamontjohnson@btinternet.com

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Suite opened by 90-year-old man who was born there

A new management team has taken the helm at a Teesside care home specialising in residential and dementia care. Louise Hawksby has been named as the home manager at Mandale House Care Home, in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, and John Paul Wilson as her deputy. Both are highly experienced in the care sector and plan to build on the home’s strong community links, person-centred care and support. Louise worked in business administration prior to becoming an office manager at a nursing home in Redcar. She was promoted to deputy manager and registered to study nursing, before deciding to become a phlebotomist.

RICHMOND Villages, part of Bupa, has opened the sales and marketing suite for its eighth site, now under construction at Wood Norton, Worcestershire. Once completed it will provide 107 homes for those over 55, and a 60-bed care home. The new sales and marketing suite is located in The South Lodge within the grounds of the new village and was officially opened by 90-year old John Poulter, who was born in the lodge in 1927. He continued to live there until he was 10 and has fond childhood memories. On stepping back into what had been his home 79 years ago, John said: “It was a wonderful childhood, and I just loved the architectural beauty of the Lodge and the adjoining Golden Gates; I’d very happily live here again. “Richmond Villages has done a great job in restoring the building, and I very much looking forward to the re-hanging of the historic gates once they have been refurbished.” Philippa Fieldhouse, managing director of Richmond Villages, added: “I can’t think of a more fitting person to re-open The South Lodge than someone who has such a strong affinity to the building. It’s such a wonderful story, and we are so grateful to John for sharing his memories with us.” Located in a hillside location

John Poulter cuts the ribbon accompanied by Paul Brady, Village manager overlooking the Avon valley and with all daily chores, and a 60-bed surrounded by mature woodland, the care home. The village will feature new retirement village will occupy a wellness spa with swimming pool the site of the former BBC training and gym, hair and beauty salon, a college. library, activities and IT room, café The new £40million Richmond bar, restaurant with private dining Wood Norton is within easy reach plus a 12-seat cinema, all set within of the M5 and M42, between the landscaped grounds. riverside towns of Evesham and Richmond Villages’ own drivers will Pershore and close to Stratford-uponrun regular scheduled shopping trips Avon, Worcester and The Cotswolds. and excursions, while the activities Due to open in early 2019, it will team will ensure there is a wide comprise 61 one and two-bedroom choice of exciting and varied social Village apartments offering an events. The company’s own on-site independent lifestyle, 46 Village suites domiciliary care team provides as (one and two bedroom) which come much or as little help as is needed, 24 with a ‘hotel style’ package to help hours a day.

Social care hit by fee rise By Kashif Majeed

Extra care housing plan gets the green light NOT-for-profit care provider and housing association,Rapport Housing & Care’s plans to develop an extra care housing scheme in Kemsing have been approved by Sevenoaks District Council . Starting on site in the autumn, the extra care housing scheme will comprise 51 one and two-bedroom apartments (31 one-bed and 20 two-bed) available to purchase and for affordable rent, through the District Council. The apartments will be specifically for over 55s, who would benefit from care and/or support. Alongside the apartments, residents will enjoy a range of communal facilities, including a lounge, restaurant, terrace with orangery, activity room and hair salon and therapy room. Residents can choose to have their support needs met by Rapport Housing & Care’s on-site

domiciliary care team, Caring Companions, or another provider of their choice. With two other extra care housing schemes currently on site and a third due to commence shortly, the Kemsing development will see a further continuation of the company’s ambitious development plans. Once completed, these will see the provision of a total of 235 new extra care apartments across Kent. Leon Steer, chief executive of Rapport Housing & Care said: “Our charity has been providing housing and care for older people in the south east for 50 years and we aim to use our experience to continue meeting the changing needs of our older community in the future. “This project will create two years of development work, as well as new permanent jobs, strengthening the economy and supporting the NHS and housing market.”

NEWS of yet another fee hike by the Care Quality Commission has many care home managers worried about how they will continue to provide a quality service to their residents. This new fee rise is due to take effect in April 2018 as part of a fouryear cost recovery agreement with providers, and means that social care is the only sector to see their fees rise this year. In an industry that is already struggling to make ends meet, the new fee rates will only add further pressure on care home providers to work within even tighter budget constraints. This is further compounded by the fact that many local authorities throughout England are not in a financial position to offer more funding towards the cost of social care. In order to keep in line with their Care Act 2014 responsibilities, it is essential that local authorities follow the correct procedures in obtaining a realistic cost of care analysis for a care home. This analysis will allow them to gauge the scale of the challenges associated with the fee rise. It will also help them to understand the true costs of care and budget appropriately for their local care providers. However, this is not proving to be an easy task as many local authorities are forced to tighten their purse strings even further due to a lack of funds. Over the recent years, Social Care

has received a lot of negative press with many care homes either failing to provide quality care or going into administration due to financial troubles. However, almost all care home providers have strived hard to maintain high standards in spite of the hurdles before them. There is a real concern that standards within care homes are falling, but surely budget cuts and lack of funding play a big role in contributing towards a depleting service? It is simply not possible to maintain excellent standards of care, when there is no money, and it is unreasonable and unfair to expect care home managers feel positive or motivated when little to no investment is being made to help them. With a population of people who are living longer than ever before, the burden of providing care on the social sector is only set to increase in the coming years. This means that something has to be done in order to keep the services alive and at a standard that is at least acceptable. The question is; if fees continue to rise every year, will the sector be sustainable in the future? If you are a care home owner who believes that your local authority has not followed the correct procedures in obtaining your cost of care analysis, please contact our specialist care home solicitors at Aston Brooke Solicitors on 020 3475 4321. n Kashif Majeed is a director at Aston Brooke Solicitors.

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Dorset nursing home gains national accolade for its end-of-life care A DORSET nursing home has gained a national accolade for the way it supports relatives whose loved ones receive end-of-life care. Team members at Canford Chase in Poole took part in a year-long programme run by the Point of Care Foundation, an independent charity, called ‘Living Well to the Very End’. Despite already offering quality care, staff at the home said they wanted to do more to support families in the early stages of bereavement. Canford Chase, run by family-owned Colten Care, was the only non-NHS setting to complete the programme, which culminated in an awards ceremony in London. The home won the gong for ‘Best Application of Methodology’, recognising how well coaching, mentoring, webinars and interactive team exercises have informed the approach to bereavement support. Specific actions include reflective practice, shadowing and observation

of colleagues, more practical support for visiting families, and a remembrance day. Among those involved in the programme were Theresa Sales, clinical lead, Charlotte Wilson, home manager, and Karen Wadey, senior

care lead. Charlotte said: “We have all developed a greater knowledge and awareness of the importance and impact that high standards of end of life care can provide. “To ensure these high standards, the

focus has been on enabling the wider team to have greater confidence when offering end-of-life care and in particular when considering the needs of the affected family members.” Working in partnership with Canford Chase during the programme was Dr Saskie Dorman, consultant in palliative medicine at Forest Holme Hospice, part of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. She said: “We met regularly throughout the project to focus on progress being made and reflect on the experience of residents who had died or who were receiving care towards the end of their life, and that of their families.” Charlotte added: “We really hope to build on this achievement and continue working with Saskie to improve the service we offer but also perhaps focus on the relationship in general between the NHS and care homes at the point of end of life.”

Group appoints new care standards manager THE Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group has appointed Katie Wood to the newly-created position of care standards manager. The group-wide role is focused on further raising the company’s high standard of quality care across the six nursing homes it currently operates in Scotland. Along with supporting and advising Randolph Hill managers, Katie will also be responsible for ensuring the company remains fully complaint with current and future legislation in all aspects of the business. An expert in social care, Katie spent 15 years at the government regulatory body the Care Inspectorate, including a one-year spell with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, prior to taking up this new position. More recently she has worked for a short time as governance manager for a large UK-wide care provider. She is a registered nurse and qualified midwife with a BSc in community health nursing, a degreelevel qualification in regulation of care and a master’s degree in

Retirement village is ‘Strictly’ the best

Katie Wood dementia studies. Randolph Hill managing director Peter McCormick said: “Katie is a highly experienced practitioner whose background experience makes her ideal for this new role. “Her in-depth understanding of the regulatory regime will help ensure we continue to maintain the highest standards of care for the people we serve.” Hallmark Care Homes’ facility in Maesteg, Bryn Celyn, celebrated over a decade of delivering relationship-centred care with a party to mark the milestone event. The industryleading residential and nursing home, which was acquired by the awardwinning care provider in 2003, recognised residents, relatives and individuals who have contributed to its success at the event.

AN innovative retirement village in Darlington has been recognised at a glittering national award ceremony in London. Middleton Hall scooped the ‘Best Employer of the Year’ Award (51-249 employees) at the prestigious Skills for Care Accolades event. The national awards celebrate excellence in workforce development for the 1.45 million people who work in adult social care in England and are an opportunity to celebrate all that is great about how high quality care and support is provided by hard working, skilled and dedicated workers in our communities Middleton Hall Retirement Village, one of only a handful of organisations nationwide who has been awarded a CQC Outstanding in all five categories, was one of three

finalists. On the night, Middleton Hall was announced the winner, Jeremy Walford and the team were presented with their award on stage by host Anton Du Beke from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Jeremy said: “Visitors to Middleton Hall might initially be impressed by our facilities, as we do indeed have some great facilities for our residents. “However, as our residents will tell anyone, what really matters is our staff. Our investment in the very best facilities would be wasted if we did not employ and develop the very best people to work in them. Middleton Hall is through and through a people business and I am delighted that Skills for Care has recognised the efforts from all our team.”

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CARINGINDUSTRY NEWS Advertiser’s announcement

New business specialising in buying and selling care facilities launched A NEW business has been launched that will specialise in the selling and buying of care facilities nationwide. Mabon & Ray’s specialist advisors have drawn on their own experiences of buying and selling healthcare businesses to provide support and guidance. They also provide a specialised consultancy service for existing businesses and for those looking to start a venture in the healthcare sector. Mabon & Ray is putting together technology to allow the seller and buyer of a business to log onto their own personal profile to see exactly how the sale and purchase is

progressing. The technology will aim to make the process quicker and minimise unnecessary hold ups. Confidential sales currently being undertaken by Mabon & Ray: Care home, East Sussex Freehold £1,129,000 Registered for 26 users Well established business Care home, Kent Freehold £1,500,000 Registered for 23 users Well established business For further information visit http://mabonandray.uk or call 0203 488 3013.

The hidden cost of falls

RESEARCH has highlighted that falls cost the NHS in excess of £2billion a year – and that excludes the potentially four times higher cost, arising from the impact in community care, aids provision, and the psychological impact. In some areas, falls account for almost five per cent of the whole local adult social care budget. Falls are among the top 10 causes of disability adjusted life years. Using the toilet is one of the most risky activities, especially among older people: approximately 20 per cent of injuries/falls happen using the WC. “It’s not hard to make going to the toilet safer, and potentially more hygienic too,” said Robin Tuffley, marketing manager at Closomat, Britain’s leading provider of assistive toileting solutions. “And even at the top end of solutions, it is still cost comparable against just the hospital cost of treatment before the social care cost has been factored in. “Something as simple as fitting a grab rail can help. Solutions that prevent the twisting, turning, and address balance have a more positive impact: they address the common physical factors of

muscle weakness and poor balance. “These include technology such as wash & dry toilets that save having to grab toilet tissue, wipe clean etc, height adjustable WCs that can be raised to assist someone with mobility, balance issues, or toilet lifters that are the WC equivalent of riser recliner chairs.” Enquiries: Visit www.clos-o-mat.com or call 0161 969 1199.

esemtan® – effective skin cleansing for residents with incontinence

esemtan® Cleansing Foam is a gentle, quick and effective skin cleanser designed particularly for the skincare of incontinent or bedbound residents. Containing antimicrobial active ingredients, esemtan® helps protect the skin from infection, whilst also having a gently moisturising action. esemtan® Cleansing Foam is easy to use and should be sprayed onto the skin, left for 30 seconds, then wiped with a disposable cloth. The foam has a discreet but fresh scent. Jan Buckley, manager of a Surrey care home, said: “We always use esemtan Cleansing Foam to clean the skin of all our incontinent residents; it’s hygienic and discreet to use, gentle on the skin and has a very pleasant fragrance. The foam mousse is very easy to use, particularly at the bedside or where quick and tactful cleaning is required.” Enquirie: To try a sample, email mail.uk@ schuelke.com or call 0114 254 3500. For more details visit www.schuelke.com

Simple solutions

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

Care group updates its décor for dementia

The ultimate in infection control

VICKI Wilson, national trainer for Beaucare® Medical, was invited to showcase the CareClean™ range at the Lancashire County Council infection control conference, which was attended by NHS Nurses and Carers. The specialised chemical cleaning range, which garnered a lot of attention at the conference, is formulated to BS EN 1276 and BS EN 13704 standard and is designed to simplify any healthcare facility’s chemical usage. Approved by NHS Infection Control, the range features colour coded labelling to minimise the risk of cross-contamination and to help ensure that the

right product is being used correctly. Beaucare’s Versan Disinfectant for Disease Control is an ideal accompaniment. It is a broad spectrum hard surface disinfectant and is effective against C.Difficile spores, Norovirus, MRSA and more. Beaucare provides free support materials and national training, offering instruction on minimising the risk of cross-contamination and guidance on cost effective application and dosing. Enquiries: Call 01423 873666, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

ELDERLY residents in Lincolnshire are having a say in how their rooms are decorated thanks to a pioneering project being run by Tanglewood Care Homes. The Tanglewood Textiles Programme, which gives residents more choice over their living environment, is being rolled out by the group at its care homes in Alford, Horncastle, Coningsby, Spalding and Boston. The provider has partnered with Skopos Fabrics to carefully curate themed textile boards featuring assorted colours and sensory fabrics, designed specifically to engage residents living with dementia. In January all Tanglewood homes held consultation sessions where residents and their relatives were invited to explore different fabrics. They had the opportunity to look at and feel a range of material options for their bedroom before choosing their favourite designs. Lynn Wade, marketing manager at Skopos Fabrics, said: “Having worked with Tanglewood for over 25 years we’re delighted to be collaborating with them on their latest refurbishment project. “We’ve come up with schemes for both public areas and bedrooms in their care homes, and our bespoke design team has created unique fabrics for bedding, curtains and upholstery furnishings.” Founder and director of Tanglewood Care

Homes, Tracy Ann Shelbourn, added: “We’re keen to engage our residents and we feel that giving them more choice in the unique design of their bedrooms will give them exclusivity as well as helping them to maintain their independence. “This is all part of a wider project to transform our cultural focus and continue to ensure that our overall provision of care for residents is at the heart of everything we do. “Each home recently held a bedroom planning party where residents and relatives were invited to explore the wide range of textile options available before choosing their favourite designs. “We felt it was essential to involve the residents so that they were able to look at, touch and feel the sample materials they most liked to create a home from home environment. “Now with 20 different colour combinations, residents have more choice than ever before to have their bedroom just the way they want it – we have themes ranging from an earthy harvest gold to vibrant berry candy.” Refurbishment work on all of the rooms involved in the Tanglewood Textiles Programme has begun and is due to be completed in July. Enquiries: Visit www.skoposfabrics.com or call 01924 465191.

CARINGINDUSTRY NEWS

Where luxury and comfort meet ... Shackletons specialises in bespoke, handmade furniture designs for UK care homes, to create the perfect home away from home. Sarah Thompson, sales director – FF&E, explains how her team approached a high-specification, luxury build.

“In the charming village of Lytham St Annes in Lancashire, a ‘new-generation’ care home, The Hamptons is taking a place in the ranks of luxury care facilities. The newly opened home is a 76-bed facility which has been expertly designed to meet the highest standards of safety, comfort and care. Shackletons was tasked with ensuring this commitment is sustained in the home’s unique opulent furnishings. This project required an expert, luxury finish to complement the stylish, open spaces. We balanced the practicality of furniture intended for those with

dementia, with rounded edges and memorable patterns, alongside contemporary shapes and indulgent fabrics. This project was furniture-led; we utilised a range of seating and cabinetry to make the open spaces feel homely and like a five-star hotel. We created a stunning, high spec finish that defied the traditional care home feeling, instead encouraging luxurious comfort above all else. Shackletons is a leading supplier of care furniture to the healthcare industry. For over 50 years we have supplied handcrafted furnishing solutions to care providers across the UK. We specialise in bespoke furniture, from seating to beds and cabinetry, which is clinically appropriate, stylish and high quality and provides peace of mind for care providers such as the The Hamptons.”

The point of care recording HAVING access to all the relevant information provides better decision making. Recording at the time and point of care allows for better care provision. Finding a solution that enables you to make the right decisions and provide the best possible care can now be ticked off your list. Trusted by care homes across the nation, CareDocs is pleased to

announce CareDocs Cloud – the flexible way to use the established market-leading electronic care planning and home management software. Complete assessments, view care plans and add daily notes using our web-based portal from any device (which we can also provide), alternatively use CareDocs desktops or laptops anywhere for full control.

Gainsborough Healthcare Group launched by CEO GAINSBOROUGH Baths, a specialist UK manufacturer celebrating 30 years of success in assisted bathing, has strengthened its trusted brands by launching the Gainsborough Healthcare Group under the leadership of new CEO Peter Eckhardt. The Gainsborough Healthcare Group is now the parent organisation that operates Gainsborough Specialist Bathing, Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions and Access walk-in-baths. This represents a significant development in the healthcare sector as each proven brand is now able to leverage and synergise resources so greater value is delivered to bathers,

carers and healthcare providers. As a senior thought-leader from internationally acclaimed businesses such as Bang & Olufsen, Peter Eckhardt is pioneering a new approach to assisted bathing. His equivocal Scandinavian focus on quality and design will now accelerate innovation – hence safeguarding future care. Peter said: “Our promise is to enhance lives through bathing. Each of our proven brands will do this through a collective thrust enabled by a new group mentality. Now spanning all demographics, we can continue to strive for bathing perfection through wider specialisms.”

Person-centred care supported by digital care planning A DANISH dementia care home is specialised in supporting residents with specific and manifold dementia related care needs. Being supported by digital care planning lets them see things through their residents’ eyes. This helps put the work and life at the Meta Mary home in perspective. The results are good. The support and care provided by the staff is based on a person-centred approach as a basic part of the nursing home’s set of values. Through this approach, the residents’ individual needs and preferences have high priority, and they are supported to influence their own life and to have positive experiences every day. Individual needs come first A digital care planning tool has been implemented in each resident’s apartment to enable the staff pursuing these values. The digital care plan is presented on a tablet giving staff an overview of all activities during the day, including information on how residents would like these activities to be carried out. “Our vision is to use technology as a tool to support care and to give residents the right amount of stimulation and activity, by adapting

care to individual needs and ability,” said registered manager Karina Lange. Sekoia, as the care planning tool is called, also includes the residents’ life stories, which are based on their personal photos, and stories about their childhood, families, life events and hobbies. These photos are displayed on the tablet and enable staff to adapt care to the residents’ individual needs and preferences. Residents’ life stories at the heart of care delivery The life story information also creates a basis for dialogue and closer relationships between staff and residents. Digital care planning is also used by residents and their relatives as a joint communication stream, where photos, notes and calendar events let enables a whole new way of being together. The vision is clear. To use technology as a tool in support of care, whereby residents are given the right amount of stimulation and activity, adapting to recognised standards and certainly to individual needs and ability. This way digital care planning helps the care home in reaching its goals whilst staying true to the core values of the service.

Free online training videos – because we all have to care FOR anyone starting their career in the Care industry, and especially with a CQC regulated provider, obtaining Care Certificate qualifications is not a ‘nice to have’. We’ve created a series of quick and easy to follow videos, based on the official workbooks that are part of the courses. Each video can be watched at leisure accompanied by the workbooks, helping to develop the

knowledge and skills required to become a qualified carer. There are NO subscription fees, NO costs and NO logins required for these fully instructional training videos. For managers we even supply the answers. Other training videos from Gompels include: Colour coding, Digital security, Hand hygiene, Infection control, COSHH.

CARINGNEWS

Clarriots Care offers a range of support services to people across the country. The homecare company supports clients and families across the UK and is working hard to support the communities in which they work further. Kirsty Barnett, quality assurance and compliance manager, talks here about the importance of health and wellbeing and how they support their clients to remain as independent as possible.

Supporting the overall health and wellbeing of clients at home ... THE ageing population and the impact it will have on the Health & Social Care sectors in the UK have been widely reported in recent years. Whilst on the face of it it’s a public health success story, there is an accompanying issue that has not received such wide attention, which is that many of these extra years are spent in ill health or disability. This is an important issue because it will put further pressure on care and support services, beyond the mere increase in workforce already identified by many and being championed heavily by Skills for Care. With this in mind, we see the immediate need to support older adults in particular, to maintain and improve their physical, mental and social health and wellbeing in order to prevent ill health in later years and increase healthy life expectancy. We strongly believe that older people should be independent for as long as possible and we promote the psychological as well as the physical benefits of a healthy lifestyle. A significant proportion of older adults are physically inactive, smoke, misuse alcohol, have poor eating patterns and are socially isolated, putting them at risk of substantially increased mortality and ill health. It’s not all bad news though, as evidence suggests that it is ‘never

Kirsty Barnett too late’ to influence and change lifestyle behaviours and improve health outcomes in the older adult population. So how do we do this at Clarriots Care? The first step in this process is our initial assessment, which explores a number of areas such as the individual’s life story, their existing family links, their wider support network, community links, previous and current hobbies and interests, diet, exercise and obviously care and support requirements. This initial information enables our teams to build up a rounded picture of where there may be risk factors and

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how we are able to provide additional support and advice with regard to health and wellbeing, in order to take a holistic approach to the packages of care and support we provide. An important factor here is the choice and control that our clients have over their lives. We have to carefully judge where people may not be educated in the aspects of their life that could offer improved health and wellbeing, against those who choose to live their life a certain way. This judgement comes with the experience of our assessors and they have always aired on the side of caution so as not to upset or offend. In our experience, there are many contributing factors to health and wellbeing, but there are a few key areas that we are often able to provide effective advice and guidance. The first of these is helping people to find ways of staying active. Depending on the individual, this could be helping to incorporate simple activities into a daily routine such as chair-based exercise or gardening, or it could be helping to access local clubs such as swimming or green bowls. Regular exercise can help reduce the impact of several diseases, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. It can also reduce arthritis-related pain, improve sleep, prevent falls and fractures, and improve low mood and memory. In our experience, taking regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to remain independent. The second area we always consider is diet. We support and encourage people to have at least one hot meal each day and to include a good range of foods in their diet e.g. wholegrain cereals, milk and cheese for calcium and fruit and vegetables to ensure

a plentiful supply of nutrients and vitamins. Alongside this, we always ensure that people stay hydrated with water throughout the day and hot drinks, especially in the winter months. As part of their role, our Care Companions observe for significant changes in weight as this can be a symptom of a number of different health and/or psychological issues. The last aspect of health and wellbeing we focus on is body care including foot care, eye care and hearing. We have found that all of these can be overlooked, but problems in any one of these areas can be dangerous and can quickly have a significant impact on someone’s confidence. A lot of people are not aware that an eye test can not only pick up eye conditions, but also general health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. This holistic approach to supporting our clients is made possible by the extensive training given to all Clarriots Care Companions. From the very first meeting, new staff members are educated on the importance of a personalised care service and how it enriches the lives of clients. We encourage our staff to go above and beyond in ensuring our clients are as healthy and as happy as possible. Training is delivered by our Senior Care Companions, highly experienced members of our team who are well placed to pass on their knowledge. Throughout the support that we provide, we try to focus on enablement rather than care wherever possible – we cannot stop the process of ageing, but we try to help people make small changes that will slow it down and help to keep them healthy and independent for as long as possible.

Experts provide insight at care seminar LEADING experts from legal, regulatory and risk sectors provided insight for adult social care professionals at a seminar led by law firm Stephensons. Covering all aspects of care home management and administration, guest speakers included Laura Hannah, a specialist in regulatory law, inspections and actions by the CQC. She provided delegates with a comprehensive guide to challenging the regulator following an inspection – especially where a home has been given an ‘inadequate’ rating. Laura also provided understanding of the

inspections regime and challenging findings on factual accuracy grounds. Further presentations covered best practice for managers in implementing a CQC Compliance Plan (Jim Smith, ACJ Risk Solutions) in order to create an ‘inspection ready’ culture within the business, preventing any drop in standards of care and management when a home is subject to a surprise inspection. Also speaking was Adam Pennington, an expert HR and employment law solicitor at Stephensons.

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