November 2015
incorporating
no.233 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Guidance for care homes published By Dominic Musgrave NEW guidelines to improve the quality of care for people with diabetes living in care homes have been released. They provide a series of indicators that can help inspectors to assess whether a service is meeting the particular needs of people with diabetes. The guidance has been published by the CQC having been developed in collaboration with Professor Alan Sinclair, from Diabetes Frail, and the Joint British Diabetes Societies task group. Entitled ‘Guidance for CQC staff: Inspecting the quality of care for residents with diabetes mellitus living in care homes’, the publication also explains why people living with diabetes in care settings can be particularly vulnerable and dependent. An assessment and support framework has also been included so that care home nurses are able to determine that the residents’ diabetes needs are being met thoroughly in a way that protects their dignity and rights. Professor Alan Sinclair said: “Diabetes affects up to one in four care home residents whether they
are residing in residential or nursing homes. “People with diabetes are vulnerable to chest and urine infections and are often frail. When their health deteriorates it means there are high rates of admission to hospital, which is why it’s so important to monitor their healthcare, making sure they’re receiving the right level of care.” JBDS chair Professor Mike Sampson, who is a consultant diabetologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, said: “This publication is long overdue and will be hugely welcomed by the diabetes community. If we can help care home workers to understand diabetes management better, then standards are going to improve.” Dr Rob Gregory, chair of the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists, a diabetes consultant from the University Hospitals of Leicester, added: “This valuable guidance will hopefully drive up the standard of care received by residents of care homes who have diabetes. The inclusion of diabetes in CQC inspections of care homes follows the commitment by the CQC to include diabetesspecific questions in its inspections of Acute Trusts.
Home hosts a groovy open day celebration
Television personality Carol Smillie helped to launch new technology which combines with independent monitors to raise standards and confidence in care settings. Following a successful trial in Birmingham of the technology, the new health and social care surveillance and monitoring system was given its UK launch at the Royal Society of Medicine. This system combines the use of technology with the judgement of professional experienced people, in order to safeguard vulnerable adults in all care settings. It will employ many monitoring personnel, each with relevant high level experience in the health or social care sector and licensed by the Security Industry Authority. It has been founded by Philip Scott, former CEO of the Priory Group.
A NEWCASTLE Nursing home has spread plenty of peace and love throughout the community after hosting a fun-filled 1960s-themed open day. Hillfield, which is operated by Akari Care, showcased a raft of classic cars for the event – ranging from Volkswagen vans and Beetles to Hillmans and Triumphs – on the grounds, as well as treating its residents and guests to live 1960s entertainment, from a vintage 45 record player. Staff from Hillfield wore 1960s fancy dress and residents, guests and members of the community were treated to 60s’ styled food and refreshments. Kevin Mulvey, home manager at Hillfield, said: “It was nice to have such a fun event. We had plenty of activities organised for the day and the classic cars on the grounds looked fantastic, which really added to the event and allowed our residents to reminisce about their lives in the 1960s.” Hillfield provides nursing care for 42 residents.