Caring UK October 2017

October 2017

no.252 • £4.75 incorporating

The Number One magazine for the care sector

£30m fees bill is a ‘national scandal’ claim

By Dominic Musgrave

ANGRY care home owners in Wales say they’re owed over £30m in unpaid fees because of a legal battle that’s been described as a “national scandal”.

After more than three years of wrangling, the Supreme Court has reached a decision on a dispute between Welsh health boards, councils and providers.

The nub of the case was who should pay a £20 a week fee for nursing care provided by care homes.

The health boards had originally come up with the figure but refused to pay it themselves.

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favour of the local authorities and said that the health boards had misinterpreted the legal position.

Care Forum Wales said it was ridiculous that the health boards could not have reached an agreement without going to court in the first place.

They believe the court costs are upwards of £1m – money they say would have been better spent on providing frontline nursing care for vulnerable and frail care home residents.

Care Forum Wales is calling for the lost fees to be backdated so the care homes receive what they should

have been paid years ago.

Chairman Mario Kreft MBE said: “We are delighted with the ruling of the Supreme Court which upheld what we always firmly believed was the case and what was said in the original Judicial Review secured by a group of providers.

“We appreciate the support of the local authorities in fighting this case because it was the right thing to do.

“The decision has finally given us clarity over who should pay the fees and has hopefully brought this sorry saga to an end.

“From the outset, local authorities supported the notion that the amount calculated by health boards should be paid to providers.

“In fairness to the local authorities, it was the health boards who did not want to engage in discussions to sort this out much earlier.

“It is a national scandal that we have had to endure this long and completely unnecessary legal dispute.

“Everybody is in total agreement that this money should be paid to care homes and it is after all taxpayers’ money from the public purse.

“It really doesn’t matter one jot to Mrs Jones who needs publicly funded nursing care who is actually going to pay for that care. All that counts to her is that she receives the care that she needs.”

Care homes celebrate reaching shortlist

A Hastings care home had writer and TV personality Lady Colin Campbell as its guest of honour to open new facilities for people needing residential care. Royal biographer Lady Colin, a Sussex resident, cut the ribbon to the Bluebell suite on the second floor of Hastings Court care home on The Ridge. The 13 en-suite bedrooms have been completely refurbished together with dining and lounge areas on the floor. The suite offers accommodation for people needing residential care and is an addition to the nursing and dementia care offered elsewhere in the home. Lady Colin, also a former ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ contestant, toured the suite with home manager Georgina Gamble and award-winning interiors specialist, Jacqueline Farguson.

EXCITING plans are well underway for the first Caring UK Awards, as homes around the UK celebrate making this year’s shortlist.

The awards evening will celebrate excellence throughout the industry, with trophies in over 15 categories up for grabs on the night.

More than 70 entries, from homes as far afield as Westonsuper-Mare, Aberdeen and Redruth, have made the finals, now progressing to the next stage of the judging process; a visit from a member of the Caring UK team to take a look around their facilities and chat to members and staff.

Following the visits, comprehensive reports will be complied to then be passed on to an expert judging panel; comprising Professor Martin Green OBE, Nadra Ahmed OBE, Raj Kapoor and John Kennedy, who will have the tough job of deciding the lucky winners.

Successful homes will then be presented with their awards at a glittering ceremony, taking place at the National Railway Museum in York on Friday December 8, which will be hosted by entrepreneur and star of series 10 of The Apprentice, Katie BulmerCooke.

Full details on pages 34 and 35.

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Teens take residents for walk down memory lane

By Olivia Taylor CARE home residents have been taken on a trip down memory lane as part of a youth volunteering service project in Stockton-on-Tees.

The Safe in Tees Valley National Citizenship Service spent time at Ingleby Care Home creating memory boards of the residents’ life stories.

The project, named Close the Generation Gap, involved 12 volunteers aged 15 to 17 creating memory boards for 15 residents.

Abby Kennedy, team leader for the Safe in Tees Valley NCS, said: “We wanted the project to be something that would leave a lasting legacy. That was proof of the students’ presence.

“We found the residents like to reminisce about the past but we could see they were making new, happy memories of the students and the

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Residents, NCS volunteers, families and staff with the memory boards created as part of the project. about their experiences. year olds enter the home, but project itself.”

A day of songs and they were soon getting along The group spent five days entertainment then marked and making new friendships.” at the home in total. Various the end of the project.

Kirsty Walsh, activities “ice-breaker” activities helped Abby added: “Initially, some coordinator at Ingleby Care the volunteers and residents of the students were nervous Home, said: “We had initially get acquainted before they about what they would find identified eight residents began creating the memory in the care home as their only to take part but, with the boards. experience was what they’d enthusiasm and charm of An exhibition of the work seen in the media. the youngsters, more joined was set up, with residents’ “Some of the residents in and, before long, we had relatives and friends invited to seemed a bit nervous too 15 who had completed the the home to view the stories and talk to the volunteers when they saw a bunch of 16 memory boards.”

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CARINGNEWS

Outgoing chair calls for respect for homecare

By Dominic Musgrave

Charity and housing association Brunelcare has appointed Karen Taylor as its new finance director. She most recently worked for an NHS Trust and has seven years’ experience with a South West based housing association.

Karen joins Brunelcare to take responsibility for all aspects of the charity’s financial management and their finance and information systems teams.

She said: “I look forward to working hard with colleagues to achieve our aim of providing high quality housing, care and support for older people in the South West through value for money service in a financially sustainable organisation.

I’ve already met many of my caring and committed colleagues at Brunelcare and consider it a privilege to join such a committed team.”

A LEADING social care spokesman has called for greater respect to be paid to the people who deliver homecare and the country’s oldest and most vulnerable people who receive it.

In his last speech to the UKHCA conference as its chair, Mike Padgham spoke of his frustration that in his 11 years in the post, no government had ever tackled the crisis in social care.

And he repeated a call for the Prime Minister and Minister to visit social care on the front line to get a real feel for the massive challenges facing the sector.

At the UKHCA England conference at County Hall, London, Mike said: “Homecare provides vital, human care, for many hundreds of thousands of people. They deserve to be treated with greater respect.

“And the fantastic people who provide that care, they too deserve to be treated with greater respect – and a higher status bestowed upon the wonderful work they do.

“Care deserves more respect from the government and not lip-service and not endless Green and White papers and commissions. A proper, clear plan of how social care is

Mike Padgham going to be funded and delivered for generations to come.

“Give us that and treat us all with the respect that we deserve.”

He echoed the words of Sarah Wollaston, chair of the Health Select Committee, who has urged the Government to get on with reform, arguing that there have been sufficient reports, consultations and

commissions for ministers to know what needs to be done.

But after 11 years as chair he warned: “The biggest regret, the biggest frustration of all has been that Governments – of all political colours – have never, ever grasped the social care nettle and dealt with it.

“Every time we feel that we are getting somewhere – like ahead of this year’s General Election when social care became a key issue – there have always been other things that have moved care to the back of the queue.”

He repeated an invitation to the Prime Minister and the Minister responsible for social care, Jackie Doyle-Price to visit the frontline of homecare.

“Today, to prove they are listening I am extending an invitation to the Minister and the Prime Minister to come and spend some time on the front line of home care delivery and see for themselves the challenges and pressure faced and then reflect if they think the Government is doing all it can to help.

“Will we have to see a major provider failure for the Government to realise just how perilous the situation is?”

Mike stands down at the UKHCA’s AGM in October.

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Caring Heroes campaign wins charity’s support

By Olivia Taylor

Jane marches with Pride

BELONG Wigan resident Jane Chadbond was centre stage at Wigan’s first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride parade when she was personally greeted by multiaward winning actor and LGBT activist Sir Ian McKellen.

Jane, who is an active member of the LGBT community, attended the parade with staff members from specialist care village, Belong Wigan, who came out in force, waving flags and banners in support of Pride.

The staff members had recently become ‘Older & Out Champions’ by taking part in an Age Concern LGBT awareness session, in which they learned ways to emotionally and physically support older people who identify as LGBT. The group joined the parade at

Mesnes Park, where it was officially opened by Sir Ian and marched right the way through the town centre.

Each participant carried banners and flags and got into the spirit of the afternoon by wearing brightly coloured clothing and singing along to the music that was ringing through the town.

Marie Calderbank, experience coordinator at Belong Wigan, said: “We all had a fabulous time marching in the first ever Wigan Pride parade; it was an honour to be involved.

“Inclusivity and diversity is very important to us at Belong and this was a perfect opportunity to celebrate our values with the Wigan LGBT community.

“We look forward to being involved with Pride in the years to come.”

A LEADING charity providing support for care workers has added its weight to the campaign to highlight the growing crisis in the sector led by Springhill Care Group.

The Caring Heroes initiative led by the group based in Accrington, Lancashire, has gathered support from MPs and leading organisations including Care England and Skills for Care.

Now The Care Workers Charity – dedicated to helping current, former and retired care workers who find themselves in hardship – has added its voice to the growing campaign which highlights the increasing shortage of people and skills in the sector to manage an ageing population.

A report by Skills for Care estimates that 340,000 social care employees leave their jobs each year and that vacancy rates for social workers have jumped from 7.3 per cent in 2012 to 11 per cent in 2016.

More than 2,800 manager jobs remain unfilled at any one time in care homes across England.

Alex Ramamurthy, chief executive officer of The Care Workers Charity, said: “We are acutely aware of these figures and the difficulties they present care staff with every day. We need to act now.”

Accrington MP Graham Jones

is supporting the initiative by the national care group to highlight the sterling work that is carried out by the industry despite funding cuts.

The MP has met with senior representatives from Age UK to discuss the adult social care crisis, written to David Mowat MP, the Minister responsible for social care, and has tabled a question in Parliament.

Donna Briggs, managing director of Springhill Care, said: “We see the deepening issues every day at our care homes, and while investment in our staff is a priority for us we see problems ahead in terms of availability of the number of skilled employees needed.

“The only answer for us at Springhill is to commit to training our own workforce, and we are committed to Investors in People and developing our own staff to the levels we require.”

Springhill Care Group is asking people to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #caringheroes.

The adult social care sector in England faces a gap of 200,000 care workers by the end of this Parliament.

The Association of Directors of Adult Services estimates that there is a current funding gap of £1billion a year, while the King’s Fund estimates this gap could rise to £3.5billion a year by 2019.

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CARINGNEWS

Couple apart for months due to lack of homecare

Residents Rosina Wass and Evelyn Carter.

Home has fun in the sun A COLCHESTER care home welcomed the local community to its annual summer fair.

Nayland House enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine, stalls and homemade cakes as friends and family joined staff and residents for their summer open day.

The event raised £230 to pay for treats and activities for the residents.

Musician Michael Wigley took the stage to entertain the guests with pop songs from the 60s and 70s.

Emma Engutsamy, manager at Nayland House, said: “We would like to thank everyone who was

able to attend our sunny summer fair. Everyone had a brilliant time, enjoying the delicious cakes, the stalls, and the excellent entertainment.

“The happiness and care of our residents are our top priorities, and the positive impact of spending time with friends and family at fun events is something they all enjoy. We look forward to welcoming the local community to more events later in the year.”

Nayland House is part of Larchwood Care and is managed by Healthcare Management Solutions.

THE Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has asked Lincolnshire County Council to review other families’ cases after a man was separated from his wife for 10 months because there was no homecare available in his area.

The man’s wife, who has mobility problems, should have returned home with the help of a care package following a hip operation. But to get the support needed, she was placed in a residential home some 15 miles away because the council’s contracted providers did not have capacity to care for her.

This meant her husband driving a 30-mile round trip every day to visit, when they both wanted her to return home. Even though she did not have the condition, she was placed in a dementia unit for some of the time, being forced to lock her door to prevent other residents wandering in uninvited. The Ombudsman found the council at fault for allowing the woman to be placed in the dementia unit, and for not revising her care and support plan when her circumstances changed.

Through its investigation into this complaint, the Ombudsman found that other people may have been similarly affected by the council’s contracting arrangements.

Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said: “This couple found themselves in the situation of a hospital operation

leading to 10 months living apart, because of the lack of care provision available.

“The woman was placed for too long in an unsuitable care environment.

She wanted to return home to be with her husband, but instead had no choice but to live with people whose care needs were very different to her own, causing her significant distress.

“Lincolnshire County Council should have reviewed her care and support plan once her circumstances had changed and moved her to a more suitable room sooner.

“Complaints are a learning opportunity. I encourage all councils to look carefully at this report, particularly if they are in the process of reviewing their commissioning models.”

Lincolnshire County Council agreed contracts with a smaller number of preferred care providers, each solely responsible for delivering all homecare services in their zone, in an effort to improve stability in the local market. The newly contracted provider in the woman’s area did not have enough capacity to provide care to meet her needs.

The council has agreed to pay the husband £750 and the wife £1,000 to reflect their distress. It will also refund the man’s travel expenses for the 10-month period.

The council has agreed to the Ombudsman’s recommendation to identify whether others were affected.

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CARINGNEWS

Award-winning student nurse praised by home A NURSING student who spent a six-week university placement at a care home in south Wales has been commended for her dedication with two awards.

Daniella Crawford, a student at the University of South Wales, spent six weeks at Cwm Celyn in Blaina earlier this year as part of her third year studies.

Thanks to her hard work she received the ‘Mentor Choice’ and ‘Mental Health Field’ at the university’s ‘Student Showcase Awards’.

Home manager Simon Morgan praised Daniella highly, adding: “Daniella was an excellent addition to the team at Cwm Celyn. She immersed herself from the start, and had such a professional manner and attitude to everything – she was a Karen Bolt, director of administration at Southern Healthcare, with Ben Bradshaw MP, Adrian Bosworth from Exeter Brewery and Paul Courtney, operations manager for Southern Healthcare.

MP opens home’s beer garden BEN Bradshaw MP officially opened ‘The Duke of Wellington’ countrystyle pub and newly created beer garden at The Old Rectory in Exeter.

The beer garden boasts a cocktail bar, while kegs of Avocet beer have also been donated by Exeter Brewery.

It was a double celebration for residents, staff and visitors as the home was recently given an overall

‘Oustanding’ rating by the CQC. Paul Courtney, operations manager for Southern Healthcare, said: “We believe that you don’t have to leave your life at the door when entering one of our care homes, and we are absolutely delighted that the hard-work of the care team has been recognised by CQC at The Old Rectory.”

Danielle Crawford with Jean White, chief nursing officer of NHS Wales. great student.”

Daniella enjoyed her placement at Cwm Celyn so much that she returned to work there during the rest of her studies at university.

Event celebrates first birthday HOME of Compassion celebrated a year of providing care to Thames Ditton residents with a birthday celebration.

The event was attended by more than 100 relatives, friends and members of the local community with a glass of champagne on arrival and a relaxed afternoon on the lawns with a sumptuous tea.

There was entertainment and garden games suitable for the whole family.

Home of Compassion is a Thames Ditton landmark – an 18th Century Grade II listed property which was renovated by Caring Homes and provides residential, nursing and dementia care for up to 78 elderly residents.

Home manager Avril Jones said: “It has been a fantastic year for us and we have really got involved with the local community, sponsoring the Ditton Fair and inviting people in for events.”

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CARINGNEWS

Study shows support for cameras in homes

THREE quarters of people would be more likely to choose a care home for a family member if independently monitored surveillance cameras were in place, according to new research.

The Panelbase survey of 1,010 people, carried out for Care Protect, found that 75 per cent of those questioned were in favour of this form of monitoring to safeguard residents.

Philip Scott, founder of Care Protect, said: “At a time when many care providers are suffering significant financial constraints and the media are regularly highlighting issues of abuse and poor care standards, this research demonstrates the public support for innovative solutions.

“This is demonstrably working in practice. Care homes using events only camera surveillance technology have reported a significant increase in occupancy and improvement in care standards.

“The care industry can no longer bury its head in the sand about what is happening as even in the best homes, individual cases of poor care delivery can occur.

“Understandably, the use of cameras in a care setting is an emotive subject and I am sure any debate will trigger concerns about intrusion into people’s privacy.

“However, such fears should not stifle an informed debate about technologies that can materially improve safeguarding for vulnerable

people.

“By explaining how the technology can work in the interests of both service users and employees, I believe any apprehensions can be overcome.

Individual privacies and Philip Scott liberties can be protected and respected by using intelligent cameras, which provide monitoring on an ‘events’ only basis.

“In addition, any camera system could and should operate independently of providers, with third party trained health and social experts reviewing any events.

“It should be recognised that even in the best homes, individual cases of serious abuse can occur and that surveillance systems not only protect service users, but also staff if they are wrongly accused of abuse.

“Technological advances and monitoring systems have the potential to boost confidence in the sector and drive up standards as well as protecting staff and service users and this needs to be recognised by providers, commissioners and industry regulators in the same way as three quarters of the public do.”

Volunteers from the Future Foundations National Citizenship Service in the Longmoor Lodge garden.

Teen volunteers revamp garden YOUNG volunteers from Nottingham spent a week helping care home residents living with dementia.

The Future Foundations National Citizenship Service spent time at Longmoor Lodge in Sandiacre as part of their social action project.

The 15 to 17 year olds renovated the home’s garden, adding a vegetable patch, colourful flowers, garden ornaments and a sensory table incorporating sight, hearing, smell and touch.

Home manager Samantha Ely said the multi-sensory additions will be particularly beneficial for those living with dementia.

She added: “We were delighted to be contacted by the Future Foundations NCS group, who were working on

a dementia focused project and aiming to give something back to the community.

“When they explained their project to us, we jumped at the opportunity, and invited them to the home to work with our residents.

“We’d like to say a massive thanks to all those who took part. The garden looks great and the residents are already thoroughly enjoying it.”

To mark the end of the project, the NCS volunteers and staff at the home organised a tea party for residents and their family members.

“We had a great turnout to the tea party,” Samantha said. “It was a fitting end to a great project. We look forward to seeing them back at the home in future.”

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Only one in 10 MPs in England believe that the current social care system is suitable for the UK’s ageing population. Caring UK reports.

Survey reveals concerns over social care system 86 PER CENT of MPs in England believe a cross-party consensus is needed for a lasting settlement on health and social care.

That’s according to a new poll of 101 MPs of all parties representing constituencies in England commissioned by Independent Age, the older people’s charity.

The new poll by ComRes finds there are strong majorities across both major parties who believe funding for social care is inadequate, with only one in five Conservative MPs in England agreeing there is sufficient funding for social care services in either their constituency (21 per cent) or in the UK (21 per cent).

Less than one in 10 Labour MPs in England say they agree that there is sufficient funding for social care services in either their constituency (eight per cent) or in the UK (seven per cent).

MPs in England also expressed significant concerns about the

current state of social care in their constituencies only months after social care featured as a leading concern for voters in the snap General Election.

Only 13 per cent of Labour MPs in England and 35 per cent of Conservative MPs in England believe social care services in their constituencies are fit for purpose.

There was even less confidence in social care services across the UK, with only eight per cent of Labour MPs in England and 22 per cent of Conservative MPs in England believing they are fit for purpose.

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, said: “Confidence that the social care system can deal with the UK’s ageing population has virtually evaporated among Parliamentarians.

“The crisis in social care was front and centre in the election earlier this year, and it is clear from this poll that there is an overwhelming desire

Janet Morrison from politicians on all sides for the Government to work towards a crossparty consensus on a solution.

“The problems in social care are about more than simply finding new bits of money to pump into a system that isn’t fit for purpose.

“To meet current and future demand, we need to take a radically different approach, recognising the status quo has failed.

“The Government has promised a consultation on social care, but to

work this must set out a long-term vision for health and care that has support from across the political divide.

“It must also lead to a lasting settlement that better integrates health and social care services and is sustainable over the years to come.”

The survey also highlighted overwhelming support for a crossparty solution on health and social care. Conservative (84 per cent) and Labour (88 per cent) MPs almost equally agree that a cross-party consensus is required.

The Government has promised to address the problem through a Green Paper on social care, although the timetable for the publication of this is unclear.

In January, Independent Age led a group of 75 organisations and expert voices to call on the Prime Minister to take a cross-party approach to review and recommend action on future health and social care funding.

Industry leaders have their say on the findings “This survey challenges the leaderships of both main parties to put aside their differences and work together to fix the crisis in the social care system, as there is an overwhelming consensus among MPs that it does not meet the needs of the ageing population.

“MPs of both main parties agree that adult social care needs both fundamental reform and more funding, and so it is vital that the forthcoming government consultation addresses this. Despite numerous reviews, commissions, Green and White Papers on this, successive governments have ducked the challenge with the result being that many vulnerable people are now forced to rely on friends and family

or are unable to access care at all.

Parliament has made clear that the ‘make do and mend’ approach to the social care system is no longer good enough.”

Richard Humphries, senior fellow at The King’s Fund “It is encouraging to see so many MPs across all political parties recognising the need for action to find a sustainable solution to the adult social care funding crisis.

“The extra £2billion for social care over the next few years is a step in the right direction, but it is only one-off funding which reduces each year.

Vital services caring for elderly and disabled people still face an annual £2.3billion funding gap by 2020, which will continue to grow.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe “It is absolutely critical that the Government brings forward its Green Paper on the future of social care and works with local government leaders to address the issue of longterm funding and also create the conditions necessary to ensure the development of the right kind of care

and support services.

“We strongly support a cross-party consensus on adult social care and councils are firmly committed to making this happen.

“With councils facing further funding pressures and growing demand for support by the end of the decade and beyond, this is the best way to ensure we will find a solution that ensures our future generations enjoy a care system which doesn’t just help them out of bed and gets them washed and dressed but ensures they have dignified and fulfilling lives.”

Councillor Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board

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CARINGNEWS

Provider plans to remodel delivery of care in region Heathfield House nursing home in Bletchingdon celebrated its 30th year in operation with an afternoon garden tea party complete with craft, food and gifts stalls, garden games, live music and a Pimm’s bar. Residents, relatives and guests gathered on the terrace and enjoyed the afternoon sunshine while reminiscing and enjoying the swing and other old time songs performed by local duo Sparky & Sprite. The event raised £525 for the residents’ activities fund.

THE founder of a Ribble Valley livein care provider has described how his own family’s experience of loss spurred him on to embark on a new business venture in the sector.

The Lancashire branch of Promedica24 was set up by Gary Derbyshire and his partner Gill Clements who, following the sudden death of her father in 2015, set out on a mission to provide one-to-one 24-hour, live-in care, as an alternative to residential care.

Centred on companionship and one-to-one care, their live-in service was officially launched in September 2016 and aims to promote independence, helping individuals to remain at home.

Gary said: “I’ve worked in large companies that have links to elderly social care for over 20 years and I’ve seen first-hand the impact that moving into social care can have on an elderly person. The lack of control over their own life can make them feel vulnerable at a time when they most need reassurance.

“I wanted to use my skills and really make a difference to people’s lives, which is why we opened the Ribble Valley Promedica24 branch. I feel a huge sense of pride that we’re giving people the chance to receive the care and support they need within the comfort of their own homes.”

Gary’s passion for enriching lives was cemented during his previous job

Gary Derbyshire with the Met Office, a role which saw him travelling to Africa to support people who’s health and wellbeing were vulnerable to weather and climate shocks.

He added: “Helping those disadvantaged by either their environment, their health or background has always and will continue to be an important passion.”

“I am determined that Promedica24 will become the ‘go to’ service when people are looking for an affordable, safe and reliable alternative to traditional care.”

Promedica24 carers live in the home with their clients as companions, providing assistance with everyday tasks, from personal care through to cooking and cleaning. The live-in care service offers a variety of support packages, including advanced care needs such as dementia, disability and stroke.

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CARINGNEWS

NACC Awards 2017 finalists announced

THE National Association of Care Catering has announced the shortlist of finalists for its annual awards.

The accolades recognise and celebrate excellence, dedication, innovation and exceptional service in the care catering sector across five hotly-contested categories: Care Establishment of the Year, Meals on Wheels Award, Catering Team of the Year, Catering Manager of the Year and Our Care Catering Hero.

Winners will be announced on October 5 at the NACC Awards gala dinner, which takes place at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, and is a highlight of the NACC Training & Development Forum 2017.

Finalists are: Care Establishment of the Year Award: n John Wills House, St Monica Trust. n Queens Court, Barchester. n Halliwell Care Home. n The Close Care Home.

Our Care Catering Hero Award: n Hannah Mulholland, head of activities coordinator, Harper Fields Care Home. n Annabelle Martin, nutrition and wellbeing project officer, HILS. n Joy Whitlock, head chef, Harton Grange.

n Angie Pugh, chef, Orchard Care Home.

Catering Manager of the Year Award: n Filip Slominski, catering manager, The Close Care Home. n Dawn Bailey, head chef, Tennyson Wharf. n David Blackwood, catering manager, Meallmore Ltd. n Stuart Keown, dining service coordinator, Sunrise of Banstead. n Rebecca Chapman, head chef, Warren Care Home.

Catering Team of the Year Award: n Meallmore Ltd. n County Enterprise Foods Meals at Home, Nottinghamshire County Council. n Gracewell of Horley Park Catering Team. n Dine Contract Catering Team at Borough Care.

Meals on Wheels Award: n County Enterprise Foods Meals at Home, Nottinghamshire County Council. n West Sussex County Council, Meals on Wheels Service. n Sheraz Shahid and staff, iCare, Stafford Depot. n Sodexo Home Service.

Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists. Every day, care catering professionals across the UK go above and beyond to improve standards and ensure those within care environments receive good nutrition and hydration and enjoyable mealtime experiences. It’s important that we showcase this through the NACC Awards.

“With a plethora of passionate, dedicated and innovative professionals exemplifying excellence in the care catering arena, the judges had a very tough job to decide the final shortlist.

“The calibre of entries was incredibly high and everyone who entered the awards should be very proud of their achievements.

“I’m looking forward to the awards dinner, which is also a special celebration of the NACC’s 30th anniversary, when we will crown our overall winners. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck.”

As well as the five aforementioned categories, the winners of the Region of the Year Award, the Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award and the National Chairman’s Award will also be honoured at the awards dinner.

An Andover care home has brought Texas to town with its barn dance themed summer fete. Mountwood enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine, stalls and barbecue, as friends and family joined staff and residents for the annual event. It raised £347 to pay for treats and activities for the residents, with a bouncy castle, stalls and face painting for younger guests. Musician Ian Kimber entertained the crowd with a sing-a-long, and resident Gill (pictured), who is famous throughout Mountwood for her love of singing, took to the stage to join him for a couple of numbers.

19

Keeping tabs on your laundry ENSURING residents feel welcome and are known and cared for as individuals is vital to the success of any care home.

Although laundry may seem like a small part of the care puzzle, the loss or damage of clothing items can cause residents extreme stress and upset.

Research has shown that missing items of residents’ clothing is one of the most common laundry issues experienced by care home staff operating in house laundries.

In a survey conducted among managers that have laundry provisions on site, half reported that misplaced or lost personal items are the cause of significant trouble to them, their residents and their staff.

In addition, 81 per cent of surveyed care homes reported that they had lost or misplaced items within their

premises and one in ten admitted this to be a frequent occurrence.

Outsourcing laundry is one of the most effective ways of reducing losses.

Berendsen, the specialist textile and laundry services provider, uses the latest electronic barcode labelling and scanning equipment to ensure traceability throughout the entire laundering process.

This guarantees that everything is safely washed, dried, ironed, finished and packed within its facilities and delivered back to its rightful owner.

As well as delivering peace of mind, an outsourced laundry service also frees up care staff to focus more of their time on residents and eliminates the hassle associated with leasing machinery, conducting maintenance, organising insurance, and purchasing detergents.

New online hand hygiene training for care home staff

A NEW evidence based online hand hygiene training course is now available free of charge and offers one hour of CPD. This course is divided into four modules which include a summary of guidelines, an introduction to the skin, a hand hygiene video and a section about improving compliance.

At the end of each section, there is a series of multiple choice questions so that participants can test what has been learnt. The course is fully referenced and based on the most up to date guidelines, research and evidence.

The training has been designed to specifically address the hand hygiene issues relevant to healthcare staff working in care homes. Additional trainees can be added to any registration.

This helps save time and enables the training coordinator to track the progression of other

trainees.

Although it is recognised that good hand hygiene is essential to protect both staff and residents from cross infection, evidence suggests that many healthcare staff do not decontaminate their hands when required or use the correct technique.

This one-hour of training will help improve standards of hand hygiene through an increased understanding of the vital role it plays in delivering care.

For further information email ukmarketing. sm@schuelke.com or visit https://www.schuelkelearning.com/course/introduction-to-handhygiene-for-care-home-staff Enquiries: Call 0114 254 3500, email mail.uk@schuelke.com or visit www.schuelke.com

21 Advertiser’s announcement

Miele ensures your laundry does exactly what it says on the box

By Olivia Taylor WHEN it comes to hygiene, it’s important for care homes to know they have an efficient laundry solution that does exactly what is says on the box.

The team at Miele Professional not only provide their clients with top spec washing machines, but they also ensure they’re on hand throughout the whole process to answer any questions, and help in any way needed.

Miele Professional sales and marketing director, Les Marshall, said: “We like to go the extra mile, we don’t just want care homes to buy a machine from us, we want to be there through out the whole process. We try to hold our clients’ hand.”

Miele’s route to market is through a network of Approved Partners across the country so customers know there’s always someone nearby to help them should something go wrong with their product.

Les added: “All of our Partners are service trained so we’re able to meet all of our customer’s needs.

“Our machines are tested to the

Les Marshall highest standards, but they’re still machines and sometimes things can go wrong, but if that happens, we’re here to help.”

Miele also give its clients access to documents that can help them better care facilities for residents.

Les added: “We also produce White Papers on how our clients can be a

cut above the rest, we want to assist care homes.”

A range of payment methods are on offer to Miele’s clients, no matter what their budget is, and warranty is included with all purchases.

“We recognise that one of the biggest concerns for any business is cost that’s not budgeted for. We offer our customers the chance to rent our machines for a one-off monthly charge, but that includes supply, install cover and breakdown.”

Miele Professional have also launched two new washing machine ranges that set fresh benchmarks for the UK laundry sector.

The Performance and Performance Plus product lines, were available from April 2017, and are the latest and most efficient washing machines from the German brand.

‘Performance’ redefines the 13kg to 18kg load size category, with outstanding wash quality and cycle times from just 52 minutes, while ‘Performance Plus’ becomes the new industry leader, with an even better package of features and cycle times from just 45 minutes.

All of these machines benefit from

the new OneFingerTouch system – exclusive to Miele – which means that users can open and close the door by applying a light touch.

The user experience is enhanced further by Miele Professional’s Profitronic D control system, which has a text display and an easy-to-use six-button selection for the most common types of wash.

Once a customer purchases a new washing machine, spare parts are available for that product for over 15 years, so buyers can be confident their machine will never be in a state of disrepair.

Les added: “A customer can buy a new machine today and can be completely confident in knowing parts will be available for that machine for its entire lifetime and beyond.”

The company also ensures it’s doing its bit for the environment, conforming to all relevant legislation and making sure their machines are eco-friendly as well as cost effective.

Les said: “We believe we are the market leaders in energy and water efficiency. We have cycles as short as 39 minutes.”

For more information on Miele Professional’s products, phone 0844 8936907, visit www.miele.co.uk/professional or follow the company on Twitter @MieleProf

22

Warewasher package now includes Connected Wash

Armstrong laundry equipment makes budgeting easier for Dudley home THE Camelot Rest Home is a residential home for people over 65, including those with dementia, in Dudley in the West Midlands – the oldest resident being 105.

It has 31 single and two shared rooms, of which most are en suite. Many of the rooms overlook very nice gardens where the residents can go when the weather is good.

The small laundry, equipped by Armstrong Commercial Laundry Systems, consists of an Amazon high spin free standing washer and a Heubsch dryer, both supplied on Armstrong’s increasingly popular fixed price hire scheme.

The laundry handles everything from the home, including all the bedding, kitchen and dining room items and the residents’ personal laundry – so it is kept busy all day every day according to the care manager, Wendy Madderley.

She said: “The laundry is operated by the carers who are all trained to use all the special programmes and is often in use through the evenings and nights as well as day time. We are really happy with the equipment which is very reliable and easy to use.”

The fixed price hire programme covers all maintenance and repair issues including parts and labour throughout the length of the agreement, and allows care homes to install a fully compliant laundry without the capital outlay and makes budgeting easier – there are no nasty surprises if a machine needs repairing.

Enquiries: For further information contact Armstrong Commercial Laundry Systems, Ampere Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2AE. Call 01635 263410, email enquiries@armstronglaundry.com or visit www.armstronglaundry.com

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WINTERHALTER’S Pay-Per-Wash scheme is changing the way care homes fund their warewashing: it gives users a machine, chemicals, machine service and customer support for a fixed pay-per-wash fee of as little as 26.2p.

Now Winterhalter has made it even more attractive by bundling in its Connected Wash package as part of the scheme, for free.

Connected Wash warewashers are networked via LAN or W-LAN and send machine data to a server, virtually in real time. Using a computer, tablet or smartphone, customers can monitor machine functions via the Connected Wash app, around the clock and from anywhere in the world.

The system not only shows how machines are operating, it also sends alerts if there is an issue, including if cleaning chemicals are running low or if there is a blockage.

It even gives energy-saving saving tips – for example, if staff regularly turn the machine on too early, leaving it idle and wasting power, it will highlight the issue.

Connected Wash can be used to monitor one machine or several, on one site or on multiple sites, all from one device.

For care homes the main attraction of Connected Wash will be that it minimises downtime, ensuring that the warewasher is always functioning well and delivering hygienic, sparkling clean results. A thermal disinfection variable is also available.

“Adding Connected Wash to the no-risk, low cost of Pay-Per-Wash delivers what we believe is the ideal warewashing package for care homes,” said Paul Crowley, marketing manager of Winterhalter UK. “They get a top quality machine, and top quality results, for minimal outlay.”

With Pay-Per-Wash, operators select a desired number of wash cycles and prepay for them, using a credit card.

The warewasher is internet-connected and the wash codes bought are automatically entered into the machine, so staff can start washing straight away. The cost per wash will depend on the machine chosen and usually customers will buy at least 100 washes in advance.

Winterhalter provides a total solution for

warewashing, from pre-sales advice to after-sales service, training and maintenance. Alongside its market-leading dish and glasswashers, the company’s range includes utensil washers, advanced water treatment machines, cleaning chemicals and detergents.

Enquiries: For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk or www.winterhalter-scout.biz or email info@winterhalter.co.uk

Girbau UK offers free laundry review to Care and Dementia Show visitors

GIRBAU UK is offering a laundry review to visitors to its stand (I60) at the Care and Dementia Show at the NEC, Birmingham on October 10 and 11.

The free service is undertaken by a specialist laundry consultant and includes a full audit to determine whether laundry running costs are too high, if the laundry could be run more efficiently and to check that the laundry is fully CQC compliant for infection control.

Product highlights on the Girbau UK stand at the show will include the ED Ecodryer range of energy efficient dryers, believed to be the most energy efficient commercial dryers on the market, and the Girbau HS 6 Series range of washers, which are Water Technology List approved.

ED Series dryers combine radial and axial airflow for maximum efficiency, reduced cycle times and lower energy costs.

Cabinet insulation and a double-glazed door

further optimise energy efficiency.

The highly reliable and accurate built-in humidity control system automatically senses when clothes are dry and activates the cool down process maximising energy efficiency and quality care of all fabrics.

Enquiries: For more information visit www.girbau.co.uk

A wee problem!

DUPLEX has been supplying cleaning machines into the care sector for many years and know that one of the problems faced by many care homes is urine on carpets.

Duplex has the answer. By pre-spraying badly soiled carpets with our specially formulated Hydrofresh chemical it helps to neutralise the urine odour followed up with the steam and brush agitation of the Duplex machine which kills the bacteria leaving carpet fibres revitalised and smelling fresh and clean.

As minimal amounts of water are required in this method of cleaning drying time is cut to a minimum at around 20 minutes on carpets and much less on hard floors so that areas which have been cleaned are very quickly able to be used again.

We carry out free, no obligation demonstrations on a nationwide basis and offer comprehensive, certificated on-site training.

Enquiries: Call 01227 771276 or email info@duplex-cleaning.com

23

CARINGSUMMER CELEBRATIONS

Residents at a Cheshire nursing home enjoyed a tea party with a difference as staff served up an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon at Corbrook Park. Carers became the Mad Hatter, Alice, Dormouse, White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts for a ‘Madhatters’ end of summer tea party, while the kitchen provided the buffet high tea.

Everyone enjoyed a range of cakes, pastries, clotted cream and strawberries on the lawn and joined in with human snakes and ladders and a gigantic game of skittles. The nursing home was decorated with huge playing cards, quotes from the Lewis Carrol story, bunting, balloons and tea alongside ‘eat me’ and ‘drink me’ signs.

Fun-loving staff and residents at a Stourbridge care home have raised vital funds to ensure residents can have days out and take part in community events. High Lodge in Iverley held its annual summer fete for the residents’ activity fund – raising £514 through a tombola, craft stalls, raffles and face painting for children. The popular summer event also saw residents and their families unveiling a specially commissioned owl wood carving in the home’s gardens, with local singer Tom Wenlock rounding off the day by singing a variety of hits from the 50s and 60s.

Generous Dover residents raised over £230 for Leonard Cheshire Disability during a summer fete recently. The event, which took place at Buckland Court,, was organised by healthcare and recruitment organisation Nurse Plus, with clients, staff and families turning out to fundraise for the local charity. Hannah Roberts, branch manager for Nurse Plus Dover, said: “We were thrilled that so many people turned up to raise money for a cause that is so close to our hearts.” Activities taking place throughout the day included a tombola, name the teddy, a cake sale, book stalls, ‘how many sweets in the jar’ and music.

The Laurels Care Home donated the proceeds of its annual summer barbecue to the Hope for Tomorrow mobile chemotherapy unit. The money from the was topped up by owner Country Court Care to make a total donation of £500 to the charity. The cheque was presented by home manager Wendy Perkins to Colin Thomas and Margaret Thomas from the charity. “We were delighted that people came along and joined us for tasty food, raffle and drinks,” said home manager Wendy Perkins. “We hold a charity barbecue every year and it’s always very popular in the village, this year’s cause is very close to our hearts and we were really pleased to see so many people at our home.”

Residents of Barnes Lodge in Tonbridge enjoyed all the fun of the fair when they got together to celebrate the first birthday. With kitchen staff firing up the barbecue in the garden and an ice cream van on its way, residents of the residential care home were not defeated by the wet weather. While they and their guests tucked into their barbecued burgers and sausages, they challenged one another to the games, including hook a duck, tin can alley, name the bear and beat the goalie, which had all been set up inside.

Ashley Court in Poole’s annual summer fete raised £980 including a donation from the family of a resident who died earlier this year. The facility, which is part of the Healthcare Homes Group, provides nursing and residential care for up to 60 residents, many of whom live with dementia. The money will go towards the residents’ fund, which will be used for special trips, outings and lunches, and to buy additional arts, crafts and sensory items.

Mayor joins care home for fête

STAFF and residents at a Blaina care home were joined by the local mayor as they celebrated the end of the summer with a fête.

Cwm Celyn, which is owned and operated by Shaw healthcare, invited mayor Clive Bridgeman and Shaw healthcare chairman Alun Thomas to the event, which included raffles, face painting, tombola’s and cake stalls.

Service manager Simon Morgan and staff nurse Steve Jones both also braved a back wax, while

maintenance worker Chris Walden had the same on his legs. The various activities helped raise more than £700 towards the residents’ amenity fund, which will go towards extras trips and activities for residents in Cwm Celyn.

Alun said: “These events really highlight the close community feeling here at Cwm Celyn and how much they are supported by everyone. I have very much enjoyed seeing the residents and their families enjoying time together.”

A Droitwich care home has opened its doors to the local community for its annual summer fair. Ravenstone welcomed friends and relatives from the local community to celebrate with the residents in the sunshine. One resident, John Tarleton, took the role of Ravenstone Mayor, and opened the fair with a speech to residents and guests.

The residents transformed the home’s garden into a stage, welcoming local musician Linda Hartley to perform live music. Linda was also entertaining both younger relatives and the young at heart with her Rock ‘n’ Roll Puppet Show. The fair raised £170 for the home, and will be used to pay for treats and activities for the residents.

26

Refurbishment project in running for International Design Award Free fire door seminar for home owners and FMs

CARE home owners, managers and facilities managers can now access fire door training from HOPPE UK. Fire doors are a life-saving feature in any building, but in a care home they give residents and members of staff vital protection in the event of a fire. Fire doors are designed to hold back flames and smoke allowing evacuation and access routes to remain clear for fire and rescue services.

In order to withstand fire, a fire door should be third party certificated through a scheme such as BWF-Certifire and must be fitted with correctly specified ironmongery including specific hinges, handles, locks and signage.

In support of Fire Door Safety Week, HOPPE UK is offering care home staff a CPD seminar focussing on ironmongery on fire and escape doors, delivered in-house by one of its technical experts to help staff understand the critical role of fire doors and the importance of correctly specified door hardware.

The RIBA approved seminar covers: the role of fire and escape doors; the appropriate hardware to use; maintenance and inspection of ironmongery on fire and escape doors and the consequences of ignoring risk.

Enquiries: To book a free CPD session, call Andy Matthews head of sales for HOPPE (UK), on 01902 484 439 or email andy.matthews@hoppe.com

A MAJOR refurbishment project at Hadrian Healthcare’s The Manor House care home in Barnard Castle is a finalist in the Society of British and International Design Awards.

The £600,000-plus project was designed and managed by luxury retirement specialist Bernard Interiors, who also designed the original interior, completed in 2009.

The awards recognise design excellence across 14 categories in projects from around the world.

Jas Gill, managing director of Hadrian Healthcare said: “We’re absolutely delighted The Manor House is a finalist in these prestigious awards.

“The Manor House has always had a warm and welcoming feel and for the refurbishment we wanted to retain that whilst giving the main areas fresh, open plan layouts to increase the social space and to make the most of the views to the gardens.

“As well as the structural changes we have elegant new bespoke panelling, soft furnishings and furniture. The refurbished areas blend seamlessly with the original timeless design, and our residents and staff are enjoying living and working in the new surroundings.”

Morning coffee, afternoon tea and cakes are now served from a cafe bar

Practicality meets comfort TUDOR Lodge, a development of 30 one and two bedroom, purpose-built retirement apartments based in Solihull, in the West Midlands, has upgraded the carpet in its communal areas with Total Care, from Heckmondwike.

The existing carpet at Tudor Lodge had been in situ since the facility was built in 2008. Tudor Lodge is managed by retirement specialist Millstream Management Services, with Lodge manager Diane Bennett responsible for all ongoing service and maintenance of the development.

Diane undertook a period of consultation with residents, starting in 2016, to gather opinion on a refresh of all communal areas at Tudor Lodge.

Together with Heckmondwike area manager, Sean Jones, Diane selected Total Care for the flooring upgrade at Tudor Lodge.

After the period of consultation with residents had concluded, Tudor Lodge’s management team opted to upgrade all the carpet in communal areas and chose Heckmondwike Total Care in ‘Spice’ for the corridors (350m2) and Total Care in ‘Cajun’ for the lounge (100m2).

Total Care and Pure Care are Heckmondwike’s

tufted carpet solutions; they are ideally suited to healthcare environments or sheltered housing, whether in communal areas, corridors or bedrooms and in entrance areas.

Enquiries: Sample cards are available on request by calling 01924 413637 or by visiting the website www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

Flooring fit for everyone FLOORING for care homes must meet key practical requirements, but not at the expense of creating a homely environment, says Joe Hurst, Altro’s key account manager for social care No one wants to live in a clinical, hospital environment: we can’t overestimate the impact that feeling at home can have on well-being. This has been recognised by many working within the care home sector, and understanding the principles behind this could prove invaluable when it comes to working with clients in this area.

At Altro, we have spent many years developing floors and walls that support well-being across all types of social care environments, including care homes. We are proud of our role in helping to create communities for all.

To us this means helping fashion care homes that are welcoming, attractive, inclusive and safe.

Where it is possible to help a resident stay, or become, more independent, and be happier because of this, that’s what we will do.

It is possible to choose solutions that have been designed with creating homes in mind, yet are functional and, where needed, promote safety in

every way, without that being obvious to residents.

Care home residents can have specialist or complex needs such as visual impairment, dementia, autism, learning and physical disability that makes mobility difficult and these needs must also be taken into consideration.

Enquiries: You can find more in-depth information at www.altro.co.uk/Care-homes

The cafe bar in the main reception lounge at Hadrian Healthcare’s The Manor House. nursery have also been redesigned. in the main reception lounge which The Manor House Barnard Castle is has an exceptional view through to one of nine finalists in the healthcare the gardens. This has created a social hub for residents, families and friends design category of the awards, assessed for their technical content to spend time together. and aesthetic creativity by a panel In the Chesters Suite, which is of industry experts. Now the public specifically designed for people living is invited to choose their favourite with dementia, the new combined project in each category via the SBID foyer and lounge layout has created website. a lighter, airier space while retaining Winners will be announced in a domestic scale for residents to feel October at a ceremony at The comfortable and relaxed. Informal Dorchester Hotel, London. activity areas such as the pantry and

Introducing the Sophie Rotate Profiling Bed THE ProBed Sophie Rotate electrically powered rotating profiling chair bed offers greater independence and mobility to the user, who can weight bear, but struggles to transfer unassisted between standing and sitting.

The ProBed Sophie enables the user to rotate and then tilt the chair to aid the transfer between standing and sitting.

In addition to the many benefits of the ProBed Sophie an auto-regression function ensures minimum pressure is placed on the sacrum region when the bed is profiled.

The ProBed Sophie can be set up to allow transfer to either the left or to the right and includes a ‘Very High Risk’ mattress with a vapour

permeable, multi-stretch high frequency welded cover offering outstanding pressure reduction.

The ProBed Sophie is one of the most cost effective chair beds on the market today for the home care, nursing and residential environments. £3,500 + VAT. Enquiries: Visit www.Beaucare.com

Floorings must strike the right balance in nursing homes THE ultimate type of flooring for nursing homes is one that strikes the perfect balance between a familiar design for residents with durable, hygienic, easy-to-clean characteristics - essential to nursing and care environments.

Vinyl flooring manufacturers specialising in healthcare are responsible for contributing to these environments through the provision of welldesigned and appropriate products that can help make permanent or temporary accommodation more congenial and as close to an ‘at home’ living space as possible.

Reliable, safety floorings with slip resistance to R10 / R11 and ≥36 HSE standards in decorative designs that residents might choose for their own homes have therefore been developed.

The aim is to provide design-orientated, dependable floorings that eliminate the institutional element while improving performance and function to help create places where vulnerable people can enjoy the best possible surroundings.

Enquiries: Call 01926 622600, email contractuk@gerflor.com or visit www.gerflor.co.uk

Italia Collection from Katell Katell are one of the UK’s largest fireplace manufacturers supplying to Care Homes, Social Housing Landlords, National Housebuilders and Retailers.

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This best-selling range requires no chimney or annual maintenance and is easy to install to a flat wall. Featuring 2kw heat and a ‘No Heat’ option, the stunning flame effect will create a great focal point in your reception rooms.

Vittoria shown in Sandstone

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28

Are you responsible?

Are your fire doors safe?

LORIENT, leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance door sealing systems, offers a range of testing and technical services that include fire door inspections and consultancy.

With almost 40 years’ experience, Lorient is respected throughout the industry for its technical expertise; and plays an active role in helping to shape standards and best practice. Lorient offer a professional and expert fire door inspection service.

Their certificated fire door inspectors are fully qualified under the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS); and have been assessed by Exova Warringtonfire, an independent third

danfloor to exhibit Evolution range at the Care and Dementia Show danfloor UK will be taking the opportunity to present its new collection of carpets entitled Evolution, alongside the recently launched Equinox Evolve and the rest of their healthcare carpet collection, at the Care and Dementia Show in Birmingham.

Designed for the demands of all healthcare installations, danfloor’s impervious carpet collection is soil and stain resistant, hardwearing and comes with a number of comprehensive wear warranties.

In addition, a number of the ranges have a particular emphasis on the suitability of design for people living with cognitive impairments such as dementia.

Evolution is a stunning new collection of patterned carpets consisting of six new designs aptly entitled Origin, Glaze, Manhattan, Forest, Geo Form and Scape.

Manufactured using new innovative tufting

technology and incorporating Aquafil’s Econyl 100 per cent regenerated nylon yarn, The Evolution Collection not only has outstanding performance features but also has a strong environmental focus.

The Evolution Collection offers a range of designs, from subtle to bold statement pieces, providing the ideal foundation to create a stunning interior design scheme within any healthcare installation.

Also, being presented at the show is the latest edition to the award winning Equinox Collection, the new Evolve. The range offers a delicate pattern in a range of 13 colours which complements and enhances the established Equinox Tones.

Enquiries: For more information visit www.danfloor.co.uk and request free sample material for any of the ranges or visit danfloor’s stand at the Care and Dementia Show Birmingham.

party. Certificated to carry out the inspection of building’s fire doors and prepare a detailed survey; and report on the condition and function of the fire doors on premises; providing peace Enquiries: For further information contact 01626 834252.

Keep residents infection-free with good hand hygiene NURSING and residential care organisations need to focus on adopting good hand hygiene routines this summer to prevent the spread of infection and illness among its residents.

“Fluctuations in temperatures can lead to an increase in the number of infection outbreaks,” said Manty Stanley, managing director at TEAL Patents.

“Washing hands with soap under running, warm water is the gold standard in hand hygiene and does more than any gel or wipe to prevent the spread of infection. If it is just a question of access to running water, TEAL has the solution.”

Working with nursing and residential care organisations for over 10 years, TEAL has developed a range of units specifically for operation in nursing and care home environments.

All TEAL units are available to buy or hire for delivery to an address in the UK within 24 hours.

Enquiries: For further information call 0121 770 0593, visit www.tealwash.com or email enquiries@tealwash.com

29

Reclining Sentes bath from Gainsborough delivers future-proofed bathing for more complex needs GAINSBOROUGH Specialist Bathing is showcasing its latest power-assisted bathing solution at the Care Show – the reclining Sentes bath for more complex needs (Stand D10, October 10-11, NEC, Birmingham).

For over 30 years Gainsborough has been regarded as the leading innovator in accessible bathing for the long term and acute care sector.

Its latest specialist system, the Sentes, delivers ultra-efficient bathing with a powered reclining action ideal for bathers with more challenging conditions. This proven solution is built with all the quality and precision expected from the industry leader so utmost performance is assured now and

in the future. The Sentes is designed to deliver cost effective care without compromising the bathing experience. It includes quick fill technology and reduces water usage so bathing cycles are more efficient in terms of cost and time.

This lowers energy expenditure and reduces time pressures on care staff so they can fully engage with residents. These operational efficiencies deliver significant savings especially in high traffic, multioccupancy bathroom environments.

In terms of design the Sentes incorporates world-class ergonomics so comfort and safety is maximized for both bather and carer.

The reclining action and moulded seat provide advanced postural support for semi- and nonambulant bathers. With the Sentes in an upright position and the foot well filled, bathers can easily access the bath through the vertical-raising side door or if an active transfer is not possible, via a hoist. This assists with safe moving and handling procedures for carers and reduces the risk of falls.

Once the positive lock door mechanism has been manually activated the Sentes can be gently reclined using a single button.

This tilting action slowly submerges the bather so the transition into water is smooth and pleasant.

When reclined the Sentes provides the advantage of a deeper soak and greater support for bathers with reduced stability.

The Sentes bath is sleek and elegant so will enhance the aesthetics of all care environments.

It has an impressive 205kg safe lifting weight and is ideal for the vast majority of disabled bathers.

Efficiency is further assured with WRAS complaint brassware.

As with all quality baths from Gainsborough

Specialist Bathing the Sentes is supported by 360-degree solution management including bathroom design services, comprehensive warranties and unsurpassed customer support.

The Sentes bath – the future proof, cost effective solution for more complex needs.

Gainsborough Specialist Bathing’s stand at the Care Show will also include the Gentona with detachable bather transfer system and information regarding its new BioCote anti-microbial technology.

Gainsborough will demonstrate why its bathing solutions are operationally efficient and how they deliver therapeutic benefits especially for dementia patients. www.gainsboroughbaths.com

30

CARINGNEWS

Home celebrates life of showbiz resident

By Dominic Musgrave

A WEYBRIDGE care home celebrated the showbiz life of one of its residents, Desrie Higgs, with a trio of music and performance-themed events.

The team at Care UK’s Norfolk House kicked off celebrations with a visit from the Movie Time Experience, where an old-fashioned projector delighted residents as it broadcast snippets of old films and news events.

Continuing the celebration, the local community were invited to join residents for a special visit from Troubadour Productions.

The entertainment specialists performed a nostalgic music show designed especially for older people, with sing-a-long songs, costume changes, humour and dance.

Finally, a visit from well-known soprano Jane Cuva was also organised in Desrie’s honour.

Sabu Prothasis, home manager at Norfolk House, said: “Desrie joined the home two years ago and it has been an absolute joy hearing all about the fantastic experiences throughout her life.

“She is a pleasure to have around and we all enjoy hearing her singing – it really lifts everyone’s spirits.

Desrie had such a lovely afternoon reminiscing over old movie clips which brought back the times that she most loved.

“We wanted to arrange a schedule of events to celebrate Desrie’s showbiz life, introducing an

“Desrie still loves singing the songs she used to perform on stage – it’s lovely to see her enjoying the music so much and helping her to continue the hobbies she loves.”

Desrie Higgs with a selection of photographs from her glittering career. element of nostalgia and allowing residents and friends to reminisce about days gone by.

There is definitely a buzz around the home as everyone anticipates the exciting events still to come.

“Desrie still loves singing the songs she used to perform on stage – it’s lovely to see her enjoying the music so much and helping her to continue the hobbies she loves.”

Desrie Higgs was born in 1926 in Abersychan, Wales, and completed her Associated Board of the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music theory exam at Newport Technology College. As a model

student, she passed with maximum possible marks, demonstrating her natural flair and passion for music and performance.

Desrie was later accepted as a student at the Guildhall School of Music, one of the world’s leading conservatoires and drama schools.

During her time here, she was taught by some of the industry’s most highly regarded talent, allowing her to blossom as an artist and professional alike.

Desrie began to establish her longstanding career within the entertainment industry.

She later moved to Coventry and toured in pantomimes with title roles, performed in concerts including opera and was involved in the world of broadcasting.

Building a name for herself as a highly talented and versatile performer, Desrie later toured as an assistant to The Great Levente, an Australian Illusionist of great repute. She performed in the magical revue “Hows Tricks” world tour, where she assisted with magical illusions – the secrets of which she still holds.

She later toured in revue with the Royal Command comedian Johnny Lockwood and socialised in a circle of well-known performers, including Harry Secombe and Des O’Connor, who played alongside her as Buttons in Cinderella.

Desrie was known to the press as the ‘Welsh Nightingale’. Although christened as Desrie Higgs, she appeared as Desrie Freeman for a short time, before adopting the stage name Susan Scott. To this day, Desire is known to many people as Sue. It was during her time treading the boards that Desrie met her late husband, Andrew Allen, who was a comedian and stage manager doing the rounds with Morecambe and Wise.

In later years, Desrie taught students to sing at the Professional Children’s Stage School in Teddington, as well as in schools and various private lessons.

She also became an active member of the Women’s Institute, becoming particularly involved with Molehurst Ladies.

Safe Handling of Medication Advertiser’s announcement

Is your home ready for the changes to prescribing?

By Maggy Howells MORE and more Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are adopting NHS England’s latest money saving policy of preventing GPs from prescribing common over the counter (OTC) medicines in order to reduce their prescribing budgets.

At first glance, it seems simple.

Take paracetamol – the UK’s most commonly used painkiller.

A pack of 16 tablets can be bought for as little as 20p.

However, the same packet on prescription costs the NHS approximately £10 once GP time, dispensing fees and administrative charges are added.

In 2016, the NHS spent over £65m on paracetamol alone. By ‘banning’ just 10 products, NHS England anticipate savings of £128m.

Proposals to extend the scheme could see annual savings rocket to over £400m.

However, new policies come with new challenges, and one of the biggest for providers will be – how will you support people to access these medicines and creams in a

Maggy Howells timely way, when GP’s will no longer write prescriptions for them?

Clients could buy their own

medicines, or you may choose to use Homely Remedies.

This is where care homes keep supplies of OTC medicines so that people with capacity can access short-term treatment without delay.

Contrary to popular belief, CQC do not frown on Homely Remedies, but it is important to make sure your policies and procedures follow current guidance for both medicines management and infection control.

The situation is more complicated though, when considering people with complex needs e.g. those living with dementia or communication difficulties.

These people may struggle to recognise or express their needs and may also lack capacity to make decisions about their medicines for themselves.

This means that the decision to buy and administer the medicine falls to your care team.

In these cases, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 must be considered, along with Best Interests Meetings and Decisions.

You will need to ensure that your care team is skilled and competent

when it comes to recognising symptoms, selecting, obtaining and administering non-prescribed medicines.

You are also responsible for providing clear policies and procedures for carers to follow as well as documentation to capture the rationale, administration and monitoring of the client’s response to the treatment.

Don’t be caught out – be prepared!

Review your policies and procedures now to ensure you continue to offer the support your clients expect and deserve.

STAR Medication is the only bespoke medicines management consultancy in the UK. We can help you improve your medicines management, whether you are looking to be Outstanding or struggling to become compliant.

From a mock inspection to long term projects setting up new systems; make STAR Medication your first port of call for all your medicines management needs. n Maggy Howells MRPharmS is a director at STAR Medication Consultants Ltd.

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Safe Handling of Medication

What can the UK learn from international best practice?

By Jitesh Patel BRITAIN’S population is ageing, with nearly one in seven people projected to be aged over 75 by 2040.

Providing appropriate accommodation for older people could have immense benefits for both society and the economy.

Although there are improvements in the development of mainstream and specialist housing in the UK, they are not currently sufficient to respond to our rapidly expanding and aging population.

A recent Lancet study found that 70,000 additional care home places will be needed in the UK by 2025, as the number of pensioners with medium and high dependency needs increases. Finding better ways of integrating housing with flexible forms of care and support has become imperative.

As a global real estate developer delivering tailored care homes and assisted living environments across the world, Kajima is concerned with advancing international best practice in the provision of elderly care accommodation.

Below we outline some cutting

Jitesh Patel edge methods currently being implemented in some of the most advanced economies in the world, which must be adopted for elderly care accommodation in the UK. Hospitality, not hospital As the elderly live longer – care homes, once labelled ‘God’s waiting room’ – must transform themselves into places to live, not places to die – developing homes that are strategically and creatively designed to support and empower continued resident growth spiritually, physically, intellectually and socially. The

US is leading the way in radically rethinking retirement living, from hospital to hospitality. The Green House Project, for example, has been pioneering a new approach to long term elderly care which bases its model on homes for no more than 10-12 residents, and which operate more as mini hotels than hospitals or care homes. The intimacy of the scale of the homes is crucial in cultivating a close relationship between the residents and carers. The success of the model has meant that over the past 10 years it has expanded to a network of 204 homes in 29 states.

Robocare Whereas the UK has been slow to embrace advances in assistive technologies for elderly care, both Australia and Japan are in advanced trials of carer robots. ‘Robocarers’ can help residents with tasks such as taking medication, rehabilitation or simply moving from room to room, reducing pressure on human carers and allowing them to spend more face to face time with patients. Robocarers are already fully operational at one of Australia’s most luxurious elderly residential

homes, Mark Moran Vaucluse in Sydney. If adopted in the UK, these human-like machines could result in considerable savings in the delivery of care services.

Intergenerational living Realising the profound wellbeing and care benefits for the elderly, and the fiscal benefits for the young, some countries – notably the Netherlands – have begun to develop intergenerational living complexes, where people of different ages live together in apartment blocks or housing complexes. Residents are expected to show a willingness to embrace neighbourly co-operation and mutual support, in tasks such as driving, shopping, administration and child supervision, as well as care for the elderly. If the UK is to catch up with other advanced economies in its provision of elderly care it must embrace health tech innovations, respond to cultural shifts in attitudes to intergenerational living and adopt international best practice in order to improve the lives of generations of elderly people to come. n Jitesh Patel is project director at Kajima Partnerships.

Advertiser’s announcement

Easy and cost effective new method of managing MAR sheets available now SPECIALIST care sector supplier Electronic MAR is offering a simple and cost effective way to help care organisations across the UK to improve their medication management in order to administer medication safely.

Electronic MAR helps providers of residential care, reablement care, nursing support, live-in care, extra care and domiciliary care to protect the people in their care – and the responsible persons and carers in care organisations – against the consequences of making an error in administering medicines and of recording that activity incorrectly.

Managers and directors of care businesses face significant challenges in this area such as: gaps in MAR sheet records, missed signatures, missed medications, audits not tallying, storage of medication, CD book accuracy, medication rounds being disturbed, MAR sheets being filled in at the wrong time and PRN protocols – among other issues.

The CQC takes a hard line on safety and in September 2016 it prosecuted Cotton Hill care home following the death of a resident.

Evidence was provided showing errors with the administration of his anti-coagulant medication.

The care provider organisation was fined £50,000 and the former manager was fined £665.

Electronic MAR’s groundbreaking new product is a digital version of the paper MAR sheet accessed via any tablet or smartphone.

All of Electronic MAR’s customers report significant improvement in – or even eradication of – their medicines handling challenges since starting to use the product.

The Electronic MAR sheet looks exactly like the

paper version of the MAR sheet and is therefore incredibly familiar to care staff making it quick and easy to use.

In many cases using the digital MAR sheet will speed up medication rounds and it will certainly make back office functions such as preparing data for audits much faster.

Customers report that this is an affordable and incredibly effective way of tackling the challenges

presented by the administration of MAR sheets with low set up costs and no expensive equipment required.

Supported by some straightforward training from the Electronic MAR team it’s painless, inexpensive and quick to start using this technology platform.

To find out more visit www.electronicmar.co.uk to download an information sheet.

Safe Handling of Medication Advertiser’s announcement

Service simplifies medication management Well Careplus is a medication management service for care homes. It simplifies the management of resident medications for carers and managers, by combining state-ofthe-art barcode technology (the Well Pad) and the expertise of qualified pharmacy professionals.

At Well Careplus, we support over 15,000 residents in more than 500 care homes, and the Well Pad has unique features which improve the safety and care of those residents.

Independently proven to be safer than paper-based methods, care homes can be confident that each resident gets the right dosage of the right medication at the right time.

A recent study by Cardiff University revealed that 55 medication mistakes are being made per resident per week in the worst performing care homes.

The Well Pad enables safer administration of medication by allowing healthcare professionals to witness controlled drugs and will even remind them about specific unusual administration requirements.

There is also a prompt for pulse check with digoxin, to enhance patient safety.

According to the Cardiff University study, care homes using the service have eradicated 21 out of 23 types of common medication administration errors.

In addition, the number of missing medication entries on residents’

records was reduced by 80 per cent.

The technology has also reduced the number of medicines returned from a care home to a pharmacy as wastage by 55 per cent.

The Well Pad enables care homes to create and maintain accurate care records.

To aid more consistent care, it enables notes to be added to a particular resident or drug on the Well Pad and share them with the pharmacist if necessary.

These notes appear each time that resident or drug is selected for safety.

The Well Pad allows an efficient two way communication, as any information entered into the Well

Pad is automatically linked to the pharmacy system and vice versa.

This ensures that a high level of communication is maintained and achieved, and facilitates seamless end-to-end care.

The service also speeds up decision making by downloading reports in an instant and allowing healthcare professionals to view them remotely.

Reports are sent by email every morning to the care home manager giving an insight into the previous 24 hours.

The information in the reports aids clinical decisions, supports audit inspections and even identifies training needs.

Readings and observations can be recorded, including blood pressure, pulse, glucose, INR and falls, and they are stored on a central care record to ensure better care for each resident.

The Well Pad is the only system to prompt the recording of resident outcomes, and by knowing how the resident is feeling at regular intervals and then overlaying this information over their medicines management, a true picture of their health can be measured.

This is a key factor in reducing the number of hospital admissions whilst monitoring the feelings of each patient, which is a crucial part of personalised care.

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CARINGNEWS

Angela planning to pass on her expertise to other operators

By Olivia Taylor AN ambitious business woman who’s made her mark on the industry is passing on her expertise to other operators.

Angela Swift was inspired to open her own care home nearly 10 years ago, when her father was receiving care.

She said: “My background is property, if I go right back to the start in 2008 I speculated on some land that I’d seen. My father passed away and when I used to go and see him in the home I’d think about what I’d do if I had a care home, but never in a million years thought I’d actually do it.”

After approaching the bank, Angela saw her vision quickly turn into a reality even though she had no past professional experience in the industry.

She said: “It was a huge risk, I really didn’t know anything about running a care home. When I started I lived and breathed it. I approached the Royal Bank of Scotland, and they really did have

“You can’t go into operating straight away to make a profit, you need to do it because you love it and you care, because at times it’s been horrendous.”

every faith in me.

“I’m not a carer but I know how to care, I cared for my father, but it was still a huge gamble. I could’ve failed.”

Rueben Lodge, named after Angela’s father, was opened in Teesside with an aim of providing the highest standards of care to all residents.

Angela said: “I didn’t open a small home, it was 83 beds. I don’t do anything by halves, everyone said to me are you crazy. When the home opened it didn’t slow down, it started to fill and I just couldn’t stop it, it kept going and going.”

Angela’s journey into care didn’t come without hiccups, and she advises people to ensure they operate care homes for the right reasons.

She said: “That’s when the lack of experience started to show, we had a lot of sleepless night.

Carers came and carers left, at one point we had hardly any staff in the building and we had to get agency staff in.

“I actually started sleeping in the building, but I always thought that if I got the care right everything else would follow, and in a sense it did.

“You can’t go into operating straight away to make a profit, you need to do it because you love it and you care, because at times it’s been horrendous.”

Now, 10 years on, Angela has made the decision to sell her facilities, so she can concentrate on helping and advising other operators. Methodist healthcare acquired Angela’s company, Silk Healthcare’s four homes last December.

Angela said: “They have the same values and high standards as us. We knew they wouldn’t come in and strip our homes of everything that

Angela Swift. we’ve done, that’s our legacy.”

Now Angela is using her valuable experience to help other operators successfully open care facilities.

She said: “It also gives me the opportunity to concentrate on developing homes for other operators. I love what I do, I love getting out of bed in the morning.”

“So far it’s going amazing, we’ve got three builds in process and all of these are bespoke developments for other operators, we never have a standard blue print when we build. Property is in my blood, I’m addicted to it and I love it.”

Medicines Management Guide from Rosemont A GUIDE to medicines management and older people is available from Rosemont Pharmaceuticals.

Called ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’, the booklet aims to help healthcare professionals learn more about how medication works, how the ageing process affects medicines, common adverse drug reactions, the definitions of compliance and concordance as well as to give an overview of some of the legal aspects of medicines management.

The content of the guide is based on current best practice and the most up to date evidence about medication management.

The focus is on the care of older people, who have a higher prevalence of illness and take around 50 per cent of all prescribed medicines (Kelly 2011).

Four in five people over 75 take at least one prescribed medicine, with 36 per cent taking four or more medicines (NSF 2001).

To receive a free copy of ‘Medicines management and older people – a guide for healthcare professionals’, just email rosemont. marketing@perrigouk.com References Kelly J , Wright D, Wood J, (2011) Medicine administration errors in patients with dysphagia in secondary care: a multi-centre observational study.

Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(12), 2615–2627

Co-founders Aidan and Gerry Hennessey.

Firm celebrates 30th anniversary

Department of Health, Medicines and Older People: Implementing medicines-related aspects of the NSF for Older People, March 2001 Enquiries: Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Rosemont House, Yorkdale Industrial Park, Braithwaite Street, Leeds, LS11 9XE. Telephone 0113 244 1999 or visit www.rosemontpharma.com

ONE of Scotland’s largest independent care providers is celebrating 30 years of providing care.

Meallmore Ltd marked the milestone with a garden party at Meallmore Lodge, its original home near Inverness.

Since it was first established in 1987 by brothers Gerry and Aidan Hennessey, the family business has grown steadily, with an ever expanding portfolio of homes.

It now has 23 care homes across Scotland, from the birth place of the company at Meallmore Lodge, to its newest purpose built home, Mearns House, located on the outskirts of Glasgow.

At the start of April, Meallmore returned to its Highland roots with the acquisition of Culduthel Care

Home in Inverness.

Between them, the homes have over 1,200 beds and the company employs 1,600 staff across the country.

Gerry Hennessey, managing director of Meallmore Ltd, said: “Thirty years ago my brother Aidan and I decided there was a better way of delivering care to the elderly and frail, and struck out on our own.

“Since then, the care sector has changed beyond recognition, but we remain committed to providing exceptional standards of quality care in a homely and welcoming environment.

“Today, tomorrow, and in the 30 years that follow, our mission will remain the same – to consistently be a great place to live and a great place to work.”

CARINGCOUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Advertiser’s announcement

Three pieces of new equipment that will help you provide the perfect roast more easily and cheaply

By Jon Steward WITH Christmas racing up, the pressure to produce the perfect festive dinner is building on Care Home caterers across the country.

Get it right and the dreams of your residents will come true: the day will be perfect for them. Get it wrong and it will be a nightmare that ruins one of the year’s most important meals.

Kitchen equipment going through a revolution Although a great chef and catering team is vital – it’s almost as important to make sure that they have the right equipment to achieve the best results.

You almost certainly already have the combi ovens and ranges to create magical meals, but kitchen equipment has leaped forward in its effectiveness and sophistication over the last ten years. What is possible now couldn’t even be conceived at the turn of the 21st century.

So how could this new technology help you produce the perfect Christmas dinner? I’m going to take you through three new pieces of equipment that could help your kitchen produce Christmas meals that will endear you to your residents, your catering team and to your accountant – because your kitchen will produce food more quickly, easily and efficiently.

Here are three pieces of

The Merrychef Eikon e2s (left), the Frima VArio Cooker 112+ (centre) and the Scanbox Ergo Combo (right). revolutionary kit that can help you cupboards that have a stellar Pressurised Bratt Pans achieve that goal: reputation for quality, usability Adding pressure and a whole lot of Accelerated and Rapid Cook Ovens and construction quality. Why will smarts to the humble bratt pan has The development of the latest they transform your Christmas created a new equipment category generation of accelerated ovens dinner? Their advanced temperature that is changing not only the way and rapid cook ovens, such as those control systems allow you to hold caterers operate, but how they design made by MerryChef, is transforming food at a steady temperature for a their kitchens too. catering in so many different long time, easing the pressure on Kit like Frima’s Vario Cooker range markets. Care homes are not an your production line to produce can be bratt pan, pressure cooker, exception. Combining microwave all elements of your meals shallow fryer, deep fat fryer, pasta and convection power in accelerated simultaneously. cooker and even hob. This kit can ovens, and microwave, convection But one can also make it easier to make a big difference your roasts: it’s and impingement (superheated get food to those residents who can’t braising capabilities are perfect for jets of air) tech in rapid cook, these leave their rooms. It gives you safe non-traditional roasts such as beef machines boost the speed of cooking food transportation that buys you and pork are amazing. But it gets massively. Accelerated ovens by up time. onto this list for the machine’s ability to 15 times and rapid cook by an These bits of kit aren’t essential to cook veg perfectly. incredible 22 times.

– you can produce great roasts Thanks to automatic lift out systems This means that you can roast with more traditional kit – but you’ll never overcook potatoes you turkey breasts in just 40 seconds, they use innovation to make your are parboiling, won’t leave veg over re-heat entire meals in 20, or cook kitchen more efficient, less stressful cooked, soft and tasteless, and, pigs in blankets in less than five to manage, and simplifies your incidentally, will know exactly how minutes. This can free up space in production and distribution systems. long they will take to cook! your ovens for larger items, or allow n Jon Steward is sales manager at Scan Boxes you to make food to order on the day.

U-Select.co.uk Scan boxes are Swedish hot

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CARINGCOUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Advertiser’s announcement

Treat your residents to some new dishes and old favourites EVERYONE loves Christmas; it’s a time for celebration, enjoyment and connection through the food we eat and share.

This should be no different for those living in a care home, which is why apetito has developed a new selection of festive dishes alongside classic favourites. apetito is the leading food producer for the health and social care sector, providing nutritious meals for care homes across the UK. It delivers a wide range of meals to suit every taste and dietary need, aiming to make a real difference to the lives of elderly and vulnerable people in care. For many care home residents, mealtimes are one of the highlights of their day, bringing them together to converse and enjoy food. apetito understand the importance of this and make sure residents can enjoy great tasting, nutritionally balanced and familiar meals. apetito ensures the menu is regularly reviewed so there is plenty of choice.

It also provides restaurant-style menus to support those with dementia. This year’s wintertime menu includes a selection of dashing new dishes created by apetito’s chefs, dietitians and nutritionist.

An example of a meal on the festive

menu is the succulent Gammon in Cranberry and Orange Sauce.

This is gluten free and from the healthier choice range.

New Christmassy desserts include Festive Fruit Crumble, Chocolate

Chip Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce, both from the energy dense range, and Apple and Blackberry Cobbler.

The Christmas period is one of the busiest times of the year, therefore

it is important this season is kept as stress free as possible. apetito is an easy solution within a care home, with a streamlined support and a tailored service which makes mealtimes uncomplicated for staff.

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CARINGCOUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

Great selection of styles and designs available

NEW – stylish Pashmina Scarf Bibs from Care Designs CARE Designs’ waterproof Pashmina Scarf Clothes Protectors are now available in stylish NEW pebble prints in three chic colours.

The innovative garment combines the look of a stylish ladies’ scarf with the waterproof practicality of a bib and so and can be worn all day with a high level of dignity.

The two silk-like fabric layers on the front are

highly absorbent whilst the waterproof layer on the back keeps clothes dry and has quick fastening Velcro for ease of fitting.

Get 20% OFF now; use code CAREDESIGNSCUK4 at the checkout!

Enquiries: Call 01223 840236, email purchasing@bibetta.com or visit www.caredesigns.co.uk for a brochure.

MELTEMI are specialists with over 30 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of uniforms for healthcare and administration.

We provide a wide range of uniform options for care homes that not only create identity but also provide superior quality, comfort and thoughtfully designed features that protect your staff and provide outstanding performance across all roles.

In addition to our healthcare garments we also offer a wide range of business suiting featuring a selection of co-ordinating, machine washable garments to keep your administration and management teams looking effortlessly smart.

Meltemi offer a great selection of healthcare tunic designs and styles from stock and have just introduced an even greater choice as standard.

We offer a sampling service so that you and your team can review the quality, colours and styles of garments and a comprehensive logo service to increase identity. We can also manufacture special sizes, accommodate any cultural and maternity requirements and offer a generous returns policy for exchange or refund.

All healthcare garments can withstand industrial washing for infection control purposes and incorporate special features for wearer comfort and flexibility such as

our “Flexi Stretch” our comfort fabric with stretch and lightweight fabric options.

All fabrics have been independently tested to ensure that they meet the rigours of the role while remaining comfortable and smart.

For larger uniform projects we can offer a complete project management package including bespoke garment design, wearer trials, sizing sets, on-line ordering and bespoke stock holding agreements guaranteeing a fast delivery from our group-owned production facilities.

Meltemi are full members of the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) and have been audited to meet the demands of the NHS for ethical trading throughout our supply chain.

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CARINGNEWS

Transformed care home is awarded Norfolk’s first ‘Outstanding’ rating

By Olivia Taylor A ONCE struggling care facility has been transformed, being named the first outstanding residential care home in Norfolk.

The Beeches care home in East Harling, which is owned and operated

by Black Swan Care Group provides care for 44 residents.

Managing director of Black Swan Care Group, Tom Lyons, said: “When we bought the home it was a failing home, it was losing money and it wasn’t in a very good place.

“We spent half a million pounds on the facility and the results have been great, we literally gutted every room from top to bottom.”

Loreta Moss, who manages the home, cried when she found out about the outstanding rating.

She added: “All I try to do is make living at The Beeches a happy experience.

“To be recognised for how hard the home has worked to achieve this is wonderful and totally unexpected.”

The CQC commented on The Beeches’ extraordinary level of individualised care that enriched people’s lives.

The report said: “People spoke of a service, staff and management team that showed immense kindness and thoughtfulness.

“This was brought about by a

Managing director of Black Swan Care Group, Tom Lyons, with the team at The Beeches in East Harling. thorough understanding of those that “The end goal is making sure our used the service, what was important residents have a great experience to them and a commitment to using in our homes, that’s what we this knowledge to support people in are completely focussed on, our having an exceptional quality of life.” residents.”

All members of staff from The All 15 of Black Swan’s care homes Beeches shared the same feeling of currently meet or exceed regulatory pride and excitement after receiving standards, but Tom is keen to make their Outstanding rating, holding a even more facilities across the group celebratory party. outstanding.

Tom said: “I don’t think anyone He said: “We want to expand, we expects to get an outstanding CQC have an extensive plan, we want to rating, but I think everyone aspires to aspire and achieve these outstanding get one. ratings across our care homes.”

Parklands the Minster Care-run residential home in Poynton, Cheshire, has welcomed Deborah Wilson to its senior management team as the care home’s new manager. Deborah has worked in the health and social care sector for 22 years, beginning her career as a trainee care assistant before working her way up to qualify as a registered manager. During the 10 years she has been a registered manager, Deborah specialised in residential, dementia and end of life care. She also has experience in providing care services for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues. Deborah’s qualifications include a Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care and the Registered Manager’s Award. She said: “In my role as home manager I look forward to building on the home’s excellent reputation for person-centred care and strengthening our links in the local area to ensure our residents are part of an integrated community.”

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CARINGTHE GREAT OUTDOORS A group of Shrewsbury schoolgirls with a passion for their community have transformed a garden shed at a local care home with a seaside themed revamp to cheer up residents. Morris Care welcomed the hardworking students from Shrewsbury School to Isle Court in Bicton, where all the volunteers worked enthusiastically to personalise and brighten the shed. The project was arranged by the faculty at Shrewsbury School six months ago when the students had offered to assist with the project to brighten the garden shed and the students were raring to go when the summer season arrived. Roberto Tumaliuan, home manager at Isle Court, said: “It is amazing how a simple lick of paint can transform a simple shed that turns our courtyard garden into a relaxing and inviting space for families and residents to enjoy.”

A group of young people currently on Inspire Suffolk’s Team programme have been working to benefit the residents of Aldringham Court Nursing Home by improving their garden area. As part of their course, the young people are required to plan, raise funds for and lead a project of their choice to benefit their local community, which provides an opportunity to put on their CVs. The Team spent a week enhancing the gardens of the nursing home for the residents, which they decided on as a project as they knew it would benefit people in their local area. Team members have completed tasks including building planters, creating a colourful mural to echo the theme of birds in the garden, building bird houses, clearing out, weeding and general maintenance of the gardens.

A bar has been constructed at a Chesterfield care home after a former resident left money in his Will. Tony Walsham wanted fellow residents at Springbank House to decide what to do with his donation. A vote led to the decision of building an outdoor bar for residents and their family members to enjoy. Tony, who lived at the home for almost two years, passed away earlier this year aged 91. His best friend at the home, 95-year-old Trevor Anstey, gave a speech at the opening of Tony’s bar to commemorate his pal.

Staff at an RMBI home have transformed their garden space to support residents living with dementia. Prince Michael of Kent Court in Hertfordshire has replicated scenes of a bygone era by creating a ‘street themed’ garden, which was officially opened recently. The new-look garden called Barnato Street features a level crossing with traffic lights, post office, café, bus shelter, signage and telephone booth from the 1960’s era. A traditional flower stand has been named ‘Lizzie’s Flowers’ after the home’s former manager who helped to come up with the garden idea, and Marjorie’s Bakery, in memory of one of the home’s residents, who’s family donated to the project. Home manager Beverley Roberts is pictured with resident Mary Phipps.

Residents work with artist to make sensory garden bloom RESIDENTS at Balhousie Pitlochry Care Home have been enjoying pottery lessons after becoming the first the group’s facilities to reach 90 per cent completion for promoting excellence in dementia care.

Residents had five pottery sessions with artist Alison Price and local girl guides, creating a bird bath, wind chimes and other items for their new sensory garden.

More than 90 per cent of staff have completed the five modules needed in Balhousie’s in-house programme to reach ‘Dementia Skilled’ level, including: understanding dementia; promoting person and family centred care; promoting health and

wellbeing for those with dementia; meeting the needs of a person with dementia who is distressed; and supporting and protecting people’s rights.

Angela Parnell, home manager at Balhousie Pitlochry care home, said: “I’m very proud of all the staff at Pitlochry, it’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get there but the benefit for residents makes it all worth it.

“Residents and staff have all thoroughly enjoyed the lesson.

It’s great that we are all part of making items for the new sensory garden, making it extra special and personal.”

Residents, apartment tenants, staff members and relatives of current and former residents of specialist care village, Belong Macclesfield, enjoyed a garden party and plaque unveiling ceremony to celebrate the 10th birthday of the flagship site. Guests were treated to a cocktail reception and barbecue and got into the spirit of the party by taking part in a selection of fun and games including: a baking and balcony decoration competition, quiz and a fancy dress contest. The highlight of the day was the emotional unveiling of a new plaque to accompany a memorial tree in the Belong Macclesfield garden. The plaque was revealed by Wilf Hall and dedicated to his father, Ron, who was one of Belong Macclesfield’s first residents and a much loved member of the community. The day was concluded by the release of 72 balloons, in honour of each person currently living at the village.

Residents of Connors House Residential Care Home pulled on their gardening gloves for an alfresco afternoon sprucing up the outside areas. Accompanied by activity coordinator Bev Furr, residents dug out their shovels and threw on their sun hats, ready for an afternoon in the garden. The residents tidied up the vegetable patches and planted some more carrot seeds, while looking out for fruit and veg that was ready to be picked and eaten.

Creative residents at Rogers House in Wigmore got together in the garden to make some bird feeders. Encouraging the local birds to swoop in for a snack, the bunch of creative residents from the residential care home made the most of a sunny day and headed out in the garden to embrace their creative sides and support the local wildlife. Using nuts, seeds and some peanut butter, the residents worked together to make several feeders, which they hung throughout the garden, hopeful that some of their feathered friends might stop by.

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CARINGNEWS

Health experts give provider thumbs-up

By Dominic Musgrave COMMUNITY health professionals have given a South coast care home company top marks in a survey designed to identify areas of best practice and scope for improvement.

Respondents to the Colten Care poll included GPs, nurses, first responders, mental health teams and other medical specialists.

Altogether, 171 responses were received from external clinical experts who work closely with the family-owned provider’s 20 homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex.

Twelve questions were asked to gather perceptions of Colten Care’s professional skills, care of residents and how welcome and looked after visitors feel at the homes.

Ninety-nine per cent of respondents felt the residents they know receive a high standard of care, while 98 per cent said residents were treated with respect and dignity.

Among other findings, 99 per cent of respondents said the in-home nurses had a good level of clinical knowledge, up from 96 per cent in a similar survey two years ago.

All but one respondent said they would personally recommend the home they deal with to others compared to 87 per cent who said they would happily recommend in 2015.

Four homes received full marks for every question.

These were the Dorset homes Canford Chase in Poole, Newstone House in Sturminster Newton and Fernhill in Longham, along with Kingfishers in New Milton, Hampshire, which has recently gained an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission.

The number of responses to this year’s survey was up 25 per cent from the previous one, with Braemar Lodge in Salisbury recording the highest response rate for an individual home.

Answers were given on written feedback forms available in homes’ receptions.

Asked what one thing they could change about the home, some respondents cited more parking.

This has prompted an immediate review of priorities to help free up more space for visitors at busy times.

Elaine Farrer, Colten Care operations director, said: “The feedback from our professional peers sits alongside our annual resident survey to help us evolve and improve our services and ensure we consistently deliver the highest standards of care.”

Alan Hale, a volunteer with life support training charity Heartstart Weymouth, won a £500 prize draw offered to respondents, and has used the money to buy a training defibrillator.

Be inspired at Care Show CARE Show is the UK’s largest and busiest care home event, providing training, solutions and networking opportunities to support those connected to and responsible for the care of others.

Care Show will bring you inspiration, innovation and ideas to assist you in running your care business.

You’ll learn more in two days at Care Show than you would in months from your office.

It can often feel like you’re too busy to take time out, but spending even one day with us will help you to save time through efficiencies in the future.

Attending the show will be an informative couple of days and a rare opportunity to: n Get FREE business advice from independent experts and thought leaders and discover new ways to provide better care. n Be better equipped to provide outstanding dementia care by experiencing how it might feel to live with dementia in the Virtual Dementia Tour. n Network and share your experience, compare notes and connect with over 2,500 people outside of your organisation who you can contact pre-event, using Care Connect, your one-to-one meeting programme. n Make your budget go further with exclusive show deals and access 1000s of the latest products and services from over 250+ leading healthcare suppliers all under one roof.

Dementia in Care

Dementia in the UK affects over 850,000 people, with the number set to rise to over one million by 2025.

As this remains such an important challenge to the care sector, the Care Show will continue to focus on this area with a dedicated Dementia in Care theatre.

Aimed at managers, directors and owners from housing providers and care providers this seminar theatre will explore best practice in dementia care whatever the setting.

Topics will include tips on: n Keeping people with dementia at home for longer n Dealing with challenging behaviour n Different ways care homes should prepare for dealing with a more needs based audience and more...

Care in Construction Care in Construction will be one of the features of Care Show 2017, giving you the opportunity to meet with and hear from the construction professionals, interior designers and care operators working on carerelated construction projects.

It will offer two full days on CPD accredited construction content covering the topics such as: n Supply and demand – forecast of home build requirements in the UK. n Dementia Design Best Practice – areas that make the care home desirable for the residents. n Best in Class – innovative and leading care projects.

Care Show takes place on 10 - 11 October 2017 at: Hall 3, National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham, B40 1NT.

Group makes 1,000 Friends

DEMENTIA Champions at awardwinning provider Hallmark Care Homes are celebrating after making 1,069 people Friends throughout May and June as part of the company’s commitment to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and helping to transform the way the nation thinks about the condition.

Hallmark care home employees across their 15 locations attempted to educate over 1,000 people about the illness by running informative Dementia Friends sessions, which are taught in partnership with The Alzheimer’s Society for team members, relatives and members of the local community.

Each fun and interactive session took an hour and explored what it’s like to live with dementia. It also discussed how you can make someone with dementia live a fulfilled life and the small things you can do to make a difference.

Visitors who completed the course

included local dignitaries, schools and businesses, all of whom received a Dementia Friends badge and some takeaway material from The Alzheimer’s Society.

Customer relationship manager and Dementia Friends Champion at Hallmark care home, Anya Court in Warwickshire, Karen Handley, said: “Our drop in sessions at our Hallmark homes taught our visitors everything you need to know about dementia.

“We decided to run these sessions and set ourselves the target of making 1,000 people Dementia Friends as we provide excellent standards of care daily to the residents in our homes and important part of this care is raising awareness of the condition.

“According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, there are currently 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, therefore it’s important that as a care provider we get the word out there and as a community we become more dementia friendly.”

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We developed Careplus to improve the safety and efficiency of medicine management because we’re passionate about caring for our local communities. rob.winton@well.co.uk

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Access 21 Interiors If you are planning a project, large or small, and would like help with interior design, furniture and soft furnishings we can help. As well as making your residents comfortable with a homely environment, rooms become easier to market and the value of the home increased. Our clients benefit from our 17 years of working in the care sector, dementia expertise (if required), without any minimum order or long term contracts – just good, honest customer service tailored to your needs. www.access21interiors.co.uk

Intercall Intercall supplies industry leading nursecall technology into care homes and hospices. Our systems are designed to assist both users and management with a host of features to improve the day to day running of your care home. The Safeguard Sensor is our latest development balancing care without being too intrusive, it detects the presence of a person and generates the appropriate alarm. Visit us on stand M40 to see both our Care Card and our Safeguard Sensor in action. www.intercall.co.uk

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Work starts on new £9m care home in Evesham

Page 51

Why it is important to factor profit into the cost of care

Page 52

‘Topping out’ ceremony at Rothley care home

Page 55

Windsor care home marks milestone

By Olivia Taylor

CARE UK has moved a step closer to delivering a new care home in Windsor, with a ‘topping out’ ceremony held on site to mark the latest construction milestone.

The new facility, which will offer views of Windsor Castle, forms part of the £24.6million Castle View retirement village.

Mayor of Windsor, Councillor John Lenton, and Mayoress Margaret Lenton, joined the team from Care UK, representatives from developer and construction partner Castleoak, and CEO of Castle Retirement Living, Robin Hughes, to celebrate the latest project milestone at the site.

The purpose-built, four-storey care home, which is expected to welcome its first residents in Autumn 2018, will provide full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 72 older people, with facilities including a cinema, café and hairdressing salon, as well as a wheelchair friendly, landscaped sensory garden.

This home will share the site with 130 independent lifestyle apartments for the over 55s, which have been developed by operator Castle

Retirement Living.

Justin Daley, construction project manager for Care UK, said: “As the latest addition to a growing portfolio of residential care homes, the Windsor site represents a major investment for Care UK and reflects our commitment to improving the provision of residential care in the town.

“We’re on track to realise Care UK’s vision for the home as part of the care village and wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge progress and celebrate the ‘topping out’ with our construction partners and other stakeholders.

“We are delighted that the Mayor and Mayoress of Windsor were able to take the time out to celebrate the occasion with us and look forward to welcoming them back to the care home once complete.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the new care home will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities.

The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close knit communities.

Care UK’s Hannah Lee, Mayor of Windsor, Coun. John Lenton, Mayoress Margaret Lenton and Castleoak’s, Doug Jones.

51

Development to be transformed A £119,000 investment is to transform a Livingston retirement housing development as part of a move that will see improvements made to a number of apartments and its exterior.

Bield’s Restondene in the Deans area of the town will have works completed by Holytown based Rodgers and Johnston Ltd. Tracey Howatt, Bield’s housing operations manager, added: “Rodgers and Johnston have worked with us on a number of occasions and we are pleased to be doing so again.

“It is great to be using a local contractor ensuring that not only

will Livingston benefit from the improvements to Restondene but funds will stay in the area.”

Now the developers have released a CGI that reveals the impact the work will have on the look of the property.

The development’s renovations will take place over the next few weeks, resulting in seven of the 26 apartments being converted into one bedroom flats from bedsits.

This work is part of a rolling programme converting all bedsit properties into one bedroom apartments, providing modern accommodation for current and future tenants.

Elizabeth House, an established residential care/dementia home in Werrington, Stokeon-Trent, has come to the market through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co. The extensive home, which is registered for 35 residents, has been owned by the current owners for around 20 years. It has historically benefitted from strong occupancy levels and built up an enviable reputation within the area. The home is management run and makes an ideal opportunity for a first time buyer or someone who wishes to expand their existing care portfolio. The property is set in expansive grounds with several enclosed courtyards and gardens. It also has three lounge areas, a treatment room/ hairdresser and other facilities typically expected in a care home.

Elizabeth House is available on a freehold basis for £1.6m.

Roger Pratap and Graham Harper.

Work starts on new £9m care home in Evesham CARE home operator Majesticare will open its second five-star facility in Worcestershire after receiving a multi-million finance package from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks.

The £5.6million investment will support the development of a new 67 bed care home in Evesham – the group’s second in the region and eighth in total. Building work is already underway on Cavendish House, which will create more than 100 jobs and offer the highest standard of care for residents and their families. Facilities will include boutique hotel style interior design, café bistro, cinema, hair and beauty salons and landscaped gardens.

Roger Pratap, chairman of Majesticare, said: “We are committed to expanding our care home portfolio and are looking forward to opening our second facility in Worcestershire.

Evesham is an ideal location and our five star facility will contribute significantly to the local area.

“We have been working with Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks’ health and social care team for more than three years and we find their approach to lending in the care home sector second to none. We appreciate their support with this project and we are already in discussions about our future plans.”

Majesticare has been operating in the UK for 17 years and the latest home is due to complete next Spring.

Graham Harper, health and social care director at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, added: “We are pleased to be able to support the business as it continues to grow and succeed, bringing considerable employment to the local area along the way.”

52

Do you know how important it is to factor profit into the cost of care? Richard Shore, finance director of Caresolve, says too many care homes are not paying close enough attention to the financial aspects of running their businesses. Here he gives his advice.

Why it is important to factor profit into the cost of care A STANDARD cost of care calculation will generally cover items such as staffing costs, other direct costs and overheads.

This is true whether the cost calculation comes from you as a provider, or as a template for completion from, for example, a local authority as part of an annual review of fees.

The issue of profit (or cost of capital) is often less straightforward.

It is important providers understand the level of reasonable profits they should be looking to make, and to be in a position to have appropriate discussions with commissioners about why this is also important for them to consider properly.

Providers are often hesitant or nervous around having a discussion with commissioners around the need to make profits, what level of profits should be made by a business, and why this is the case.

There may be a feeling that commissioners would see profit and being directly related to what an owner takes out of the business, when this is not the case.

Commissioners do not always give the issue the prominence it deserves when looking at fees and can be dismissive of it.

We have seen templates from local authorities which completely ignore a detailed discussion of profit – stating they will ‘apply a fixed percentage to all returns from providers to account for return on capital employed’. This is unsatisfactory.

Richard Shore.

What does ‘profit’ include?

Profits made on care home businesses would be used to cover the following items: n Interest on bank debt. n Repayment over bank debt (which traditionally will be over a 15 to 20-year period). n Capital expenditure (including, for example, new beds, new boilers, kitchen equipment, significant refurbishments – none of this is properly accounted for as an ‘overhead’). n An adequate return for the owners time spent in the business. n An ability to build reserves of cash within the business to cover any unforeseen events. n A return on the amount of capital

(asset value) invested in the business.

Why is this important?

What is your annual budget for capital expenditure? Have you any large projects on the horizon (next one to three years for example)?

Do you have significant levels of equipment in the home nearing the end of its useful life?

How will all this be funded?

Standard models for calculating ‘overheads’ would include repairs and maintenance but not these items.

These are funded from profits, either directly or by way of funding further debt to buy assets on a HP agreement for example.

Any care provider funded by bank or other debt will almost certainly have profit targets (bank covenants).

Failure to meet those targets will over the longer term have consequences for continued availability of funding and the viability of the business.

Failure to meet those targets by a significant margin will impact ultimately on the ability to repay debt. This factor is likely to be relevant to all debt funded homes.

As a provider, how much time do you spend within your business on a weekly basis? What do you feel this time is worth, and is the business in a position to reward you adequately for your time and efforts?

Does your current fee structure leave sufficient free cash to enable the business to cope with unforeseen events? What if there was an

unexpected drop in occupancy combined with a need to utilise a lot of agency staff over a short period of time, and a key piece of equipment failed?

Why is this important for commissioners?

A stable care sector requires investment. It requires this investment in order to maintain and improve on quality standards over time, and ultimately to have a sustainable provision of social care.

Profit is a vital part of this alongside other cost elements.

Can any commissioners attract or even expect investment in the future if they do not properly account for a reasonably level of profit within their fees? While we understand there are many non-financial reasons providers work in the sector, would good providers ultimately leave the sector if they feel they could make more money with their time (and assets) elsewhere?

Conclusion Profit is an important element within the calculation of the true cost of providing care. There are many reasons behind the need to make a reasonable level of profit and these can form the basis of a detailed calculation and subsequent discussion with commissioners, and we do not feel that providers should be unwilling to have this discussion.

A reasonable level of profit should be able to be confidently explained and justified.

Care provider relocates to larger premises

By Olivia Taylor HEALTHCARE Homes Group, which provides residential and domiciliary care services across the south and east of England, has relocated its central management and operations teams to a new 4,500 sq.ft premises in Colchester.

Following continued growth of the group, which operates 35 residential homes and 16 Manorcourt Homecare branches while employing over 3,000 people, the new building provides ample space for future growth, while bringing together group-wide management and operational resources under one roof for greater collaborative working.

The new ‘Apex 12’ office provides modern, open plan office and meeting room spaces with breakout areas for enhanced team working.

Having relocated from a shared service space in Langham, Colchester, the new flagship building is now home to 40+ staff, including the management, finance, human

Healthcare Homes Group has moved its central management and operations teams to new premises in Colchester. resources and marketing teams.

Gordon Cochrane, CEO of Healthcare Homes Group, said: “The time was right for us to identify a new flagship office, which would provide the right working environment for our staff today, as well as offer scope for growth as the

business continues to expand.

“The feedback we have received from the team since moving here has been extremely positive.

“Apex 12 provides dynamic new working space that is well located to the A12 and mainline stations, plus there’s a lot more parking onsite as

well as breakout areas for staff.”

In addition to Apex 12, Healthcare Homes Group continues to operate 16 branch office locations throughout the eastern counties, where the homecare services are managed by local teams from its Manorcourt Homecare business.

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Homecare providers triumph at leading franchise awards Caring Homes founding director Helena Jeffery and deputy mayor of Ware, Councillor Mick Standley ,with some of the Caring Homes team, architects and Dalton Homes representatives.

Topping out ceremony at luxury care home in Ware THE final trim was secured on the roof of a new luxury care home in Ware as part of a traditional topping out ceremony to mark the latest milestone at the development.

Deputy Mayor of Ware, Councillor Mick Standley, helped to secure the final elements of the roof at Riverside Place by Caring Homes, along with founding director Helena Jeffery, architect John Bell, representatives from building contractors Dalton Homes and other colleagues.

Riverside Place overlooks the River Lea and is a 72 bed, purpose-built home designed to meet existing and future demand for residential, nursing and dementia care in the picturesque Hertfordshire town.

Coun. Standley, who is also chairman of the Ware Town Council planning committee, was given a tour of the building before going up to the roof.

The four-storey modern building,

due to open in 2018 has many eyecatching design details including a large glazed entrance, irregular roof line and balconies to provide additional external space for residents.

The living accommodation is stateof-the-art, with a wealth of communal areas for socialising and activities.

Facilities will include a bistro area, private dining room, cinema, hair salon, quiet lounges and activity rooms.

An orangery and function suite have been created on the top floor where residents and visitors will be able to relax and enjoy refreshments with views across the river and the Hertfordshire countryside.

Many ground floor bedrooms and communal spaces will have direct access to the gardens and there is a courtyard roof terrace offering additional green space to enjoy the outdoors.

TWO homecare providers have been recognised at the British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards 2017.

Bluebird Care has been awarded Franchisor of the Year (Gold), while Heritage Healthcare has been named Emerging Franchisor of the Year.

Bluebird Care earned its Franchisor of the Year accolade due to the company’s employee support, company culture, innovation and commitment to franchising ethics.

Acting as a franchisor since 2006, Bluebird Care provides both tailored care visits and live-in support for children, young adults, older people and those caring for people with specialist needs. The company now boasts over 200 franchisees across the UK and the Republic of Ireland which operates under a Master franchise agreement.

Headed up by husband and wife duo, Glenn and Sally Pickersgill, Michelle Fenwick QFP and Amanda Jackson, Heritage Healthcare was recognised for demonstrating a strong business infrastructure, designed to grow steadily and sustainably using the franchise model.

Heritage Healthcare became a franchisor in 2012 and is a provider of homecare for all ages, ensuring individuals can continue living in their own homes and communities.

Heritage Healthcare now has 16 franchisees across the UK. The Emerging Franchisor of the

Bluebird Care representatives celebrate their Franchisor of the Year (Gold) success.

Year Award celebrates franchisors that have been trading for under five years and demonstrate how they are building the foundations for success.

Duncan Berry, chief operating officer at Bluebird Care, said: “Initiatives like the bfa HSBC Franchise Awards encourage the industry to maintain a high standard, and we are delighted to be part of this success. We work hard to differentiate ourselves in the homecare market and this award is a reflection of the progress we are making.”

Michelle Fenwick, director at Heritage Healthcare, added: ““We are overwhelmed and absolutely delighted. It is great that people can see what we have achieved and that helps reinforce the belief our franchisees have in us. It shows them that we really mean business and are wholly invested in the homecare industry and successful franchising.”

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‘Topping out’ ceremony at Rothley care home EDWARD Argar MP took part in a landmark ‘topping out’ ceremony at Mountview residential and dementia care home in Rothley as specialist care home developer, LNT Care Developments, completed the external construction of the building.

Mountview, which will be operated

by Ideal Carehomes, is due to open at the end of this year. The home will benefit from advanced design features and environmentally friendly and sustainable aspects such as ground source heat pumps, underfloor heating and LED lighting.

Once opened, Mountview will provide a home for 66 older people.

Each resident will have their own spacious accommodation with en-suite facilities and the home will encompass several communal areas including a cinema, coffee shop and hair salon.

There will be other shared spaces which will be themed by the residents who live at the home, all surrounded by attractive landscaped gardens.

Edward donned his hard hat before making his way up the scaffolding to the roof of the building with Ideal Carehomes managing director Paul Farmer to officially lay the last tile and mark the external build as complete.

They were then treated to a tour of the building where they discussed plans for the state-of-the-art home and how it will benefit the local

State-of-the-art centre closer to completion

Edward Argar MP and Paul Farmer, managing director of Ideal Carehomes, place the last tile.

Rothley community, both in terms of providing a home for local older people and also employment opportunities.

Paul said: “‘Topping out’ is an extremely exciting time in the process of a build and takes us one step closer to the completion of the home.

“Mountview is in a great location and I am sure it will become an integral hub of the local community from the active social calendar for residents and local people.

“With a homely, safe and innovative environment and person-centred care for residents and a rewarding and supportive setting for staff, Mountview is sure to be a great place to live and work.”

WORK continues apace on a new state-of-the-art £12.5m care home in Lytham St Annes, which is weeks away from completion.

Build is well underway at the new generation 76-bed care facility The external brickwork and roof tiling are complete meaning it is now watertight, and the 30 plus contractors and tradesmen on site are working hard on the interior to ensure the development remains ahead of schedule and ready for its planned opening.

Known as The Hamptons, the care centre has been conceived and designed by Manchester-based New Care, a development-led operator and part of the multi-discipline and multiaward winning McGoff Group.

Construction is being undertaken by build partner and principal contractor McGoff & Byrne, also part of the McGoff Group.

When complete, The Hamptons will offer person-centred care including residential, general nursing and specialist dementia care services in a purpose-built environment.

In addition to communal lounges, formal dining rooms and gardens, residents at The Hamptons will enjoy the privacy of their own well appointed and restful bedroom, complete with en-suite wet rooms, and a host of hotel-style services including fine dining, a hair salon, nail bar, concierge and a busy and varied programme of activities and events.

CEO at New Care, Chris McGoff, said: “I am delighted with the progress that is being made on site. Build is advancing into the final stages and the team is already working on the interior so we’re well on track to complete by our anticipated deadline.”

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Provider’s employees to becomes shareholders

By Olivia Taylor PARAMOUNT Care is set to join the growing number of employee owned businesses in Scotland, with all 26 staff members becoming shareholders.

Set up in 2000 by nurse Ruth Smyth, who had a vision of a personalised care service that placed people at its heart, the care provider operates throughout Fife, Tayside, Perthshire and Clackmannanshire.

Working across the public and private sectors, its team of fully trained carers deliver a range of care services both within people’s homes and within residential care homes.

When it came to exploring succession options for the business, the obvious route was to sell Paramount to another care firm.

However, Ruth feared that the ethos her company was built upon would be lost.

She said: “I founded Paramount with the aim of providing a personal and approachable care service, where clients or employees wouldn’t have to call bases in locations like London or Birmingham whenever they had a query.

“It was never about dropping into people’s homes and doing the minimum in order to fit in as many clients as possible, but about providing a high quality of care with close and trusting relationships

between carers and clients.

“I felt that these qualities, which set Paramount apart from larger care firms, could be compromised if it was bought over by one of them.

“Furthermore, the Paramount team have been very loyal to me and I wanted to repay that loyalty.

“By selling it to an Employee Ownership Trust, Paramount Care can continue operating as an independent company rooted in the local area, run by people who care about it as much as I do.

“Its future is now in the hands of people who understand the importance of great care and will ensure the company continues to go from strength to strength whilst delivering the high standards of care that it is renowned for.”

Paramount Care was supported in its transition to employee ownership by Co-operative Development Scotland, the arm of Scottish Enterprise which promotes collaborative business models.

An Employee Ownership Trust will buy the shares from the shareholders and hold these on behalf of the employees. Tax incentives will be available to allow employees to invest in the company. Paramount was advised on the legal requirement of the move by law firm Anderson Strathern LLP. Recent research showed there are 86 employee-owned companies in Scotland.

Balhousie Wheatlands in Bonnybridge.

Care home is region’s first to win top rating BALHOUSIE Wheatlands in Bonnybridge has made history by becoming the first care home in its region to receive a top rating by the Care Inspectorate.

The facility was awarded an ‘excellent’ Grade 6 for its care and support, after measures were introduced which saw residents, their families and staff involved in everything from policy and recruitment to activities at the home.

The highest Care Inspectorate rating is also a first across the whole Balhousie group of 25 homes.

The operator launched its Participation Charter in March.

Created by residents, it sets out how they want to be involved and supported in their care and the way it is delivered within their care home.

Residents at Wheatlands have helped develop their own

outdoor activities, including a 10-week programme in Callander in collaboration with Forestry Commission Scotland.

Staff have also introduced their own unique learning activities, such as lessons in what it means to be elderly.

Manager Grace Sloan said: “One of our dementia ambassadors introduced experiential learning to staff so they could experience the affects of ageing themselves.

“Staff were given altered glasses and blindfolds to wear, to simulate macular generation and poor vision.

“They were also fed food and rushed when they were walking, again so they could empathise with the elderly.”

Grace, who is celebrating five years heading up Balhousie Wheatlands, said the Care Inspectorate rating has been a ‘huge’ boost to morale.

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Holmewood Care Home staff (from the left): Viktoria Jakataine, activities coordinator, Kimberly Shaw, senior carer, Pat Boden, senior carer, Kathleen Richardson, home manager, Teresa Morgan, carer, Chloe Hale Thurlby, senior carer, Mary Joy Alagos, carer, and Cathy Shaw, deputy manager.

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Springbank House staff (from the left): Ellen Silcock, senior carer, Ellie Cupitt, carer, Becky Hithman, deputy manager, Tina Hill, carer, Melissa Baker, carer, and Alison Dunlop, kitchen manager.

Homes recognised for premium dementia care

By Dominic Musgrave PREMIUM dementia care has been officially recognised at two Chesterfield care homes by the local authority.

The Dementia Standard Award has been awarded to Holmewood and Springbank House by Derbyshire County Council.

The homes, both operated by the Hill Care Group, had to pass an intense inspection process and have already won the Derbyshire Health and Adult Care Dignity and Respect Award.

The Dementia Standard Award is not a statutory requirement for those offering dementia care and homes must choose to participate.

The requirements include maintaining a high Care Quality Commission rating, routinely submitting quarterly monitoring information, and meeting the 15 Dementia Quality Standards outlined by the county council.

Among the outcomes are ensuring the homes deliver high quality support with the aim of “bringing out the best in everybody”.

A high standard of emotional

Stocks Hall Nursing and Care Group has completed Older and Out – LGBT awareness training. The training given by Age Concern Central Lancashire seeks to increase awareness and give greater understanding of (especially older) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Mel Howard, quality assurance manager at Stocks Hall Nursing and Care Group (pictured centre with staff), said: “We are delighted to support LGBT Older and Out. Age Concern’s training was very helpful and informative. Plans are already underway in appointing Stocks Hall LGBT Ambassadors to champion LGBT and increase vital awareness across the group. More Central Lancashire Age Concern LGBT training sessions have also been booked.”

New Required Systems document download manager AN online, cloud-based system giving you instant access to the most up-to-date procedures and forms required to evidence compliance with the new CQC Fundamental Standards for England.

We provide all the policies, procedures, forms and audit tools you need to comply with legislation where you are based.

Enquiries: Call 01236 782477, visit www.requiredsystems.com or email peter@requiredsystems.com

support and quality of life, nurturing close relationships with family and friends of residents, as well as providing them with support and education, and the provision of meaningful activities and social opportunities are also among requirements.

Kathleen Richardson, home manager at Holmewood Care Home, said: “We are extremely proud to achieve the Dementia Standard Award as it demonstrates the high level of care at Holmewood and our sister home Springbank House.

“We chose to apply as we’re already

offering high quality, personalised care for each of our residents and sought official recognition from Derbyshire County Council.

“The award is not given to every care home offering dementia services – only those who pass the intense inspection process and meet the rigorous standards.

“Highly skilled staff and strong leadership, promoting dignity, respect and enabling residents to make their own choices and decisions are enshrined in the Hill Care philosophy and something we have always striven to deliver.”

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CARINGNEWS

Residents’ health, fitness and wellbeing – the benefits of live-in care

By Michelle Gray WE are all aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, especially for the elderly and those receiving care.

British Medical Association research reported that ‘loss of independence underpins social exclusion and that increasing social exclusion links with lower quality of life and deteriorating health status.’

This can quickly escalate to an individual being excluded from local amenities, losing their social friendships and becoming less active.

Unfortunately for many, this would result in depression.

For some, remaining at home, rather than moving to residential care, would be the preferred choice.

Being in familiar surroundings with their belongings, community, friendships and pets, is important for some people’s wellbeing, as well as helping to stave off dementia.

Today, our role is not just to meet the care needs of individuals but to also ensure we are fulfilling their holistic needs. These holistic needs extend to their aims and aspirations, friendships, community links and social activities, as well as encouraging and supporting a varied and healthy diet of their choice.

Live-in care crosses that bridge. Our carers can provide around the clock care and support giving choice and control to an individual. The range of needs and wants are extremely varied, dependant on a person’s background, interests and ability.

We encourage individuals to remain as active as possible, helping to maintain regular exercise. This may take the form of supporting with attendance at a weekly sports activity, assisting with every day physiotherapy or something as simple as enjoying their garden regularly.

To ensure dietary needs are met, our carers undertake a variety of training courses including cooking, nutritional needs and food hygiene delivered online and through practical skills.

For those who are required to meet more complex dietary needs, we liaise closely with healthcare specialists and dieticians and provide additional training where required.

Carers enjoy cooking homemade meals, whether this is a task undertaken on their own, or with the guidance and help of those they care for. Many studies have shown that good nutrition is just as important for mental health as it is for physical health. Sharing food preparation and meals will also provide a sense of

Michelle Gray belonging and promote inclusion so carers are always eager to encourage baking, cooking and eating together.

Socially, a person may be satisfied with the companionship of their carer. Others want to maintain membership to community clubs and participate in day trips to seaside resorts and attractions. Some of those we care for still hold positions on local councils, or are continuing with employment.

By nature, a person’s needs and preferences can change day to day and live-in care allows this flexibility,

being truly bespoke and personalised.

Before a care package is set up, it is important to identify the exact needs and preferences for the individual and be able to develop personcentred care plans that include care, social and well-being needs. We always try to match our clients with carers that share similar interests and personalities, and we are able to provide a variety of carer profiles to our clients, so they are able to choose their ideal carer.

Receiving one to one support in their own homes enables individuals to be able to continue the activities that are important to them, providing a sense of identity. The difference between providing care and providing high quality care is ensuring that it isn’t just medically appropriate, but suits an individual personally and allows them to retain as much independence and dignity as possible.

As care professionals, we must remember that our roles are not just about meeting physical care needs; our role is to meet the needs of the person as a whole – a truly personcentred approach. n Michelle Gray is care manager at Promedica24, one of Europe’s largest dedicated providers of live-in care.

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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

National Medals of Merit awarded to care workers A GROUP of care professionals from the Orders of St John Care Trust have received prestigious medals from the British branch of the world’s oldest order of chivalry – the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Fourteen members of OSJCT’s team attended The Order of Malta’s St John’s Day Ceremony at Brompton Oratory in London.

Hundreds of other people, including Knights and Dames of the Order, the Venerable Order of St. John and World Ambassadors, were also present.

Rosana Elana Hallett, Sarah Cornell and Susan Jones, who work in Wiltshire, were recognised; as were Elizabeth Russell, Marion Wood and Michelle Dobbs from Gloucestershire; Lincolnshire’s Jacqui Luke, Karen Cheetham and Jenny Foster; Rick Solomon, Robert Robertson, Rose Ramadhani and Farida Ait-Tales from Oxfordshire; and Radia Lakdim from West Sussex.

Kevin Hall, operations director, said: “Each year, the Sovereign Order of Malta recognises some of our finest

care employees, and this year is no different. The 14 recipients of the Medals of Honour are some of the hardest working employees within the Trust and we are delighted that they are part of our team.

“Delivering the highest level of person-centred care is our utmost priority, and being awarded such a prestigious national award is a testament to all of the passion and dedication our team put into meeting the needs of each and every one of our residents.”

The British Association of The Order of Malta was founded in 1875.

A worldwide organisation dating from the eleventh century, the Order of Malta has 12,500 members, with around 300 belonging to the British Association.

The Order of Malta is one of the sponsoring Orders of OSJCT (the other being the Venerable Order of St John), and it provides eight of the organisation’s Trustees. The Order’s mission is to help those in need, and OSJCT’s provision of care for older people forms part of this mission.

Walk raises funds for outings STAFF at Edward Moore House challenged themselves to a sponsored walk, to raise money for the residents of the home.

Feeling inspired by the long summer days, staff at residential care home decided to challenge themselves to a fundraising walk, in hope of raising some money, which would enable their residents to enjoy a summer day out at the seaside.

The group of hikers successfully completed 10 laps of the running

track adjacent to the Gurdwara Sikh Chris Hutchinson, home manager, said: “I’d like to say well done to everyone who get involved with the sponsored walk. They did an excellent job and the money raised will help a great deal with the costs of outings.

“We take residents on regular daytrips, but as we are a charity or budget isn’t endless, so it’s always very helpful and greatly appreciated when we receive support for these kinds of things.”

Sandford House care home in East Dereham took part in the annual community carnival parade. The team, along with residents and relatives, worked hard to decorate their bus on a Royal Family theme with bunting, balloons and a crown on the top. The team all wore royal family masks and had been practising their royal wave in preparation for the event. Care home manager Joan Auton, who wore a Queen Elizabeth II mask, said: “You can’t get more involved in the community than something like this and we are really proud to be the only care home that has taken part so far. We already have our thinking caps on for something bigger and better for next year.”

Caring UK joins forces with new trade show

THE Dementia Care & Nursing Home Expo is the only dedicated trade show for care home owners.

Running alongside the wellestablished Naidex at NEC, Birmingham on the April 25 and 26 2018, the Dementia Care & Nursing Home Expo strives to inspire change in the care industry.

The event is specifically designed to revolutionise the care, residential and nursing home sector.

The Dementia Care & Nursing Home Expo 2018 will attract over 3,000 care home owners, managers and senior decision makers across the two days.

Every attendee who is present at the event is there for the sole-purpose of sourcing state-of-the-art products, technology and trends that can help grow and improve their care home business.

As a show, we aim to not only reinvent and expand the technological capacity of the industry,

but also help care and nursing home businesses improve the level of care and facilities they can offer their residents.

Alongside our valuable exhibitor line-up, the show provides an unrivalled expert insight into the care industry through CPD accredited seminars.

The seminars, led by our exclusively selected speakers, will provide unparalleled advice on how to obtain, among other topics, an outstanding rating from CQC. Both the Caring UK and Dementia Care & Nursing Home teams look forward to welcoming you to the NEC, Birmingham on April 25 and 26, 2018.

For more information and to register for free tickets visit: http:// www.carehomeexpo.co.uk

Simple solutions

SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems.

The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition.

With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur.

Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple...

The WACMAT® will then be clean and 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.

More affordable, more absorbent.

New incontinence range DEVELOPED over 12 months, Anov – the name of the new range, provides more absorption than leading incontinence brands and incorporates a variety of premium quality products.

Beaucare® Medical is the exclusive stockist and distributor of the new Anov incontinence range in the UK. It is estimated that incontinence affects between three and six million people in the UK. It affects both men and women of any age, but is more common in women.

The new Anov range includes products to suit all degrees of incontinence including Light Pads, Shaped Pads, Slips, Pull ups and Pants.

Operations director Heather Mawrey said: “We were aware that care home budgets were being squeezed and that residents’ comfort was key. We developed the new Anov range over 12 months with those factors in mind.”

To accompany the launch, Beaucare is providing care homes with full product training and support materials to help assess each patient for their individual requirements.

Contact Beaucare for more information plus a full comparison between the Anov product range and the leading brand.

Enquiries: Call 01423 873666, email sales@ beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

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CARINGNEWS

Independent review to assess impact of EU migrants on the UK economy post-Brexit

By Kashif Majeed AN independent Home Office review has been initiated by the Government to allow employers to voice their concerns on the impact of EU migrants in their businesses postBrexit.

With the UK about to exit the European Union, the Migration Advisory Committee will investigate several factors ahead of the leave date of March 31, 2019.

The inquiry will assess the role of EU migrant workers and which sectors are most reliant on them.

The Government has promised a ‘transitional period’ post March 2019 so no employer will face “falling off a cliff edge.”

The factors to be assessed include whether British workers are at a disadvantage compared to cheaper labour from the EU. Do EU workers actually cost the UK billions in health care costs and benefits? Or are EU workers an important part of the UK workforce and fill gaps in vital services in health and social care?

Many care providers across the country have voiced concerns about the impact of Brexit in their area

identifying that the sectors of adult social care and health could be particular vulnerabilities if the EU workforce is reduced or lost.

It is clear that EU workers account for one in 15 workers.

They also contribute a sizeable amount to the economy, having paid £2.5bn more in income tax and national insurance than they received in tax credits or child benefits in 2013-14.

The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that their labour contribution helps grow the economy by an additional 0.6 per cent a year.

The social care sector relies even more on non-UK nationals to keep services working.

Nearly one in five care workers were born outside of the UK (approximately 266,000 people), of whom 28 per cent were born in the EU. There was a particularly sharp increase in the number of migrant workers in the social care sector between 2011 and 2015: 40 per cent of EU workers arrived during this period.

However, according to Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, the Government is committed to continuing to allow

Kashif Majeed those who add value to the country to come to Britain.

She stressed that: “We will ensure we continue to attract those who benefit us economically, socially and culturally.

“But, at the same time, our new immigration system will give us

control of the volume of people coming here – giving the public confidence we are applying our own rules on who we want to come to the UK and helping us to bring down net migration to sustainable levels.”

Official statistics show net longterm immigration by EU citizens at 133,000, a fall of more than a quarter on 2015.

Rudd says the migration study will be a chance for businesses and employers to express their honest opinions, independently of the government.

However, there will be little time to act on its findings – after it reports in 2018 there are just seven months until Britain leaves the EU. From that point on, EU citizens from other member states will have to apply for immigration status.

Some think-tanks have called for sector-by-sector rules to allow foreign workers to enter some industries but be barred from others where there is sufficient supply within the UK. In conclusion, it is vital that all care providers express their opinions and concerns to this independent review to ensure that their voice is heard. n Kashif Majeed is a director at Aston Brooke Solicitors.

Strawberry picking brings back memories for Ian A TRIP to Halberton Court Farm near Tiverton brought back some happy memories for a pensioner who is living with dementia.

Ian Spreadbury visited the farm, along with fellow residents, as part of an activities programme organised by Camelot House and Lodge in Wellington, Somerset, “Our aim is to keep people as active as we can and to get them involved in tasks to help stimulate their minds,” said activities co-ordinator Richard Dempslake.

“We knew Ian used to love going

Call the falls prevention specialists Easylink UK has supplied fall prevention products for the past 34 years.

Our range of bed and chair exit alarms have developed considerably over the years from single user cabled alarms to our latest high-tech multiple user systems incorporating Wi-Fi and GSM mobile technology.

Our philosophy as always is to

provide affordable quality care solutions and according to our customers, this we do very well.

Please visit our website to view our entire range of fall detection and prevention products and of course our range of other care products. We offer attractive discounts for trade and volume buyers.

strawberry picking when he was younger and hoped it would jog his memory about days gone by.

“It was wonderful to see him enjoying himself. He immediately took charge, telling me what to pick and which fruits were ripe and which were not.

“It was as though the years had been stripped away and he went back in time to when he used to go strawberry picking with his family.”

The care team was recently named winners for end-of-life Care in the Care Focus South West Awards.

Looking for different dementia designs?

GOMPELS HealthCare Ltd, a leading supplier to care providers across the UK, has launched a range of dementia signs and wall vinyls for use around a care home.

They range from simple £1 signs to massive 60” x 40” wall vinyls that brighten up any room.

These new signs are a great alternative to the more expensive signs on the market, which can cost anywhere from £30 upwards.

Their growing range of dementia products has sparked a lot of interest from care homes who are looking to make cost savings on their supplies.

One customer said: “Really happy with the quality of both prints, mounted on the wall with your double-sided tape. Couldn’t stress enough how fantastic the price was

for the quality.”

You can browse the dementia range by searching for ‘dementia’ once you’re on the website.

If you’re looking to make a purchase you can sign up and checkout without the hassle of calling.

Gompels offer free next day delivery when you spend £50.