Caring UK September 2020 by Script Media

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no.287 • £4.75 incorporating

September 2020

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Residents are protected by home design THE owners of an Edinburgh care home have revealed how the innovative design of its building has helped protect residents from coronavirus. Cramond Residence, which cares for up to 74 older people, says its success to date in keeping the virus at bay is partly because the building was specially designed for enhanced infection control. Bosses have praised staff and relatives of residents for their efforts in halting the deadly disease, while revealing their secret weapon has been … architecture. Director Graeme Kelly, himself a qualified surveyor, said: “Fortunately our care home was purpose built and when it was being designed, we ensured that infection control was a top priority. “We worked with the architects at every stage to include the most up-to-date best practice. “So far, those measures have stood up very well to the challenges our sector is facing from coronavirus.” Among the most important design elements are self-contained, small-group living units, a clever air extraction system and specially laid out bathrooms. Graeme added: “We’ll never be complacent, because nowhere is immune from coronavirus. “However, the thoughtful design

of our home has been an extremely important factor in protecting our residents so far, along with the professionalism of our clinical-led care team. “It’s well known that large, communal areas can lead to the fast spread of infection throughout a care home. “Our design addresses this, because Cramond Residence is designed to function as nine separate homes across three storeys. “Each small group living area has up to eight bedrooms, with a private lounge, dining and snug facilities. “When necessary, residents can be cared for in small groups using the self-contained facilities. “This is excellent for privacy and quality of life generally, but really shows its true value when everyone is working together to reduce the potential for an infection to spread.” The small group living philosophy also extends to staff. In periods of heightened infection risk, the care and services teams adopt a system known as “cohorting”. This sees specific staff dedicated to just one of the residence’s nine self-contained homes, dramatically reducing possible infection spread from staff movement.

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The 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day and the end of WWII has been marked by veterans at Royal Star & Garter’s three Homes. Residents participated in a series of commemorative events at the charity’s homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe over the weekend. They also took part in the national events marking the 75th anniversary, including a two-minute silence at 11am on VJ Day. At Surbiton, the Union Flag was raised by Florence Mahoney (pictured), a WAAF veteran. Residents later enjoyed tea and cake and raised a toast to the end of the war.

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A CARE home in Surrey has treated its residents to a special vintagestyle fairground carnival in its grounds, complete with all the traditional games and festivities. Princess Christian Care Centre, a residential care home near Woking, recently held a socially distanced carnival where residents enjoyed classic games such as coconut shy, physic reading, tin can alley, sponge-throwing, lucky dip, and more. The retro funfair also saw staff dress up in circus-themed attire, including clowns, mimes, magicians and ringmasters, with a host of prizes up for grabs and a banquet of delicious cakes and treats on display. Held to evoke positive memories of traditional British carnivals in times gone by, and to provide the residents a chance to enjoy the summer sunshine, the event was a huge success, with residents and staff alike getting into the festival spirit, albeit socially distanced. Christine Foster, activities manager at Princess Christian Care Centre, said: “We asked our residents what they remembered from the fairgrounds and circuses they attended as children. “We then created a variety of stalls, with up to 95 per cent of signposts being designed and painted by the residents themselves. “Although everyone had to socially distance, it was a great day that brought a lot of happiness and fun during lockdown.”

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Golden wedding couple are reunited at Wetherby home A WETHERBY care home has helped to reunite married couple Mike and Sue Nightingale after two long months apart due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sue moved into the Windsor Court just before the start of Covid-19 and, due to government guidelines, Mike had been unable to visit. They missed each other so much that he decided to also move to Windsor Court and an emotional reunion left everyone crying with happiness for the couple. The couple, who celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary last year, confessed that since their marriage began they have never spent more than a few nights apart. However, the pair are delighted to now be reunited and back in each other’s arms following Mike’s decision to move into the care home to be closer to his wife. Home manager Paula Mountjoy said: ‘We are so pleased to be able to reunite this fabulous couple. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when they set eyes on each other for the first time. “After hearing all the wonderful stories about their marriage, it was no wonder they couldn’t bear to be without each other.”

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288 Email: bg@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant Sales Manager: Tracy Stacey Tel: 01226 734480 Email: cuk3@scriptmedia.co.uk Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Publishers Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk

Mike and Sue Nightingale. The couple share a keen interest in sports and were set up on a blind date by Sue’s mother after she met Mike at the local tennis club and was immediately taken by his charm. Mike and Sue enjoyed regular dates to the local dance halls, which led to them both becoming keen ballroom dancers. It was not long until Mike proposed, and they excitedly tied the knot in 1959 at the Gaventry church with all their friends

and family. The newlyweds decided to take some time to travel the globe following their wedding, visiting many exotic countries, with their favourite destinations being India, South Africa and Australia. They eventually settled in Yorkshire where they raised their two boys and have since welcomed five grandchildren and many more great grandchildren to their family.

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

Group Production Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur. Follow us on Twitter @caringuk

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Huge community response for Hilary’s 100th birthday A WINCHESTER care home resident had an unexpected deluge of good wishes as she celebrated her 100th birthday. Team members at Colten Care’s St Catherines View took an imaginative approach to resident Hilary Schoenman’s big day knowing that lockdown would prevent a face-toface party with family and friends. Instead, they put out an early appeal on social media inviting people in the community to send in birthday cards. Altogether, a remarkable 182 cards were received not just from Winchester, or even England, but as far afield as Australia and the United States. Companionship team member Laura Sheldrake said: “It was incredible. We gathered all the cards as they came into our letter box and kept them together until Hilary’s birthday. “There were so many we had to deliver them to her in batches. It wasn’t only cards, there were gifts too. “We even had offers to help her celebrate with ballet performances, saxophone playing and choir singing to name but a few. “Unfortunately, due to lockdown, we couldn’t take those up but we were all overwhelmed by people taking the time to be so generous. “The whole idea was to make it an occasion to remember and judging by the response I think we succeeded.”

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Gifts on the day included miniature bottles of gin from Surrey-based Wessex Distillery and a gin and tonic-making ‘kit’ from local couple Matthew and Meredith Parris. When Hilary was born in Cheshire in 1920, the First World War was only two years in the past, women had to be over 30 to vote, and horses were still a significant means of transport in many people’s lives. And 100 years before coronavirus, the deadly Spanish flu pandemic was only just being contained after infecting hundreds of millions of people around the world. Hilary’s earliest memories are of life by the sea and spending her childhood on the beach and riding horses. In the Second World War she worked as an ambulance driver.

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CARINGNEWS May Kenyon, a resident at HC One’s Millbrook care home, has been busy knitting and recently added an infection control bear to her collection. She has proved quite the hit at the Stalybridge facility with all of the knitted creations she has been making. Most of the residents have a teddy in their room thanks to her. May came to Millbrook on end-of-life care, but through kind care, support and her own determination she built up her strength and decided to start knitting again. She has the distinction of being Manchester’s first professional foster carer and used to knit cardigans and baby clothes for the children she cared for.

Retired bus driver creates sanitiser for care sector A RETIRED Bolton bus driver who has designed a new medical gel cool pack to help alleviate pain for injured patients has turned his efforts to manufacturing an affordable and high-quality sanitiser for use in local care settings. Colin Lowe was in the final stages of establishing his new business ‘Ease for You’ when Covid-19 began to spread across the country. His original product – a nonsolidifying freezable gel – has been in development for more than a decade after Colin experienced a back injury in 2009 and wanted to find a better alternative to frozen peas and ice packs. Using only three ingredients, Colin’s product has been developed with academic support from Professor Mohsen Miraftab and a team of researchers and medics at the University of Bolton, thanks to an introduction via GC Business Growth Hub. Colin said: “It broke my heart seeing footage of nurses and care home workers crying because of the lack of provisions and the pressures they faced earlier this year. “After seeing the cost of sanitiser triple in some cases as a result of coronavirus, I decided I had to do my bit and help out. It’s been a pleasure to bring together a team of experts who have helped me to tweak my original product concept and create a lower cost but high grade sanitiser

option for medical services.” With support from a local investor, Colin has already manufactured nearly 1,000 litres of the new sanitiser, which is being gifted to Bolton Hospice and a number of care homes. He hopes to soon secure a deal for the longer-term manufacture and supply of both the sanitiser and his original ‘non-freezable’ gel, which could support manufacturing and distribution jobs in the region. Colin has recently been working with GC Business Growth Hub and is now on the NHS procurement list for sanitiser and is talking directly with the procurement team for one of the UK’s four major supermarket brands. Stephanie Stafford, senior innovation advisor at the Hub, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, said: “Colin has been on a long journey to bring his product to market and was very near to launching the original gel when Covid-19 hit. He’s put a tremendous amount of energy into diversifying the product to produce this new sanitiser. “While it’s always great to see hard work pay off, this is particularly special because his main goal has been to help reduce costs for the health services while keeping the quality exceptionally high. “It just goes to show what can happen when people with an entrepreneurial spirit are paired up with academic minds.”

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CARINGNEWS

International recognition for falls collaboration Mike and Maureen Hananan get into the holiday spirit.

Residents go around the world in just five days RESIDENTS at Hambleton Grange in Thirsk have been ‘around the world’ in five days. Residents usually enjoy trips to the beach and other attractions during the summer months. However, due to coronavirus these plans have been put on hold. The care team therefore decided to surprise residents with a ticket on board the ‘HG Phoenix’ cruise ship, which would whisk them away to five dream holiday locations including France, Spain, Greece, Mexico and finally Jamaica. Home manager Nikki Higgins said: “Our residents had a brilliant time and it really is such a rewarding part of our jobs – to see how happy our residents are due to the teams ideas, dedication and commitment. “It has been a fantastic boost in morale for the staff too, who have all really rallied together to make this happen.

“I am incredibly proud of my team.” Residents were thrilled each morning to find the ship had ‘docked’ in a new location and their home had been transformed with decorations to match. The team organised traditional meals from the countries to be served at lunch and for the daily activities and entertainment to be centred around the countries they visited. Some of the highlights were French lessons hosted by the home’s lifestyle manager Linzi Williamson, traditional food tasting sessions, a Mamma Mia movie afternoon and afternoon garden parties which were joined by singers and entertainers who performed from a safe social distance. The team also chose to dress up each day in homage to their location, which became a fun and creative experience for the residents who also joined in and wore sombreros, flower garlands and tropical shirts.

AN innovative collaboration designed to improve outcomes for falls victims while reducing pressure on the NHS has received international recognition, having been published in the International Journal of Care and Caring. Mark McGlade, owner of homecare company Home Instead Exeter and East Devon, began the partnership with South West Ambulance Service Trust in 2017, frustrated by the number of older people who are admitted unnecessarily to hospital following a fall. The new approach saw care teams trained in using a new ‘Traffic Light System’ for injury assessment after a fall that was developed specifically for the initiative. The ‘red, amber, green’ assessment determined if an ambulance needed to be called. Mark also invested in a Raizer Chair and trained staff accordingly so that clients who had fallen could be safely lifted off the floor. The initiative has seen a 79 per cent reduction in hospital admissions from falls and demonstrated savings of more than £210,000 for the NHS from one location alone. Mark said: “Ultimately, this collaboration has meant that our care teams are better equipped to deal with falls and have the bespoke training needed to assess the situation and take the necessary

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Councillor Louise Gittins, care home manager Jackie Jones and owner Cathrina Moore inside the Plessington Court pod.

Council leader opens Covid-19 proof rooms A CHESHIRE care home has created two Covid-19 proof rooms to allow families to safely visit their relatives. Chapel House Care, a family business established in 1987, operates The Chapel House and Plessington Court care homes in Puddington, Cheshire. Inside they have built a dedicated visiting ‘care pod’ to allow family and relatives to safely see each other. Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, officially opened both rooms while BBC Look North came out to film a family visiting relatives for its evening news programme. Owner Cathrina Moore said: “During Lockdown we have done everything we can to keep families in touch with loved ones including setting up regular Skype and Zoom calls and sending out weekly newsletters. “But we wanted to do something

more which is why we have turned a spare room in each of the homes into a dedicated and safe visiting pod. “Each room has a glass panel and an intercom system so visitors can see and hear each other in a safe and enclosed environment. We’re encouraging families to bring in photo albums and favourite music so they can share memories with their relative. “It’s going to be emotional for family to see their loved ones for the first time in so many months but we are proud to have created a safe environment for them to be able to do so.” Relatives are given regular weekly time slots to safely visit and already a grandson about to get married has arranged to visit his grandmother ahead of his big day and a son is driving up from London to see his mother for the first time since lockdown.

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CARINGNEWS

Artist donates work to dementia home

Fundraising drive launched to bring virtual reality to home THE team at Meadow House in Swaffham is calling upon the local community to support its fundraising efforts to bring high-tech virtual reality equipment into the nursing home so residents can enjoy travelling the world. In light of the restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, staff came up with the idea of bringing the great outdoors indoors using the latest virtual reality equipment. The team is therefore looking to raise the funds needed to purchase the virtual reality headset and equipment, to offer an additional form of stimulation and engagement as part of the home’s varied activities provision. Activities coordinator Charlotte

Walsh, who came up with the idea, said: “Due to the restrictions created by the pandemic, none of our residents will be able to go on summer trips this year, however I didn’t want them to miss out. “With a virtual reality system we will be able to travel and explore different places, without actually leaving the home. “It will greatly benefit our residents’ mental wellbeing and will be an opportunity for all to try something new.” The facility, which is part of the Healthcare Homes Group, provides residential and nursing care for up 38 people, many of whom live with neurological conditions, sensory impairments and other physical challenges.

A BRIDGWATER dementia care home is the latest recipient of works by a local artist looking to spread some happiness via his images despite the current restrictions on normal living. The walls of a specialist care suite in Camelot Care’s Avalon Nursing Home now feature colourful images of butterflies created by Gary Heritage especially for the pleasure of the residents with dementia who live there. The care home gift follows a donation by Gary earlier this month of £75 to Bridgwater’s Musgrove Park Hospital which came from the sale of a striking ‘blue rose’ portrait, inspired by the work of the NHS during the pandemic. The work now hangs in the hospital foyer. He said: “Producing the pictures makes me happy, so if viewing them makes others happy too, that’s job done as far as I’m concerned.” A self-taught artist, Gary learned to draw at the age of eight at the side of his amateur artist father, and has enthusiastically pursued his art ever since. On leaving school at 16, he worked in a factory, but since his daughter launched his Facebook page – Gsh drawings – seven years ago, sales of his work have taken off and he now has fans worldwide. He was inspired to produce work for Avalon because a friend’s mother has dementia, and so approached Jess

Gary Heritage Harker, Avalon’s deputy manager, also a friend, to ask if she felt a suitable image would be appreciated. She said: “We are thrilled with Gary’s gift, and our residents love it. The butterflies and flowers are so vibrant and full of life. “The picture gives out just the kind of positive vibes that benefits people living with dementia.” Gary’s portfolio includes wildlife portraits – both realistic and fantastical – portraits of musicians and famous actors, often in character, as well as landscapes. His work is characterised by the use of a very bright – sometimes neon – palette.

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CARINGNEWS

How safe are your ratings? By Richard Fairburn THE Care Quality Commission has put in some hard work on its inspection methodology over the last couple of years. The latest addition is, however, a quantum further than the theme of exclusion of providers from effective response to inspection reports and ratings. It gives a whole new meaning to “regulatory intervention”. In “Strategy 2021” of July 13 (a preconsultation paper to “test future strategic options”) the chief inspector sets out a series of proposed changes to inspection methodology. One of these is an “improvement arm”, a sort of ‘Ministry of Corrections’, in which CQC would “send our staff out to work alongside poor quality services to raise the bar”. Of course care homes rated Inadequate would be only too pleased to volunteer for such placements – offered a straight choice between the placement and a Notice of Proposal, no contest. A warm welcome by all staff guaranteed, especially the registered manager. A great boost for staff morale following that recent inspection report. Hugely reassuring to staff about the future of the service and their own individual professional futures, no reason for staff en masse to start a search for another job. One or two little details to come, I think. The appointee would by definition have employed status, engaging all obligations under regulations 18 Staffing and 19 Fit and

proper persons employed. So who appoints CQC staff “sent out”, the provider or CQC? Job title – associate or deputy manager? Other than “CQC inspector”, what are the qualifications and competencies? DBS checks by the employer? Training, who pays? Access to confidential records such as DBS risk assessments, medical reports, disciplinary records? (it’s not an inspection – obviously). Responsibility and authority for staffing levels? (if 10 minutes into their shift they haven’t called for more staff, please call an ambulance for them without delay). Their feedback to CQC during the placement would be covert and of course closed to challenge, and would be relied on in any enforcement, or appeal against conditions or de-registration. In the event of proceedings in the tribunal or magistrate’s court, whatever their qualifications and experience in the sector they would effectively have the status of expert witnesses. Their opinions on all matters would be unchallengeable. So, in answer to the chief inspector’s question “What would it look like if we had an improvement arm in which we sent our staff out to work alongside poor quality services to raise the bar?”; the answer is “abuse of power, breach of providers’ Convention rights, and a very high risk of destabilising the service, thus incinerating the interests of the residents contrary to your statutory obligations under section 3(1) of the Act”. Email me at mail@hsc-prof.com

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Home ends Pride month with drag performance DUCHESS Gardens Care Centre in Bingley had a fabulous finale to its Pride month celebrations with a party and musical entertainment from a drag performer. Miss Bonnie, who is the alter ego of the home’s activities co-ordinator Paul Wilson, sang classic songs from Shirley Bassey, Dolly Parton, Sister Act and Cher, bringing laughs, smiles and joy to the residents. Helen Lord, manager at Duchess Gardens Care Centre, said: “We pride ourselves in being a vibrant part of the community, so we were delighted to celebrate Pride month in style. “Paul’s Miss Bonnie performance

was amazing. He has such a great range of songs, and everyone was engaged and singing along. I hope we’ll have some more visits from Miss Bonnie during the rest of the year. “We have a few members of the staff who are LGBTQ+ and we want to make sure they know they are loved and are part of our family.” The celebration was part of the home’s events to acknowledge staff and residents who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Staff and residents dressed up in support of the pride event and residents participated in making a brightly decorated cake.

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If not care homes, then what? By Melanie Weatherley MBE

RESIDENTIAL homes have long been a crucial component of social care, serving those in need of 24-hour care and supporting residents to live fulfilling lives with dignity. But during the Covid-19 crisis, in which many care homes felt abandoned by the Government, care homes are looking to an uncertain future. Still, care homes can continue to be a vital part of social care during and beyond this pandemic – if they’re willing to adapt to a post-Covid-19 world. The resourcefulness and dedication of care home staff and managers during the crisis has been, and continues to be, exceptional. Providers have criticised the lack of clear government guidance from the beginning, with the guidelines released on February 25 informing providers to “not do anything differently at present” and that “It remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home will become infected.” Most care providers chose to act anyway, shutting down homes to visitors long before it was advised and sourcing PPE however they could, often relying on local communities and peer support when national supply chains were found wanting. Sadly, this didn’t stop 40 per cent of care homes in the country from being affected by the virus or feeling that the blame for these deaths was being laid at their doors.

Melanie Weatherley MBE A recent poll showed that as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, 31 per cent of people were less likely to search for residential care for a loved one, while 40 per cent were less likely to choose this option for themselves, putting the future of care homes as we know it at risk. Many care homes are already slipping below the occupancy rate needed to sustain themselves. How can confidence in care homes be rebuilt? And if care homes do begin to disappear, what other solutions are available for those in need of care? Care homes have consistently been valued for their warm, homely atmosphere, as well as the around the clock care they provide. Covid-19 has changed the image of care homes as safe spaces for vulnerable older people, but this can be undone. Care homes need to use their imagination to remind people that this comfortable, secure environment

still exists, despite the restrictions brought about by Covid-19. Digital technology is providing a lifeline for care homes residents, allowing them to stay in touch with their loved ones during this difficult time, but care homes can take this further. Why not hold virtual lunches for your residents? Complete with matching backdrops and a bigger screen so it feels like their family is in the room with them. Going the extra mile to introduce normal life back in care homes can make all the difference, by reminding people why they were beloved in the first place. But if service users do continue to turn away from care homes, what other options are available to them? More people will choose home care for themselves or their loved ones. Home care has many benefits, a key one being that service users are cared for in their own homes, where they are most comfortable, and are able to retain their independence. The support available is also wide-ranging, from a helping hand available a few hours each week to 24-hour live-in care, along with the advantage of one-to-one support. Sheltered housing or retirement communities are also available. Offering the independence of home care with the peace of mind and on-hand support of a care home, they could be the solution for those who’d like the best of both worlds. Residential homes will always have their place. They provide security,

24-7 care, and most importantly, social interaction for their residents. Care homes also provide another important service – respite care. For a range of reasons, family carers may need outside support, and residential and nursing homes are one way they can get this (although home care providers also offer this service). But, there will be a rebalancing of what older people and their families choose as their preferred option in the near future. Nursing homes will always be necessary to support those with high care needs (such as dementia), whose loved ones cannot emotionally or physically take care of them and will continue to go from strength the strength despite Covid-19. But residential homes will start to be seen as more of a choice than a need, with people choosing home care and sheltered housing as alternatives. Residential and nursing homes have shown through the pandemic that they can manage outbreaks and control infection while maintaining community life for their residents, but considering other options isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The future for care homes will be different, but creativity and going the extra mile is the best way to overcome the social challenges posed by Covid19. Still, the long-awaited social care reforms will be the biggest indicator of what lies ahead for care homes and the sector as a whole. n Melanie Weatherley MBE is chair of the Lincolnshire Care Association.

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‘Culinary Inspirations’ range launched LEADING care home meals provider apetito has launched ‘Culinary Inspirations’ – the most significant product launch that will see the company add nearly 50 new dishes to its range in an exciting six-part series over the next three months. Culinary Inspirations includes an innovative range of main meals, new additions to the company’s awardwinning Texture Modified range, a host of delicious new plant-based dishes, and an authentic new pasta range that comes packed with flavour and delicious sauces. Care homes will now be able to offer their residents the first six new dishes from the Culinary Inspirations range. And for these new dishes – in what is described as ‘a unique approach to product development’ – apetito has reached out to five top chefs across the South West (whose businesses had been adversely impacted by coronavirus) to partner its in-house team in the creation of this very special range. In just under six weeks this pool of chef talent (from rising stars to Michelin-star experience) worked with apetito’s in-house chefs and dietitian to deliver the quality and innovation that the company is so renowned for. New dishes include a flavourpacked ham, leek and Cheddar tart created by the respected Peter Vaughan of Vaughan’s Kitchen, and a twist on the classic coronation

chicken designed by Jethro Lawrence, head chef at Woolley Grange and BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals’ quarter finalist. Care homes divisional manager Neil Hargreaves said the launch was “highly innovative and incredibly exciting.” He added: “Everything we do here at apetito seeks to enhance and deliver an exceptional dining experience for care home residents. “We know how important it is to our care home partners to be able to offer choice and innovation alongside helping residents who have more specialist dietary needs, such as those living with dysphagia. “Our Culinary Inspirations range is a major initiative that we are unveiling over a three month period and not only brings great new choice, but it also looks to add further value into the dining experience for residents – for example we are very excited by the new additions to our Texture Modified range which launches later this month.” As a leading supplier of meals to the care sector, apetito works in partnership with care homes to serve great tasting, nutritious food while delivering real cost savings, supporting the best dining experience and meeting diverse dietary needs. Through a dedicated support team, apetito can offer care homes fast and safe mobilisation and a bespoke service tailored to individual care

Chef Peter Vaughan’s leek, Cheddar and ham tart. home challenges. – coronation chicken. apetito’s mobile presentation suite, n Peter Vaughan – Vaughan’s the apetiser, (which allows for safe, Kitchen, Devizes: leek, Cheddar and socially distanced sampling of its ham tart. meals), is travelling round the UK to n Henry Scott – Henry’s Restaurant, care homes. Bath: chicken and chorizo paella. To book a visit to your care home or n Richard Knighting – Corkage to find out more details on apetito’s Restaurant, Bath: sausage and Culinary Inspirations range; check smoked ham frittata. out https://www.apetito.co.uk/trustn Rob Allcock – head chef and us/ or contact 01225 569403. landlord, The Long Arms, South Full list of chefs and their apetito Wraxall: smoked haddock and West dishes: Country Cheddar omellette. n Jethro Lawrence – head chef, n Rob Allcock: chicken and Woolley Grange Hotel and Restaurant sweetcorn bake.

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CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Industry stalwart helps recruit care assistants

Care home continues to be Covid-19 free STRINGENT infection control and the ability to care for its residents in small communities or ‘bubbles’ has ensured one Lancashire care home has remained completely Covid-free during the recent pandemic – without having to move its employee team in. Part of the award-winning New Care portfolio, The Hamptons in Lytham St Annes has not needed to make many changes to the way in which it already operates to successfully keep the virus at bay. For its dedicated team of more than 90 permanent employees, good practice is the norm; robust infection control, comprehensive daily cleaning using an evidencebased micro fibre and steam cleaning system and exemplary hygiene and cleanliness procedures ensured that the home consistently achieved a score of 95 per cent or more on its infection control audits. Having the space and facilities to operate in ‘bubbles’ has also been integral to the home’s success, with groups of residents cared for in small communities that benefit from their own shared spaces, lounges and dining areas and are looked after by the same employees on a daily basis. Government guidelines, including the wearing of masks and personal

protective equipment were followed from the start, and thanks to the unswerving commitment of the team, the home successfully negotiated the early stages of the pandemic without having to fully lockdown and move its employee team in. Chief executive officer Cath Fairhurst said: “Completely unexpected, the coronavirus crisis has been hard to navigate for the care sector where isolation and social distancing is not always possible. “ However, thanks to the professionalism and dedication of the team at The Hamptons, we’ve been able to successfully manage the situation and I am delighted to report that we have remained completely Covid-free since the outbreak began.” “There are no secrets to our success, we already had our own stringent policies in place which we adhere to rigidly, but we took time to understand the Government guidelines and ensured that we were also following them closely. “The crisis is far from over, but we hope this provides ongoing reassurance for our residents’ families and friends who have just recently been able to come back into the home for carefully managed visits with their loved ones.”

A CARE industry professional who has worked in the sector for 45 years is helping to recruit the next generation of care workers having established new partnerships with local colleges, schools, job centres and other organisations throughout West Yorkshire, and currently has 10 roles to fill before the end of the month. John Carrington, from Saltaire based Czajka Care Group, has worked for the family-run business for 35 years, including the last eight in a recruitment role. The company which operates five nursing and care homes in Nab Wood, Steeton and Cross Hills, recruits many of its new team members through John’s partnerships, which are successfully opening up a career path in care to people of all ages. He said: “This year, before the lockdown I visited Bradford and Shipley Colleges, Parkside School and Harrison Academy as well as attending several jobs fairs and events run by Bradford Council to encourage people back into work. “Working with organisations like Skills For Care and Reed In Partnership, I carry out screenings and interviews, but most importantly I give talks to people about what working in care is like. “Over the last eight years I have spoken with thousands of people either at school or colleges, those that are out of work and looking for a new challenge, and those that have started a qualification in care and want some guidance.” John is part of a special group of front line care staff that inspire and encourage more people into the industry. Known as an ‘I Care Ambassador’

John Carrington he is part of a national team of ambassadors which has been formed by the ‘Skills For Care’ organisation to highlight the numerous jobs available in the industry. Due to his expertise, John has also been made an ‘I Care Associate.’ John added: “There is a misconception that you must have certain experience or particular qualifications to get into care, but we can teach people the skills needed to be a care assistant. “First and foremost, we are looking for people with the right personality – they need to be kind and understanding – you can’t teach that, it’s just who you are. People who are considerate and compassionate make the best carers. “We can then help people to develop the skills and experience they will need to succeed with the right training. “I talk to people about the commitment needed for working in care, go through a typical day, explain what personal care is involved, and the various job roles available.”

Group’s head of rehab and nursing is commended for Master’s completion THE head of rehabilitation and nursing at a Cambridgeshire care group has received certification of the completion of her Master’s degree. Priscilla Masvipurwa, head of rehab and nursing services and registered manager at Askham Village Community, near Doddington in Cambridgeshire, used her Master’s dissertation to explore the role nurses play in care homes to deliver psychology interventions, an area previously uninvestigated in the mainstream and a topic close to her heart. Her work looked at the lack of framework and structure in place to capture, meet, and deliver the psychological needs of the residents and staff in care homes, finding that people tend to treat the physical health issues without looking into the mental health needs – a mind-set that needs shifting. She said: “No one had looked at the lack of psychological support for people living in care homes. Registered nurses, more often than not, provide that much needed

Priscilla Masvipurwa psychological support with limited resources, addressing such issues without a formalised structure in place. “I want people to understand that mental health should be viewed on a continuum where mental health and mental illness are at two extremes. Depending on several factors including availability of support, people maintain good mental health or develop a mental illness. Hence

the need for people to be supported to cope with psychological difficulties to reduce the likelihood of developing mental illness.” She added: “Ultimately, we live in a world where problems are easily medicalised. “In care homes, registered nurses need to address symptoms of depression or anxiety, particularly establishing in a timely manner whether symptoms are secondary to physical health issues or a result of social issues. “Registered nurses must be equipped with resources including training to assist in early identification of symptoms. “They must also provide support to people living in care homes, more so now with a rise in anxiety and depression resulting from the devastating effects of living with pandemic threat.” During the course of her studies, Priscilla noted that in care homes, while registered nurses strive to meet the physical health needs of residents, what really drives recovery forward

is good mental health and emotional wellbeing. If this is left unattended then it’s highly likely the individual will remain in care longer than they need to. She puts it down to the individual’s appraisal of the situation and that, no matter what physical health intervention they undergo, automatic negative thoughts that lead to anxiety will stop them from fulfilling their goals or reaching their full potential. Priscilla’s dissertation concluded that residents living in care homes would benefit from a model that focuses on the interplay between biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors to give residents a better chance of recovery. The mother-of-two finished the final year of her Master’s while working full-time for Askham, completing her thesis just prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, which saw her effortlessly juggling appraising her entire team and working on business continuity plans while finishing and proofing her thesis.

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SELLING CARE HOMES NATIONWIDE

Care provider acquires land in Worsley NEW Care has acquired land in Worsley for a new, purpose built, state-of-the-art facility. The one acre site, which was formerly the Cock Hotel pub, will now be demolished to make way for a ‘new generation’ 71 bed care home, with a value of circa £15million. New Care has worked closely with planning officers from Salford City Council on the design of the care facility, which will be arranged over three floors featuring fully furnished bedrooms with en-suite wet rooms, communal lounges, dining rooms, spa assisted bathrooms, a hair salon and nail bar, plus landscaped gardens and a first floor terrace. With planning consent granted, New Care will soon make a start on site, delivering much needed beds, with the care home offering residential, nursing and specialist dementia care. Chris McGoff, CEO of New Care,

said: “We are delighted to have acquired this particular site and are committed to bringing one of our award-winning care facilities to Worsley. “Expertly designed, the care home will provide the highest standards of

SOLD The Shelley, Worthing, Sussex

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24 Advertiser’s announcement

New guidance for learning disability and autism services on its way soon By Neil Grant RIGHT support, right care, right culture – new CQC Guidance for learning disability and autism services is on its way CQC is aiming to publish new guidance for the LD and autism sector in September 2020, replacing Registering the Right Support. It will be called ‘Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture’. In case you missed it, CQC consulted on the draft version in February. Although we will have to wait to see the final version of the document, CQC’s feedback on the consultation indicates that it will be pressing ahead with the guidance, subject to minor changes, even though only 50 per cent of respondents were entirely positive about it. What is clear is the new guidance will apply to any service that currently, or intends to, provide regulated care to autistic people and/or people with learning disability. The key aspects in the draft guidance were as follows: “Providers of new services must demonstrate, and providers of existing services are expected to demonstrate, how they will meet: n Our characteristics of ratings for good in healthcare and adult social care. n The regulations (including fundamental standards). n People’s expectations, as set out in the service model. n The requirements in this guidance to

Neil Grant demonstrate that: 1. There is a clear need for the service, and it has been agreed by commissioners. 2. The size, setting and design of the service meet people’s expectation and align with best practice. 3. People have access to the community.

4. The model of care, policies and procedures are in line with best practice.” Applicants wishing to open new services “must” demonstrate how they will meet these key aspects. In contrast, existing providers are “expected to demonstrate” how they will meet them. CQC acknowledges that some providers will not meet the national model which is set out in Building the Right Support and other related guidance. The national model says that services should not be more than six in size and should only meet local need. CQC stated in the draft guidance: “We expect providers to show how their service meets the needs of people in line with best practice. “If they do not follow best practice in any way, they must provide compelling evidence that demonstrates how their alternative approach will deliver appropriate and person-centred care. “We support genuine innovation where providers can demonstrate that their model aligns with the service model and positive outcomes can be achieved.” The implications of the new guidance for existing providers remain to be seen. However, it does not bode well when a regulator assumes a self-appointed role aimed at promoting and enforcing a single model of care across the LD and autism sector, the evidence base for which is at best tenuous and subjective. n Neil Grant is a Partner and Senior Lawyer at Gordons Partnership LLP Solicitors.

Marketing suite open and reservations being taken CARING Homes’ purpose-built luxury care home in Towcester, Northamptonshire is ready to welcome its first residents in October. The marketing suite at Brook House is open and reservations are being taken for the rooms available in this state-of-the-art new home. The home is located close to the town centre, with visitor parking and access to public transport. Brook House has a bar, bistro, hair salon and cinema plus a library, music room and a choice of lounges and quiet rooms. The home is surrounded by gardens with several rooms having access it from their own private patio areas. Sales and marketing manager Jake Gray said: “We would be delighted to meet enquirers to talk about Brook House and ask anyone who is interested in looking for care to phone and make an appointment to come and see us. “We are leaving plenty of time between show rounds and observing social distancing. “There’s plenty of handwashing and sanitiser and everyone will be asked to wear a mask.” Jake explained that there are two bedrooms to view, as well as other parts of the home, the nurses’ stations, gardens and an early peak at the orangery. He added: “Enquiries about this

An artist’s impression of Brook House in Towcester, Northamptonshire. want to at this stage and have a full luxury new home have taken off, discussion with the team about care people are starting to think about needs for now, and in the future.” their own care needs, or their loved Jake added that if enquirers were one’s need for care which may not comfortable visiting Brook House have been highlighted during the in person at this time they could pandemic. have a live virtual tour via phone or “Enquirers can look at the floor plans and select a bedroom if they computer.

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Perseus Land and Developments, the developer of bespoke accommodation for the later living sector, has appointed Tom Duck as construction director. Tom is a chartered project manager and has 20 years’ construction project management experience. He joins from Fed3 Projects, a niche project management consultancy focused on the healthcare sector, where he was a director. Tom has specifically spent the last five years working with Signature Senior Lifestyle on delivering its pipeline of luxury care homes in London and the South East. Perseus was launched by specialist Duncan Ford in September 2018 in a funding partnership with Barwood Capital, the Northampton-based UK regional real estate investment and development specialist. Perseus has now acquired 12 sites across the UK for care homes, retirement accommodation and extra care accommodation.

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Chessington firm to take different approach to care

Westmorland Homecare staff outside the new office at Grange-over-Sands.

South Lakes homecare company rated among the country’s top 10 A SOUTH Lakeland homecare company has been rated among the top 10 in the country. Kendal-based Westmorland Homecare was given an ‘outstanding’ rating in all five key areas following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission Only 10 of the 17,633 home care agencies registered with the CQC in England are rated outstanding in every area – and Westmorland Homecare is the only one in Cumbria. It is the second consecutive time the company has achieved the feat. Westmorland Homecare provides hundreds of hours of care each week, which enable elderly and often frail people to live independently in their own home. It was founded in 2017 by Doctors Josh Macaulay and Chris Moss. Both had experience of caring for people in their NHS roles as an A&E doctor and anaesthetist but wanted to help people more than while they were just in hospital. “We are obviously delighted with the CQC report,” said Dr Macauley, who paid special tribute to the company’s staff. “They work tremendously hard and they really care and want to do the best possible job that they can. “For the work they do to be externally and officially verified as outstanding in every area is a great accolade for them. “The CQC inspected the service between February and June this year. They visited our office, spoke to people who use the services, to professionals who work with us – such as district nurses, GPs and the hospitals – and to our staff.” On the key question of ‘‘Is the service safe?’, the CQC report stated that ‘people were protected by a strong and distinctive approach to safeguarding, including positive risk

taking to maximise their control over their lives’. The report stated: “People were well protected from the risk of infection, including during the Coronavirus pandemic.” The report highlighted the effectiveness of people’s care, treatment and support. It said people described the service as ‘exceptional’. Staff were ‘very well trained and exceptionally skilled’. Families of those who had been cared for had thanked Westmorland Homecare, describing staff as ‘amazing’ and the care as ‘exemplary’. The directors had developed strong relationships with partner organisations, including working with the local NHS trust on collaborative working and shared decision making. This led directly to an early discharge pilot scheme between the company and the trust, which had reduced risks around discharge and enabled early discharge from hospital for 16 people. People were ‘truly respected and valued as individuals. The report said: “The service was exceptionally person-centred and was adaptive and responsive to people’s needs.” Westmorland Homecare recently opened a new satellite office in Grange-over-Sands and Dr Macaulay said plans were well advanced to expand into a new area. He added that Westmorland Homecare had been hand-picked to be on a working group led by Baroness Camilla Cavendish to look at how social services and the Government worked with care providers. “It will examine how care is commissioned and funded and how we can change the way that staff are recruited, trained and encouraged into the industry,” said Dr Macauley.

CARE professional Lynn James has decided to launch a different type of care company in North Surrey. Her new business – in-home care provider Visiting Angels – aims to improve the standards of care in the region, while providing much needed support to both clients and families. Lynn has worked in healthcare since the age of 19 and, in partnership with her husband Chris. “We’re extremely excited to be launching a care service with a distinct difference,” she said. “Care runs through my veins as it’s been my whole career and, as a result, I’ve developed a lot of knowledge and a strong sense of social responsibility. “One thing I’ve always noticed is that people have very different needs and the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. “Care needs to be personalised to the individual and that is typically overlooked by task-focused care providers.” From its inception, Visiting Angels commits to an innovative carercentric approach. They treat carers with the utmost respect, valuing them for their commitment and rewarding them both financially and with opportunities for career development. Issues in the industry usually leave carers feeling little-to-no appreciation and without any form of support – this is what the Visiting Angels team is determined to change. “Carers are usually expected to do an unrealistic number of care visits throughout the day, stretching them to their limits,” Lynn added. “But we make a stand against this. We allow our caregivers to have longer, more efficient care visits and pay for any travel time between appointments, not the norm with other providers. “By treating them fairly and with respect, they feel more valued and enjoy delivering quality care. Caregivers are truly the unsung heroes who need to be allowed to care – not just perform tasks.” Lynn and Chris recently received

Lynn and Chris James in front of their Visiting Angels office. approval to operate from the Care Quality Commission. Based at Trident Court in Chessington, Visiting Angels is on the hunt for local care workers to satisfy the growing demand for its service. Within the next 12 months, they hope to bring 25 jobs to the area. Undeterred by the Covid-19 pandemic, Lynn recognises that their essential service is in demand more than ever before. People thought the couple were crazy to launch a business right now, but they are determined to provide much-needed companionship, support, respite and social contact to those in the local community. “In reality, what this situation has highlighted is the important role that caregivers play in our society,” she concluded. “The pandemic has demonstrated just how brave our front-line carers really are and that they must be rewarded for their work. “Overcoming challenges is part and parcel of life in the care world and, of course, some challenges are bigger than others. “Despite the pandemic, we’re excited to push towards raising the bar for the entire social care sector.” Visiting Angels North Surrey will serve families in the areas with KT and SM postcodes, including Stoneleigh, Cheam, Epsom, Sutton and surrounding areas.

Enhanced protection offered INSURANCE, risk management and employee benefits adviser Marsh Commercial has secured an agreement with Bluebird Care with an enhanced insurance offering that meets the needs of a rapidly evolving risk landscape and an increased demand for live-in carers as a result of Covid-19. Bluebird Care’s 200 franchisees, which together facilitate over 20,000 home visits a day to the elderly and vulnerable across the UK, will now have access to enhanced cover for mistreatment, medical malpractice and professional indemnity. Franchisees will also benefit from renewal discounts, retroactive cover for liability insurance and preferential new business premiums. Wayne Smith, finance director and

acting managing director of Bluebird Care UK, said: “We are delighted that Marsh Commercial will be supporting Bluebird Care with our insurance solutions, especially with their proven experience working with the care sector. As a large franchise network, our businesses have varying needs and requirements right across the UK so having access to their dedicated team’s wealth of knowledge and advice is vitally important for us. “Everyone at Bluebird Care is looking forward to developing our relationship over the coming months and years ahead.” Marsh Commercial has a dedicated health and care practice in Leeds that offers a wide range of exclusive schemes and solutions inaccessible to the rest of the insurance market.

£100m fund made available for providers with unwanted land A £100MILLION land acquisition fund has been launched by McCarthy and Stone that is seeking to redevelop a variety of health and social care sites currently occupied by the likes of residential care homes, GP surgeries and other similarly sized medical premises. In response to Boris Johnson’s call to “build, build, build”, the developer and manager of retirement communities is looking to work with businesses and landowners to identify 60 or more sites over the next year which are suitable for the development of new facilities. The move follows successful ventures between McCarthy and Stone and care home operators who are looking to repurpose premises or sell surplus land to enable the renewal or growth of facilities elsewhere. The company is currently searching for land between 0.5 to 5 acres on central brownfield locations, ideally with level access to shops, and in a prominent location close to the high street or to local amenities. It will consider every type of land deal, whether unconditional purchase, conditional contract or option agreement. There is also an appetite to develop sizeable sites jointly if a healthcare element is required, and the company will also consider building

McCarthy and Stone CEO John Tonkiss. a healthcare unit within the new building, with operators and the future residents benefitting from the end use, a doctors’ surgery or pharmacy for instance. The 60 new sites required by McCarthy and Stone will complement the company’s existing workflow, having purchased 200 sites over the last four years. They will offer private apartments and bungalows across a range of tenures with on-site care and support services, helping older people to enjoy an independent and safe lifestyle in their later years. John Tonkiss, chief executive officer for McCarthy and Stone, said: “The Prime Minister is spot on in recognising that housebuilding will

be central to the UK’s recovery effort, and more and better housing for older people is a critical part of the mix. “We believe our land acquisition fund has the potential to yield longlasting knock-on effects for the health and social care sector, not least because the regeneration of brownfield sites will free-up capital for operators, business owners and medical practitioners looking to reinvest in growth and create jobs. “What’s more, centrally located retirement communities have a role to play in the Government’s drive to revive town centres, and new developments which bring new customers into an area could provide a lifeline for local businesses. “We now need new land, and lots of it, in order to satisfy this vital initiative. “With generous commissions available for the right sites, I would urge landowners to submit their introductions directly to us without delay. They will be treated in the strictest confidence.” Despite a challenging few months of trading caused by the national lockdown, McCarthy and Stone is in a very strong cash position. The company has also secured £300m from the Government’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility to support its ambitious plans.

Ginny set to bring fresh approach LOOKING to bring a fresh approach to the retirement development industry is Retirement Villages Group’s new key appointment, Ginny CordenRedden. Development manager Ginny brings her expertise to the company, joining from development consultancy Avison Young, where she advised on a wide range of public and private sector clients. Having previously worked across the commercial and residential sectors, this is Ginny’s first step into the retirement living arena – and one that she is very much looking forward to. She said: “I was drawn to Retirement Villages Group because of their strong sense of purpose and also their exciting expansion plans to grow the business significantly into the urban town centre environment. “The role provides a great opportunity to be part of positive change, not only within the company, but also within an emerging sector.” Ginny will be working alongside recently appointed development director James Ahearne on company land acquisitions and new projects.

Recent deal completions… On behalf of the purchaser – Harrogate • Acquisition of care home from RNIB • Established service on 1.28 acre site • Currently 39 registered beds including 2 flats • Joint venture with investor and new operator

On behalf of the vendor – South Yorkshire • Purpose built care home • Sold to new market entrant • Sixth sale on behalf of client • Successful home with good occupancy

Whether you are selling or buying, contact HPC today to find out how our experience gets results. Tel 01937

222107 Email enquiries@healthcarepc.co.uk Visit www.healthcarepc.co.uk

CARINGNEWS

Charity launches Sensational Gardens competition ROYAL Star & Garter is launching a new fundraising competition for budding gardening enthusiasts and expert green-fingered growers. The Sensational Gardens competition follows the increased interest in gardening following the Covid-19 lockdown. Participants are being asked to enter photos or videos of their botanical efforts from window boxes to vegetable patches, which will be judged by residents in the charity’s three homes. The winner of each of the

Sensational Gardens competition’s three categories will receive a £50 voucher to spend at a garden centre. The competition is £3 for each entry. Entrants can add an additional donation on top of this, and every penny raised will go to Royal Star & Garter. Residents enjoy spending time in the gardens at the three Royal Star & Garter homes. They tend to flowers, grow fruit and vegetables in raised beds, and enjoy relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. It is a vital part of

A Devizes care home resident celebrated her 100th birthday with a party in the garden. Joan Hawkins, who lives at Market Lavington care home was visited by members of her family and enjoyed a cake made by head chef Kim Tomes. Joan received a card from the Queen and a number of presents. Riaz Ali, wellbeing coordinator, said: “It was so lovely, even during these difficult times, to be able to recognise and support someone to celebrate a very significant birthday.”

Residents enjoy concert RESIDENTS of Sunrise of Banstead were treated to a trip down memory lane and an afternoon of entertainment as part of a special concert series organised by The Not Forgotten. The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity for serving and ex-service men and women, recently launched Those Not Forgotten Years, a nationwide outdoor concert tour of care homes to entertain, boost morale and lift spirits by reaching thousands of residents across the country. Around 50 residents and members of staff all dressed in red, white and blue gathered in the grounds for the Surrey concert – at a suitable social distance, for a memorable afternoon to lift the lockdown blues. Residents sang along, tapped their

feet and waved flags as The Not Forgotten professional entertainment team of singers and musicians performed a set of popular classics and rousing favourites from the 30’s to the 60’s including a poignant special tribute to the late Dame Vera Lynn. General manager Suzanne Garston said: We always celebrate the VE day event within the community but to have visitors come and share this with us at this difficult social distancing time has been amazing and it is very important to our residents to have these special dates not forgotten.” The Not Forgotten combats isolation and loneliness amongst the Armed Forces community through social activities and challenge holidays.

the holistic care and well-being the charity provides its residents. The Sensational Garden competition aims to acknowledge and celebrate our gardens. Its three categories are: n The favourite part of your outdoor space. n Your happiest moment in the garden. n What you are most proud of growing. Senior community fundraiser Lauren Baker, who is responsible for overseeing the event, said: “Our

residents love spending time in our gardens, and we know lots of people across the country have spent a lot of time in their outdoor spaces during lockdown. “This great new competition allows us to celebrate our sensational gardening moments together. “We know our residents will love seeing and judging the entries.” Deadline for entries is August 21, with the winners announced by August 28. Each entry can be submitted by visiting http:// starandgarter.org/gardens

Reflecting on the positive changes we have made LIKE all businesses, CareDocs has had to change the way it operates to overcome certain challenges. As the worst pandemic to hit the world during the information age (or digital age) continues to steer us into uncharted territory, we wanted to take a moment and reflect on how we’ve responded positively to the situation. Lockdown meant we were unable to visit our customers, but video and screensharing technology allowed us to conduct remote training and run monthly webinars to demonstrate different areas of our care management software. Webinars are a great platform to keep in touch with our customers and for group Q&A sessions. They range from showing our latest updates, to refresher sessions, to tips for using the system more efficiently. The increasing popularity of virtual training has highlighted the way that people learn is changing. We wanted there to be more options

for users to learn CareDocs the way that suits them best, so we created a fortnightly training newsletter with various resources, including new training videos, guides and FAQs. As more became known about the virus it meant we had to develop new digital solutions to record Covid19 information and help manage outbreaks inside care settings. This resulted in three software releases and multiple communications promoting them. Now we have started a monthly development newsletter announcing upcoming changes and requesting feedback to help enhance customer experience. Overall, ramping up our digital communications has been a major positive change. More departments have gained a voice, which is fantastic considering we all rely on each other equally to provide the levels of service that make us the UK’s leading care recording and management system.

CARINGNEWS

Infection control lessons from tumultuous times By David Lindberg

SINCE the outbreak of Covid-19 earlier this year the healthcare industry has seen huge increases in demand for PPE equipment worldwide. Unsurprisingly, creating higher buying prices for suppliers, ultimately negatively affected the entire supply chain in terms of availability and prices for care homes and hospitals. We have also seen an upsurge in profiteering, where some suppliers exploited the already high prices to increase their margins and many new organisations popping out of the woodwork. Recent investigations show that some online PPE companies saw a mark-up ranging between 108 per cent and 650 per cent on certain PPE items’ prices. Having now passed the early stages of Covid-19, the PPE chaos has calmed down somewhat, prices have decreased and now is the time for healthcare companies to learn from what happened and adapt. Proactiveness is key to secure supply, anticipating potential change is important to ensure that care workers are properly protected at a reasonable cost. A second peak seems likely and care homes should be prepared should it happen. Now is the time to compare the prices and quality of service received over this period and switching supplier if necessary.

David Lindberg You should always choose an established supplier, as it is usually the most reliable option. You should also verify that your supplier does not have a history of large and unreasonable profiteering, and that your home was treated as important. Several established care providers, including Spearhead, only rose prices in line with material cost increases, and took steps to ensure continuity of supply to care homes was protected as much as possible.

Quality of the PPE supply should be a priority when choosing a supplier, as many new-born PPE suppliers do not have certified PPE. You should always check what certification each PPE item needs and know whether your supplier’s products carry that certificate. As a general rule, each item must be CE marked and, depending on the use of the PPE item, it must comply with EU Regulation 2016/425 and/or Medical Devices regulations (MDR 2002). Lastly, you should consider your supplier’s core market, ideally being care homes. This will help ensure your supply is protected and reduce price hikes that relate to local lockdowns or restrictions being eased. All in all, you must make sure you are prepared for a second wave of Covid-19 and choosing the right supplier is key to protecting your staff and residents. n David Lindberg is the product development director at Spearhead Healthcare. References: 1. http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/ clinical/clinical-specialties/ respiratory-/gp-practices-left-havingto-buy-ppe-at-extortionate-pricesfrom-opportunistic-sellers/20040779. article 2. https://assets.publishing.service. gov.uk/government/uploads/ system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/883334/Essential_Technical_ Specifications__5_.pdf

Company saves the care home industry both time and money THE team at Copy for Less is well aware of the financial challenges that care homes face on a daily basis. And as the only provider of photocopiers that doesn’t include fixed annual increases they have consistently found care homes find themselves tied into contracts that may have been competitive at the start of the initial contract but then slowly creeped up as the agreement matured. Copy for Less pride themselves on being competitive without compromise on device functionality and especially no compromise on the level of service, they are the only suppliers that offer 36-month terms against the 60-month industry norm without any fixed increases mid term. Often the team have been able to create savings for care homes that are already tied into disappointing contracts by providing a second device at a cheaper rate so they can share the print volume until the more expensive contract expires, the team can then work with the care home on creating an even larger financial saving and a better print solution overall. Copy for Less are the only suppliers

that lease in-house and integrate the lease cost within the lease invoice, saving care home managers admin work and unnecessary confusion, by offering attractive leasing options along with a service agreement. This means they simply invoice a minimal lease fee, and cost per copy, (from as low as £0.003p) and all other running expenses including toners, consumables and repairs

are all included within the fee which provides the care home with complete transparency on the actual cost. During the Covid-19 pandemic and as a normal standard, Copy for Less are conscious of the high risk category that care homes sit in, and every effort has been made to avoid contact where possible. They also recognise the need for care homes to function effectively without disruption and the company can look to repair remotely where possible, all Covid-19 safety regulations are adhered to with the national technicians following strict statutory guidelines including use of full PPE when delivering, training and servicing. All of the new devices are environmentally friendly and have a standby mode so when it is sitting in idle for no longer than a few minutes it goes into the mode to ensure further power savings for the care home. In addition to this they have an option to control who is printing documents so there is an accountability for all staff members and ensures no wastage and no unauthorised use.

New manager

A SOMERSET care home has a new manager who first worked at the home at the age of 14. Jo Fenn joined Nynehead Court in Wellington last year as quality assurance manager and, following the recent retirement of Angela Watkins, has now become manager. She said: “When the role of quality assurance manager was advertised I jumped at the chance to return to the first care home I ever worked in. “I’m so delighted to see the changes which have taken place in the facilities since then, and I’m excited to be part of the development we have planned for the future.” Jo started work at the home when she was 14, where she had a weekend job delivering tea trays and washing up. After leaving school she worked at Popham House in Wellington when it was operated by Somerset County Council, and has continued to work in the care sector since. Jo has managed care homes for the past 16 years.

Dora turns 106

DORA Banfield, a resident at Brunelcare’s Deerhurst Care Home in Bristol, turned 106-years-old recently. Dora has been a resident with Brunelcare for two years and celebrated her milestone with an outdoor garden visit from her daughter Mary. CEO Oona Goldsworthy said: “We are so thrilled we could celebrate Dora’s special day with her and her family. “Our Deerhurst care home really did pull out all the stops to ensure Dora and her family had the most magical day as possible during these unprecedented times. We have extraordinary people giving extraordinary care across our five care homes.” Dora was born in Kent in 1914 and has lived through two World Wars. She was educated in Essex and lived in Taunton for 29 years. Dora was brought up on a farm and later was in the Land Army. She became a teacher, an artist and had a book published when she was 93. Dora has a total of three children, eight grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren.

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Home opens its own bar

Make managing in a crisis easy with new software VERY few businesses are set up to manage in a crisis. When demand is unlimited and stocks very limited, it requires a whole new set of tools to manage. After four months of development, Gompels HealthCare Ltd has launched the ability for care home groups to have a dedicated stock reserve. MD Sam Gompels said: “The new system enables groups to have a stock reserve which only their sites can access when stocks run low. “The stock rotation, storage and financing of the stock is all taken care of. “The groups can relax knowing that the reserve is there for them.” He added: “The problem with

reserves is that they quickly become out of date or spoiled by bad storage conditions. “Nobody knows what is there and it becomes a big mess of the wrong stock. Using the stock reserve system takes care of all of that and includes the delivery to individual sites as and when the stock is needed.” During the Covid-19 pandemic, Gompels was the only PPE supplier that was able to keep its loyal customer supplied with stock. There were even times when the Government was trying to get stock from Gompels. The company has more than 10,000 pallet spaces of storage filled with stock ready to send to customers across the UK mainland.

GRACEWELL of Sutton Coldfield care home has opened its own bar. Named The Royal Oak, the bar was opened by a socially distanced soiree where residents who reside on the first floor, the Memory Care Neighbourhood – a dedicated neighbourhood for residents living with dementia, got to choose a drink of their choice while enjoying cheese, biscuits and music. Bringing a slice of Birmingham’s nightlife to Gracewell of Sutton Coldfield, the bar was donated to the home from a friend of a resident’s family member who owns a nightclub in the city. The home had wanted to open a personalised bar for residents for some time but were unsure where to place it. However, the home decided that the first-floor balcony would be the perfect place for The Royal Oak, as it provides residents with a wonderful view of the bowling green and local tennis club. General manager Sarah Diamond said: “I have wanted to have a bar here from the moment I arrived here. “We have a cinema, a hair and beauty salon, an activities lounge, stunning communal lounges, dining rooms, a beautiful bistro and the only thing that was missing was a pub. “We have talked about it for years and, with the help of Jonathan Holyhead and our maintenance coordinator, we have finally made it happen.

Activities co-ordinator Annette Stockham. “It looks fabulous and the residents have thoroughly enjoyed happy hour at our very own Royal Oak.” Since opening, the bar has been well received by residents who can look forward to enjoying a range of activities at the bar in the coming weeks. Gracewell of Sutton Coldfield will also be opening The Royal Oak to other residents on different floors by inviting them to attend at allocated times.

Antimicrobial contract fabrics for added reassurance SKOPOS has recently launched a new sub-brand, Skopos Pro-tect Plus, as a marker for all Skopos products offered with an antimicrobial finish. Skopos has been offering antimicrobial fabrics for more than 15 years, however the new sub-brand helps to clearly identify this offer to customers, at a time where extra reassurance within contract interiors has never been more relevant. Within Pro-tect Plus, Skopos’ customers have a choice of fabrics for different end uses; Antimicrobial drapery fabrics, Antimicrobial woven upholstery fabrics, Antimicrobial faux leather and vinyls. The upholstery fabric offer includes luxury velvet, printed fabrics, vinyls and a large range of woven collections, mostly waterproof, soil and stain resist, perfect for caring interiors. Many of our drapery and bedding fabrics can be finished with an antimicrobial treatment, so please ask. Choices include print base-cloths, plain and woven designs.

All are flame retardant and tested to the high standards required for contract interiors. Skopos antimicrobial fabrics have bacteriostatic, viral-reducing and anti-fungal properties. Fabrics are not seen as a beneficial host for Sars Cov-2 even without antimicrobial treatment, however including this extra benefit viruses and bacteria are greatly reduced. Free samples of our fabrics are available online or via our customer services team: sales@skopos. co.uk Skopos offer a fabric only or full measure, make up and installation service. Enquiries: Visit www.skoposfabrics.com

Company prides itself on being the first supplier of front fastening underwear CLIP-Knix is clip-on underwear that will increase independence and preserve dignity for millions of people who experience limited mobility and the elderly. This long-awaited solution is unique, indispensable and revolutionary. Clip-Knix makes attractive, front-fastening underwear that can be put on easily without the need to bend or balance on one leg. Clip-Knix underwear reduces the risk of injury and allows wearers to be independent. Manufactured with soft, aesthetically pleasing stretch fabric for a perfect fit and ultimate comfort, simply place Clip-Knix in position and clip. Product description Our cleverly designed underwear solution enables the wearer to clip underwear on and off at one, two or three front-fastening locations with the choice of buttons or hooks to suit a wide range of needs. Clip-Knix knickers are practical, stylish clip-on

knickers that are designed to make living easier. This practical and stylish high-quality underwear range is not only durable but offers a truly ergonomic solution for those who don’t have the physical ability to bend or stretch to put on their underwear – just clip in place. There are six colours available: white, black, cream, blue, green and purple and eight sizes from size eight to 22. Enquiries: Visit https://www.clip-knix.biz or call 0203 773 1709.

Antimicrobial medical trolley for care homes and clinics GRATNELLS Medical products have been at the forefront of NHS and hospital storage for more than 40 years. The wide range of products available includes trolleys, frames, trays and multiple optional accessories that can be used to make up the ideal solution for medical environments. Also ideal for use in the health and social care sector, the Gratnells Medical range would fit suitably into care homes, dental practices and other surgeries. The popular Gratnells Medical Compact trolley boasts a small footprint and can easily fit into working environments that are challenged for space. The trolley system is fully mobile, can easily be moved between working environments and is treated with BioCote® offering maximum protection against infection. The complete Compact Range is compatible with all standard sized Gratnells trays which are also antimicrobial in translucent or kiwi jelly tint. In addition to the favoured Compact trolley, the new Gratnells Callero Shield Range is fully antimicrobial and is increasing in popularity throughout the education and medical sectors. Boasting double and treble width trolleys, as

well as the Gratnells Rover, the entire range is flexible and moves with ease. Some uses of the Gratnells Medical range include, but aren’t limited to: n Safely store and move important records and files with reduced risk of cross contamination within care homes or surgeries. n Offers a protected storage solution for essential PPE equipment, as well as a solution for transportation and distribution. n Trays are a suitable alternative for storage of uniforms and can be used by staff to transport clothing and equipment between work and home. n Organise, move and administer medication to patients. n Organise, move and store essential surgical equipment and tools. n Protected home for personal effects including clothing, personal hygiene items and electronic devices. n Add antimicrobial lids for extra protection, particularly when transporting materials. Enquiries: Browse the full Gratnells Medical range at https://www.gratnellsmedical.com/ or call 0800 169 6854.

THE CRAFT OF CARE

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