Caring UK Weekly September 27

Campaigners welcome Lib Dem plans

CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed Liberal Democrat proposals for a £5bn a year pledge to give everyone in England free social care.

And they have called on the Conservatives and Labour to match or better the pledge as all the parties begin their party conferences.

As it started its conference in Bournemouth, the Liberal Democrats say they would invest £5bn a year to improve social care.

The provider organisation, Independent Care Group has welcomed the pledge.

It has produced speciallybranded editions of its blueprint document, the Five Pillars of Social Care Reform and is sending copies to the party leaders.

ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “We would need to see the details but on the face of it the Liberal Democrat proposal is very encouraging – not least because it is evidence of a major political party putting social care reform high on its agenda.

“We very much hope the other two main political

parties will follow suit and come up with similar or better proposals.

“Reform for social care and equality for the people who deliver it can only come from one place and that is Westminster.

“Only those with their hands on the levers of power can bring about real change in social care – everything else is just noise

“Getting social care reform discussed during the conferences in an important step towards having it in the party manifestos when the country goes to the polls in a General Election, probably next year.

“At the moment it isn’t even being discussed, which is frightening for the 1.6m people who currently can’t get care and the many more who will be added to that list in the coming months and years.”

The Liberal Democrat Party met in Bournemouth from September 23 to 26, while the Conservatives meet in Manchester from October 1 to 4 and the Labour Party in Liverpool from October 8 to 11.

Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, Leicester on Thursday, December 7th are now available. For more information and to book your tickets visit https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/

Residents at Keate House Care Home in Lymm have been whistling, stomping their feet and having a good old fashioned sing along at the afternoon proms celebration. They enjoyed a glass of fizz whilst watching live music from Sandra Currie singing the classical hits from the proms.

Home holds party for its residents

RESIDENTS enjoyed a sizzling summer party filled with music, food and performances at one of Scotland’s leading care homes in dementia care.

Building on the success of last year’s seasonal extravaganza, Cramond Residence’s lifestyle team pulled out all the stops to create a day full of fun for residents and their families.

The luxury care home has held summer parties in the past which have proved to be popular and plan to return next year with another.

Elaine Vallance, head of the lifestyle team at Cramond Residence, said: “We always aim to deliver events that will put a smile on the residents’ faces, and it was great to see that with the summer fete this year we achieved this again.

“It was a lovely day meeting the residents’ families and welcoming them into our care home to spend time with their loved ones.

“Last year we held a Wild West themed party which was extremely popular with our residents and carers, so we knew we had to come back with something great again this year.

“Everyone had a great time, though I suspect the residents enjoyed it just a little bit more seeing as they got the chance to throw wet sponges at our lifestyle team at the end of the day.”

Residents enjoyed a day full of delicious BBQ food, live music, a variety of shows, balloon modelling, a raffle and tombola.

Group celebrates awards success

HOME Instead is celebrating the news that two of its franchise owners have been shortlisted in the British Franchise Association HSBC Franchise Awards which recognise excellence in ethical franchising.

Anitra Camargo, who owns the Windsor, Runnymede and West Spelthorne office, has been named a finalist in the ‘Community Focus’ category.

This is in recognition of her work to rebuild her local community post-pandemic which has seen her organising events to support the community and share Home Instead’s expertise in areas such as dementia and Parkinson’s, as well as raising funds for charities such as Dementia Carers Support Runnymede.

Owner of Home Instead Glasgow North and six other territories, Suhail Rehman, is a finalist in the ‘HSBC Best in Class Multi Unit Single Brand’ category.

Suhail plays a key part in the communities his Home Instead businesses are based in. This includes running seven memory cafes which provide a safe

Craven Nursing Home in Skipton’s annual summer fete, which was opened by Mayor Councillor Sheila Bentley, raised more than £700 for the residents. The fete was open to the whole community, with visitors of all ages enjoying the day’s activities, including a bouncy castle and performances by Skipton Brass and Northern Dance. For the first time,the fete was also open to local businesses. Stalls included Carers Resource, jewellery, cards, sea glass items, skincare products, cakes and the Trefoil Guild.

and supportive environment for people living with dementia and their families.

Ruth Brown, COO of Home Instead UK and a board member of the BFA, said: “We are really proud of Anitra and Suhail.

“They are both running businesses that make a difference to the lives of so many and giving so much back to their local communities.

“Our congratulations go to Anitra and Suhail – best wishes to them and all other finalists who will come together on November 9 when the winners will be announced at a gala black-tie event.”

Bollywood comes to home

BOLLYWOOD came to Sheffield when care home residents and staff celebrated Indian culture with an authentic curry and bhangra dancing.

The Laurels and The Limes Care Home held an India Day as the first in a series of events celebrating cultures from around the world.

Antony Pullen moved to Sheffield from India last year and has been working in the care sector since.

He was invited to share his heritage with residents and cook a dish from his home – choosing a biriyani with naan bread, onion bhajis, as well as the English addition of chips.

Following lunch, residents and staff enjoyed a performance from a Bollywood dancer, when Antony and fellow cook Kerry joined in.

Antony also shared that his favourite Bollywood movie was the original Malayalam version of psychological thriller Drishyam.

He said: “I have been in the UK for 11 months now. I came with my wife, who is a student.

“I decided to become a carer because I love spending time with the elderly and caring for them.

“Coming to the UK was a big dream

of mine and cooking for the residents on that day was another dream come true. Watching the residents enjoy the food made my eyes tear up. It was a big achievement for me.”

The Indian day was the first of many planned cultural days at the care home, with others including Filipino and Caribbean.

Sophie King, home manager at The Laurels, added: “Everyone at both The Laurels and The Limes thoroughly enjoyed our India Day. A massive thank you must go to Antony for sharing his culture with us and helping to cook an amazing meal, which everyone enjoyed.

“As much as he was panicking that no one would enjoy his cooking, Anthony said it was great that he could share a little bit of his home with us.

“We now have staff planning different themed days, so maybe we’ll end up travelling around the entire world one day. The residents love hearing about other cultures, trying new foods and enjoying the entertainment, so everyone’s looking forward to the next one.”

‘Pawsitively amazing’ as homes stage charity dog shows

PRIZE pooches have gone on parade to delight care home residents across the south and help raise money for charity.

Three Colten Care homes have staged friendly summer competitions as fun experiences for residents and families, benefiting good causes in the process, both human and canine.

At Amberwood House in Ferndown, Dorset, more than a dozen dogs entertained around 50 people with their personalities, agility and costumes.

Staff and residents’ families were invited to bring their pets along to enter any or all of ten categories such as ‘Best Dressed’ and ‘Best in Show’.

Amberwood House companionship team leader Kirsty Richmond Cole said: “This was such a happy, familyfriendly occasion with laughter and smiles all round.

“Many of our residents love dogs and our fantastic competition showed just why. Dogs really help to bring joy and company to people.

“Thirteen adorable doggies turned up with their owners to wow the judges. It was a ‘pawsitively amazing’

day.”

Residents Inge Liell and Irene Walton were joined on the judging panel by Colten Care’s chief operating officer Elaine Farrer and Steve Taylor,

director of facilities.

Amid much laughter, they watched an egg and spoon race in which owners had to run round a circuit without dropping their egg and while

keeping their dog on the lead as they went.

Judges declared a draw in the ‘Best Dressed’ category, the most popular class. Joint winners were ‘lion’ Roly, owned by a resident’s son, Hayden O’Neill, and ‘superhero’ Bertie, owned by the family of resident Pat Fisher. Bertie went on to have a further triumph, being crowned ‘Best in Show’.

As well as entry fees, funds were raised through the sale of dog bandanas and treat jars prepared by Amberwood House residents.

The event raised more than £120 for Ferndown Rotary, Amberwood House’s charity of the year.

Other Colten Care homes staging charity dog shows this summer include Wellington Grange in Chichester and Lymington home Belmore Lodge.

The chosen charity for Belmore Lodge, the Dogs Trust, received a donation of more than £280 after the show there which featured an agility course and prize categories such as ‘Dog with the Waggiest Tail’ and ‘Dog with the Best Coat’.

Competitors, owners, judges and Colten Care residents share a smile at the Amberwood House dog show.

Anitra Camargo and Suhail Rehman

Home’s new cinema room opens

VETERANS living at a Salford care home can now enjoy watching films in their own cinema following a grant made in honour of those who have served the nation.

Broughton House Veteran Care Village’s new cinema room is kitted out with a 52-inch screen and velvet curtains, comfortable easy chairs, blackout blinds, a popcorn machine and soft drinks to capture the true essence of a trip to the movies.

Coun Dr Zahid Chauhan, the Mayor of Oldham, cut the ribbon at a special ceremony to officially open the facility.

The cinema was made possible through a grant of more than £4,000 from the Oldham Mayor’s Appeal Fund during the term of office of Coun Chauhan’s predecessor Coun Elaine Garry, and it has been named The Oldham Empire in recognition.

Coun Garry said: “My late cousin Commander Derek Parkinson served on the HMS Herald hospital ship during the Falklands War, and my term of office coincided with the 40th anniversary of the conflict.

“During my year as Mayor, I visited Broughton House and met residents and staff. I was very impressed by the care provided to the veterans.

“When I heard that there was an empty room which they wanted to turn into a cinema, I thought funding it would be a fitting way to show support for the armed forces and pay tribute to those who have served, as well as creating something tangible which really benefits the residents,

who come from all over the north west, including Oldham.”

The Oldham Mayor’s Appeal Fund helps a variety of good causes nominated by each office holder. During Coun Garry’s term of office, a total of £37,000 was raised.

Among the films screened so far at The Oldham Empire are war movies

The Longest Day and The Green Berets, Smokey and the Bandit, Top Gun: Maverick, and golden oldies Calamity Jane and Casablanca.

Karen Miller, chief executive of Broughton House, added: “We knew our residents have a love of the big-

screen cinema experience, and we were looking to provide this.

“Now, thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Mayor and the public, we have been able to make this happen far quicker than we could have done without their support.

“When the lights are down and the blinds closed, the room is entirely darkened and gives an amazing experience, with easy chairs, drinks and popcorn. It’s another fantastic addition to our facilities which further enhances the village feel of Broughton House alongside our veterans’ mess, our lovely gardens, and much more.”

Operator launches new era of flexible working in care

HC-One has announced the launch of a new initiative which will bring enhanced flexible working arrangements to the social care workforce.

The ‘Flex Force’ initiative has already been launched in many of the operator’s homes in the North East and North West of England, as well as a number in Scotland.

Now, the largest elderly residential provider in the UK plans to bring the flexible working opportunities to more communities connected to their homes across England, Scotland and Wales.

John Handley, people director at HC-One, said: “For too long, care work has been associated with rigid shift patterns while much of the rest of the world of work has adopted more flexibility and balance.

“We’re really pleased to be able to offer more flexibility for people who give so much to bring kindness and compassion to residents in our care.

“The results of HC-One’s pilot have been really encouraging in boosting staff morale across the board.

“We’ve also been able to grow our workforce, welcoming people from a more diverse range of backgrounds into a career in care.

“We are looking forward to bringing Flex Force’s combination of flexibility

and security to more of our homes across the UK, before opening up Flex Force as an option in other roles.”

Colleagues on Flex Force contracts work flexible hours across multiple homes in a given area, receiving guaranteed and consistent pay each month and have complete access to HC-One’s full induction, standard training and other standard benefits, including paid annual leave.

The pilot scheme reduced agency usage in every participating home, and boosted occupancy thanks to

the additional capacity created in the local workforce.

The scheme is open to care assistants and nurses, with plans to recruit senior care assistants in the near future, to ensure that a range of roles across the social care workforce has access to positive, practical and mutually beneficial working arrangements.

By moving away from traditional shift patterns, the new ‘Flex Force’ contracts allow colleagues to design their shift patterns around their studies, family life or other commitments.

They can choose between three contracts depending on the hours that best suit them over a 12-week period.

Individuals can select the shifts that best suit their lifestyle in this timeframe – meaning that some weeks they may choose not to work any hours, as long as they meet their agreed contracted total hours by the end of the 12-week period.

HC-One’s announcement follows a highly successful six-month trial period, which saw 103 colleagues hired on Flex Force contracts, for a combined total of 17,000 hours.

The scheme’s positive impact on staff retention and recruitment reflects the overwhelming demand

for flexible working throughout the wider British workforce, with 70 per cent of employees stating that flexible working makes a job more attractive to them.

A recent study by employment charity Working Families indicated that 55 per cent of working parents in social care would consider leaving their job if they found another which offered greater flexibility.

In addition to attracting the existing social care workforce, Flex Force also proved an effective means of accessing a new talent pool by attracting previously underrepresented demographics.

The initial pilot, which was undertaken in the North East of England, saw almost equal numbers of men and women recruited (45 per cent and 55 per cent) against the sector average of 84 per cent female care workers – suggesting that enhanced flexible working options can open up careers in care to a broader demographic, and tap into a new talent pool for the workforce. It also resulted in increased numbers of students and recent retirees joining the scheme.

HC-One plans to build on the successes of their pilot, rolling out to more of their 269 homes over the coming months.

John Handley

Emma Roberts has joined the team at New Care’s Bramhall Manor care centre in Stockport as deputy manager, working with manager Helen Hartley to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the facility. In her new role, Emma will help support and lead the home’s nurses and carers to deliver the highest standards of care through personcentred care planning, the management and administration of medication, overseeing admissions and referrals and looking after each resident’s daily care needs. Equally important for Emma is creating a sense of wellbeing in the home and helping each resident feel safe, secure, comfortable and part of a warm and friendly community. Having worked previously for New Care at the company’s Ashlands Manor care centre in Sale, and also as a district nurse, Emma has a strong background in healthcare.

Strategies for long-term staff retention in care homes ...

By Tina Stebbings

IN THE dynamic landscape of care homes, maintaining a steady and committed workforce is paramount. The revolving door of recruitment and staff turnover can be a considerable challenge.

However, with strategic approaches and tailored interventions, care homes can foster an environment that encourages staff to stay for the long haul. In this feature I offer insights and practical strategies to slow down the cycle of turnover and nurture a stable, dedicated team.

The foundation of staff retention

A nurturing work culture is the cornerstone of staff retention. Recent research, asking the main reasons for leaving a job, found that the most popular response was a toxic company culture (40 per cent).

To add to this, 63 per cent of UK businesses say that company culture has suffered as a result of high employee turnover.

They go hand in hand and can be responsible for a cyclical demise, as those that leave because of poor culture, create further cultural issues for those they leave behind.

Therefore, creating an atmosphere where employees feel valued, heard, and supported is crucial.

It starts with strong leadership and permeates through every level of the organisation. Encourage open communication, recognise achievements, and provide opportunities for professional growth. A well-supported staff is more likely to invest emotionally and professionally in the care home’s success.

Training and development programmes

One-size-fits-all training programs may not resonate with all staff members.

Customised training, aligned with individual career aspirations, creates a sense of belonging and investment in their professional journey.

Offering specialised training not only enhances skill sets but also shows that the care home values and supports personal growth.

This approach bolsters staff confidence and also aligns their career trajectories with the care home’s long-term goals.

A clear and transparent career progression plan provides staff with a sense of purpose and direction.

By outlining achievable milestones and offering guidance on how to

reach them shows the care home’s commitment to its employees’ growth but also instil confidence in their long-term prospects within the organisation.

Prioritising work-life balance

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for staff well-being and longevity in the care home sector.

Small adjustments such as implementing flexible scheduling, fair workload distribution, and regular breaks can significantly impact staff satisfaction and retention rates.

Demonstrating a genuine concern for employees’ personal lives and providing avenues for them to recharge, helps in preventing burnout and can reduce the likelihood of employees needing to take sick days or time off, which is important for offering a continuous and comprehensive level of care within a home setting.

Recognising and rewarding excellence

Recognition, awards, and even simple gestures like verbal praise go a long way in reinforcing a positive work environment.

Recognising staff contributions not only boosts morale but also cultivates a sense of pride and ownership in their role.

This, in turn, makes employees likely to stick around for the long run so they can be part of the team that helps to reach the overarching aims and feel a sense of accomplishment.

This can then be used to market your care home to other potential employees.

Sharing the stories of your staff’s experiences within your care home is so valuable and a PR agency can help

with this.

Weave these offerings into your job listings, ensuring that your roles stand out from the crowd and resonate with prospective caregivers seeking meaningful and long-term employment.

Encouraging team collaboration and feedback

Promoting teamwork and inviting staff input in decision-making processes empowers them and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.

Frontline staff often have valuable insights into the day-to-day operations and the needs of residents. Their input can lead to more effective problem-solving and the implementation of innovative solutions to challenges that arise.

Regular team meetings and communication tools that allow for feedback ensure staff feel heard and valued.

When employees see their suggestions implemented, it promotes a sense of ownership in the care home’s overall success.

In the realm of care homes, nurturing a dedicated workforce is an ongoing endeavour.

By creating a supportive culture, offering tailored training, prioritising work-life balance, and providing clear career pathways, care homes can significantly slow down the revolving door of recruitment and staff retention.

Investing in staff well-being and growth is an investment in the care home’s success and, ultimately, in the quality of care provided to residents. n Tina Stebbings is the business manager at Fulcrum Care Consulting.

Group is four times finalist in recruitment awards

MARIA Mallaband Care Group is a finalist in four categories at the In-House Recruitment Awards 2023 after its talent acquisition team transformed the company’s approach to recruiting and retaining staff.

The team are in the finals for the High-growth Hiring Strategy Award, the Recruitment Team – Large Organisation Award, the In-House Recruitment Leader Award and the Onboarding Strategy Award.

The In-House Recruitment Awards, which reward and recognise achievements across the industry, attract high calibre entrants with global brands JP Morgan Chase, Primark, Tesco and AstraZeneca among the finalists. The winners will be announced at a night of celebration on November 29.

MMCG employs more than 5,500 staff in homes across the UK, including 500+ qualified nurses, and has brought recruitment and retention entirely into the hands of an in-house specialist team over the past few years – having previously been largely the responsibility of each individual facility.

Group head of talent Laura Finlay – in the running for the In-House Recruitment Leader Award – working with chief people officer Susan Jones, has quadrupled the size of the team from six to 24 since joining the company in July 2021.

She said: “We are thrilled to have made the final in an incredible four categories – it is testament to the hard work and commitment of the whole

team, who have transformed MMCG’s approach to recruitment, to the benefit of our teams, and especially those living in our homes – they are always at the heart of everything we do.”

The team has spearheaded a game-changing new recruitment approach – a flexible working strategy

dubbed “tell us the hours you’d like to work” –which is exactly as it sounds, seeing the operator looking to accommodate the hours candidates can offer.

This industry-leading approach was rolled out across the group last September, and has opened jobs up for a far more diverse pool of talent. Since launching the campaign,more than 58 per cent of offers made have been to flexible workers.

Over the past year the provider has recruited 3,189 colleagues – a 300 per cent increase. The company has reduced the use of agency partners by 80 per cent – with greater consistency and stability in staffing having a positive impact on those living in the homes.

As well as an increase of 300 per cent plus in the number of people joining, staff turnover has reduced significantly, falling by 17 per cent from 2022 to 2023.

Chief people officer Susan Jones added: “We are so proud of what we’re achieving, which is genuinely sector-leading. Our strategy isn’t just about numbers, it’s about the quality of care to our residents, which is so dependent on the quality of the staff we recruit and retain.

“With our talent team now in place, and with the strategies we’ve implemented in the last year, we are hiring and keeping the highest quality candidates who share a passion for and a total commitment to delivering exemplary care. That is our highest goal – but to win an award in the process would be the icing on the cake.”

Tina Stebbings

Laura Finlay