Issue 166 15.11.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Tackle social care to end bed blocking THE Government must tackle the crisis in social care to end the painful rise in delayed hospital discharges, campaigners have said. Figures have shown that every day more than 13,000 people are unable to leave hospital, partly because there isn’t enough care to look after them in the community. The Independent Care Group said the need for reform to help tackle those delayed discharge figures was well overdue. Chair Mike Padgham said: “The scandal of people being trapped in hospital beds is again laid bare and it shames the country. “We’ve been here before and these figures once again make very depressing reading. “A huge reason for this is a lack of available care in the community due to the ongoing crisis in social care, which government after government have failed to tackle. “There is a dreadful social impact of people being in hospital when they don’t need to be as well as a huge financial impact of people being in costly hospital beds when they should be cared for at home or in residential or nursing care.” The information comes from the BBC’s Shared Data Unit. The ICG says extra funding is vital for social care to stem the
rising tide of provider closure and tackle the staffing crisis, both of which are reducing care provision. “Switching funding from the NHS into social care will actually save the NHS money by tackling this delayed discharge scandal,” Mike added. “We have to find a way to properly fund social care so that its staff can be properly rewarded and we can stop the tide of carers leaving the sector and tackle the severe staffing shortages. “Unless we do so, homecare provision will continue to fall and care and nursing homes will continue to close. “That shortage of care provision will continue to rise, fueling more and more delayed discharges.” n CSI Market Intelligence reports that more than 1,300 care beds have gone in the first part of 2023 – with the number of beds per 1,000 people aged 75 and over falling from 91 in 2015 to just 75 now. Some 247 homes closed during 2022 and just 123 new ones opened, giving a net loss of 124 homes. The number of care home beds stood at 488,518 at the beginning of January 2022 but by the end of the year, this had fallen to 487,485 – a loss of 1,033 care home beds.
Martin Jones MBE, Home Instead’s CEO UK & International, had a royal appointment recently when he attended his investiture with HRH The Princess Royal to collect his Member of the Order of the British Empire at Windsor Castle. Martin was made an MBE in this year’s New Year Honours for service to older people. He said: “It was a real honour to collect my award from The Princess Royal and wonderful to be able to share the day with my wife Deborah and sons Ethan and Matthew. Martin is chair of the Homecare Association, chair of The Care Workers’ Charity and a member of the Age UK Board. He is also chair of Home Instead Charities UK, part of Home Instead’s charitable endeavours.
Home marks milestone birthday CHARTWELL Manor, a Maria Mallaband Care Group home in Aylesbury, celebrated its first anniversary by hosting a birthday celebration with the local community and Mayor, Councillor Steven Lambert. The 61-bed care home went all out to celebrate the milestone with an abundance of decorations, balloons and banners, and an anniversary party. Home manager Hazel Greenway said: “Over the past year the team has watched those living with us grow and become family. “It has been amazing to see all that we have achieved in such a short space of time
and we cannot wait to see what the future holds. “The Aylesbury community has become an extension of our home, with many of them being very familiar with what we do and attending a number of events we have hosted over the past 12 months. “This community, our incredible team and the people living with us make this the great home it is.” The event saw those living in the home gather with their relatives, community members and staff to enjoy a spread made by the executive chef, live music from two local performers and entertainment.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Malcolm scrummed up for first home game of the season MALCOLM Davis, a rugby-loving resident at Care South’s Fremington Manor care home in Barnstaple, Devon, was delighted to attend Barnstaple Rugby Club for the first home game of the season to watch the Barnstaple Chiefs vs Weston. Fremington Manor has close ties with the local community and was invited to attend the game and there was no better fit than resident Malcolm to attend. Malcolm used to play rugby at school and when he lived in Kent for a local team. His sons weren’t interested in rugby, so going to watch games was not a thing the family did, but he passed his love of rugby onto his grandsons who both played before going to university. Whilst Malcolm has a passion for rugby and enjoys watching all games on the television, his main interest was the Scouts. He was part of the organisation for the duration of his life, holding the position of district commander for Devon and received a 65-year membership. Malcolm stopped delivering the sessions when he was about 65 years old but continued to organise events and raise money. He said: “What an honour it was to be invited to watch the rugby match. It bought back some fantastic memories from when I used to play. “Thank you to the club for the invite and to all the lovely staff at Fremington Manor who helped make this trip happen.”
Regulator’s praise for Dorset care home Malcolm Davis The club hosted a reception before the first home game which took place in the president’s lounge. Members of the club’s commercial committee were on hand to welcome Malcolm and staff members from Fremington Manor. The invitation gained free access to the ground and a free drink from the bar. Melanie Ryan, activities lead at Fremington Manor, added: “Thank you to the club for inviting us along to the game. “We all had a wonderful day cheering on the teams and there was a great atmosphere in the crowd. “Our job is to help support and nurture residents in our care to help them keep living fulfilled lives. It was wonderful taking Malcolm to see a rugby game after not having been to watch one in a while.”
A DORSET nursing home celebrated its official Outstanding rating from regulator the Care Quality Commission with a glittering ‘Tea at the Ritz’-style party. The successful inspection at Abbey View in Sherborne puts the Colten Care home into the top four per cent of care homes nationally. And it means that seven out of the 21 homes owned and run by the operator are Outstanding. Abbey View was assessed across four criteria – being safe, effective, responsive and well led – during an intensive three-day unannounced inspection in June. A 19-page report highlights ‘exceptional and distinctive’ service leadership and staff with ‘outstanding skills’ and ‘an excellent understanding of people’s individual needs’. Inspectors wrote: “We saw a team co-operating with each other and working together to provide people with support. “People had been provided with outstanding care and support leading to an outstanding quality of life.” The CQC team praised many aspects of life at ‘comfortable and homely’ Abbey View, from the care team’s approach to call bell handling and falls prevention to the opportunities afforded to residents to be active and maintain community links. “There are a wide range of opportunities for people to get involved in activities that suit their
individual wishes,” the report reads. Residents, families, friends and team members celebrated the report with an afternoon Tea at the Ritzthemed party. Guests wore bowler hats with golden headbands or feathers, enjoying glasses of fizz and tasty treats such as sponge cakes, scones, strawberry pana cotta and finger sandwiches. They were entertained by pianist Kevin Pritchard, a member of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, who performed a series of light classical pieces. In her welcome speech to guests, home manager Elena Barna spoke of her team’s “immense pride and joy” at the Outstanding rating. “It is testament to a great deal of work and the tireless pursuit of excellence,” she said. “We put everything into the care of our residents and respond to their wishes. “It’s not just about physical improvements but their overall quality of life. “We take pride in what we offer but with this CQC recognition comes the responsibility to continue to improve and make the home even better.” Elena added: “Although it’s a rating for the home, we couldn’t deliver the care we do without the great support we receive from the wider Colten Care operations team. “We really appreciate their expertise, support and guidance. “We are driven to excel every day, with staff who go above and beyond.”
Home shines at Kent Awards STAFF and residents at a Dymchurch care home were in a celebratory mood after two of its team scooped accolades at a care awards. The Old Rectory, a branch of ACI Care that specialises in residential, respite and dementia care, is celebrating the success of Kelly Parker and Dalia Neves, who won ‘Registered Manager’ and ‘Dementia Champion’ respectively, at the Kent Care Awards. Kelly said: “I’m delighted to have won an award but it’s also a testament to the incredible team I have the privilege to lead and the wonderful residents we care for. I’m grateful to those that have supported me and we will continue to work as a team to
provide excellent standards of care.” More than 20 awards were presented at the ceremony at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, which also saw The Old Rectory’s sister home, Fairways Residential, in New Romney, receive finalist awards in multiple categories. These included: n Residential Registered Manager (OPPD) – Alison Yarnley. n Workforce Development Award – Leah Hirst. n Residential Champion (OPPD) – Georgia Hollis. n Innovation Award – Michelle Millard. n Care Team (OPPD) – Fairways Residential Home.
Romford Grange has achieved a ‘Good’ rating in all five categories in its latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission. This recognition from the care industry regulator highlights the compassion and commitment of the team at the Romford home where care is provided in a safe and well-managed environment for residents. Home manager Sue Aryan said: “The care at Romford Grange is second to none. We work as a team to make sure we are providing good, person-centred care and feel like one big, happy family. We are delighted that this has been recognised by the CQC inspection team.”
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Caring for Your Loved Ones and Home through the Power of Natural Enzyme Cleaners Caring for a loved one at home is a deeply compassionate and rewarding undertaking, but it comes with its own set of challenges. As individuals step into the role of caregiver, they are confronted with the physical and emotional demands of assisting their loved ones with daily activities. Among the most trying tasks is continually managing bodily fluids such as urine, faeces, and vomit. These daily clean up challenges can be made easier by embracing natural enzyme cleaners over the continual use of chemical-laden alternatives. Here we delve into the difficulties caregivers face and explore WHY natural enzyme cleaners offer an effective, safer, and more dignified solution for you, your family and your home. Urine, faeces and vomit are inextricably linked to various medical conditions and age-related ailments. While managing these situations is part of a caregivers daily role, it’s important to consider the impact on the overall well-being and dignity of both the caregiver and the person receiving care. In a quest for cleanliness, caregivers are presented with a limited choice of effective solutions that can handle sometimes excessive and continual cleanups, generally turning to traditional chemical-based cleaning products or commercial strength solutions. Aroma Care Solution’s have over 40 years experience in the commercial cleaning market. Through personal experience, they identified a need for a natural but effective solution to this problem in the home. Enzymes have been used in commercial cleaning for years so harnessing the science of nature and their commercial cleaning secrets, the team developed the Bio one™ range, bringing 100% natural enzyme cleaning to the home, significantly enhancing the caregiving experience and ensuring a healthier living environment for all. Lasting and stubborn odour occurs when bad bacteria builds up on carbon based residue from urine, faeces, vomit, milk etc. Odours build and remain when the source of the problem isn’t properly removed, especially when the source of the problem is on soft surfaces such as carpets, beds or sofas. Enzymes are naturally occurring in nature and act as catalysts to speed up and assist the breakdown of the organic proteins found in these bodily fluids. As these enzymes come into contact with the organic residue, they initiate the process of enzymatic digestion, effectively breaking down and eliminating completely these complex substances. This natural process not only eliminates odours and stains but also as it is 100% natural and diluted with normal tap water, it can be used all around the home contributing to a safer and more ecofriendly home environment.
For both the caregiver and the person receiving care, maintaining mental well-being and preserving dignity is paramount. The lingering odours caused by bodily fluids can create discomfort and embarrassment, contributing to feelings of shame and isolation. Natural enzyme cleaners excel in neutralising odours at their source, which can improve the emotional atmosphere in the home. This small change can have a profound impact on the mental health and dignity of both the caregiver and the person being cared for. At Aroma Care Solutions we have been using the power of natural enzymes within commercial cleaning for decades and are proud to now bring Bio one™ to your home. Bio one™ is 100% natural, chemical and toxin free, Endocrine Disruptors free, PH neutral, Vegan registered, not tested on animals, and safe to use around pets and children and proud to be Made in Britain, and can be used all around your home on both hard and soft surfaces. Our products are designed simply – we apply the same science that nature does. Using enzymes to eliminate the odour at the source rather than masking it. The benefits of using the Aroma Care Solutions Bio one™ range extend beyond its enzymatic cleaning capabilities. One notable advantage is the elimination of harsh chemicals from the cleaning process. Traditional cleaning products often contain artificial fragrances and toxic ingredients that can be harmful to both the caregiver and the person receiving care, Bio one™ is 100% natural with beautiful natural fragrances of Pink Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Lemon and Neroli. Plus chemical cleaning products contain Endocrine Disruptors which are chemicals that can interfere with our hormonal system, potentially leading to a range of health issues. These disruptors are found in various everyday products, including conventional cleaning agents. They can mimic or block hormones, affecting the body’s natural functions and leading to imbalances. By opting for Endocrine Disruptors free cleaning products, you proactively protect your health and reduce the risks associated with exposure to these harmful substances. Bio one™ utilises the power of nature without compromising on efficacy. The absence of harsh chemicals, toxins and Endocrine Disruptors, not only protects sensitive skin and respiratory health but also aligns with eco-conscious choices, making it a safer and more sustainable option. Plus Bio one™ comes in a concentrated formula, meaning one bottles makes multiple bottles of cleaning solution. Just add water to wake up the happy enzymes! And our bundles come with
a free mix and spray bottle and XL professional microfibre cloth and free delivery. Bio one™ encapsulates the essence of effective, eco-friendly, and compassionate caregiving. With its enzymatic action, gentle approach, and commitment to sensory well-being, this product exemplifies the benefits of natural enzyme cleaners in addressing the challenges of daily bodily fluid cleanup. As caregivers strive to create a supportive and dignified environment, embracing products like Bio one™ can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling caregiving experience. As well as the Bio one™ range, Aroma Care Solutions have two additional ranges: Aroma Solutions - professional grade cleaning products and Aroma Cares which is a range of hand barrier and nose barrier creams specifically designed for the care industry. Aroma Care Solutions are proud to have recently been awarded the Most Effective Odour Eliminator and Product Cleaning Company 2023 in the SME News UK Enterprise Awards ‘’I bought Bio one™ as my husband has a certain condition and I know his strong urine is making the bathroom smell awful. I’ve used Bio one twice. Scrubbed the floor then wiped it and it’s only day two, but the difference is amazing. I’ll certainly keep using the product and order more.’’ Verified buyer - review.io
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CARINGWEEKLY
Memories flood back as residents visit seaside A RISING tide of memories came flooding back to elderly care home residents from Hartlepool when they took a stroll along the sandy shores of Seaton Carew. The sound of waves lapping at their feet and the feel of sea air on their faces had Ada “Molly” Grey, 95, Iris Harker, 96, and Bernard “Bernie” Bell, 86, reminiscing about their childhoods. The residents, from Queens Meadow, recalled paddling in the shallows and collecting sea coal during their younger years. Iris said: “I remember coming down to the sands to collect coal for my Mam so that she could put it on the fire at home. The sea coal was free you see.” The residents were taken to the coast for the day by staff after they discovered charity Beach Access North East. Activities coordinator Shauna Whelan was talking to residents about the headland, reminiscing about seaside trips in their younger years, when the group said they would like
to visit the coast. Shauna did some research on wheelchair accessible beaches and discovered the all-terrain wheelchairs at Seaton Carew – which have oversized wheels to enable them to roll across the sand without getting stuck. After a stroll alongside the shoreline, the group returned to the promenade for coffee and scones in the sunshine. Shauna said: “Bernie was talking about paddling in the sea when he was younger. The beach wheelchairs gave us the opportunity to take residents right into the water if they wanted to. “Thank you to Beach Access North East for hiring the sand friendly wheelchairs. It was amazing experience for the residents to be able to see our amazing coast again. “Even though the weather was misty, it was still an overwhelming, perfect day. Iris, Molly and Bernie told everyone about the great time they had so we’re busy planning our next outing to the seaside with a different group of residents.”
Operator wins Platinum PawPrints accolade ANCHOR has received a platinum award in the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards for continuing to support petowning residents, becoming the first national housing provider to do so. The not-for-profit provider received the recognition having secured a Gold award every year for five years in a row. The RSPCA’s PawPrints awards celebrate the work of various organisations in safeguarding animal welfare. Sarah Jones, Anchor’s chief executive, said: “I’m delighted that Anchor has won a platinum PawPrints award from the RSPCA. This is a great honour and recognises our ongoing commitment and dedication to supporting pet ownership at our locations. “Domestic pets can provide fantastic companionship, comfort and love and we pride ourselves on creating homes where people can continue to love living in later life and supporting pet ownership is a big part of that.” Anchor encourages residents who want a pet or already own pets to bring them to their properties and created their compassionate Pet Policy in partnership with Anchor residents, to ensure their
Residents of Anchor’s Weavers Lodge, Judith Potts, Jill Bowles and Lynn Flynn with her dog Molly. accommodation is suitable and the needs of domestic pets living at Anchor properties are being met. Animals are a celebrated part of life at Anchor. More than half of the group’s properties have pets living there and Anchor organises many pet-based activities including a yearly “Pawsome Pet” award to celebrate all creatures great and small living at its properties. This pet friendly approach is why the RSPCA has consistently awarded Anchor Gold which has led to platinum status.
A resident living at an Epping care home, who celebrated her 103rd birthday, says ‘love’ is the key to living a long and happy life. Dorothy Juniper celebrated her big birthday with an afternoon tea party at Weald Hall, where she has resided since June. Despite being a quiet lady who very much enjoys her own company, Dorothy was “very excited” to have 16 members of her family, who travelled far and wide, to be with her on her special day. The 103-year old celebrated her milestone birthday in style, with a buffet tea party and opening cards and presents from loved ones. Despite not being able to walk, Dorothy is easily entertained at Weald Hall. She loves a good natter with the care team and looks forward to her children visiting her. A Hull care home resident has marked her milestone birthday in style. Daisy Battle, who lives at The Hollies in Hessle, turned 100 recently. To mark the occasion staff organised and hosted a party with around 40 of Daisy’s family members in attendance. Daisy grew up in Skirlaugh near Hull and has lived through some of the world’s most significant events. The eldest of four siblings, Daisy’s early years were spent in Hull, where she developed a passion for dressmaking. This passion turned into a lifelong career as she worked for the renowned Edwin Davis Company, a local department store that traded until approximately 1978. Daisy married her husband Ted in 1942 and has two daughters, Sandra and Kate, four grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and seven great, great grandchildren.
A care home in Brentwood has united with Bobby Moore’s former primary school to surprise a former pupil with a special visit on his 85th birthday. Brian Ellmore, a resident at Ardtully Care Home, enjoyed a magical day at Ripple Primary school, a school which he attended in the early 1940s. The 85-year-old went to school at the same time as Bobby Moore and has a signed photo of him in his room at Ardtully. Brian has been a lifelong West Ham United fan, attending the games regularly in the 70s and 80s, so the school organised a West Ham birthday cake decorated with personal messages and candles. Brian was then handed a birthday card from Bobby Moore’s daughter, Roberta Moore, and will later receive a West Ham shirt with ‘Brian 85’ written on the back.
A 104-year-old Cheltenham care home resident has revealed the secret to living a long and happy life. Kathleen Hemmings, who lives at Care UK’s Sandfields facility, celebrated her 104th birthday with her family, residents, and team members. Reflecting on her many happy years, Kathleen revealed the secret to living a long life: “Drink Guinness and don’t marry.” To help make Kathleen’s birthday one to remember, the team threw her a special party complete with a delicious birthday cake specially made by the home’s talented head chef, and not to forget – plenty of Guinness. She said: “I had a wonderful day – it was fantastic having all my friends and relatives here for my party and to help me celebrate.”
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CARINGWEEKLY
Building work underway to reopen care home BUILDING works are nearing completion on the former Gateway Care Home site in Bradford, following approved plans for a new care facility creating more than 100 jobs within the local area. Opening in phases, Cherrybrook Care Home will provide specialist care for adults living with dementia and complex mental and physical health conditions, with its first 16 beds open in the near future and full occupancy available by the end of this year. Commissioning operations manager Martin Deakin said: “Although it has been hard work getting Cherrybrook ready we are thrilled to be reopening the site. “Serving the local community as soon as possible is our priority, but we will not compromise our standards. “It is important to all at Cherrybrook that this building truly becomes a home. One that is comfortable and safe while being a fulfilling place for our residents to live. “The next step for us – recruitment and staff training – where we begin to share our care philosophy of forging meaningful connections with residents to support them through the challenges of living with such complex conditions. We couldn’t be more excited to open our doors.” The home is currently undergoing a full refurbishment comprising structural maintenance, external works and internal renovation,
The Colten Care minibus party arrives at Swanage for their beach clean. Martin Deakin including re-carpeting, updated layouts and decorating throughout. Reviving an important site and care provision, Cherrybrook Care Home will feature 120 ensuite bedrooms, spacious lounges and dining areas, a hair-dressing salon and landscaped gardens. The home will also run a thoughtful and robust activities programme for residents, as well as providing dedicated activity rooms and recreational facilities including pool tables. Founded on a person-centred approach to care, Cherrybrook Care Home champions the latest dementia research taking inspiration from the city’s academic excellence forged by the late Bradford University professor, Thomas Kitwood.
Residents do their bit to keep beach clean ENVIRONMENTALLY conscious residents from a dementia care home have done their bit to keep a stretch of the Dorset coastline clean and safe. Four residents, accompanied by three team members, travelled from Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth to carry out a beach clean along the seafront in Swanage. Holding litter-pickers, they enthusiastically removed pieces of discarded plastic, cigarette ends and other items of rubbish. The party made the 50-mile round trip in a minibus to support the Great British Beach Clean Week, an initiative of the Marine Conservation Society. While enjoying the fun of a morning out at the seaside before the onset of winter, residents had earlier told staff they were keen to be involved in a beach clean. With the residents on the trip were companionship team members Miezy Reynolds and Evie P. Thorburn and minibus driver Karen Sears Dawson. Miezy said: “This was a great
opportunity to have fun at the seaside while involving our residents in awareness about beach pollution and the importance of keeping our environment clean. “As it turned out, we were pleasantly surprised to find Swanage was relatively clean and friendly and there wasn’t a large amount of rubbish lying around. “We did pick up cigarette ends and plastic but we were joking that we should perhaps have chosen somewhere else less relaxing and more in need of a clean. “To reward our residents for their morning’s efforts, we all enjoyed a lovely lunch at a seaside restaurant basking in the warm sun and the sound of waves. “As we sat there, residents couldn’t help but feel proud of their contribution to the pristine beauty of the beach.” The Great British Beach Clean Week is an annual initiative dedicated to preserving our coastlines and protecting wildlife.
Lizzie treks for charity THE deputy manager of Burscough Manor Care Home trekked 26 miles to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. Lizzie Brighouse raised more than £1,800 for the charity after completing the hike in Derbyshire in just under 13 hours. Trek26 Peak District is an annual 26-mile hike with a route that takes in the famous historical village of Eyan before heading south and past Chatsworth House. She said: “I’ve worked in the care sector since I was 17 and working with residents with dementia each day inspired me to help make a difference and to do this big walk to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. “It was a brilliant day with a great
atmosphere and I did the walk with my sister-in-law Lizzie Gallagher and two other friends. “We were expecting it to be a flat route so we were a little surprised when we climbed up Curbar Edge, which was pretty steep, but it was good fun. “It was great to chat to the residents about the walk afterwards and to show them pictures from the day. I was asked quite a few times if I had sore feet. A number of residents and their families sponsored me which was lovely. “I’m definitely going to do it again next year and I’m planning to get my husband William to come along too.” Organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, 879 walkers took part this year and raised more than £471,000.
Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Connaught Court in Fulford, York have enjoyed a visit from Sandstorm and Sunny. The residents were delighted to meet the affectionate animals, who were happy to be petted and stroked. Anna and Chris Ramsey from Butterwick Alpaca Retreat, based in Malton, led the alpacas around and introduced them to the residents. Fran Tagg, one of the activities coordinators at Connaught Court, said: “The alpacas brought joy to our residents, which is fantastic for their mental health and wellbeing. Also, they were able to get very close and feel the alpacas’ breath and touch their shaggy hair, and this was a particularly joyful experience for residents with visual problems. Everyone who met the animals, both residents and staff, fell in love with them.” Resident Marie Thackray is pictured greeting and feeding the alpaca.
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