‘We can help to create a social care golden age’
SOCIAL care providers are offering to help the Government create a new ‘golden age’ for older, vulnerable and disabled adults.
They say the industry has a wealth of experience, ideas and advice that the Government should draw upon to create a new beginning for social care.
Mike Padgham, chair of the care provider organisation, The Independent Care Group, says people are asking ‘what next?’ for the sector.
“The answer has to lie with the knowledge and expertise that is available in social care,” said Mike. “We would urge the Government to quickly work with the sector to find some quick-win solutions that will ease the crisis the sector is going through.”
He said the sector was currently in a vacuum, after the Government went back on a pre-election promise to introduce an £86,000 cap on social care costs, designed to prevent people from having to sell their home to pay for care. It also cut some social care training support.
The ICG says it isn’t too late to reverse those decisions and kickstart long overdue reform.
Mikeadded: “To go back on that pre-election promise for social care, so soon after the election, was a disappointment and has damaged the fragile confidence the sector had in the new administration.
“It is early days, and we have to give the Government the benefit of the doubt, but we do need to see
some positive steps to reassure the social care sector that it hasn’t been abandoned already.”
He said the most urgent priority was to address the pay of social care staff to address staff shortages that were harming the delivery of care and creating social care deserts.
“However it is done, we must switch funding into social care delivery to get better pay rewards and recognition for the staff or we won’t be able to meet current demand for care, let alone the huge rise in demand that is coming,”
Mike added.
“The Government has promised a workforce strategy for social care and we need to see that arrive quickly.
“Social care looks after well over a million people and demand for that care is rising.
“It is estimated that 1.6m people can’t get the care they need.
“The sector employs 1.6m people and contributes £55.7bn to the economy.
“Some 80 per cent of us will need care in our lifetimes and yet the sector is short of 131,000 staff. By 2040 we will need to recruit an extra 540,000 people.
“We have it in our power to reform and reshape social care to meet that demand, get care to those who need it and create a properly-paid workforce.
“We have it in our power to enjoy a golden age for social care, but we need the new Labour Government to see that and work with us to create it.”
Time is running out for entries
OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards in partnership with Virgin Money.
Nominations for this year’s event are now open at www.caringukawards.
co.uk
The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry.
And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business.
These include everything from Quality in Housekeeping and Catering Team of the Year to Best Outdoor Environment and End of Life Team of the Year.
Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “We are really excited to be introducing the seventh Caring UK
Awards – nominations are coming in and our events team is already busy ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever.
“Obviously, our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful care sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.”
A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert industry panel.
Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 5 presented by television personality Emma Jesson. Closing date for nominations is September 2nd.
Provider is named third in rankings
SHAW healthcare, which employs more than 3,000 people and manages more than 2,100 care beds across the UK, has been named the third largest employee-owned company in the UK, in a report published to mark the 10th anniversary of the introduction of a business model known as the Employee Ownership Trust .
It has been more than four years since Cardiff-headquartered Shaw made the move to become employeeowned, and the firm has previously been recognised as the largest employee-owned care provider in the UK.
CEO Russell Brown said: “We’re extremely proud that it’s our employees who enable Shaw to maintain an excellent level of care.
“We want them to feel valued and to prove this we have heavily invested in staff training and development, salaries and benefits packages.
“The company’s success is down to our employees and we share our profits to thank each and every one of them.
“Since moving to employee ownership, Shaw has paid out in the region of £5m of profits to its hardworking and committed employees in the form of tax-free EOT bonuses.
“We are also an accredited Real Living Wage employer, something we
feel is crucial to fairly reward our staff and to make Shaw an employer of choice.”
The Employee Ownership Trust Top 50 was recently compiled by employee ownership specialist RM2 to celebrate more than 1,000 companies that have used the EOT model to become employee owned.
RM2’s Sarah Anderson added: “We’ve looked at the data for several years now, but this year the focus is on EOTs, as we approach the 10-year anniversary of their introduction.
“It’s particularly gratifying to see sectors such as healthcare and cleaning services, which traditionally offer lower levels of pay, adopting this all-employee ownership model.”
Home hosts graduation
YOUNG and old have come together for a graduation celebration in Lymm, Warrington.
Well known for its outside space, Statham Manor Care Centre was approached by Back to the Garden Childcare, the day nursery located next door, to host its annual ceremony.
The event marks the end of the nursery journey and the transition to life at school. It is an opportunity to recognise the early years achievements of the children, celebrate their growth in confidence and resilience and communicate that they are ready to take on the next chapter in their lives.
Being so close to Statham Manor and having enjoyed a lot of time in the company of the residents during their time at nursery, it was only natural to include the care home in the
Pat’s wish sets trio on trip down memory lane
A DEMENTIA care home resident expressed a wish that prompted a trip down memory lane for a trio of motoring enthusiasts.
Former classic car owner Pat Bull told carers at Colten Care’s The Aldbury in Poole that she would love to reminisce about her driving days with a trip to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.
In response, they organised a special day out for her and fellow residents Merv Hannam, an ex-speedway rider and car dealer, and Barrie Newman, who used to fit motorhomes for the Bluebird caravan company and also owned a BSA bike.
Accompanied by companionship team members Pauline Gauden and Melissa Siat, the visitors were welcomed by museum staff and given a tour taking in various cars, motorbikes and other exhibits.
Pat’s daughter Joanne explained that her mum and dad used to own an Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite and an MG MGB GT.
Joanne said: “They used to go on touring holidays in Europe and take part in ‘trialling’ in the MG. They would set off late at night to race across muddy tracks and hills. To get up the hills, mum used to have to bounce up and down in the seat to get some traction. They would get home in the morning covered in mud. She loved it.
“Dad restored pre-war and 1950s and 60s MGs for a living so we always had interesting cars at home. He was
the chairman of the local area MG car club and mum used to organise some great events. It was very much part of their lives for many years.”
One of the vehicles Pat took a close look at in the museum was a 1972 MG British Racing Green.
She purchased a raffle ticket to win it, saying: “Aww, wouldn’t it be lovely to win this car?”
Merv’s is a name synonymous with the south coast motor trade, with his family-run dealership occupying a prime position in Wallisdown, Bournemouth, for over 60 years.
In his motorsport career, he won many trophies as a speedway rider representing the Poole Pirates, the Eastbourne Eagles and the Wembley Lions in London.
Companion Pauline said: “Merv was excited to see all the memorabilia of the speedway motorbikes and proud to be standing in front of the Wall of Fame of motorcycling icons.
“One host at the museum came up to say hello to Merv and said, ‘I didn’t expect to meet any celebrities today’.
“With his time at Bluebirds, Barrie was especially interested to see the Royal Caravan presented to Prince Charles and Princess Anne by the Caravan Club in 1955.
“All the staff at Beaulieu were very friendly and accommodating and, as a result, our three motor enthusiasts enjoyed a fantastic day out.
“Judging by their comments, the motorbikes, especially the speedway bikes, were a definite highlight.”
celebration and hold the ceremony in the home’s outdoor space.
Manager Farai Hanyane, said: “We were more than happy to host the graduation ceremony for Back to the Garden. We enjoy a wonderful relationship with these children and our residents have formed close bonds with them over the last few years. We are excited to see them graduate and head off to school.”
Watched by their parents and Statham Manor residents, the children walked down an aisle in the garden to collect a personalised scroll, certificate of graduation, graduation cap, story book and bag of seeds.
Key workers and the early years teachers from the nursery gave individual speeches reflecting on each child’s journey and there was a small gathering with celebratory cupcakes, snacks and drinks.
Enhancing oral health care in the elderly – best practices for care homes
By Alexandra Kelly
ORAL health in the elderly is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being in care homes.
Neglecting oral hygiene in the elderly can have significant adverse effects on their health and quality of life.
Recognising early signs and the importance of maintaining oral hygiene among residents can mitigate the risk of a serious condition developing.
According to the British Dental Association, around 5.4 million people have given up trying to get an appointment in the past two years and another 5.6 million attempted but failed to see a dentist.
This situation presents a real problem. However, as an oral care champion at Silverpoint Court, I managed to find a dentist willing to serve our care home and all of its residents. Though it took some time, it has undoubtedly been worthwhile. Using my experience, I can recommend several best practices to be implemented to address common oral issues, particularly for those homes who may not benefit from a supportive dentist, including how to identify signs of poor oral health and improve overall dental well-being among residents.
Training and communication
One of the best habits to get into for promoting good oral health in care homes is to learn from others in the sector, share best practices, and repeat and reinforce the guidance. We like to share information across
all 13 homes within the Nellsar group, and this is a great way to learn from one another, and support each other in a journey towards a common goal.
Providing oral care education to new team members and distributing informative materials can enhance team member knowledge and commitment too.
External communication is also important. Establishing a good relationship with local dental services can help overcome challenges such as lengthy waiting times and limited availability of community dentists. This also sets the home in good stead and provides evidence for local authority or CQC inspections. Keeping in constant contact with relatives can also help understand an individual’s preferences.
Key signs of poor oral health Conducting regular oral health
Vintage wheels roll into care home for car show
A CARE home near Durham revved up the excitement by hosting a classic car show featuring vehicles from bygone eras.
Paddock Stile Manor in Houghtonle-Spring showcased 15 vintage cars, welcoming the residents, friends, families and the local community to enjoy the display.
Home manager Julie Thompson said: “It was a fun afternoon with everyone here thoroughly enjoying seeing these beautifully kept cars,
assessments is essential to identify residents who require additional assistance with their dental care. Identifying symptoms early allows for timely intervention and prevents more severe health issues from developing.
These signs can include persistent bad breath, swollen, red, or bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, difficulty in chewing or swallowing and changes in eating habits, or white patches and sores in the mouth.
The regular checks should also include the monitoring of toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and other oral care products, to ensure they have sufficient supplies or whether they need replacing.
Impact of poor oral hygiene
Neglecting oral hygiene in the elderly can have significant adverse effects on their overall health and quality of life.
Poor oral health can lead to an increased risk of infections, nutritional deficiencies due to difficulty in eating and exacerbation of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, to name a few.
Emphasising the importance of daily oral care routines and educating residents and team members about the consequences of neglecting oral hygiene is crucial in mitigating these risks.
Implementing a person-centred approach
Writing and updating individualised care plans and risk assessments for all residents is a fundamental aspect of a person-centred approach. These plans should reflect each resident’s preferences and requirements,
ensuring that their oral care routines are included within this and tailored to their specific needs.
Campaign for change
There remains a significant issue with the availability of dental care as a whole, which can be even more pronounced in care homes or for individuals who cannot organise appointments, travel arrangements, or clearly communicate their needs. As carers, we can step up to help by creating more Oral Care Champion roles, who can take the lead in promoting good oral health within the home.
Since being an advocate of oral health with a proactive approach, I was approached by the NHS for advice and assistance in setting up a new scheme for all care homes. They have now enrolled 33 dentists across Essex who are willing to assist in social care settings.
Expanding this scheme to other counties would be highly beneficial, so it’s important to shout about all positive initiatives that are happening within a home, as it can help to encourage community and business involvement, creating an integrated system that produces mutually beneficial relationships.
n Alexandra Kelly is a care assistant and oral health champion at Silverpoint Court (part of Nellsar Care Homes) helping to provide direct care and support to residents, including assisting with personal hygiene, medication administration, meal times and emotional support, ensuring the well-being and quality of life for those under their care.
Trip brings tide of fond memories for
resident
which brought back many happy memories for our people, of cars they owned or saw on the streets when they were young.”
Some of the highlights of the show were a 1962 Ford Cortina Mark 1, 1972 Ford Granada 2.8, 1959 Austin Morris Mini City 1330, 1967 Ford Escort 1.6 Sport, 1938 Morris 8 Tourer and 1962 AC Cobra. On top of that there was a collection of modified modern cars such as a Nissan GTR, Mazda MX5, BMW 3-series E36 and many more.
A RISING tide of fond seaside memories washed over 87-year-old Gladys Boulderstone during a heartwarming trip to Cleethorpes.
The resident of Holmewood Care Home in Chesterfield was among several who made the much anticipated journey to the coastal town.
The group, which included Audrey Allfree, 82, Wendy Sykes, 82, Violet Turner, 92, and Anita Renders, 66, enjoyed the sea air, seeing the donkeys on the beach, a visit to the arcade, and fish and chips on Cleethorpes pier.
For Gladys, the trip was more than just a day out, but a poignant reminder of her happiest memories. She married her husband Tom in Scarborough and often took their children to Blackpool to watch the lights.
Prior to the trip, she had told carers at Holmewood Care Home she wished to visit the seaside again one day.
Home manager Cathy Shaw said: “We were delighted to be able to fulfil Gladys’ wish to visit the seaside again, as well as the wishes of all those who wanted to take part in the trip.
“We believe in the powerful therapeutic effects of reminiscence and the importance of creating opportunities for our residents to revisit their cherished memories.
“It is important to make our residents’ later years as rich and enjoyable as possible and this trip brought a lot of joy to Gladys and the other ladies. Everyone is already looking forward to the next.”
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Care home is praised by Care Inspectorate
MILTON Grange care home in Carluke has been praised by the Care Inspectorate for the quality of its care provision.
The service has been rated as ‘Good’ in all areas by the independent regulator.
Home manager Alice Karran said: “I am proud of the whole team at Milton Grange. To receive such a positive report is a great achievement and one which comes with a lot of commitment from everyone.”
Following the unannounced inspection the report noted that ‘staff were respectful and responsive to people’s changing needs’, ‘we observed there to be genuine warm and nurturing relationships developed with people supported and staff’ and ‘relatives were made to feel welcomed when they visited the home and shared communications were good.’
Many positive comments were made to the inspector by people supported including ‘It’s a wonderful place to stay’, ‘I like some of the activities on offer and choose what to join’, ‘staff look after us well’ and ‘the food served is good and there is always a choice.’
Relatives were also complimentary about the home – ‘I could not ask for better care’, ‘we see familiar staff when we visit’ and ‘I can’t fault the service.’
The staff were also praised by the residents and families with comments including ‘I get along great with the staff’, the staff are brilliant’ and ‘staff are excellent, can’t fault the care and support my relative receives.’
The inspector also noted that ‘people benefitted from a comfortable, warm and homely environment, where people were able to sit and chat to each other’, and ‘they were able to persuade their bedrooms with items of furniture, photographs and ornaments, to make them their own space.’
Steve Massey, operations manager at Popular Care, which operates Milton Grange, said: “This report is testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team at Milton Grange.
“Providing the best quality of care and support is at the heart of everything we do and it is obvious that Milton Grange is achieving this and enabling residents to live as independent and fulfilling lives as possible.”
Operator’s chef of the year crowned
A CHEF at a West Byfleet care home has won Anchor’s Chef of the Year competition following a final showdown at Leeds Community College.
Lewis Cutler, a chef manager at West Hall, went up against chefs from all 120 care homes run by Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit care and housing provider.
He said: “Winning the Chef of the Year competition means a lot to me. Lots of hard work and thought went into my menu, and it’s been both a high pressure and enjoyable experience being involved in the competition. I’m very proud of challenging myself and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.”
Entrants submitted a three-course recipe – starter, main course, and dessert.
The judges looked at the nutritional value of the meals, use of sustainable/ home grown/ local ingredients, food waste and how residents were involved in choosing the menu.
The four finalists then came together to cook their recipes in a competition at Leeds Community College.
Among the judges were Anchor’s managing director of care services Rob Martin, director of care quality Cath Holmes, and managing director of Efoods Steve McFall.
Rob added: “Congratulations to Lewis, this year’s competition was fierce, the finalists focused
on sustainability with particular attention to locally sourced fresh foods and minimising food waste, and all four finalists – Lewis, Mel, James, and Michael – did themselves proud.
“Chef of the Year for me is one of the most important moments in the year that showcases not only the quality of our chefs, but also the absolute talent we have across Anchor as a whole.”
For his menu, Lewis served up a starter dish of crispy hash brown, topped with roasted garlic mayo, parmesan and crispy onions, a main course of slow roasted pork belly, fondant potato, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, apple puree and jus and a dessert of spiced caramelised pear sponge pudding with crème anglaise.
Free day care taster sessions
A HIGH Wycombe care home is offering a free day care session this summer and autumn.
The taster session is available from Royal Star & Garter to veterans and their partners, and includes spaces for people living with early-stage dementia.
The offer runs until October 31, with one free session per person available.
The day care service supports veterans and partners of veterans who live with disability or dementia but are not in need of full-time residential care.
Furthermore, it offers respite to their carers, who are often older people themselves.
Home manager Reggie Ballos said: ”We know our day care is a popular service, and family members tell us about the positive impact it has on
them too. We’d love for more people to benefit from day care, and hope they take advantage of the free taster session.”
People using the service will be kept busy, joining permanent residents in activities including quizzes, outings, entertainment, art therapy, and movement to music.
Emphasis will be placed on rekindling memories and creating connections, including making new friends over meals.
Day care runs at the High Wycombe Home from 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Those attending should arrange their own transport to and from the Home. Booking in advance is required and places are subject to availability. There is no obligation to continue using the service later.
Residents party with Mayor as care home celebrates 30th anniversary
A DORSET care home has continued a summer of 30th anniversary celebrations with a cocktail party and auction in aid of its local foodbank.
Colten Care’s coastal-themed Avon Reach in Mudeford welcomed around 80 guests for an evening of fun in its lounge and ‘Captain’s Table’ restaurant.
They included residents, families, staff, neighbours and members of Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, All Saints Church and the local Rotary Club.
An auction of items donated by residents, community friends and businesses raised nearly £900 on the night for the home’s chosen charity, Christchurch Food Bank+.
Guest of honour was the Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Paul Hilliard. While wearing his formal gold chain of office, he showed he was happy to share in the party mood by also sporting a bright blue and white Hawaiian shirt.
He said: “Over the past 30 years Avon Reach has become fully part of the community. It is more than just a nursing home, it does a great deal of outreach, making life enjoyable for so many people. It is so engaged with the community.”
The drinks choice at the party featured a signature gin-based cocktail for the home called Avon Breeze specially created by residents at an earlier tasting afternoon.
Team members thanked Tim Lloyd,
managing director of the nearby Captains Club Hotel and Spa, and expert mixologist Matthew Cooper, for their input to producing the drink and attending the evening.
As party guests chatted together and sampled canapés homemade by Avon Reach chefs, they were serenaded by Ringwood-based guitarist Julian Ward who performed a series of Spanish and classical pieces.
All present joined in when it came
Operator continues to grow its portfolio with acquisition
HOUSING 21 has extended its property portfolio following the acquisition of 42 extra care properties in Worcestershire.
Ownership of Dorothy Terry House in Redditch recently transferred from Rooftop Housing Association to the not-for-profit provider of extra care and retirement living for older people of modest means.
It is the first acquisition that Housing 21 has completed in 2024, having successfully transferred more than 900 properties from other providers in 2023.
Director of acquisitions, sales and partnerships Steph Ramsden said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome our new residents at Dorothy Terry House to Housing 21.
“Our new residents can be reassured they are moving to a specialist provider of extra care and retirement living properties who is entirely focused on meeting the needs of older people.
“What makes this even more special, is that the acquisition has happened just in time for residents to join us in a summer of celebrations as we honour Housing 21’s 60th anniversary as a housing association.”
Existing residents from Dorothy Terry House have been welcomed to Housing 21 as part of the sale.
The on-site care team, who are employed by a third party, remain unaffected and will continue to
provide the same care to residents. Acquisitions form a key part of Housing 21’s ambitions for growth, alongside new developments.
By working with housing associations who are trying to manage older people’s housing alongside general needs housing, Housing 21 is able to offer a mutually beneficial solution ensuring older people receive the safe, quality and affordable homes they deserve.
Boris Worrall, Rooftop’s group chief executive, added: “We are pleased that following consultation with residents, the ownership of this scheme will transfer to a housing association with a long and successful track record in managing this type of accommodation.”
Peter Doyle and Avon Reach companionship team Member Pauline Lawrence.
Among the guests watching the auction progress were foodbank managers Tracy Blick and Sara Veal who expressed delight when the amount raised reached a total of £895.
Resident Brenda Edwards had the honour of cutting the 30th birthday cake.
Home manager Ruth Wildman added: “The party was a great opportunity for people who have been, and continue to be, key to the success of the home to join together and have fun.
“There are so many ways Avon Reach engages with the community, from hosting business breakfasts, coffee clubs and Tea & Togetherness events to charity fundraising.”
The cocktail evening was the second 30th anniversary event for Avon Reach in recent weeks.
to singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Avon Reach and there was much interest when the auction began.
A range of businesses and organisations donated items such as afternoon tea experiences, paddleboard lessons, a round of golf for four, cinema tickets, a hanging basket, a cheese board and a painting by local artist Paul Dolman. Auctioneers for the evening were Colten Care operations manager
At the first, children from Somerford Primary School joined residents for an afternoon of traditional games such as pass the parcel, musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey and musical statues.
Avon Reach was the first Colten Care home to be purpose-built by sister company Colten Developments.
A plaque on the wall records that the home was officially opened by Councillor Edward Coope, the Mayor of Christchurch in its commissioning year of 1994.
Home’s resident gets back in the habit
A RESIDENT at York House in Dereham was able to get back in the habit when she was visited by the cast of Sister Act from the Dereham Theatre Company.
Staff at the Norfolk home, where Black Swan provides short term care and longer-term support, arranged for the cast to surprise Heather Barnard. She spent more than 40 years with the Theatre Company and was chairman for three.
Manager Mariana Soare said: “When our residents join us at York House we always spend some time to get to know all about them.
“Heather and her family told us of her love for amateur dramatics and
that she had been with Dereham Theatre Company for more than 40 years. We were very fortunate to be able to welcome the cast to the home for a short performance and to meet the residents.
“The smiles on faces of the residents was lovely, and of course it was a nice surprise for Heather – she really enjoyed it.”
In her time with the company, Heather played leading roles in musicals and pantomimes including Annie Get Your Gun.
“She also directed pantomimes and was in the chorus line, as well as working on prompting and supporting them with the props.
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