OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards before it’s tooNominationslate. for this year’s event are now open at www.caringukawards.co.uk
The finalists are: n Justina Bajorinaite –Vegetarian for Life. n Nigel Cooke – Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection. n Brian Gollan – Ivybank House Care Home. n William Marsh – Brandon Care Ltd. n Vasilios Mavriano – Castle Hill House. n Alex Millichamp – Chandler Court. n Michael Oatridge – Signature Senior Lifestyle. n Brian Preston – Lister House, Ripon. n Chris Pickard – Four Seasons Health Care. n Jade Smith – Camberley Manor, TLC Group. n Graham Watson – Lauder Lodge Care Home. Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, said: “The calibre of entries was incredibly high, and we have seen exceptional dishes created and served by chefs across the regional heats. The finalists should be very proud of their achievements so far. “The national final in October is going to be a fantastic event. It will showcase and celebrate the care catering sector and the exceptional talent of our chefs.
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Three staff members at Coppice Lodge care home, operated by Ideal Carehomes, recently celebrated 10 years of loyal service since the opening of the home in 2012. Marking their decade of dedication was kitchen manager Charlotte Wood, kitchen chef Gillian Pool and head of housekeeping Catherine Simmons. The three were presented with a hamper, flowers and vouchers by Mayor of the Borough of Gedling Peter Barnes and the Deputy Mayor Sandra Barnes as a thank you for their work. Local entertainer and songbird Ami Evans from Bluebird Entertainment performed her ‘Summer Time’ themed set for residents, staff and guests. Attendees also enjoyed a buffet, cakes and a glass of wine, raising a toast to Coppice Lodge’s 10th birthday and it’s team members.
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 organiser Dominic Musgrave said: “Nominations are coming in and our events team is already busy ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than“Ourever.main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful 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 panel. Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 1 presented by Emmerdale actor Dean Andrews. n Deadline for nominations has been extended to noon on Friday, September 9 due to demand.
THE line-up of care chefs set to compete in the national final of the National Association of Care Catering Care Chef of the Year 2022 culinary competition sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions and The Worshipful Company of Cooks has been announced.Throughout June and July, regional heats took place across the NACC regions – Scotland, North, Midlands, Wales, South West and South East – with care chefs showcasing their skills and specialist knowledge in a bid to secure their spot in the final of the prestigious event, which takes place on October 5 at West Nottingham College. The competitorshighest-scoringfromeach heat were selected by the expert judges for their clear nutritional understanding of the foods they are using and how they benefit the needs of their clientele, plus their culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution, presentation, and hygiene best practice.
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Focusing on the importance of food, nutrition and positive mealtime experiences as part of quality care, entrants are challenged to create an appealing and delicious twocourse menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £3 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced. by calling 01925 386800 or visit www.carebeans.co.uk
“Delicious, nutritious food and positive dining experiences are vital to quality care. I truly believe that the kitchen is at the heart of a care home and mealtime experiences really are life quality enhancing, both physically and emotionally.”
Line-up of chefs is revealed for prestigious final
Deadline looms so get entering
“It sparked a lot of conversation with residents telling us about their own tattoos, and memories of friends and family’s tattoos and what they meant.”
A TEMPORARY tattoo studio popped up at a Hamilton care home, offering residents the chance to ‘get inked’ after a 78-year-old resident expressed regret at never braving the tattooist chair.ForEileen MacIntyre, a resident at Avonbridge, a tattoo was an unfulfilled lifelong fantasy. But, thanks to the home’s activities team and local tattoo parlour Cherry Pie Tattoo and Piercing, she got the chance to make her dream come true – albeit temporarily.
Tattoo wish comes true for resident
Eileen said: “I was really surprised when I walked into the room to see that Kelly and the team had set up a corner to be like our very own tattoo shop.“Idid get a little bit emotional when she said she had done it all for me and had even worked with a proper tattoo artist to make a temporary design for me. “She really listened to me and captured exactly what we had talked about. Every time I see it, I think of my family, which is what it’s all about – I might have to look into getting a proper one now.”
Kelley added: “The tattoo parlour gained a lot of interest, and lots of residents and staff got involved. It’s amazing how much fun we had with some simple stick-on tattoos.
Dr Lis Boulton HC-One has appointed Dame Ruth Carnall as its new non-executive chair. She will officially take up the role on September 1. Dame Ruth brings more than 40 years’ experience in health care at some of the highest levels of executive and strategic leadership, including seven years as chief executive of NHS London, where she oversaw a significant transformation programme. A well-known leader in independent consultancy, with extensive Board experience, Dame Ruth has provided strategic advice to leaders in health and care at national, regional and local levels both in the UK and overseas. She has served as a non-executive director of the Cabinet Office Board and is currently vice chair of healthcare think tank, The King’s Fund. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2011 for her achievements in health care
By Dr Lis Boulton WELLBEING is made up of two main elements: feeling good and functioning well. Feelings of happiness, contentment, enjoyment, curiosity and engagement are characteristic of someone who has a positive experience of their life. Equally important for well-being is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life and having a sense of purpose are all important attributes of wellbeing. Exercising, social activities, having hobbies, spending time outdoors have all been shown to benefit wellbeing – both mental and physical. When people engage in frequent activities, they can lower their blood pressure, stress and weight; improve mood and depression; increase their satisfaction with life, and their social engagement.TheNewEconomics
Building connections will support and enrich you every day. These connections can give older people the chance to share experiences, thoughts, and ideas. If they can’t visit in person, then staying in touch with loved ones by phone or online is a good alternative. Some older people will need support to connect with others socially. Be active – go for a walk, step outside, play a game, do some gardening, dance.Physical activity makes you feel good and there’s always something you can do, even if it’s chair based. Keeping active with light activity can help prevent illness and build strength to help prevent falls. It’s never too late to get active. Try to limit the amount of time that is spent sitting. Being active doesn’t have to involve going to a gym. It can simply be going out for a walk. Be curious – be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Savour the moment, whether eating a meal or talking to friends. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. Talk about how you are feeling and notice how activities, like being outside in the fresh air, make you feel. Keep learning – try something new, rediscover an old interest, improve a skill.This can give you a sense of achievement. It is important to try to take part in a new activity or do something enjoyable every day such as fun activities that create laughter, or games and quizzes. Give – do something nice for someone else, thank someone, smile, volunteer your time. Look out as well as in. This helps to create connections with the people around you. Age UK has plenty of advice on getting more involved in social and physical activities – safely – if you are not sure where to start.
CARE home residents enjoyed the wind in their hair and the thrill of a cycle ride, some for the first time in years, thanks to a new initiative in Poundbury.Residentsat Colten Care’s Castle View took part in ‘Cycling Without Age,’ a global movement aimed at building relationshipsintergenerationalthroughthejoy of cycle trishaw rides.
“David Gale, Dee Bustin and June Anstey spent many years enjoying bicycles in their youth and adulthood and were only too pleased to have a ride in a trishaw, which evoked some wonderful memories of their youth.”
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Kat Williams, companion team leader at Castle View, said: “Cycling Without Age’ signs up volunteers to charter these amazing trishaws around the community allowing older and less able passengers the freedom of cycling without peddling.
Foundation produced Five Ways to Wellbeing in 2008, based on research evidence from more than 400 research studies. They identified five key activities that contribute to wellbeing, and noted that variety in activities is important, so they stay ‘fresh’. Connect with people around you – spend time with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
“The scheme was started in 2012 in Copenhagen by a man called Ole Kassow, who wanted to find a way to help his elders get back to cycling. “It has gone on to become a success across the world and we are thrilled it has now been launched in Poundbury, where trishaws are taking people on tours around the Great Field and Poundbury Estate.”
n Dr Lis Boulton is the health and care policy manager at Age UK.
Castle View resident David Gale with the new Mayor of Dorchester, Councillor Jane Hewitt.
Kat added: “In their younger years, many of our residents loved riding bikes, some in their leisure time and others to commute to and from work.
Residents re-discover joy of a bicycle made for…three
Kelly O’Neill, activities coordinator at Avonbridge, said: “Eileen spotted some of our team’s tattoos and was asking what they meant and if they had“Afterhurt.a long conversation with some of the more colourful carers she admitted she’d always wanted one but had been too scared. “Over a few different chats she told me she wanted something that reminded her of her children and grandchildren. We settled on a Tinkerbell fairy design, which reminded her of enjoying Disney films with them when they were young. It’s also a bit of a nod to never growing up and always having fun. “After that I got in touch with the team at Cherry Pie via Facebook and they jumped at the opportunity to create a temporary transfer to make her wish come true.” The team at the home set up a mock tattoo parlour, complete with a board of designs and an ‘Avonbridge Tattoo Studio’ sign, before surprising Eileen with her custom design.
Five activities that contribute to wellbeing
Former clerical assistant Anne-Marie Boyle is now a senior carer at Balquhidder House and describes her current role as “the most rewarding job” she’s ever had.
“The clue is in the name of social care; it’s about being able to care and show empathy, understanding and compassion to others. Ultimately, we work in the people sector, and if others have had experience working and engaging with people, then the opportunity is there to transfer those skills into a new, exciting career where they can make a real difference in people’s lives. “That’s special, and it’s something everyone at Handsale will continue to promote going forward.”
With people at the heart of the show, the team has also decided to strengthen its partnership with The Care Workers’ Charity and will be offering n A donation of £1.50 for every care provider who attends the show. n A further donation of £1.50 for every care provider who attends a session within the People, Workforce and Wellbeing Theatre.
“The Care Workers’ Charity is delighted that the Care Show is so supportive of the sector and giving back to the industry they serve,” said Karolina Gerlich, chief executive officer.“Wehave been a long-term supporter of the Care Show, the main event for care providers to attend and delighted that we have such a strong presence when carers need our help more than ever.”
Show dedicated to the people who care the most CARE Show at the NEC Birmingham will welcome back thousands of managers, directors, c-suite level, and owners from home care providers, nursing homes and care homes through its’ doors on October 12 and 13. One of the main focus areas at the Care Show is all about you, the people.Without a committed workforce, without solid leadership, and without those looking to improve quality of care, the sector would struggle.Anewdedicated educational campaign has been created around the people in care.
“At Balquhidder House I always feel like I can be my own person and have a bit of fun while bringing joy to others.”Another success story from Balquhidder House, and someone who is going from strength to strength since journeying into care is 37-yearold Sean McQuaid. Having originally started out his career in the hospitality sector, serving as a bar manager and then hotel manager, Sean, like Christine, was also forced to put his job on the line to serve as a full-time carer for hisSean,parents.who has been a care assistant for 18 months, added: “I was previously a bar manager and hotel manager for around six years, though, this was put to a swift end once Covid struck and I had to care for my parents full-time. “After they sadly passed away, I suddenly had an inclination to help others, which inspired me to pursue a career in care and I’ve never looked back since. The feeling you get seeing the joy in the residents’ faces and knowing they feel genuinely happy is something that no other job can provide.”Transferring his skills from the dayto-to-day running of a business, Sean plans to utilise his array of talents to meticulously deliver outstanding care and create fun-filled activities for all the residents of Balquhidder House. Continuing its recruitment drive, Balquhidder House also appointed former clerical assistant Anne-Marie Boyle, 47, as a senior carer, who describes her current role as “the most rewarding job” she’s ever had.
Rishi Sodha, Handsale’s care director, said: “We’re constantly striving to promote and seek out creative, transferable skills across our highly professional workforce and so it was only right to offer opportunities to those who behold these unique skillsets and who found themselves at unforeseen crossroads in their careers.“Since the pandemic began, we’ve taken on people from all different backgrounds, some of whom hadn’t previously worked or even thought about a career in social care, but who have excelled in their new roles and are now crucial team members in their respective homes, such as Balquhidder House.
Covering leadership, motivation, self-belief, recruitment, retention, personal health, and mental health across the two days, the Care Show team want to let those in care know there are people and companies out there who can help improve your day-to-day life.
n A Care Workers’ Charity Shop –Your chance to support your charity by buying “Choose our carers” T-shirts and pin badges.
CARINGWEEKLY6 Group shines a light on the inspiring career changes of its employees ...
A FAMILY-run care group is shining a light on several of its inspiring employees who have been given a new lease of life since making the transition to social care. With unemployment figures continuously on the rise, Handsale care group has been helping those made redundant or unable to find work in their previous employment to start new ventures in social care, as it offers roles across its eight care homes spread throughout the UK. Amongst its inspirational employees who have blossomed since transitioning into social care is Christine Pringle. Christine initially joined as a carer, eventually moving into a visiting coordinator role at Handsale’s Balquhidder House, in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Following 34 years in an administrative role, Christine was forced to put her career on hold to care for her mother full-time. Unfortunately, not too long after, her mother tragically lost her life to bowel cancer.Following her personal loss and looking for work, Christine quickly discovered that the skills she had obtained when caring for her mother were transferable to a career in care. She said: “I joined here in my mid 50’s after 34 years in an admin role. It’s been a fantastic experience with many rewarding elements – I really mean it when I say ‘I love my job’. My advice for anyone in their later years considering a career change is to just go for Anotherit.” recruit who joined Balquhidder House from a different career is 49-year-old Catherine Macauley, who started as a care team leader six-and-a-half years ago. Having spent 24 years in retail – 20 of which were spent as a customer service manager at Asda – Catherine, like many others, found herself at a crossroads when considering her future career prospects. Despite the change in scenery, a new career in social care saw Catherine settle in very quickly, having amassed some of the key skills needed to care for residents following nearly a quarter of a decade’s experience interacting and building up relationships with customers. She said: “I had a retail background of 24 years, though I took my redundancy leave in 2014. Thankfully, this meant I could choose a different career path which encouraged me to consider a move into care. It’s fair to say since the transition, I’ve never really looked back. “You can show personality here and express yourself, whereas in my previous role, everything was very regimented and business orientated, so it was hard to be the real you.
Tel: 01226 734412 www.caringukconferences.co.uk Email: cr@scriptmediagroup.co.uk Delegates will receive a CPD six hour attendance certificate at the end of the conference Kettering ConferenceNN15Centre6PB Wednesday 26th October 2022 Caring UK Care Providers Conference Delivering excellence in care in challenging times CARING UK CONFERENCES 2022 Delivering the latest news, information and products that will enable owners, managers and staff to be at the forefront of delivering Care Excellence SPECIALOFFER Lunch refreshments&includedGoodybag&attendance certificate BOOK NOW£20 single delegate£30 two delegates Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich NR14 8PQ Tuesday 25th October 2022
Home is re-awarded prestigious Investors in People Gold award
STAFF at Princess Christian Care Centre in Woking are celebrating after it was again awarded a prestigious accolade for demonstrating excellence in staff development and support, a distinction it has held since 2016.Only 268 of the UK’s 17,600 care homes have an Investors in People accreditation – 33 of which only received it for the first time this year. The flagship care home of the Nellsar Group has now received the IIP Gold three-year accreditation for the third time – a unique honour recognised across the globe. Registered manager Mario Taherian said: “I’m delighted Princess Christian Care Centre has once again been reaccredited with such a prestigious honour. “Less than 0.004 per cent of UK care homes are recognised with such an accolade, and a tiny fraction have achieved IIP Gold accreditation in 2022.“So to retain this since 2016 is something we’re all extremely proud of. There isn’t a greater honour to highlight our commitment to demonstrating excellence in the development of our staff – a core principle for everyone at Nellsar.” IIP is one of the leading bodies for workplace assessments in the world, setting the standard for people management.Itstrivestohelp businesses realise the potential of their staff, improve standards and gain the accreditation to prove it. Since its creation in 1991, IIP has helped more than 50,000 organisations around the world improve, using their Accreditation Framework to boost working culture and communication, increase employee engagement and encourage game-changing leadership.
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There are 27 pieces of criteria in the We Invest in People framework, set across nine indicators, with three themes in each. The criteria for each theme increases in complexity moving from Developed, to Established, to Advanced, to High Performing. For organisations to be awarded the IIP Gold accreditation, they must pass each set of criteria as well as seven of the nine indicators at Advanced, which reflects their workplace culture, essential skills and effective structures.Ofthetotal 176 UK-wide organisations accredited at Gold level in 2022, only five per cent were care homes and Princess Christian is one of the nine to realise this status this year.IIPaccredited organisations across the UK strongly believe in realising the potential of their staff teams. This elite community deliver great people management practice and can truly boast a real commitment to staff development. Maria Mallaband Care Group has appointed a new director of development to push forward a multi-million pound programme of investment in new homes with plans to acquire several additional sites every year. Elliot Fudge, a chartered surveyor who has specialised in land and development within the UK healthcare sector for much of his career, has taken on the role. The appointment saw him take the reins of an ongoing development programme for MMCG, which already has more than 80 homes across the UK. The national care home group has opened two new-build luxury homes since July last year, with a third – Chartwell Manor in Aylesbury – set to open this autumn. Elliot is set to help drive forward even more investment and development with plans to acquire several development sites per year.
A Dorset care home resident received a bouquet and message of congratulations on her 99th birthday from the company where she once made baby clothes for wealthy families. Jean Picton-Turbevill, a resident at Colten Care’s Abbey View in Sherborne, was overwhelmed to receive flowers and a letter from John Delliere of luxury interiors producer The White House. Jean worked at The White House in London as a seamstress in the 1950s, where amongst her duties she smocked baby and toddler dresses for titled families. The White House was founded by John’s grandfather in 1906 and, while it moved to Surrey and stopped producing clothes many years ago, it now produces luxurious interior accessories for important buildings and the yachts and planes of Royal families in the Middle East.
A career civil servant who spent 43 years at the heart of Whitehall has celebrated her 100th birthday at a Bournemouth care home. Catherine Shrimpton MBE welcomed friends and family to her centenary party at Colten Care’s Avon Cliff where she has lived for the past three years. Born in Ealing, London, in July 1922, Catherine started work at age 16 as a temporary typist in the Colonial Office, the imposing building between Downing Street, King Charles Street, Horse Guards Road and Whitehall, now home to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Continuing to work there during the war, she took various exams, became a shorthand writer and gained promotion to the role of senior personal secretary. She went on to provide clerical and secretarial services to two Secretaries of State and Winston Churchill’s Principal Private Secretary, Sir John Martin, later the British High Commissioner for Malta. After receiving an MBE for her work in the New Year’s Honour list of 1960, she continued as a civil servant until her retirement 41 years ago in 1981 when she was 59.
A football loving resident from Wickmeads care home in Tuckton near Christchurch enjoyed a special 100th birthday celebration with a VIP visit to AFC Bournemouth. Former professional footballer Stan Holland was treated to a guided tour of the Vitality Stadium with assistant club secretary and historian Neil Vacher. Staff and residents at Wickmeads joined in the celebrations, throwing a garden party for Stan at the home which was attended by many of his friends and family. Performer Steve Shappelle kept everyone entertained with jokes and songs, including some of Stan’s favourites. Particularly poignant was his rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll meet again’ with which Stan happily joined in. Stan was lucky enough to meet Dame Vera Lynn during the Second World War whilst serving in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and exchanged communication with her and her family in later years.
Residents at Maiden Castle House joined resident Cyril Treviss in celebrating his 100th birthday. The home made the most of the perfect weather by celebrating Cyril with an outdoor tea party. He fondly remembers his time as a cub Scout back in 1934 when he joined the 3rd Dorchester Scouts at 11 years old and then became leader of the 1st Dorchester pack. Dressed with pride in his Scout uniform, Cyril was pleased to have received a birthday visit from the Dorchester Scouts who sang to him and gifted cards filled with photos of himself and fellow Scout members, leading him to reminisce about his many years of service to the troop. The final cherry on the cake for Cyril’s birthday was receiving a card from The Queen.
