Caring uk Weekly April 17

Hospice supports home to create sensory room

ST CLARE Hospice has supported a Waltham Abbey care home to set up a special sensory room to help enhance the lives of residents who are living with advanced dementia. Honey Lane Care Home asked for help to create its own Namaste Care room after staff attended St Clare’s ‘Introduction to Namaste Care’ workshop, an internationallyrecognised programme that supports people with advanced dementia to engage in therapeutic, multi-sensory activities that can help improve their quality of life.

St Clare’s Namaste co-ordinator

Joanne Morrison said: “After attending one of our Introduction to Namaste Care sessions, staff from Honey Lane were so inspired by the positive impact that it can have on people’s lives that they reached out to us for help to create their own Namaste sensory room for their residents.

“We were only too pleased to support them in this project. We spent time with them, provided access to additional resources they could use, and research that they could do. After all their hard work and effort, their Namaste room was ready for its official launch and we were thrilled to be invited to the opening and to be asked to cut the ribbon.”

Joanne added: “Afterwards, residents were brought in and, supported by volunteers and staff, enjoyed their first Namaste Care session. The impact this approach to dementia care is already having on some of their residents was wonderful to see.

“One lady with dementia cried tears of joy and another resident who never usually takes part in any activities, often sleeping most of the day, was alert and captivated by the sensory lights, music and one-toone time spent with her Namaste Care volunteer. The relatives of the residents have also been absolutely delighted by the positive difference this is making in the lives on their loved ones.”

Namaste Care is a holistic, person-centred approach to supporting people in the later stages of dementia that is inspired by the word ‘Namaste’, a Hindu term meaning ‘to honour the spirit within’. Namaste carers aim to do this by engaging people who are living with advanced dementia in meaningful sensory activities, such as massage, listening to music, reading a favourite book or poem, looking through a memory box or encouraging gentle movement. By engaging a person’s senses through sound, touch, sight, smell or taste, and focusing on their emotional as well as physical needs, we can help them to remain connected to others, or help them to feel less isolated.

Joanne added: Honey Lane are now running daily Namaste Care sessions and are a shining example of how it can enhance the lives of care home residents with dementia, demonstrating the very real and positive impact it can have on some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

A family-run

has

its mini

world

Following its success over the past few years, Nellsar Care Homes, which operates 13 homes across Kent, Surrey and Essex, is once again taking residents on virtual trip around the world — exploring a diverse range of countries along the way. Seeking to promote positive wellbeing through meaningful activities, Nellsar offered residents a break away from the UK and transported them to a series of desirable holiday destinations. The last few weeks have been celebrated with sombreros, music from around the world, and expertly prepared food from its chefs. The mini virtual cruise docked at a total of three countries – Mexico, Egypt and Japan. Activities teams at each home were tasked with bringing the vibrance of each country to their care community — with decorations, costumes and a healthy dose of adventurous holiday spirit.

Awards nominations now open

CARE businesses 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 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.

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. The closing date for entries is September 2.

care home group

completed

virtual

cruise.

Ex-army reservist goes into action as Admiral Nurse

A FORMER army nurse has joined Broughton House Veteran Care Village in a specialist dementia role to work with residents, their families and in the wider community.

Natasha Eardley-Dutton has become the first dedicated Admiral Nurse at the Salford care home amid increasing demand for dementia care provision.

While working in the NHS as a mental health nurse, she served as a reservist with the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps from 2015 until 2022, attached to the 207 (Manchester) Field Hospital unit.

During her service, Natasha was deployed to the United States on a joint training mission with the US Army, and to Kenya on humanitarian missions and to teach the country’s defence forces in battlefield trauma.

Since 2022, Natasha, who lives in Bury, has volunteered in Ukraine to undertake humanitarian work helping people fleeing across the border to Poland following the Russian invasion, as well as volunteering at a hospital for wounded soldiers and delivering aid to orphanages.

Her role at Broughton House sees her responsible for the overall management of staff specialising in dementia care as well as working with residents’ families, and providing outreach assistance to veterans in the wider community and their loved ones through services such as drop-in support sessions, advice surgeries and consultations.

Broughton House’s director of care Jane Green said: “There is growing demand for dementia care and we have been responding by increasing our capacity in this area.

“We’ve been providing specialist training for our care staff, and now we have raised the bar further by recruiting an Admiral Nurse to support the level of complex challenges that can affect some people living with dementia.

“Natasha brings not only her expertise as a skilled nurse to this new role. As someone who served in the armed forces, she is a perfect match for Broughton House. We are very excited to see how she uses her skills and experience to enhance our dementia care service.

“She has forged really positive relationships with our residents, their families and the staff team, and has a clear plan to reach veterans in the wider community to make sure we maximise the reach and benefits of her specialist service.”

Jane said Natasha’s appointment has been made possible by a grant from the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, which was set up in 2016 by the late property developer and entrepreneur who founded the Kwik Save supermarket chain.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the foundation for providing the funding for this service, which has been created in partnership with Dementia UK, who will work alongside us to help Natasha grow her clinical expertise to deliver the

best relationship-centred care and to help us evaluate our services so we continually improve,” she added.

Natasha, who worked as a nursing assistant and in HR before qualifying as a mental health nurse, said: “It feels like this job found me. I felt immediately drawn to Broughton House as soon as I heard about the role.

“Having been a mental health nurse in the army, trained in military trauma and worked in the field, I share a special common ground with veterans and a deep understanding of the needs of this community.

“I also have the armed forces contacts necessary for the outreach and networking part of the role, and will be drawing on these connections to create strong community links.

“Many members of previous generations of my family served in the armed forces. My paternal great-great-grandfather was in the Lancashire Fusiliers and was killed in action on the Western Front during World War One. He is buried in a military cemetery in Ypres.

“In addition, my grandmother grew up in Llandudno and knew the Gubay family well, having been raised alongside Albert and his brothers, so there is another strong connection with Broughton House and my new role.”

Natasha added: “As well as offering our in-house, tailored service regarding all aspects of dementia care and support for the whole family and staff, a large part of my role is to liaise with the wider veteran community.

“It may be that the veteran is not experiencing dementia but that they are caring for a loved one who is, and they may be struggling to manage in the community.

“Our mission is to provide support and help them receive the services they need.”

Broughton House has recently been redeveloped into a complex with a 64-bed care home, including two 16-bed households dedicated to veterans with dementia, as well as independent living apartments, an array of modern facilities, a museum, gym, hairdressing and barber’s salon, and a restaurant and bar for residents.

Residents feeling fit and fabulous at launch of new club

RESIDENTS at Four Seasons Health Care Group care homes have been joined by members of their local communities at the opening of the new ‘Four Seasons Feel Good Club’.

The club will run in all Four Seasons Health Care and brighterkind care homes across the UK, to bring residents, carers, family members and people living in the local community, the opportunity to get together for a series of fun, feel-good activities throughout the year.

Leanne Walsh, who heads up the care provider’s Magic Moments activities programme, said: “Our new Four Seasons Feel Good Club is proving to be a real hit with our residents and includes a wide range of activities to benefit the mind, body and soul.

“The club is open to everyone, so it’s a great way to keep our residents connected to their local community.

“We hope people living locally to our care homes will come along and join us for future sessions – it’s free, fun

and a great way to meet new people.

“We’ll be hosting activities every month, with something for everyone, whatever their interests and abilities.

“From exercise classes to laughter yoga, adapted sports and games to singing classes and social gettogethers for a cuppa and chat, and reminiscence sessions.”

At The Laurels Care Home in Sunderland, players from Sunderland AFC officially opened the club and joined in with a game of ‘Slipper Soccer’, played by residents from the comfort of their armchairs.

Katie Kitching and Mollie Rouse swapped their usual midfield positions and became goalkeepers, with residents taking penalties against them, cheered on by guests at the event. And at Pennine Lodge Care Home in Carlisle, children from the local primary school devised a special PE class for residents and led them in a keep-fit activity before enjoying an intergenerational get-together over a selection of healthy smoothies.

Home celebrates quality service

AN AYR care home has celebrated its third anniversary of providing care to older people and those living with dementia.

Owned and operated by the Meallmore Group, Greenan Manor held a party for residents, relatives and colleagues to mark the milestone occasion.

Manager Elaine Hughes said: “It has been great privilege to have been the manager at Greenan Manor over the past three years.

“I have been proud to watch our home build strong local community relationships and become one of the best care homes in Ayr

offering excellent care in a beautiful environment.

“This is due to our amazing colleagues and the support we receive from the wider Meallmore team.

“The anniversary party was perfect, and we had a brilliant turn out; the residents, their families and our whole team really enjoyed themselves.”

The anniversary celebrations involved a buffet made by the home’s chefs. The team also created a birthday cake, which was enjoyed by all.

Musician Eddie Lawrence performed for the residents, relatives and guests. More than 40 people attended.

Natasha Eardley-Dutton

Dundee home scores an ‘excellent’ Care Inspectorate rating

A DUNDEE care home has achieved the highest Care Inspectorate rating of grade six – ‘Excellent’ after maintaining a track record of “exceptionally high-quality care” and “outstanding leadership”.

The Care Inspectorate made an unannounced visit to Balcarres Care Home, which provides residential and residential dementia care to older people, last December.

The inspectors stated that colleagues treated residents with “compassion, dignity and respect”, and there were “strong” relationships in the home among residents and the staff. The home also created a real sense of belonging and community that helped people to feel included. A strong sense of belonging was enhanced by personalised bedrooms, which easily identified each residents’ room with clear name plaques. The inspectors revealed that Balcarres Care Home staff helped create “homeliness and familiarity” by displaying personal belongings in people’s bedrooms and around the home.

The “highly skilled” staff members were also applauded as care plans were well-written, which helps support residents as individuals and promotes independence. Staff also encouraged independence through meaningful activity, including in all aspects of daily living and managing their own laundry. The inspectors praised Balcarres Care Home’s person-led approach to how care was delivered, as residents were put at the heart of decisions.

The Care Inspectorate report stated: “People living in Balcarres received excellent, flexible, responsive, and person-led care. Creative approaches were taken to ensuring positive experiences.

“Staff were not complacent in this approach and demonstrated a commitment to strive for progress

with the people living in Balcarres firmly at the heart of all decisionmaking.”

Mealtimes were calm and organised. Visitors were also encouraged to join at mealtimes to enjoy the “varied” and “well-presented” food.

The inspectors saw improved outcomes for people’s balance, mobility and less falls occurred due to the environment and atmosphere in the home.

Balcarres Care Home also has a track record of “outstanding leadership” as staff members were committed to achieving the best possible experiences for residents.

The report stated that manager Lynn McLean strove for excellence, which was evident in the consistent quality assurance records, and the regular evaluations of staff practice.

She said: “I’ve been here for 44-years and our staff at Balcarres are a big family. We achieved the ‘Excellent’ six rating because we worked hard as a team.

“We’re very person-centred, and it’s about the residents and their dayto-day living. We provide a sense of homeliness and belonging which is so important – we’re like a big house.”

The team at Balcarres Care Home were delighted to receive the Care Inspectorate report that rated the home as ‘Excellent’ in supporting residents’ wellbeing and their leadership.

Maxine Smedley, managing director for HC-One Scotland, said: “It is such an achievement for Balcarres to earn the highest Care Inspectorate rating. Balcarres’ ‘excellent’ rating across the board demonstrates the impressive job Lynn and her team have done.

“I am delighted that their amazing work – and the impact that this has on the kind care we provide to residents – has been recognised by the Care Inspectorate.”

A barn owl called Bonzo has flown into Hargrave House in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, to bring some joy to its residents. Visiting from family-run farm Performing Pets, Bonzo popped into the residential care home for an animal therapy session. The feathered friend was taken around Hargrave House to interact with its residents and received a warm welcome from everyone there. Angela Dickson, Registered Manager at Hargrave House, said: “Interaction with different animals helps stimulate our residents’ brains and helps to keep them mentally active and engaged. Everyone loved having Bonzo visit and were happy to be given the chance to hold her.”

MSP visits home for International Women’s Day

FEMALE residents of Avonbridge Care Home in Hamilton were joined by Christina McKelvie MSP as part of International Women’s Day celebrations, taking the opportunity to talk about how the lives and freedoms of women have evolved over the decades.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day was ‘Inspire Inclusion’ which underscores the care home’s dedication to promoting diversity and equality within its community.

Emma Duffy, manager at Avonbridge Care Home, said: “It was wonderful to welcome Christina to the home to share International Women’s Day with our residents.

“Hearing about their expectations of them, and the limited opportunities that were available to them, when they were younger puts it into perspective how far we’ve come.

“Hearing about our residents’ lives is always inspirational. Having a prompt to talk about their history before coming to Avonbridge always brings up some fascinating anecdotes, which leave me in awe.”

Dressed in purple, the colour that represents IWD, Christina chatted with residents over tea and cake in a room decorated in purple bunting, and adorned with pictures of inspirational women from various backgrounds, from suffragette movement figurehead Emile Pankhurst to climate change activist Greta Thurnberg.

Christina added: “This International Women’s Day, as we collectively

embrace the theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ it is paramount that we reflect on the important progress that has been made over the lifetimes of the women I have spoken to at Avonbridge Care Home.

“They have seen significant improvements during their lives in terms of equality and prospects, but there is much more to be done – both here in Scotland and across the world – to better the lives of women.

“It’s been amazing to hear their stories about the issues they faced over the decades, and how they’ve worked to overcome them.

“It’s also heartwarming to hear the hope they have for their granddaughters and great granddaughters’ futures, who have more opportunities than they did in their youth, but still face many of the same challenges.”

Centre celebrates community roots

COLLISDENE Care Centre in Strathaven, made up of three houses operated by Canterbury Care, has thanked several pivotal members of its community with Trees of Life artworks.

The initiative underscores the appreciation and bond between the care centre and its partners and friends.

Activities coordinator Rosie Brennan said: “The Trees of Life are a tribute to the incredible network of support we are fortunate to have. Each branch of these trees represents the strength and nurturing our friends and partners have generously provided, allowing our residents to flourish. “We are always moved by the

dedication and kindness shown towards our home. This gesture is a small token of our gratitude.”

The Trees of Life, a symbol of growth, support and mutual care, were presented to an array of recipients, including Stonehouse Hospital, Strathaven Academy, Alba Medical Group Strathaven Practice, Avondale radio station, Strathaven fire station, Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Boots UK, Sainsbury’s and the Community Bus, among others.

These gifts, made by the residents, serve to highlight the invaluable support and generosity extended by these organisations and individuals to the residents and staff of Collisdene Care Centre.

Residents visit staff at Sainsbury’s to present a Tree of Life.

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Evidence shows benefits of pain management

A SENIOR director at Orchard Care Homes has highlighted the need to focus on reducing the pain felt by those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, as the desire to improve the quality of life by care providers continues.

The issue was brought to prominence recently by Cheryl Baird, Director of Quality and Care at Orchard Care Homes, at the UK Care Week event at Birmingham’s NEC.

Cheryl talked at the event about an independent white paper produced recently, which has credited Orchard’s pioneering Reconnect Communities initiative.

Eight Reconnect Communities operate across the 23 homes run by Orchard Care Homes, with more to come in the future. Reconnect Communities allow for truly personalised approach to care alongside meaningful occupation and non-reliance on pharmacological approaches.

She said: “In the past many people were simply labelled as having behavioural problems; that this was ‘just typical’ of the condition. What we found was that behaviour was symptomatic of that person trying to tell us something but being unable to find a way to do it.”

Orchard also operates a Dementia Promise, which is an ongoing commitment by the company to challenge the inequalities often experienced by people living with dementia.

The company has already invested over half a million pounds into training, technology, tools and refurbishments designed to fulfil its promise and become recognised as the benchmark in specialist dementia care.

The white paper, titled Clinical impact of a multifaceted intervention aimed at decreasing distress in people

living with dementia: evaluating the Reconnect programme, was published by Frontiers, one of the most respected research publishers and open science platforms in the world.

Cheryl said technology has worked hand-in-hand with a personcentric approach to dementia care. For instance, Orchard now uses the PainChek pain assessment software tool extensively – which gives colleagues accurate objective information about if a person is experiencing pain.

She added: “Our colleagues and the people within our communities already know how fantastic Reconnect services are, but we are thrilled that this has now been researched, recognised and published by a respected and trusted body.

“The insights included in this evaluation are a clear demonstration of the impact our approach has made, and the data has improved even further since this was submitted for review, which is additional encouragement that we are innovating in the right way.”

Fetes, fitness classes and fundraising walkabouts all boosted a care home’s year of support for a children’s hospice charity. Residents, families, staff and friends of Colten Care’s Kingfishers in New Milton, Hampshire, raised £3,400 for Julia’s House through their efforts. Collections were made at activities including an open garden day at the home, summer and Christmas fetes, a Zumba aerobic fitness programme and community events at

Milton Men’s Shed and New Forest Disability Information Service.

Franchisee helping to free up hospital beds

THE demand for complex care is rising, and Walfinch care providers such as Leena Bector, franchisee managing director of the home care service in Windsor and Maidenhead, are stepping up to meet the need.

She said: “Locally there is a rise in demand for more complex care, such as stoma care, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeds, suction, and care for people with learning disabilities or multiple disabilities.

“Work like this is not only fulfilling, but it helps free up hospital beds.”

Research by the Homecare Association indicates that people discharged from hospital now require more complex care than before the pandemic, with 56 per cent of home care providers acknowledging an increase the commissioning of more complex tasks by the NHS.

Leena said the demand extends beyond hospital discharges.

She added: “We’ve assisted families caring for individuals with disabilities and permanent conditions such as paralysis, often spanning several years. Our caregivers find it gratifying to offer support, and become integral to their lives.”

Typically complex care is commissioned by the NHS through its Continuing Health Care service, rather than by local councils.

Finding care providers to deliver complex care can be challenging, but Leena said: “All 25 members of our care giving team are trained to deliver

complex care, allowing us to consider every request.”

Initial training is conducted through online care training portal Grey Matter, covering the theory and practice of complex care.

This is complemented by one-to-one online training from White’s Training, where specialist tutors provide instruction, and in-house hands-on training by a nurse at Walfinch’s office.

Leena acknowledged the expense involved, but said this approach has earned Walfinch Windsor and Maidenhead a good reputation for delivering these services.

Providing complex care not only secures additional, high-quality business for Walfinch but also benefits the wider community.

People with complex care needs often require assistance for longer than those requiring standard care, and complex care packages usually command higher rates.

Leena said: “Choosing to offer complex care brings us additional, high-quality business, because there is less competition to provide it – and our carers appreciate having extra nursing-style skills and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with clients and families.

“Sometimes we enable patients to return home after prolonged hospital stays, due to lack of suitable posthospital scare. It’s very satisfying – and the entire community benefits.”

Fun-filled day teed up

A TEE-RIFIC golf-themed activity had Ripon care home residents swinging with joy when they putt their skills to the test on an indoor green.

Anthony Blackburn, from Golf in Society, swung by Sycamore Hall Care Home to lead residents through the person-centred golf session. The day started with a warm-up, when residents limbered up and learned that conquering the greens starts with the ability to rotate their wrists.

Anthony then set up a putting green for residents to test their swings. When everyone was confident with the club, it was time to hit a roundrobin competition.

Activities coordinator Jill Scaife said: “Tony got a hole-in-one when he came to see everyone at Sycamore Hall.

“Residents absolutely loved the golf session and everyone had a go. They were focussed and determined to sink a ball.

“The people who had played golf in the past were thrilled to see they hadn’t lost their skills at putting.

“While residents who have never played before felt such a sense of achievement in hitting and sinking the putts. It made everyone’s day.”

Golf in Society was founded by Anthony to deliver golf sessions for people living with chronic illnesses, such as dementia and Parkinson’s, among other age-related conditions.

Leena Bector, franchisee managing director of the Walfinch home care service in Windsor and Maidenhead.

Cheryl Baird, director of quality and care at Orchard Care Homes, talking at UK Care Week.

Easter and Valentine’s. To round off the year of fundraising, Kingfishers held a party at which Julia’s House community fundraiser Amanda Gillett was presented with a cheque for £3,396.59. Kingfishers’ main nominated charities for 2024-25 are New

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