Caring UK Weekly April 19

Study reveals post-Covid struggles

CARE providers are urging the Government to listen and take action after another report on the perilous state of the sector.

They have accused the Government of continuing to ignore the plight of care providers, despite numerous warnings from them and other social care experts.

A new report from The University of Warwick on the financial impact of Covid-19 on care homes found that the Government did not support homes properly, particularly after the worst of the pandemic was over.

It concluded that the Government’s decision to end financial support after the first year of the pandemic had contributed to the difficulties now faced by care homes.

The provider organisation The Independent Care Group says the report provides more evidence of the neglect of the care home sector.

“The report says what we have been saying for a generation, that social care has been so chronically under-funded that it was in a perilous state even before the pandemic,” said chair Mike Padgham.

“Whilst we got some help during the worst of Covid-19 that stopped far too quickly. Since then, the extra costs associated with the pandemic,

combined with huge increases in energy and utility costs and the ongoing staffing challenges have all pushed the sector deeper into the abyss.

“Care and nursing homes have been closing and homecare providers handing back contracts or ceasing to operate.

“Those providing local authority funded care have been particularly badly hit.”

Mike added: “When we surveyed our members earlier this year, a frightening number said they feared for the future.

“Given the cutbacks the sector has suffered for decades there will be further closures within the sector.

“We appreciate that local authorities and the NHS are suffering financially themselves and that it is down to Government to properly fund the sector.

“We must address the low pay issue in the sector too and achieve parity with NHS staff.

“Far from increasing funding the Government confirmed last week that, for example, £500m earmarked to help train the social care workforce has been halved to £250m.”

The ICG wants to see urgent action and has issued its Five Pillars of Social Care Reform document, setting out what it believes are the actions required to save the sector.

David Gault, a resident at Heatherfield House Care Home in Armadale, has created an outdoor haven for birds to shelter from the elements in. He decided to assemble the birdhouse after worrying how the birds were coping in the recent frosty weather. Heatherfield’s maintenance staff member Joe Folek helped David make the birdhouse, pre-cutting the wood and labelling it so he could safely put it together with little support. Joe said: “It was great to spend the day with David building his birdhouse. I could see how happy it made him, and I was glad to help.”

Awards nominations now open

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 sixth 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 following a visit by a member of the Caring UK team.

Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 7 presented by television personality Emma Jesson.

Closing date for nominations is August 28.

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Operator renews its Living Wage employer status

BRUNELCARE has renewed its membership with the Living Wage Foundation, maintaining its status as a real Living Wage Employer for 2023.

As an accredited Living Wage Employer, the operator has increased salary rates to reflect the update to the real Living Wage for 2023, ensuring all staff receive at or above the new rate of £10.90 per hour.

The new rate is an increase of 10.1 per cent, the largest in the Living Wage Foundation’s history, and an hourly rate of £1.40 above the National Living Wage.

As a result of the increase, 443 Brunelcare workers will receive the maximum pay increase of 10.1 per cent.

Brian Whittaker, human resources and organisational development director, said: “I am very proud of the Trustees and senior team at Brunelcare for their determination to retain our commitment to the real Living Wage.

“It has been a real challenge to deliver as we continue to navigate the energy and cost of living crisis.

“Our colleagues do wonderful work every single day, enabling people to live independently, and we are determined to ensure that they are paid a fair wage in recognition of their truly inspiring compassion and commitment.”

The voluntary increase is calculated each year by the Living Wage Foundation to encourage employers

Visits bridge generation gap for dementia home

to provide a salary that meets the costs of living rather than the Government minimum.

Research from the Living Wage Foundation shows that the difference between the national and real Living Wage could pay for 14 weeks’ worth of food shops, or 11 weeks of housing and energy costs.

In April 2022, Brunelcare became a Living Wage employer and was accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, moving to a minimum hourly rate of £9.90.

The operator has committed to remain a Real Living Wage employer to demonstrate the charity’s determination to increase the value of pay in the care sector and recognise the importance of what staff do, providing person-centred care, housing and support.

Work starts on new home

WORK has begun on a new multimillion-pound care home in Wantage, complete with its own café, cinema and hair salon.

When complete, the new Care UK home will provide residential, nursing, dementia and respite care for up to 72 older people, and will create 84 jobs.

Secure and wheelchair friendly landscaped outdoor space will include sensory gardens, water features and seating to give residents the opportunity to spend time outdoors.

Justin Daley, development project manager for Care UK, said: “We’re delighted to announce that work has begun to build our new care home in Wantage.

“This impressive development reflects Care UK’s commitment to improving residential care in the region – we take great pride in the build quality of each home, carefully considering design and layout in order to improve the everyday experiences of those living in a care environment.

“This thoughtfully planned new home will live up to these standards, providing a high-quality home for older people in Wantage and surrounding areas.”

Designed to enable residents to live

active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the new Care UK home will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities.

The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

Matthew Tucker, contracts manager at Lawrence Baker Limited, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing out expertise to this exciting project, working alongside Care UK on their new, state-of-the-art care home in Wantage.

“Construction is off to a great start and we’re on track to complete the work by Autumn 2024 – we’re already looking forward to reaching our next milestone in the coming months.”

A STORYTELLING and song group is helping to turn Monday mornings into eagerly anticipated times of fun, community and interaction for Dorset dementia care home residents.

Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth has begun welcoming a weekly visit from young parents and toddlers co-ordinated by Truth Be Told, an intergenerational storytelling charity that aims to promote belonging and reduce loneliness.

Carers at the home say it is an ideal opportunity to bridge the generation gap and improve residents’ quality of life, while providing children aged four and under with meaningful play and experience of older people.

Visits, led by Truth Be Told representative Faye Davis, involve using a hand-sewn patchwork pocket bag full of nostalgic props for the children to share with the residents.

Activities include reading and telling stories, sharing memories, singing traditional songs with actions and

even dancing together.

Fernhill companionship team member Ann Marie Knight said: “It is just lovely seeing this group interact so well together. Everyone is happy, smiling and laughing.

“Our residents get so much out of Truth Be Told coming into our home as do the parents and toddlers. The youngest to have come in with the group so far has been only three weeks old.”

The visits have a different theme each week to cultivate ongoing interest and everyone wears a name badge to help them become familiar to the group.

Ann Marie added: “We try to keep to the same residents each week so that the children and families get to know them and form a good relationship.”

Fernhill has chosen Truth Be Told as its charity of the year for 2023. Residents and staff will be raising funds to support the group through activities such as craft sales and other events at the home.

Home to host dementia education workshop

A CARE home specialising in dementia will open its doors to members of the public as part of its free series to raise awareness of the condition.

Relatives and those living with dementia are encouraged to attend the event at Cramond Residence on April 22 for the second instalment of its ‘Let’s talk about…Dementia’ series.

The session will be led by Ross Bijak, general manager at Cramond Residence, who has more than 17 years of experience in the care sector.

Key topics set to be covered include a background on dementia, its symptoms, and the importance of person-centred care. Ross said: “Dementia has physical, psychological, social and economic impacts, not only for people living with dementia but also for their carers, families and wider society.

“There is often a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia, resulting in stigmatisation and barriers to diagnosis and care – which is why we launched this series.

“The event will be interactive and

engaging, driven by the participants’ own experiences. It will feature exercises highlighting the challenges surrounding communication for those with dementia in a bid to hopefully overcome these and remove the stress associated.

“With expertise in-house, we’re proud to be in a position to host these small group sessions to share knowledge and provide support on dementia care.”

The event starts at 10am and refreshments will be provided. To sign up for the event email enquiries@ cramondresidence.co.uk

Residents Joan Vohra and Doris Smith enjoy listening to mums reading stories to their toddlers.

Brian Whittaker

Ross Bijak

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Achievements are recognised at first awards ceremony

THE achievements, inspirational journeys and outstanding care delivered to hundreds of residents across its nine care homes were celebrated at the inaugural Oakland Care Awards.

The award ceremony, which took place at St Ermin’s London, brought together around 80 finalists for 16 award categories, including Carer of the Year, Rising Star Award, and CEO Recognition Award.

Chief executive officer Joanne Balmer BEM said: “It was a truly special day where we able to recognise and celebrate our amazing team members and the incredible work they do on a daily basis.

‘It is important to come together as one and celebrate these accomplishments. What we achieve as individuals is only made possible by the support and encouragement that our colleagues provide.

“So, as well as recognising the outstanding contribution of talented colleagues, it is also reflective of what we have achieved collectively.”

There were an array of team members hoping to be crowned winners after an impressive 12 months for Oakland Care.

The care provider has not only grown its portfolio of care homes, but achieved regular award recognition that has furthered its credentials as one of the UK’s top care home providers.

This includes being named as ‘Top Employer’ for a third time in a row in the Top Employer’s UK list and achieving the eat of four of its nine homes featuring in the Luxury Care Home Guide for 2023.

On the night there were several standout triumphs, including Stuart Wood, who was named ‘Carer of the Year’.

Despite joining Oakland Care with no previous experience in the social care sector, he quickly developed a passion for delivering care and

has become a crucial pillar of the Birchwood Heights team, highly valued by both colleagues and residents alike.

Elsewhere Emily Besser was recognised with the ‘Rising Star’ award.

Whilst working as a receptionist at Oakland Care’s Woodland Grove care home, Emily made the decision to put herself through the CIPD qualification to develop her understanding of people management processes.

This display of ambition and initiative to further her own skills was a big reason behind her award success.

She said: “It meant so much to me to even be invited to the Oakland Care Awards, let alone to win an award.

“I am truly grateful for the award and recognition I have received. I am proud to be part of such an amazing company.”

Over the course of the last year Oakland Care has also continued to lead the way for sustainability, retaining its status as the only carbon neutral operator in the UK for a second year running and achieved Level 3 certification by Green Mark, the highest grade awarded by the sustainability specialist.

Team members across the care home provider have been crucial to this success, including Michela Volpe, lifestyles manager at Woodland Grove, who was honoured with the Sustainability Award, which celebrates an individual who has demonstrated commitment to championing environmental considerations within their role.

Michela has exemplified this through her innovative work, including developing methods to reduce plastic waste, introducing activities for residents to reuse and upcycle waste items, and leading her team to plant more than 300 trees at a local site in Essex this January.

Operator partners with nearby hospice through Chairman’s 2020 Fund

CARE South, a not-for-profit provider of residential and care at home services across the south of England, has announced a formal partnership with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care which will mutually and equally benefit both Poole-based charities.

The partnership is being funded through Care South’s Chairman’s 2020 Fund.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a charity helping people with lifelimiting illnesses and their families across East Dorset.

The charity delivers care and support for patients who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses whilst promoting acceptance, hope and peace of mind. Lewis-Manning Hospice Care offers a range of important services which are run by an incredible clinical team.

Care South’s Chairman’s 2020 Fund was set up as a way for the charity to show its support and appreciation to other charities and local not-forprofit individuals and groups who are important to Care South’s care home residents, care at home clients and staff.

Simon Bird, Care South’s chief executive, said: “This partnership is

yet another way that Care South is able to support such an important local charity – and one which means so much to us all and supports us and residents in our care throughout the year.

“As part of the partnership we have lots of interesting and exciting projects and initiatives planned, as well as many more activities and events at our homes involving residents, staff and volunteers from both charities, throughout the year.”

Care South and Lewis-Manning Hospice Care have held an informal partnership for a number of years and have worked closely to support one another through a wide range of initiatives and events.

Claire Gallie, CEO at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, added: “There are no words to express our gratitude and thanks to Simon and the team at Care South for this grant in recognition of the partnership.

“Care South and Lewis-Manning are both charities and share the same values as one another. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – this fantastic sum of money will enable us to help more people and their loved ones in our community.”

Malvern care home celebrates ‘Good’ CQC rating

WINDSOR Court Care Home, part of the Maria Mallaband Care Group, has received a ‘well-deserved’ Good rating from the social care sector watchdog the Care Quality Commission.

The 51-bed purpose-built care home in Malvern was found to be safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led with a ‘Good’ rating across all inspection areas.

It revealed work to transform the home over the past year had paid off with inspectors finding that the care delivered was “kind and caring” and “showed respect and dignity” to those living there.

Kim Mulford, home manager, said: “This positive CQC report has highlighted the effort our teams put in to ensure that all of those living with us have the best quality of life.

“The atmosphere we want here is a warm and welcoming environment,

which has not only been noticed by those staying here and their visitors but has been highlighted in this report.

“I am full of admiration for everyone’s dedication, compassion

and professionalism.”

Inspectors spoke to staff, visiting healthcare professionals, service users and relatives, as well as reviewing records, to get a picture of how the home runs and the care

it offers. The report highlighted that the registered manager and staff promoted a positive culture in the home and reported that those living there, and their relatives spoke positively about the support and care they received.

Specialising in the provision of nursing, residential and dementia care, Windsor Court’s recent inspection report set out that ‘staff knew people’s healthcare needs, associated risks and how to manage them.’ It also highlighted that ‘there were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s needs.’

Kim added: “I am looking forward to making further improvements to the home, taking on the appraisals of the inspectors, and bettering the home even more.

“Our team strives to not only be ‘good’, but the very best at what they do.”

It’s about getting active this spring, new study reveals

Outstanding rating for ‘hive of activity’ home

THE Care Quality Commission has awarded Care UK’s Cleves Place in Haverhill ‘outstanding’ in its level of care and its responsiveness, resulting in an overall ‘outstanding’ rating.

The management at the home was praised by inspectors and relatives, who described the overall culture as positive and compassionate.

Home manager Clare Mooney has implemented a caring culture where people feel valued and supported, an approach reflected in the quality of the care residents receive, with team members described as kind and caring.

She said: “We see beyond a resident’s health conditions and older age, to their personality, hobbies and passions.

“We don’t see obstacles, we see opportunities. Every aspect of life here is tailored to the residents and how they want to live their lives.

“I’m so pleased our continued efforts have been recognised once again by the CQC’s inspectors, especially in light of the recent challenges of the pandemic.

“Everyone here is incredibly passionate about improving the quality of residents’ lives, and they work hard to make a positive difference each and every day.

“To be rated ‘outstanding’ for the second time shows just how committed the team is and I’m extremely proud of each and every one of them.

“I would like to say thank you for their hard work and dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by

A new care home in Cardiff has announced the appointment of its senior team. Care UK has appointed Therisa Galazka as the home manager to lead the team at Llys Herbert when it opens in July. With more than 25 years of experience in the health and social care sector, Therisa began her career as a registered mental health nurse. Spending time with both the NHS and the independent sector, Therisa worked her way up to hospital director, where she was responsible for a large multi-disciplinary team for fifteen years. Therisa was awarded the ‘Inspirational Nurse of the Year’ award in 2021 as a result of her proactive approach and dedication to supporting her team and service users throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Jenny Ashton has also been appointed as customer relations manager. She will be the first point of contact for all potential residents and their relatives, ensuring a smooth process for all, from showing a family around the home, to supporting their loved one to move in.

residents and their families.”

The home was described as a “hive of activity” which reflects the interests, history and backgrounds of residents.

This included supporting a residentled activity to mark Burn’s Night and inviting a tap dancer into the home for a resident who expressed their love for the dance.

It was noted that the person-centred culture shined through in the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative, which sees residents share wishes which the team then make come true.

Going the extra mile, the team organised for their local fire service to visit a resident who was a retired fire fighter – celebrating his career and encouraging reminiscence.

The recruitment and training process of team members at Cleves Place was also praised with “overwhelmingly positive feedback” for the care team and the “exceptionally high-quality care” provided, with residents recalling feeling immediately “settled and happy at the home”.

After speaking with relatives, the inspectors were impressed with consistent feedback being how “caring”, “compassionate” and “enthusiastic” the team is, going above and beyond their expectations with acts of kindness.

Supporting residents to increase their independence, team members have introduced a new shopping trolley at the home. This initiative allows residents to choose their own preferred snacks and other purchases.

NEW research from Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, reveals that now is the perfect time to reset your goals if your new year’s fitness resolutions have slipped.

60 per cent of the nation feel more motivated to get active during the spring and summer months and 72 per cent wish they were more physically active.

In response, Anchor and presenter and fitness guru Diana Moran aka ‘The Green Goddess’ are uniting to encourage the nation to get active this spring.

The operator’s colleagues and residents have already been showing the nation how it’s done through their inclusive #MoveIntoMarch initiative.

Having clocked up 566.6 hours of activity during March by finding fun ways to get active – from Anchor’s own Zest and Be Active workout series to sociable walks and talks – the provider is urging the nation to get active to benefit their wellbeing.

Helen Core, wellbeing manager at Anchor, said: “Supporting our residents to enjoy movement in later life is something we champion here at Anchor – we see the benefits firsthand every day.

“This is just one example of how our colleagues make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.

“As England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life, we’re also in a great position to nurture and support colleagues.

“Our Zest Wellbeing programme is one of the ways we support our residents’ wellbeing, through inclusive movements that everyone can enjoy.

“This spring, we’re encouraging the public to join in and show us how they’re getting moving on social media.”

Anchor’s research highlights how physical activity and wellbeing go hand in hand, as 65 per cent of the nation feel better when they’ve spent time being active during the day, increasing to 72 per cent of older people.

In later life, more than half (51 per cent) say being active brings them joy and 72 per cent say it benefits their mental wellbeing.

Alpacas say ‘hello’ to residents

RESIDENTS at Belong Newcastleunder-Lyme have enjoyed a springtime start to remember with a special surprise in the form of a pair of alpacas popping in for a meetand-greet, and a stint working in the reception.

Teddy and Carlos, both aged four, made themselves at home at the care village, mingling with their hosts, taking tea in the on-site bistro and learning about the town’s history with a tour of the integrated Belong Heritage Gallery.

They then took-up a front-of-house post, offering a warm welcome to visitors.

The furry guests quickly forged friendships with customers and colleagues who provided an abundance of love and cuddles whilst taking the opportunity to ask their owners questions and provide their own amusing tales of past antics involving animals.

Emma Palin, experience coordinator at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: “To see our customers’ faces light up when the alpacas came in was truly magical.

“In previous years we’ve hatched our own chicks and ducks and for this Easter we wanted another experience involving everyone; we even introduced our new friends to those who are confined to their beds.

“Animals provide an affectionate, sensory experience which offers emotional benefits to our customers,

allowing them to feel connected in a way they might not always feel with people. It’s been a great success.”

The animal therapy session has was made possible thanks to Knightley Alpaca Trekking, a Staffordshire-based family business offering experiences with the South American mammal.

Attention now turns to the borough’s 850th anniversary, when Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme travels back in time to the Roaring Twenties for Gatsby-inspired parties and glamour, as well as a look back at the town’s life, literature and history over the past 850 years.

‘The Green Goddess’ Diana Moran

Resident Bob Kay and Teddy.