Caring uk weekly, August 30

Lessons must be learned from Covid

CARE providers say the Government has to learn some very tough lessons from the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on the care sector and take action to prevent similar devastation in the future.

The Independent Care Group was commenting after news that 30 families are starting legal action over the loss of their relatives in the pandemic.

ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “We have every sympathy for those who lost loved ones due to Covid and feel their anguish.

“The pandemic was horrific and tragic for care providers – a living nightmare. We felt every loss personally and painfully, wherever it occurred – in care and nursing homes, in supported living and amongst those being cared for at home.

“Care providers did everything – many going beyond Government guidelines and putting their own health and safety and that of their staff on the line – to keep vulnerable people as safe as they possibly could.

“Far from giving social care a ‘protective ring’ at the outset, Government advice was that care homes, for example, should continue as normal. The Government was then slow to make social care settings a priority in terms of testing for Covid and the provision of PPE. It was more concerned

with discharging people out of hospital quickly, including many who, it transpired, had Covid, with devastating effect.

“The care sector was on its knees after many years of underfunding and was ill prepared for any sort of pandemic and certainly not something as horrific as Covid.”

He said the question of legal action came down to individual cases, but added: “It is vital that lessons are learned – that how we deal with pandemics where the vulnerable are being cared for has a higher priority. We were far too low on the list in 2020. Are we prepared for any future pandemic that might come along?

“Above all, social care must get the funding and reform it has been crying out for now for more than 30 years. We must never again be in such a vulnerable and weak position when challenges of any kind –including a pandemic – arrive on our doorstep.”

The ICG wants to know how politicians plan to get care to the 1.6m people who currently can’t get it; tackle the 152,000 vacancies in the sector; properly recognise and reward the social care workforce with better pay and conditions and find the extra 445,000 care staff the sector will need to cope with rising demand, by 2035.

Residents at a Gateshead care home had a day of fun during its annual summer fair. An Elvis impersonator took everyone at Craigielea on a musical journey down memory lane, performing classic hits such as Suspicious Minds and Burning Love. Market style stalls offered an assortment of goodies creating a lively market atmosphere in the grounds of the home. The fair featured a sizzling BBQ with residents and guests being served freshly grilled hot dogs and burgers and the day was packed with an array of engaging activities, including traditional fair games, live entertainment, bringing a sense of camaraderie that truly showcased the spirit of the home, and supporting local businesses.

Nominations deadline extended

EXCITEMENT is building for the industry’s biggest end-of-year party, with plans in place to make this year’s Caring UK Awards the best one yet.

The deadline for entries has been extended due to high demand and will now close on Monday, September 18.

The awards evening will celebrate excellence throughout the industry, with trophies in 20 categories up for grabs at the glittering ceremony taking place on the night of December 7.

Organised by Script Media in partnership with Caring UK and headline sponsor Virgin Money, this celebration of success will culminate in a glittering ceremony – taking place at the Athena in Leicester – where host Emma Jesson will reveal the

winners. Awards include Regional Care Home of the Year, Care Employee of the Year and Activities Team of the Year. Other categories include Best Innovation in Care, Best Outdoor Environment and Care Employer of the Year.

Previous winners have reported an increase in profile and positive media coverage.

Event director Dominic Musgrave said:

“Once again we were overwhelmed with the standard of entries we have received so far from homes up and down the country.

“If you’ve not entered your care business yet then I would urge you to do so sooner rather than later.”

To enter visit www.caringuk awards. co.uk/nominations

Grayson & Dawn Taylor

Lamont Johnson Ltd Specialist Property Agents

Dear Grayson and Dawn

What an enormous relief for Christine and I, that the sale of Mount Pleasant, has completed so successfully. Never in our wildest dreams, could we have imagined such a straightforward and simple sale and much of that undoubtedly, can be attributed to your continual support and efforts on our behalves, throughout what could have been a very stressful process.

As you know, Mount Pleasant has been in our family ownership for over 38 years and therefore, we were very nervous about the selling process and choosing the right agent was crucial.

Thankfully we knew from the very first moment that we met you both, that you were the ideal choice of agent for us. Unlike many of the corporate agents in the sector who are invariably only available 9 am – 5 pm, five days per week, we knew that you would support us irrespective of working hours and that proved very much to be the case. Many of your so-called competitors should take a leaf from your book!

Your introduction/recommendation of a specialist healthcare solicitor in our case, and an excellent healthcare finance broker on behalf of our buyer, made all the difference to the success of the transaction. The recommended solicitor, from day one helped our cause enormously, and was a major contributing factor in enabling the transaction to move forward seamlessly to completion.

Thank you for all your efforts once again.

Kind regards to you both.

Lamont Johnson is delighted to confirm this weeks completed sale of Mount Pleasant, located in the affluent Cheshire “money belt”, close to Knutsford.

The original charming farmhouse building was converted and established as a Home by our clients in 1985.

The property is set in 5+ acres was extended in 1992 and a 3-bedroom bungalow added in 1993.

Presently registered for 25 and with the home having a current CQC status of “Good”.

The Home has been sold on behalf of John and Christine Padden and acquired by the Buxton based Andrew Care Ltd to complement their existing homes in Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Firth and Woodford.

Hoot-of-a-time is had by residents

RESIDENTS at a Kirklees care home had a hoot when several owls flew in to see them for an animal therapy session.

The birds of prey were brought to Aden Mount Care Home, in Primrose Hill, by Wise Owl Bird of Prey Rescue. A little owl named Orville, Pebbles the barn owl, Willow the Eurasian eagle, Gizmo the southern whitefaced owl, and Storm the harris hawk were among the visitors.

Michelle Horsley, home manager at Aden Mount, said: “The first owl to meet the residents was Orville. The residents were able to feed and stroke the little owl. Everyone loved stroking the little bird.

“The birds were larger each time they came out and all the residents’ faces lit up with every new bird they saw. Everyone who wanted to stroke a bird did, while others were happy just to watch the birds flying from person to person.

“The residents were interested in everything about the birds, asking questions about what they ate, how much they weighed, where they were from. One even asked how they could get one.

“Many of the residents and staff wanted the birds to stay for longer. Like forever.”

Aden Mount is one of several Hill Care Group homes in the region taking advantage of animal therapy sessions to help boost residents’ wellbeing.

Those living at Thornhill in Edgerton took trips to Ponderosa Zoo, Heckmondwike, to meet meerkats, monkeys, reindeer and reptiles to name just a few.

A walk-through enclosure allowed the residents to get up close to the lemurs, they watched the spider

monkeys being fed, and enjoyed a meal at the zoo’s lake side restaurant.

Ilona Ruttle, activities coordinator at Thornhill Care Home, said: “Ponderosa is a wonderful place to go to see the animals.

“I asked the residents which animals they liked the most. Rachel said she liked them all, Mary said the reindeer, and James said all except the reptiles.

“All the residents also enjoyed having refreshments and meals at the various venues at the zoo.”

Another Hill Care Group home, Aden Lodge, has also seen animals raising residents’ spirits when mobile petting zoo DB Animal Therapy visited with a menagerie of exotic animals recently.

“Seeing the residents interacting with the animals, asking questions and talking about the visits for hours and days afterwards shows just how impactful and beneficial these therapy sessions are.

“I’m positive we will be doing many more in future.”

Green-fingered resident turns home into a botanical beauty

LES Langley, a resident at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court in Wokingham, has started transforming his home. He recently selected an array of plants for his fellow residents to enjoy when walking through the leafy grounds.

As a volunteer heritage gardener for South Hill Park in Bracknell, Les had the expertise to carefully select plants according to their aspect and the soil they require. Colourful patio plants and perfect perennials were his final choices for the home’s planting scheme.

“I thoroughly enjoy my gardening, both in the home and at South Hill Park,” he said.

“We have made some great friends within the gardening club, and I really look forward to going on a Wednesday morning. I love to be active and enjoy a good chat, some hard work and tea and biscuits.”

As a green-fingered person, Les enjoys his weekly sessions with a group of volunteers, Bracknell Forest Council heritage team and

Residents jam out to musical performance by Brass Fusion band

RESIDENTS and staff from Care South’s Sussexdown residential care home in Storrington enjoyed a musical performance by the local Brass Fusion band.

The musical showcase was organised by The Friends of Sussexdown Committee. The Brass Fusion band put on a spectacular show for the team, residents, family and friends at the home during its ‘Music in the Garden’ event.

Brass Fusion is an ensemble of experienced and talented players who bring fun and innovation to the world of brass music.

The event doubled as a summer fete, as the committee also provided refreshments, organised raffle prizes and sold raffle tickets for the tombola.

The raffle took place after the concert, and those who took part enjoyed some light-hearted competition when it came to the prizes that were on offer.

The residents and their families enjoyed a day celebrating with the melodious music in the background as they took part in the many activities that the Friends of Sussexdown committee had arranged for the day.

Luba Glebow, activities lead at Sussexdown care home, said: “We extended an invitation to the local community to join the Music in the Garden celebration with us and were overwhelmed by the attendance of discharged respite residents, their

families and people from the local area.

“It means a lot to us that we are contributing to the local community. We would like to thank the Friends of Sussexdown committee for their hard work in organising this wonderful event. We are so grateful for the experiences they continue to provide us with.”

The Friends of Sussexdown committee, which consists of nine members, raises funds throughout the year by hosting events and generating donations to provide extra comforts, activities, trips out and support for residents and staff members at the care home.

It all began in 1998 whilst the home was under the ownership of the Royal Air Forces Association and it held a garden party to raise money.

This became the first of many events and subsequently, dedicated individuals from the RAFA and Sussexdown formed the ‘Friends of Sussexdown’ group. The two founding members, Pauline Davis and Jan Townsend, are still volunteering 25 years later.

Pauline Webb, chair of Friends of Sussexdown, added: “We are glad that everyone enjoyed the Music in the Garden event and are pleased that so many people got involved.

“The rest of the committee and I look forward to continuing our support for all the residents and staff with upcoming events in the future.”

She

gets full enjoyment from gardening.

“He has made lots of new friends, and he’s been able to develop his plant and garden knowledge.”

Marking a 100th birthday is a joyous event for all involved, and for Crewe’s Betty Palmer, the occasion has proven to be extra special as she becomes one of a small number of people in receipt of royal well wishes from both King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as Elizabeth II. Opening the congratulatory card surrounded by family, friends and Belong care village carers at her party, Betty said of reaching three figures: “Your age is just a number but so lovely to receive such a very special card.” It was in 2010 when Betty, along with husband Eric, received their first message from the palace, this time from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for their diamond wedding anniversary.

Sharon Fletcher, one of the activities coordinators at the home.

said: “We were welcomed with open arms and Les’ mobility restrictions have been accommodated so he

Home rated 5-star for treating residents with compassion, dignity and respect

A HIGHLAND care home has been highly rated for treating residents with compassion, dignity and respect and for helping residents get the most out of life.

Lynemore in Grantown, part of the Parklands Care Homes group, was assessed during an unannounced visit by the Care Inspectorate, during which the inspector spoke to seven residents, 17 relatives or friends and 26 staff and managers.

The inspector assessed the home against several criteria, including the extent to which residents experienced compassion, dignity and respect, for which Lynemore was rated 5 (very good).

Lynemore was also rated 5 for the quality of its setting, for the way it promotes people’s independence, and for helping residents to get the most out of life.

Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands said: “We are delighted to have received such a positive report from the Care Inspectorate, and I am immensely proud of the team at Lynemore.

“This latest report paints a picture of a highly motivated, committed and passionate team of care professionals.

“There are many strengths identified in this report, not least the quality of Lynemore’s setting and the

compassionate way in which our teams deliver care to our residents.

“The report also recognises the strong sense of unity among the team, with everyone working together to deliver the highest standards.

“I am pleased too that the Care Inspectorate recognised that we listen carefully to residents, their relatives and staff and have appropriate policies in place to deal with any concerns, should they arise.

“We are committed to continuous improvement at Lynemore and across the Parklands group.

“This report will allow us to build

Mayor in attendance at care home celebrations

STAFF residents and the local community were joined by Councillor Shannon Saise-Marshall, Mayor of Runnymede, to celebrate 75 years since the opening of Merlewood Care Home in Virginia Water.

Merlewood, a Victorian house set in 23 acres of grounds, is the flagship home of the Elizabeth Finn Homes care group. Previously the home of Sir Thomas and Lady Elsie Smith, Merlewood provides residential accommodation for 53 older people on a permanent or respite basis, as well as offering end-of-life care.

Staff at Merlewood recently held an open day to celebrate the 75-year milestone with a BBQ, Pimms and ice cream and an array of outdoor stalls, a dog show and donkey rides, as well as live music and entertainment.

“It was a fabulous day for all involved and we are grateful to Councillor Shannon Saise-Marshall and her Consort, Maj (Retd) Rob Marshall MBE for helping us celebrate and to all those from the local community who came along to support and run stalls,” said Debbie Vellender, Merlewood general manager.

“It was lovely to see our residents and their families enjoying the great atmosphere and meeting new people.”

The Elizabeth Finn Homes care group grew from the Distressed Gentlefolk’s Aid Association which

was founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Finn. At the age of 72 she decided that something had to be done about the silent suffering of people who had been self-sufficient in the past but were now battling with poverty and illness.

Following the war there was a shortage of care homes for older people, and in January 1948 the Victorian house known as Merlewood in Virginia Water, Surrey, became the first facility purchased by the Association which was renamed the Elizabeth Finn Trust in 1999.

“Elizabeth Finn was a champion of kindness and dignity for those facing hard times,” added Dr Olivia Curno, CEO of Elizabeth Finn Homes. “We are proud to be continuing her legacy through the care provided in our homes and through our support of Turn2us, the charity she founded, which helps thousands of people facing poverty across the UK every day.”

on our strengths and aim to deliver an even higher standard of care. Our residents deserve nothing but the best.”

The report found that Lynemore provided a “welcome environment which was homely, comfortable and safe” and that “staff teams worked well together.”

It added: “People experienced care and support with compassion and there was warm, encouraging and positive relationships between staff and people living in the home.

“People were listened to and respected and their preferences were

used to shape how they wished to be supported. People experienced support that promoted their independence, dignity, privacy and choice. Family and friends spoke very highly of the support being offered to their loved ones.”

The quality of Lynemore’s setting attracted particular praise. The report said: “We found significant strength in aspects of the care provided and how these supported positive outcomes for people.

“People benefited from a setting which was designed so that everyone could independently access all part of the care home. People’s bedrooms were spacious, comfortable and all had en-suite facilities for their use. Furnishings within the care home were of good quality and kept clean and tidy for people. People had access to a welcoming garden from each unit.”

The report also noted that Lynemore had “robust procedures in place to investigate complaints or concerns” and that “these were handled in a way which was appropriate and in line with best guidance.”

Lynemore was rated 4 (good) for the way it supports people’s wellbeing, for the quality of its staff team and leadership and for the way care and support is planned.

Residents’ coastal coach trip down memory lane

MEMORIES of post-WWII Cleethorpes came back to mind for two octogenarian sisters from Sheffield during a recent day-long seaside sojourn.

For Pat and Barbara Lane, 86 and 82 respectively, the trip to the coastal town was their first since childhood, when they took a family holiday shortly after the War.

Barbara said: “There was not much there as that part of the coast had been shelled during the War. We were surprised to see how much had changed since then, with all the amusements and shops.”

The Laurels and The Limes residents, from Sheffield, were among almost three dozen residents and staff from three Hill Care Group homes to visit Cleethorpes.

The groups, who also came from Broadacres in Rotherham and Deangate in Barnsley, disembarked the coaches to a small downpour,

before the sunshine broke through to give everyone a great day out.

Following fish and chips for lunch at award-winning restaurant Papas, located in an old dancehall on Cleethorpes Pier, the residents enjoyed an ice cream on the seafront. They then made a stop off at the arcades to play the 2p machines and the gift shop before returning to the coaches to get back to South Yorkshire.

Mandy Bennett, regional manager for the Hill Care Group, added: “It was amazing to be able to take the residents for a day out at the seaside.

“This is exactly why we do things like day trips and outings, even if it’s just to the local coffee shop.

The residents love the adventure, especially as they remember the times they went to the seaside with their own families.

“You can see how the change of scene gives everyone a lift.”

Manager celebrates 15-year anniversary with the home

THE manager of St Helens Hall Care Home has celebrated her 15-year work anniversary with the home.

‘Day in the life’ for Care England duo

RESIDENTS and staff at Willows Care Home welcomed two members of the Care England team recently.

George Appleton, the organisation’s head of policy, and Charlotte Lezard, policy and public affairs officer, spent a day shadowing the Romford home’s care and activities teams.

Suitably kitted out in carers’ uniforms and personalised name badges (which they kept as souvenirs), the pair really looked the part.

They started off by helping to serve breakfast to residents and then attended a clinical meeting with staff. There they discussed the complexities of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards with the Willows team, also providing a useful update on the introduction of the long-awaited Liberty Protection Safeguards.

After helping with the residents’ mid-morning tea round, Charlotte and George participated in the activities in the lounge and spent time talking to residents.

Afterwards it was back to the dining room to help with lunch.

“When they put on their care uniforms they were completely transformed from policy professionals to carers,” said home manager Claudia Ramsamy. “

I was excited to show them what we do each day, how we provide good care and take pride in what we do. Everything ran very smoothly, and the team was struck by how well George and Charlotte interacted with the residents.”

While Charlotte shadowed care assistant Liliana Graban and played hangman with residents, George worked alongside Emma Charleston, also a care assistant.

He was comfortable and relaxed, too, as he chatted with residents and, to everyone’s amusement and delight, found a ‘girlfriend’.

Willows’ clinical manager Gail St-Juste Alcide added: “We wanted our visitors to relax and be completely themselves while at Willows, although we do understand that there were a huge number of new people for them to interact with.

“It was a really positive learning experience for all of us.”

Residents share in wedding

MILL Lane healthcare assistants Catia Leal and Marius Ali tied the knot in a special pre-wedding day celebration at the Felixstowe home.

Residents at the Suffolk home had been busy helping with preparations for the big day which included making vases for flowers which they arranged on the morning of the nuptials as well as making knitted banners in celebration of the couple.

Activity co-ordinator Debbie Austin said: “When we realised Catia and Marius were getting married in Portugal, and we knew we would not be able to attend, the staff team and the residents wanted to get involved – so we decided to have our own wedding here at the home.”

Residents did readings and sang for the ceremony which included a sermon on ‘What is Marriage?” with home manager Suzanne Brindley taking the role of celebrant. The home was decorated with flowers and the bride wore white.

There was a wedding march, an exchange of rings, a toast and the cutting of a special cake prepared by the chef.

“It was a fabulous event and the residents said it was so lovely to see them marry as they are so special and a lovely couple,” said Debbie.

Catia and Marius are officially tying the knot during their holiday in Portugal but loved sharing all the elements of the wedding with the residents.

Amanda Clark joined the St Helens based facility in 2008 as a senior care assistant before working her way up to become care manager in 2011 and then registered manager eight years ago.

She said: “I felt a calling to a career in care shortly after leaving school when my nan became unwell. I left the college where I was studying something else and instead started an apprenticeship in care.

“I love my job and working with the team at St Helens Hall to provide excellent care to our residents. When I started off, I never thought I would become a Registered Manager but I’m proud of what I have achieved.

“We have had quite a lot of special occasions during the time I have been here, including staff nominated for regional and national care awards and many residents turning hundred.

“The job is extremely rewarding and I enjoy making sure the residents are well cared for, happy and safe. My management style is to be as approachable as possible and I have a good relationship with all the staff.

“St Helens Hall Care Home is a special place, which is made even more so by everyone’s personalities. Covid was a difficult time but we all mucked in and supported each other, did what we could, and followed guidance to keep our residents safe.

“I’m so glad I was inspired to go into care by my Nan.

“You need empathy, to be caring and lots of enthusiasm to provide great care and I feel just as passionate about it as a career today as when I first started out.”

Steven Hamblett, operations director of Sandstone Care Group,

which owns the home, presented Amanda with champagne and a bouquet of flowers at a surprise party.

He said: “Amanda manages the largest care home in our group which, of course, means it is the busiest.

“She always works with a good sense of humour and finds the time to spend with residents and staff.

“During the pandemic, she managed the home through the most challenging times while showing great leadership and selflessness as she supported her team, the residents and their families.

“She worked night and day alongside her team to ensure everyone received the support they needed.

“She truly is an inspiring leader and living proof of fantastic career development. We feel honoured to have Amanda in our management team.”

Extravaganza raises nearly £500 for charity

A CARE home in Gerrards Cross held a summer party extravaganza and raised nearly £500 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Part of the Premium Care Group, Austenwood’s summer party welcomed residents, friends and family, staff and the local community.

Manager Corina Andreescu said: “Our residents love nothing more than a good party and to feel connected to the community. We were so pleased to welcome many new faces.

“Thank you to all the local businesses and to friends and family for donating to our raffle. The Alzheimer’s Society is a charity that means a lot to our home, and we know this valuable donation will go a long way.”

With the theme of country and western, as chosen by residents and their relatives, guests put on their best

Amanda Clark

checked shirts and took part in some boot tapping fun.

Singer Nik Stoter, a regular and popular visitor at the home, added a musical touch to the afternoon with songs that got the crowd dancing and singing together.

Healthcare assistants Catia Leal and Marius Ali