Caring UK Weekly

Issue 27 30.09.20

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

‘Daredevils’ raise money with skydive ASHWORTH Grange’s selfconfessed ‘daredevil duo’ Sharon Hudson and Caroline Williams have completed a 10,000 ft tandem skydive in support of their co-worker Heather Bond, whose son has been recently diagnosed with rare progressive brain disease, Leukodystrophy.

Heather and her partner James Newsome from Liversedge were given the heart-breaking news about their three-year-old son Eli’s life shortening disease in early June.

They intend to spend as much time making special memories with him as possible.

The duo completed their skydive at Grindale, Bridlington in North Yorkshire.

The care team reached their initial target of £1,000 within just four days of launching the Go Fund Me page and have since gone on to raise another £1,340, which will go towards special trips out for Eli and his family and specialised mobility equipment.

Care manager Sharon Hudson said: “The whole Ashworth Grange team was devastated by the news, and we immediately began thinking of ways we could try to help Heather and her family during this extremely difficult time.

“In the past we have

successfully raised money for Dementia UK by completing sponsored skydives and thought this would be a great way to do the same for Eli. “We have been delighted by the response from our residents’ families and the local community and I am looking forward to hearing about all the special memories Eli and his family make with the money we have raised.”

Leukodystrophy is a rare and progressive disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and often the peripheral nerves.

This leads to abnormal development of the white brain cells and has sadly shortened Eli’s life expectancy considerably.

Heather added: “Both myself and James have been so overwhelmed with the response from our family, friends, co-workers and people in our local community.

“It is not until something like this happens you realise how kind and generous people really are and I am so happy to be surrounded by the most supportive people.

“When Sharon told me about the skydive I was gobsmacked at how much they wanted to help, and the money they have raised will really help us to make some valuable memories with Eli.”

Line-up of speakers is unveiled

A motley crew of salty sea dogs paid residents a visit at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe as the care home enjoyed a Pirates’ Day. The event was organised by staff ahead of International Talk like a Pirate Day. Residents and staff dressed up for the day as buccaneers and cut-throats.

They enjoyed a number of pirate-themed activities, delicious food, and there was a ration or two of rum on offer as well.

Activities manager Hayley Helsdown said: “With performers unable to visit, we have to think of creative ways to entertain our residents. And this was really successful. Residents and staff had great fun dressing up, singing songs and having a good time.”

A BIG THANK YOU

FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP OUR MOST VULNERABLE SAFE AND HAPPY …

WE’RE IN AWE OF YOUR SELFLESS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.

Caring UK is part of the Script Media companies

THE line-up of speakers has been revealed for the third in the series of free online webinars hosted by Caring UK. The Exceeding the Boundaries of Care event takes place on Wednesday, October 14 between 10.30am and 12pm.

The free event will feature national speakers and exhibitors.

They are aimed at proprietors, managers, financial directors, individuals working within purchasing departments, matrons and senior nursing staff of care homes, nursing homes, dual registered homes, retirement villages, ancillary care organisations and domiciliary care agencies who work in the independent elderly care sector.

Kicking it off will be Vic Rayner, executive director of the National Care Forum.

She will be followed by Scott Sherriden, founder and managing director of The Care Hub. The third speaker will be Melanie Weatherley, chair of the Lincolnshire Care Association.

Neil Grant, Partner and senior lawyer at Gordons Partnership LLP Solicitors, will complete the line-up.

There will a chance at the end for delegates to question the speakers.

Register now at https://zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_ usL7H27nQY658p0hiThgmA Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

To find our more call Tony Barry on 01226 7634605 or Bev Green on 01226 734288.

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Roll of

HONOUR 2020 C A R I N G U K M AG A Z I N E

Have you nominated your lockdown hero?

Nominate your lockdown hero who has gone over and above in these most testing of times in the Caring UK 2020 Roll of Honour.

We want to hear from you if you know someone who has gone above and beyond in 2020 to make a difference and help their residents and colleagues get through these harrowing times.

The Caring UK 2020 Roll of Honour will appear in our January 2021 issue.

Send your nomination to events@scriptmedia.co.uk and we will be featuring some of your stories in Caring UK magazine, and our weekly Caring UK digital newsletter.

Closing date for entries is Friday December 4.

We can’t wait to read your stories ‌ Sponsorship opportunities are also available by calling 01226 734 605

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CARINGWEEKLY

Next step in provider’s journey to transform care in Edinburgh BLACKWOOD Homes and Care has successfully completed the transfer of Freespace, a not-for-profit care provider in Edinburgh, in a move that will protect the future of the 130 employees and 40 customers.

The transfer means that the 40 adults, who all have varying disabilities and support needs, will not only receive continuing support from their care teams but will benefit from Blackwood’s innovative technology-based services to help them live as independently as possible.

Freespace was set up by the parents of young adults living with a disability over three decades ago, and since then it has provided support to adults with physical and complex disabilities until it confirmed that it would cease operations this year.

Angela Currie, operations director at Blackwood, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for us to step in to offer our care and support to this group of Edinburgh residents.

“Like Blackwood, Freespace has a long history of helping people to live independently and we’re privileged to be able to continue its service.

“We’ll be bringing all of our technology, care and support services to our new customers and 130 new staff members – creating a flexible and modern care service which will make a huge difference to everyone.

“Customers will be given the tools to be able to live more independently and freely, while receiving highquality standards of care from the same carers – many of whom they have built long-lasting relationships with over the years.

“We are happy to welcome our new employees to Blackwood, who will also benefit from our technology, training and development, and flexibility.”

The transfer means Blackwood will deliver an additional 3,500 hours of care and support every week across Edinburgh ensuring a robust and

Angela Currie strong service base for customers and staff.

Blackwood’s service includes the rollout of its bespoke care system, CleverCogs™.

By using CleverCogs, users will be able to stay in touch with their carers, family and friends, safely browse the web and attend remote GP appointments.

Angela added: “One of the many benefits of having our customers digitally connected means that our carers can think more creatively about their care and use their time more efficiently.

“Instead of spending time food shopping, for example, carers will be able to spend more valuable time with our customers.

“We’re incredibly excited for the opportunity to modernise and help everyone live more independently, while further enhancing their lives with a workforce who are now a firm part of our Blackwood journey.

“We’d also like to thank Edinburgh’s Health and Social Care Partnership team in helping facilitate the transfer and supporting us and all of our new staff and customers.”

The transfer will increase Blackwood’s care and support services across Edinburgh, building on previous successes of its local services.

In addition to providing care services, Blackwood provides housing support to individuals with a range of needs.

Clients receive gift to celebrate company’s second anniversary PEOPLE in the Glastonbury area receiving a ‘Home First/Discharge to Assess (D2A)’ service received a special gift from Candlelight Care.

The company has been providing the Home First/D2A service, which works closely with the NHS to help patients who have been discharged from hospital, for two years.

To celebrate its anniversary the staff presented each client with a red rose tied up in a handkerchief, a gift which was appreciated by all the recipients.

Operations manager Deborah Puxty said: “Our Home First/D2A team has become a significant part of our service, led by its newly-promoted manager Claire Hurford. We are delighted to share our celebrations with our clients, and chose red roses as red is the traditional second anniversary colour.”

Margaret Cottis and Jo Moore.

106th birthday celebrations A BRAINTREE great, great grandmother celebrated her 106th birthday in style, with singing, a special cake and stories about her childhood in north Essex.

Margaret Cottis, who is the oldest resident at The New Deanery in Bocking, was delighted with the celebration laid on by the care home, which included finance director and accomplished singer Jo Moore performing her favourite songs.

Activities manager Jo Whitehouse said: “Margaret is an amazing woman who has lived life to the full and continues to do so. She is bright, articulate and still young at heart.”

Margaret was born in Lindsell, near Dunmow, in 1914 as the fourth of five children. She moved to Copford at the age of two and was raised by her mother after her father was killed in World War I. Margaret trained to become a nanny

under a Norland nurse when she was 16 and worked for seven years until she met her husband and had her two children.

She developed a passion for handicrafts and cross-stitching and loved swimming so much that she only stopped when she was 90 when she could no longer find anyone to take her.

When she was 101, Margaret was invited to Windsor Chapel on Maundy Thursday to meet the Queen.

She moved to The New Deanery in 2019.

Jo added: “Reaching 106 is a real achievement and we feel privileged to take care of Margaret. Our ‘singing director’ Jo Moore learned ‘You raise me up’ by Katherine Jenkins and some songs from the musicals especially, and Matron made her favourite lemon drizzle cake to celebrate.”

Nominate your heroes IT’S BEEN a year like no other with unprecedented challenges and demands.

But, as the saying goes when the going gets tough, the tough get going – and nowhere has that been more true than in the care sector.

Day after day, we have received news of selflessness, hard work and dedication up and down the country – carers who have made huge sacrifices to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.

The pages of our magazine and our weekly digital newsletters have told heartbreaking and heartwarming stories of unity against adversity; love and care conquering the biggest of battles.

In these circumstances, we were so disappointed that we couldn’t proceed with this year’s Caring UK Awards and decided that so many amazing things had gone on during the difficult months of lockdown and beyond, we still needed to recognise these wonderful individuals and teams.

That is why we recently launched the Caring UK 2020 Roll of Honour – this will appear in our January 2021 issue and will pay tribute to the lockdown heroes who have gone over and above in these most testing

of times.

We want to hear from you if you know someone who has gone above and beyond in 2020 to make a difference and help their residents and colleagues get through these harrowing times.

Please send your nomination to events@scriptmedia.co.uk and we will be featuring some of your stories in Caring UK magazine, and our weekly Caring UK digital newsletter.

Closing date for entries is Friday December 4.

There will be a place on our 2020 Roll of Honour for the most inspiring nominees and they will all receive a certificate to mark their achievements.

We can’t wait to read your stories...

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CARINGWEEKLY

Residents donate winnings to the Alzheimer’s Society

Gosberton House

New owner for historic family-run care home DC Care has completed the sale of Gosberton House, a historic family-run care home near Spalding, Lincolnshire, on behalf of Gordon and Violet Lee. Gosberton House resides within extensive, attractive grounds and was constructed in 1805 as a private home for the Welby-Everard family.

The Georgian property was later purchased in 1956 by Lincolnshire County Council for use as a school.

Gosberton House was then acquired

by Gordon and Violet in 1989 and, following refurbishment work, was converted into a care home, with further extensions added in 1999.

Gordon and Violet approached DC Care to market Gosberton House discreetly and the home was acquired

by Kam Dhaliwal of GSD Care, an existing operator with two additional homes in the area.

Andy Sandel, the Southern region director at DC Care, appraised the business and oversaw the sale with assistance throughout the process from negotiators Clare Duffey and Michelle Natkus.

Andy said: “I am delighted for Gordon and Violet and would like

to wish them all the best in their retirement.

“When I first visited Gosberton House I was extremely impressed by the setting, the property and grounds, and the high standard of care being provided.

“Having encountered various setbacks along the way, not least the Covid-19 pandemic, we were delighted to complete the deal and see the business purchased by an experienced and ethical local provider in Mr Dhaliwal.

“Confidentiality and discretion were a high priority for Mr and Mrs Lee when they decided to sell the business, but we are pleased to say that with our sector knowledge and experience we were able to find the ideal buyer without the need to openly market the business.

“We would like to congratulate Kam on securing the latest addition to his group and wish him continued success.”

Gosberton House is registered for 46 service users to provide nursing and personal care for adults under and over 65 years of age.

It was sold for an undisclosed sum.

SUNRISE of Bassett residents won the Seeds of Change competition that was initiated by Michael and Janice Hawkins, owners of a local company.

At the beginning of the UK lockdown in mid-March, Home Care Removals sent a pack of sunflower seeds to local care homes.

The competition was to see who could grow the best sunflowers over the spring and summer months.

Santa Bukovska, director of community relations at Sunrise of Bassett, said: “Thank you to Home Care Removals for initiating this competition. It has been great fun and a really rewarding activity for all the residents involved.

“They are all so proud of our sunflower that is displayed outside Sunrise of Bassett. Well done to everyone. It is also wonderful to be able to use our winnings to support such a worthwhile cause.”

Their prize was a £100 donation to a charity of their choice. Sunrise of Bassett have decided to donate their winnings to the Alzheimer’s Society.

This donation will be used by the Alzheimer’s Society to support people living with dementia in accessing the help and advice they need through their Dementia Connect support line.

Twosome meet for first time NICKI Townsend and Mike Rowsell met for the first time recently after speaking with one another for more than five months.

The twosome have been partnered up via Brunelcare’s Friends on the Phone initiative, helping to combat loneliness during lock down.

Mike, who lives at the provider’s St John’s Court sheltered housing scheme, signed up to the service that matches tenants and residents to volunteers for weekly telephone

calls. Nicky signed up to the scheme as a volunteer.

Liz Ehlers, Bruelcare’s volunteering coordinator, added: “It was a pleasure partnering Nicky and Mike together for Brunelcare’s Friends on the Phone initiative.

The pair had their first call in April and are now very good friends.

They have met up a couple of times at a social distance, they have weekly Zoom meetings, text and catch up on the phone weekly.

Providers’ anger as care reform delayed again CARE providers are furious after it was confirmed that long overdue reform of the social care system was being delayed again.

Lord Bethell, a health minister in the House of Lords, has said he could not commit to a plan for social care reform by the end of 2020.

Care provider organisation The Independent Care Group says that simply isn’t good enough.

Chair Mike Padgham said: “This is yet another betrayal of millions of older and vulnerable people in this country.

“Before coronavirus we knew there were at least 1.5m people living in this country without the care they need.

With coronavirus, heaven knows what that figure is now.

“It is now more than a year since Boris Johnson promised to end the social care crisis once and for all and the only thing we have seen is the situation getting worse.

“Under-funded and neglected by government after government, coronavirus exposed a social care system that was already in crisis and plunged it into further despair.

“Now we are told that there is no hope of even the publication of a plan

Mike Padgham this year. It simply isn’t good enough.

“We need to see, immediately, the Government’s winter plan for helping social care cope with a muchfeared and predicted second wave of coronavirus and then, as a matter of urgency, a full, root and branch overhaul of the social care system.”

The ICG wants to see: n A root and branch overhaul of the way social care is planned and funded. n NHS care and social care to be merged and managed either locally or nationally. n A guarantee that people receiving publicly-funded care can receive it

in their own home or close to where they live. n Extra funding for social care, funded by taxation or National Insurance. n A commissioner for older people and those with Learning Disabilities in England. n A properly-costed national rate for care fees linked to a national career pathway and salary framework for care staff. n Dementia treated like other high priority illnesses, like cancer and heart disease. n A fixed percentage of GDP to be spent on social care. n A cap on social care costs, including ‘hotel’ charges. n Local Enterprise Partnerships to prioritise social care. n A national scheme to ensure people save for their own care, as they do for a pension. n A new model of social care delivery based on catchment areas – like GPs. n Social care businesses to be zerorated for VAT. n CQC to have much greater powers to oversee all commissioning practises such as per minute billing and 15-minute visits.

n Less duplication of inspection between CQC and local authorities/ CCGs. n Greater recognition of the role of the independent sector and utilisation of its expertise in the commissioning and delivery of social care. n Guaranteed equal partnership working through seats on Health and Well Being Boards, CCGs and NHS. n Giving providers and CQC greater flexibility in delivering services. n Providing telemedicine incentives. n Allowing nurses and social care staff from overseas to work in the UK including lowering the salary cap. n Training and bursaries to encourage recruitment/end the shortage of nurses. n Long term measures to integrate older and younger people in care settings and change the perception of the generations. n Investment in research and development into new models of social care delivery. n Funding to help upgrade older care homes to maintain a range of choice for the public and investment in domiciliary care. n Funding for leadership training.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Artist presents care home with dementia friendly artwork RESIDENTS and staff at Carter House in Raynes Park have received apiece of art for their care and nursing home created by local artist Natasha Barber.

Originally from Wales, Natasha creates expressive and imaginative pieces that connect with nature and conscious living.

She said “I feel like this painting will bring joy for the residents of the care home as it’s a very bright and positive piece.

“I would love for the residents to feel uplifted and inspired when looking at it and that is the intention behind the painting... to bring joy.

“It fills my heart with gratitude that this painting might bring some happiness to people for years to come.

“The painting itself reminds me of walking in the wild beaches in Wales.

Having that beautiful time to oneself to marvel at natures gifts and letting the imagination run wild like a young child.”

Home manager Hilma Dunn was thrilled to receive the artwork.

She added: “The reaction from our residents was testimony to how much the painting will be valued “The expressiveness of the painting and the intense, vivid colours used is perfect for our residents with dementia, I’m sure it will be appreciated by residents, families and

Specialist care home brings the beach to its residents Natasha Barber with the painting she has given to Carter House. staff alike.”

Carter House Care & Nursing Home was acquired by Country Court in March 2019 and is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment.

The new painting will have pride of place in one of the newly decorated areas of the home.

The refurbishment will bring the home up to the five-star standard of the group, which is known for offering the best possible facilities and providing the highest standards of family-led care.

Residents are looking forward to a new bistro café, hair and beauty salon, their very own pub as well as refurbished lounge and dining areas.

Bilney Hall residents Margaret Varvel and Nora Parker.

Residents welcome new pets with a high-tech difference RESIDENTS at Bilney Hall in East Bilney near Dereham have welcomed some new companions to the care home, in the form of interactive pet dogs.

The electronic pets are designed to move, make noises and feel like real dogs, to mimic the experience of touching and interacting with these much-loved animals.

Many of the home’s residents live with dementia and the team has found that the movement and noises made by the pets can be comforting, with this form of interactive companionship being particularly beneficial for those living with the challenges of the condition.

Home manager Nikki Shaw said: “This is a really unique way for us to bring a completely new dynamic into the home, which is making a positive

difference to our residents.

“Many of the people who live here have enjoyed family pets or animals throughout their lives, and they miss the companionship that dogs and cats can bring.

“The interactive pets provide a way for us to provide something very similar to the companionship they’re used to, and we’ve found that particularly for those residents living with dementia, interacting with the animals can be calming and relaxing, which is fantastic.

“The reactions we’ve witnessed since the dogs have been introduced is truly heart-warming.”

The new pets are just part of a range of activities, entertainment and experiences the team provide to positively impact on residents’ wellbeing.

A HULL care home’s garden was transformed into a beach to cheer up residents who are unable to visit the seaside due to Covid-19 restrictions St Andrew’s Court, Exemplar Health Care’s complex needs nursing home, transformed its garden into a ‘St Andrew’s Court Cove’ for all residents to enjoy.

The home’s 18 residents, who have been unable to leave the care home for the duration of the pandemic, took advantage of the sunshine by relaxing on a beach built by colleagues, fully equipped with deck chairs, sand and beach decorations.

Manager Kath Dye said: “St Andrew’s Court Cove has been a success, with many of our residents reminiscing and being taken back to their childhood.

“Unfortunately, quite a few of our

residents haven’t been able to go to the beach for years, so it was fantastic to see how excited everyone was to have a beach right outside in the garden, and to be able to feel the sand on their hands and toes.

“During what’s been a difficult time, our amazing team put in a lot of effort to provide our residents with a unique experience.

“They have done a phenomenal job in creating memories and putting smiles on everyone’s faces, while providing new sensory experiences which are very important to develop senses and relax.”

The home has 18 large bedrooms, each with an en-suite wet room, and communal spaces for residents to enjoy. It opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Lord Mayor, Steve Wilson in January.

Head of Facilities/ Facilities Director requires a position in a care home environment – South East of England

Please reply by emailing circulation@scriptmedia.co.uk quoting PO BOX CUK20

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CARINGWEEKLY

Hard-working care home gardener Henry enjoying the fruits of his labour

Managing director Paul Brooks and registered care manager Janet Smith.

Paul launches new homecare firm to make a difference WHEN Paul Brooks experienced first-hand the issues the care industry faces, he decided to launch a new in-home care company in Northamptonshire.

Visiting Angels aims to raise the standards of care in the region, while providing much-needed support to both clients and their families.

“My experience in care has been eye-opening,” said Paul.

“My mother was seen by 11 different carers in the space of four weeks and I was left wondering why she couldn’t be seen by a regular carer with a familiar face she was comfortable with.

“And, more importantly, someone who could spot if something wasn’t quite right.

“I soon realised that this lack of consistency is due to two main structural issues within the industry; carers not being rewarded properly and being expected to rush from one visit to the next without enough time to deliver proper care.

“Frustrated and feeling let down, carers then leave their jobs. I’m extremely proud to launch a care service that addresses these fundamental issues.”

Visiting Angels’ distinct difference comes from being ‘carer-centric’.

Simply put, it means treating carers with the utmost respect, valuing them for their commitment and rewarding them both financially and with opportunities for career development.

“We pride ourselves on being different from other care providers,” he added. “We promise our caregivers a fair wage, allow for longer care visits to clients and incentivise them to deliver a premium-quality standard of care.

“The purpose is to make them feel more valued in their role and enjoy their work which, in turn, will result in them delivering a much better quality of service.

“They are, after all, our Angels and we need to treat them that way.”

Paul and registered care manager Janet Smith received approval to operate from the Care Quality Commission at the beginning of April.

Based at Sywell Aerodrome, Visiting Angels is already on the hunt for care workers to satisfy the growing demand for its service.

Within the next 12 months, the pair have planned incremental growth to bring at least 25 to 30 jobs to the area.

Janet has 20 years’ experience working in the care industry, with a clear passion for in-home care.

In that time she has become passionate for empowering her clients, allowing them all to have as much independence as possible.

Visiting Angels now allows her to create an impact on a larger scale.

“I support my mother-in-law, who is in her 80s, to have a fulfilling life and ensure she is equipped to stay in the comfort of her own home,” she added.

“I know this is an important part of her life, being in an environment that she loves and is familiar with.

I’m sure this is no different for other people who need a care service.

“I truly believe that Visiting Angels empowers those that need our support with positive and lifeaffirming care.”

In the wake of COVID-19, the pair recognise that their essential service is in demand more than ever before.

Visiting Angels hopes to alleviate the pressure that has been placed on local hospitals by helping people get back into their homes.

“I feel extremely grateful to be in the position to change lives, especially at such a challenging time,” concluded Paul.

We aim to make waves in the local community, providing a service that not only improves quality of life for our clients but alleviates the pressure felt by family members too.

“We’re also proud to provide a rewarding career choice for our carers.”

AFTER more than 33 years of dedicated service to national care charity Methodist Homes at its care home in Croydon, Henry Griffith has retired to another of its care homes.

The 91-year-old worked at MHA Hall Grange in Croydon from 1961.

During his time there he managed and curated the gardens – five-anda-half acres known as The Wilderness – along with his family.

In a video recorded at his new home MHA Richmond in Bexhill on Sea, Henry spoke fondly of his years tending The Wilderness, created by former Royal Horticultural Society secretary, the Rev William Wilks.

The gardens were filled with rhododendrons, azaleas and other wild flowers, and famous film stars of the day regularly used the setting as a backdrop for movies.

Hall Grange was the former home of the Reverend Wilks, who was a horticultural pioneer and breeder of the Shirley Poppy.

His original wild garden was a radical departure from the usual ornamental Victorian Gardens of the time.

In the garden were areas of natural heath, sphagnum bog, acid grass and ancient woodland, with wandering paths throughout.

Some ornamental plantings were made, including a bamboo walk, azaleas and a small orchard.

Henry was so dedicated to his gardening that he rarely took a day off as he wanted it to always look its best.

He recalls coaches filled with visitors descending every Saturday for a walk in the gardens and taking tea.

The gardens also had a vegetable

Henry Griffith patch which provided nutritious, seasonal food for the home and wonderful apple trees bearing fruit.

Henry said: “MHA is a very nice organisation to work for – I was left to my own devices and that made my life much easier.”

Henry’s time employed by MHA turned out to be a real family affair – his wife Joy also worked at MHA Hall Grange as a helper for 15 years.

Henry’s son Nigel started helping in the gardens at 14 years of age and ended up working there for 25 years part-time and Ann, Henry’s daughter, worked in the gardens for eight years.

Henry has proved to be a real hit at his new home.

Dionne McEwan, home manager, said: “We all think it’s amazing how long Henry has worked for MHA and how long his whole family have dedicated their lives to MHA. It’s inspirational.”

Henry added: “I love living at Richmond, it’s very comfortable.

Everyone is pleasant here; the food is good as is the accommodation.”

Epic walking challenge raises £1,000 for home A KIND-hearted carer has taken on the ultimate Scottish walking challenge to raise money for the residents in the care home she works at.

Nikki Willox, a senior carer at Balhousie Monkbarns in Arbroath, has walked the West Highland Way to raise money for the residents’ comfort fund.

She said: “I have worked in Monkbarns Care Home for nearly five years, and I love spending time with the residents.

“When I’m having a hard time, or I am finding times difficult, the residents will put a smile on my face and cheer me up.

“I hope they feel the same about me. I was delighted to be able to take on this challenge and raise money for our residents’ comfort fund.”

Taking on the 96-mile trek alongside a couple of friends, Nikki completed the journey over five days last week, starting in Glasgow and arriving in Fort William.

A keen hill walker, Nikki and two close friends decided to do the epic walk to raise money for their own

Senior carer Nikki Willox. individual charities.

Nikki raised more than £1,000 in total.

The home plans to ask the residents what they would like the money to be spent on.

One early suggestion is a karaoke machine.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Luxury care home scores highly with Care Inspectorate DELIGHTED staff at an Edinburgh care home are celebrating being scored highly by care regulators.

Purpose-built Cramond Residence only opened in October 2018 and was subjected to an unannounced, three-day check by Care Inspectorate experts in March.

Now the national watchdog has published its report, awarding the home four 5s and a 4 for its performance to date – where 5 is “very good” and 4 is “good”.

The highest available score of 6 is considered “excellent”.

Eileen Gray, general manager at Cramond Residence, said: “These results are great news for our residents and for their friends and family.

“What comes through repeatedly in the 10-page report is that this is a home where the residents are extremely safe.

“It’s also hugely gratifying that when the inspectors sought the views of 13 residents and four relatives, the feedback was universally positive.

Everyone told them how much they love it here.

“Of course, we aspire to score across-the-board 5s and 6s. In fact, that is the target we set ourselves to achieve after three years of operation. However, building a team from scratch in the care sector is a huge challenge.

“For us to have scored so highly

after just 18 months is a real testament to the entire team. I’m very proud of them and what they have achieved here in such a short space of time.”

A highly experienced nurse who has worked in the care sector for more than 30 years, Eileen said she and the rest of the team would now be taking on the Inspectorate’s advice on “areas for improvement” from the report and would be drawing up detailed action plans to implement.

She added: “We will never be complacent. No matter how good a care home is, the inspectors will always find room for improvement.

“Our team know that we must constantly be developing and improving.”

Cramond Residence can care for up to 74 older people and has a specialist dementia unit to care for those with an advanced stage of the condition.

Each resident enjoys a luxury room with en-suite bathroom facilities. It maintains a care staff to resident ratio of at least 1:4 at all times.

Spread across three floors, it also adopts a small-group living philosophy.

That means groups of eight rooms form distinct ‘houses’, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.

This is believed to have played a major role in infection control during the coronavirus pandemic to date.

Lynn Davies, a care assistant at HC One’s Richmond House, has been recognised by fellow staff for going above and beyond her usual duties during the pandemic. Lynn has helped to cover the chef and care assistant hours both days and nights and also at short notice. Home manager Lorraine Scholey presented Lynn with some flowers and chocolates, and said: “Without her commitment we would have really struggled to cover shifts over the last few weeks.”

Are you responsible for transcribing medicines information onto MAR sheets?

OPUS Pharmacy Services, the experts in medicines training, have developed a new accredited Transcribing Distance Learning Workbook.

Purchase online then study at your own pace, from anywhere. £55 per workbook – £50 for five or more Price includes: n Distance Learning Workbook with practice exercises. n Assessment and marking. n Certificate. n Transcribing Competency Assessment Tool.

Why is it important to do this course?

This accredited workbook enables staff to: n Prepare, amend and update MAR sheets accurately and effectively. n Identify areas of risk when transcribing. n Avoid errors on MAR sheets. n Ensure the best outcomes are achieved for the people you support.

What does the workbook cover?

✓ Transcribing considerations: n When is it appropriate to transcribe? n When is it not appropriate to transcribe? n How to record numbers. n How to number the MAR charts. n How to record small volumes. n How units should be expressed. n How doses should be written. n How to record medicines with the same name. ✓ Understanding the details on the medicines label. ✓ Updating and amending MAR sheets. ✓ Transcribing of dose changes. ✓ What are the risks? ✓ Warfarin and high risk medicines. ✓ Discontinued and continued medicines. ✓ Accuracy checking. ✓ Practical MAR sheet exercises. ✓ Best practice to avoid errors. ✓ Assessment and action plan.

Enquiries: Call 0333 939 0052, email info@opuspharmserve.com or visit www.opuspharmsere.com

Life’s a beach at care home STAFF at Rogers House in Wigmore hosted a fun filled beach day for residents.

Summer may be coming to an end but residents of the care home were happy as clams when the activity staff put on a variety of seaside activities for their themed beach day.

Home manager Jackie Miles said: “Usually our residents would enjoy trips to the seaside during the warmer months but this year, due to the ongoing pandemic, we haven’t been able to have our normal outings, which have been greatly missed.

“With that in mind, the activity team decided to host a beach themed day, which resulted in some great discussion and memory sharing of previous outings to the seaside and in particular, what they used to do with

their families, everyone had a great afternoon.”

Residents were invited to seas the day and join in a number of activities designed to simulate their senses and spark positive memories, from shells and sand displays to calming seaside sounds playing in the background.

Staff also decorated the room with inflatables and assisted residents with themed word searches.

The group spent some time exploring the items, which led to several discussions about their younger days, where they used to holiday and what they enjoyed doing with their families.

Many of the residents spent summers exploring the Kent coast, so everyone had a great time sharing their memories with one another.

Best value solution to hospital discharge HOSPITAL and community healthcare teams can take advantage of an innovative solution to meeting the requirements of the Government’s new Hospital Discharge Service: Policy & Operating Model.

The Model maintains that 35 per cent of people will require an ongoing package of care, and 45 per cent to be discharged with up to six weeks’ recovery support from health and social services.

AAT GB has responded to the need, and NHS/ social care budgetary constraints, with a hire facility for its range of stairclimbers.

Under the package, a stairclimber can be provided, with appropriate training, for as short a duration as a week.

This enables the person to be transferred throughout their home without the need to re-arrange the whole house to provide, for example, a downstairs bed, or discharge to be delayed as there is no accessible downstairs WC. “One of the biggest problems in getting people home, safely, is the suitability of their home if they have reduced mobility,” said AAT director Peter Wingrave.

“They may need a wheelchair some or all of the time. How do they then access their bedroom, bathroom? The traditional route is to delay whilst an adaptation is provided.

“Taking an innovative approach – providing a stairclimber – delivers a best value solution.

It allows the person to be discharged with safe, appropriate means of accessing all floors of their home, on the proviso there is someone else at home to assist.

“A significant proportion of people only need that help for the short term, so hiring is a fast, efficient answer.”

German-engineered AAT stairclimbers offer the greatest flexibility on the market, accommodating all shapes and sizes, from paediatric to morbidly obese (230kg) passengers.

They can accommodate narrow and even spiral flights of stairs.

Options feature an integral seat eliminating the need for a wheelchair indoors, or can clip-fix to a wheelchair if preferred.

Most local authorities already have AAT stairclimbers in their equipment stores, as the system can be endlessly re-issued when no longer needed by an individual.

However, with the increased demand, stock may not be available.

As part of the hire package, AAT will supply a Covid compliant staiclimber, ensure all seating and supports are adjusted to the individual person, and train the operative.

Enquiries: Call 01978 821875 or visit https://www.aatgb.com/hire-rental/

THE 2021

CARING

UK AWARDS Thursday 2nd December 2021,

THE ATHENA,LEICESTER We are extremely sad to bring you the news that we have taken the incredibly difficult decision to cancel this year’s Caring UK Awards.

All nominations for this year’s awards will be carried over to next year – and nominees will have the opportunity to update their nominations should they wish to ahead of the closing date.

Thank you for all your nominations and support and we look forward to celebrating your amazing feats in 2021. Thanks too to our sponsors for your continued loyalty and support.

N O M I N AT I O N S W I L L R E M A I N O P E N T H R O U G H O U T THE YEAR CLOSING ON AUGUST 31ST 2021

W W W. C A R I N G - U K . C O . U K S P O N S O R S H I P PA C K A G E S A R E AVA I L A B L E Call 01226 734605 or email tb@scriptmedia.co.uk for details For general enquiries call: 01226 734630 SPONSORED BY

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H

CARING UK AWA R D S 2 0 2 1

Care Home Division