Issue 173 31.01.24
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Home receives prestigious accreditation
A HYTHE care home has been conversations. awarded a prestigious Care VIP The report noted that accreditation. Namaste care sessions have It has been awarded to been integrated into daily Care UK’s Carpathia Grange life, further supported by the and recognises the team’s home’s new Namaste Hub. work alongside residents and It was noted that in 30 families to improve the lives of days Namaste care had been those living with dementia. delivered 174 times, colleagues Developed in 2004, the were positive about the Care Fit for VIPS framework benefits of the activity and the was introduced by dementia way it helps residents to feel experts and is centred around cherished. four key aspects: valuing Throughout the assessment Residents of Simonsfield in Anfield have immersed themselves in the celebration of Chinese New Year those living with dementia, day, colleagues were observed as part of the home’s diverse activities programme. This year’s Chinese New Year, which heralds the treating everyone as an interacting with residents Year of the Dragon, symbolises strength, good luck and prosperity. It begins on February 10, marking individual, showing empathy whenever they encountered the start of a fortnight filled with festivities and traditions celebrated by billions of people around towards those living with the one another, colleagues were the globe. Embracing this event, residents of Simonsfield have been crafting decorations, including condition, and recognising the knowledgeable and skilled traditional lanterns and paper dragons, to adorn their communal spaces, bringing a burst of colour need for a stimulating social when communicating with and joy to the home. Home manager Karen Evans said: “These activities not only provide a wonderful environment. individuals, adapting the speed opportunity for our residents to learn about different cultures but also play a significant role in keeping Carpathia Grange achieved of interaction, and complexity them active and connected with the world around them.” the accreditation by offering of language to suit the abilities Resident Alan Martin is pictured with his lanterns. a high level of care for those of everyone. living with the condition, The report also highlighted scoring more than 90 per cent the team encouraging those across all elements. living with dementia to Pooja Dhoot, home manager regularly participate in daily BRUNELCARE’S Deerhurst Care Home has “There are tinted goggles that affect the at Carpathia Grange, said: activities and providing a purchased a dementia empathy suit that wearer’s peripheral vision alongside the “We’re delighted that our hard strong sense of purpose while allows the person wearing it to understand colours around them. work has been recognised with enjoying the benefits of a social first-hand what it may be like to live with “The gloves that are worn are connected the Care VIP accreditation. setting. the condition. to a machine that makes hands shake, “Everyone works hard to The home’s corridors and After taking part in training from an meaning control of movements and ensure we provide personcommunal areas are “dressed” external company, the Bristol facility coordination were thrown out. centered care to the highest to ensure residents can easily decided to purchase a suit in a bid to allow “You can wear headphones that play a standard possible and that find their way around and carers to experience what it may be like to continuous tinnitus sound, and the neck every one of the residents feels understand the purpose of the live with dementia. brace reduces the full and able movement supported, valued and safe.” rooms. Memory boxes outside Manager Lesley Hobbs said: “The suit is of the neck. The home was praised for each resident’s room reflect the amazing and so insightful. “It was fascinating, and I believe all of its “truly person-centred individual and are used well by “The dementia empathy suit has weights our carers should experience the suit as care”, and the meaningful colleagues. around the ankles and knee pads to part of an induction process.” engagement shown between The care team was praised for restrict the movement and speed of the Sixty Deerhurst employees have now team members and residents the high level of support given wearer.15/12/2023 16:08 Page 1 attended the training. 00057 Carebeans CaringUK January 2024.qxp_Carebeans CaringUK Ad 23mmx80mm during activities and to residents at all times.
Home buys dementia empathy suit
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CARINGWEEKLY
Sector responds to news of an extra £500m for councils THE care sector has welcomed the Government announcement of a £500m social care boost. It is understood that the £500m will be designated to social care authorities to be spent on children and adult services, distributed through the Social Care Grant. Further details on the exceptional provision of this funding will be set out at the upcoming Budget. Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: “This injection of funding is a welcome recognition of the challenges faced by local authorities and care providers alike. “However, the Government must move away from short-term sticking plasters and towards strategic allocations of money that will truly benefit the sector.” The 2023 Sector Pulse Check found that 84 per cent of care providers felt Government funding made no difference to their sustainability, the ambition to manage service performance and reduce wasteful expenditure is to be welcomed. The National Audit Office report, Reforming Adult Social Care in England, showed significant inadequacies and delays in the Department of Health and Social Care’s delivery of reform plans. The new money announced still falls shy of mitigating the 10.4 per cent impact that the rise in NLW will cost providers. Sam Monaghan, chief executive of MHA, added: “With thousands of people waiting for care services, it is critical that this additional funding
Professor Martin Green OBE
Sam Monaghan
which the Government is providing to local authorities reaches adult social care services as soon as possible. “This short-term injection of cash for the sector will provide a good news headline for Government ahead of an anticipated General Election later this year. However, what the sector desperately needs is more sustainable and long-term solutions. “The funding won’t help care providers to resolve the continued pressures they are facing, which include eye-wateringly high utility bills and a workforce crisis. “To meet the care needs of the population – both now and in the future – while providing greater certainty to the sector, the Government must show it is committed to long-term funding. “The Spring Budget offers it a great
opportunity to put these firmer plans in place.” And Dr Jane Towson, CEO of the Homecare Association, repeated her call on the government to invest adequately in homecare and community-based support to improve quality of life; extend life expectancy; reduce inequalities; alleviate the burden on the NHS; and decrease healthcare costs. She added: “We welcome news of an extra £500m from central government to councils to support social care and other key services, though this goes only some way to plugging the £4billion gap in council finances. “Care providers remain worried that councils will struggle to increase fee rates for care enough to cover the 9.8 per cent increase in the national minimum wage to £11.44 per hour in
April. “To save money, some councils are driving down prices for homecare, which are already too low, and we fear this is creating the conditions for unscrupulous providers to prevail, leading to a decline in care quality and an increase in labour abuse and modern slavery.” And Professor Vic Rayner, CEO of the National Care Forum, said the announcement highlights what can be done when more than 40 Conservative MPs and Conservative local government leaders realise this is the time to speak up for care and call out funding shortfalls. “It is positive that the government seems to have listened to the united voices of local government and the social care sector about the drastic consequences of the underfunding facing councils for social care,” she added. “It is important to note though that the Local Government Association has been clear that there is a £4bn funding gap in local budgets across this year and next – this additional funding, while welcome, doesn’t touch the sides. “But there is a more fundamental issue here. “The announcement of this emergency funding clearly highlights, yet again, that the partnership between central and local government in relation to social care is broken. “We need a significant overhaul of how local government and adult social care are funded to deliver longterm sustainable care and support services to millions of people.”
Home thanked for kindness A DORSET charity that provides essential financial help for people with cancer has thanked residents of a Poole care home for gifting more than £1,100 to support its work. Recent fundraising at Colten Care’s Bourne View in aid of the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation has featured a quiz night, gala lunches and dinners, games afternoons, raffles and jigsaw sales. Manager Gemma Parkin said: “Our residents choose the charities we support and we are proud to have
helped DCCF in its vital work.” At a party in the Sandbanks sitting room of the home, DCCF representatives were presented with a giant cheque to mark the culmination of a year of activity involving residents, families, team members, friends and community contacts. The exact amount raised, £1,142.95, was also spelt out in meringue piped icing on a fruit cake specially baked for the occasion by the home’s chefs and sisters Lorna Parsons and Annabell Bryer.
Residents at Diamond House enjoyed a glamorous photoshoot with local photographer Chelsea Savage. Chelsea, who runs Sauvage Photography, visited the Downham Market care home with her camera to snap portraits of residents in hats and gloves donated for the shoot by Watton Antiques. Allison Webster, activities coordinator at Diamond House, said: “Witnessing the transformation and the sheer joy on our residents’ faces has been nothing short of magical. Chelsea’s vision and photography skills have not only gifted us with stunning portraits but also given us some wonderful pictures to hang in the home.” Pictured is resident David Beldom.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Operator looking to educate and support its staff after survey Residents Julie, Graham and Amanda are on hand to answer relationship dilemmas.
Relationship queries invited by residents A LOWESTOFT care home is encouraging the local community to submit their relationship dilemmas ahead of Valentine’s Day — as it looks to use its residents’ years of experience in love to act as ‘agony aunts’ (and uncles) to offer guidance and advice. Residents at The Dell, a branch of Wellbeing Care that provides residential, dementia and respite care, is offering to put their decades of experience in navigating the landscape of love to good use to help others. The Suffolk home is inviting the community to submit their relationship quandaries, dilemmas and questions for residents to answer, tapping into their decades of life experience and enduring relationships to provide thoughtful advice and insights – helping hopeless romantics navigate the complexities of love and companionship. Joy Henshaw, regional director of Wellbeing Care, said: “Love and
companionship are amongst the greatest gifts in life, and our residents have a wealth of knowledge and lessons to share with those who aren’t as far along the path of life as they are. “Our light-hearted initiative sees us invite the community to seek advice from our residents, and they’re hoping to provide some valuable insight while also creating meaningful connections between generations and within our community. The residents are really looking forward to seeing what things people ask advice on.” On hand to offer their advice is former HGV driver Malcolm (71), former florist Elizabeth (83) and former office worker Joan (94), who will be filmed responding to the questions – which will go live on the care group’s social media channels in the run up to Valentine’s Day. The trio have a mix of life experience between them, encompassing marriage, divorce and single life – meaning they’re well placed to impart their relationship expertise.
A FAMILY-run care home group has carried out a survey among its staff to ensure it creates a supportive community that can help educate both men and women about the complexities of the menopause. Nellsar Care Homes, which operates 13 homes across Kent, Surrey and Essex, is looking to create a more inclusive environment following its efforts to mark the recent World Menopause Day — which saw staff engage in various educational activities designed to encourage open conversation and learning. The recent survey showed that 60 per cent of respondents wanted to learn more about the perimenopause and menopause and how symptoms can affect people — whilst 70 per cent of those going through the menopause said they haven’t mentioned how it is affecting them to management. The study also found that the number one request for support was access to uniforms with more breathable fabric — followed by having more information available. The main symptoms reported among staff going through the menopause were hot flushes, reduced concentration, increased stress and reduced confidence in ability. Each of these can make worklife immensely challenging, with Nellsar looking to create a supportive framework to prioritise the wellbeing of its staff. In light of this research, Nellsar
will continue to make steps towards becoming a menopause friendly company, looking to provide further support to those experiencing the menopause, as well as educating other staff members who are working alongside them. Viv Stead, recreation and well-being manager at Nellsar, said: “It was great to get people talking on World Menopause Day and following on from that, we thought the best way to make a genuine difference to our amazing teams is to actually find out their opinions. “So we conducted the survey and this has helped identify some great opportunities to further educate teams, and ultimately, dismantle any apprehensions or stigmas of what is a very natural thing for all women.” Nellsar is an inclusive and personcentred care provider, an ethos that extends to both staff and residents. It understands that menopause can affect people of various ages in many ways and is looking to support staff with the changes and challenges it brings. Viv added: “Going through the menopause can be immensely challenging, and sometimes, work-life can become more difficult. I think it is the responsibility of employers to recognise these changes and be as versatile as possible. “We want all of our teams to feel valued and supported and we look forward to making even more progress going forward.”
Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes.
£1.5m expansion for home Care home scheme sold SENIOR living developer Charterpoint has sold a 66-bed care home scheme in Leicestershire to Octopus Healthcare Fund. Work is now starting on site to build the development at New Lubbesthorpe, a pioneering new community in Blaby. Charterpoint received planning permission for the scheme, along with a nearby mixed-use, two-storey local centre, from Blaby District Council last year. Now, in a deal brokered by Christie & Co, the two and three-storey care home development has been sold to Octopus Healthcare Fund, which invests in best-in-class care homes across the UK.
Charterpoint MD Giles Nursey said: “We are very pleased to have secured a deal to sell this site to Octopus Healthcare Fund who will now take it forward through development and to completion. “This scheme will provide a modern, state-of-the-art care home, offering additional facilities at New Lubbesthorpe which has become a popular and vibrant community just 20 minutes from Leicester city centre.” The care home was designed by Franklin Ellis Architects. New Lubbesthorpe is a pioneering new community set in 325 acres of new parklands and wetlands, south of Leicester Forest East. It will eventually feature a total of 4,250 homes.
A GRANTOWN care home is set for a £1.5million expansion in response to growing demand for services in the area. Operator Parklands Care Homes, which has its headquarters in the town, has drawn up plans to build a 10-bed extension at Lynemore. The proposed extension will also house a dining room, day room, quiet area and covered garden terrace, as well as staff changing facilities. The extension will precisely mirror the architectural style and finish of the existing building. Opened in 2018, Lynemore currently provides care for up 40 residents. Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, said: “I am delighted that we are able to make this substantial investment in Grantown. “Lynemore has been one of our most popular care homes since it opened.
“Indeed, demand for rooms is so high that we currently have a lengthy waiting list of prospective residents. “Badenoch and Strathspey has a higher proportion of people aged 65 and over compared to the rest of the Highlands or Scotland as a whole, yet the provision of care capacity has not kept pace. “On the contrary, the closure of Grandview House means the town has lost valuable care capacity. “There is clearly a need and a demand for additional care services in the town, and we are prepared to meet that need through this timely investment.” The proposed expansion will be the subject of a forthcoming planning application to The Highland Council. Parklands also has homes in Tain, Muir of Ord, Fortrose, Aberlour, Keith, Buckie and Cullen.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Making the transition as smooth as possible ORCHARD Care Homes understands that for many new residents the move from a person’s own property, where they are likely to have been comfortable for many years, into a care home can feel like a major transition. The care group takes a painstaking approach to interior design across its portfolio of 23 homes to make this transition as smooth and welcoming as possible. Comfort is key. All bedrooms are decorated to the highest standards, with modern fittings and furnishings throughout. Each bedroom is specifically designed to include ample storage space for personal items and any necessary specialist clinical equipment, along with multiple lighting options, which offer a variety of environments to suit any individual’s needs or preferences. The colour palettes tend to lead with
calming, neutral tones and colour ways, reflecting a sense of homeliness, comfort and ease. People who live in an Orchard Care home are encouraged by care teams to personalise their spaces as much as they wish to, with photographs, artwork and their own personal decorative pieces to ensure they feel right at home. Many rooms overlook beautiful private gardens and green spaces, perfect for those who like to people or nature watch. Enabling a sense of community when it comes to Orchard’s communal spaces is vital, with light, spacious and comfortable common rooms and dining areas that allow for multiple group activities and events with a cosy, homely feel. Many homes across the group offer additional communal spaces such as bars, in-house cinemas, tea rooms and so much more – creating a lively
community atmosphere where people can enjoy the best possible quality of life in a sociable environment. Orchard also now operates eight Reconnect Communities within its 23 homes for residents who require highly specialised dementia care, with more to come in the future. These innovative communities have been specifically designed to provide a person-centric approach in a therapeutic environment, aiming to understand why people exhibit the behaviours they do and adapt support accordingly to reduce distress. To reflect the traditional homely atmosphere and enable choice of activity, Orchard has adapted its specialist Reconnect environments to include facilities that you may find in many people’s houses – DIY work rooms, kitchens, a laundry and gardens. The Reconnect model succeeds
by offering genuine inclusion and promoting individual choice. Residents are encouraged to use these spaces just as they did in their own homes, with regular routines such as cooking, baking and light housework taking place for people to choose what they want to participate in. More than 900,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK, making the provision of long-term specialist dementia nursing placements essential. Reconnect provides a more holistic solution for people living with dementia, introducing environmental and care approach changes supported by specialist dementia nurses and dementia support workers. A higher staff ratio within these communities ensures more social needs and engagement opportunities are made possible, which can reduce anxiety and distress.
Residents honour Rabbie Burns on festive day HUNDREDS of residents at 21 Colten Care homes across the south savoured a taste of Scotland as they celebrated Burns Night in honour of 18th century bard Robert Burns. Poetry recitals, songs, games, whisky tasting and dancing were the order of the day along with festive lunches and suppers featuring haggis, neeps and tatties. Nowhere was the celebration more heartfelt than at Braemar Lodge in Salisbury. Burns enthusiast Annie Miller, who was born and brought up in the same county, Ayrshire, as the world-famous poet, had the honour of saying the traditional pre-supper Selkirk Grace watched by fellow residents, team members and visiting guests. The ceremonial haggis was piped in by Pipe Sergeant Keith Turner of the Wiltshire Caledonian Pipes and Drums. The ceremonial address to the haggis was performed by companionship team leader Graham Ballard. He said: “It was a joy to get into the spirit of the occasion. Burns Night is a firm favourite with residents whether they are from north or south of the border.” In Dorset meanwhile, Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors welcomed a visit by a resident’s husband, Jimmy McCracken, who used to play the
Braemar Lodge resident Annie Miller at the Burns Night celebration with Keith Turner, Pipe Sergeant at Wiltshire Caledonian Pipes and Drums. drums in a pipe band and once Scottish Country Dancers while at performed for Queen Elizabeth II. Linden House in Lymington, party Jimmy gave a talk and showed off goers sampled the traditional Scottish his ceremonial knife, the dirk, with dessert of Cranachan. residents admiring its craftsmanship. And at Whitecliffe House in Among Burns Night celebrations at Blandford, residents and team other Colten Care homes, Kingfishers members turned a Burns poetry in New Milton, Hampshire, welcomed reading into the first meeting of a new a performance by the New Forest poetry club at the home.
Community Integrated Care has announced the appointment of Tom Gibbs as chief financial officer. Tom joins the charity from National Trust, where he is currently finance director. Prior to this, Tom’s experience includes six years at Barnardo’s children’s charity, holding a number of senior roles covering business transformation, technology, audit and risk, and overseeing the design and delivery of key strategic initiatives. He is also a trustee and treasurer at the food bank charity The Trussell Trust. Tom will step into his new position at Community Integrated Care in April, taking the reins from interim chief financial officer, Stephen Perry, who will remain in post until Tom’s arrival.
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