Caring UK Weekly July 19

Care provider to mark 75th anniversary

ELIZABETH Finn Homes, part of the anti-poverty charity group Turn2us, is marking 75 years since its inception.

The group grew from the Distressed Gentlefolk’s Aid Association which was founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Finn. At the age of 72, Ms Finn decided that something had to be done about the silent suffering of people in her circle of society.

Elizabeth saw people around her who had been selfsufficient in the past battling with poverty and illness, and focused the efforts of the Association on raising and distributing funds to those who has fallen on hard time and had nowhere to turn.

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 site purchased by the Association. A further two homes were purchased the following year.

Previously owned by Sir Thomas Smith, Merlewood provided residential accommodation for 36 older people, with an extension in 1960 adding further rooms to the ground floor.

In January 1999 DGAA was renamed the Elizabeth Finn Trust n recognition of the legacy left by Elizabeth, and

today Elizabeth Finn Homes own nine residential and care home properties across England.

“This is a huge milestone in our history, and one of which we are immensely proud,” said Dr Oliva Curno, CEO of Elizabeth Finn Homes.

“Elizabeth Finn was a champion of kindness and dignity for those facing hard times. Her vision continues to guide us.

“The care home sector has had a very tough time in recent years and we have taken a leaf out of Elizabeth’s book and worked even harder to maintain our position as a leader in quality care.

“Elizabeth Finn Homes invests first in our homes and staff to ensure a best-in-class experience for residents and families, but being part of the charity Turn2us, we are also driven by a bigger social purpose. Any remaining funds go to support those facing financial insecurity across the UK.”

Over the years, Elizabeth Finn Homes has provided care for more than 12,000 residents and today employs a staff of 750. Many of the homes are unique heritage properties set in extensive grounds.

Each of the nine homes will be holding celebrations throughout the month.

Diamond House care home in Downham Market had some very special visitors as residents enjoyed an afternoon of puppies and Pimm’s cocktails. Five cockapoo and dachshund puppies joined residents and their families in the home’s garden as they enjoyed a barbeque buffet and a glass of Pimm’s. The furry companions put a smile on the faces of everyone as they frolicked amongst the attendees in the garden and demanded attention from everyone. The visit is part of the varied activities programme at the home, which is designed to keep residents engaged and active, and is tailored to their interests and needs.

Sarah Hamer, team leader at Diamond House care home, said: “This is probably one the best days I’ve had at work. Everyone was so excited for the puppies’ arrival and our residents had a fabulous time.”

Time running out for entries

OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards in partnership with Virgin Money.

Nominations for this year’s event are now open at www.caringukawards.co.uk

The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry.

And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business.

These include everything from Quality in Housekeeping and Catering Team of the Year to Best Outdoor Environment and End of Life Team of the Year.

Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “We are really excited to be introducing the sixth Caring UK Awards – nominations are

coming in and our events team is already busy ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever.

“Obviously, our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful care sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.”

A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert industry panel.

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

Closing date for nominations is August 28th.

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Operator helps young onto the career ladder

NEWCASTLE-under-Lyme’s workforce of the future has been discovering the personal fulfilment gained from building relationships with older people, as they undertake a hands-on work experience designed to give them a glimpse into the world of social care and the wealth of rewarding career opportunities it has to offer.

Young people are currently enjoying their practical programme at dementia specialist Belong, supporting its residents to live an active later life.

The intake is getting to grips with duties ranging from offering warm welcomes at reception and handy help in housekeeping, to conscientious caretaking and service with a smile in the onsite bistro.

The goal is to afford children from Blackfriars Academy and Newfriars College, some of whom may face additional challenges when entering employment, the chance to gain invaluable experience in a role they could apply for when they come of age.

Meanwhile, Belong’s customers benefit from interacting with new faces, asking questions and imparting their own wisdom to their guests.

Georgina Cliff, experience day support worker at Belong Newcastleunder-Lyme, said: “The pupils have been really enthused learning new life skills, such as using an iron press or painting a fence, and how to communicate with our customers, some of whom are living with dementia, as well as what it takes to support them as they go about their everyday life.

“Our belief is that everyone has something to contribute, no matter age or ability, and it’s our job to help people to do that. Some of the

pupils are wheelchair users or walk with the aid of a frame, for example, and it’s especially important that we can be fully inclusive. Everyone can make a contribution and that’s what matters.”

Blackfriars Academy approached the not-for-profit leader in dementia care for the initiative based on their established relationship, which already sees its younger schoolchildren visit Belong weekly for intergenerational activities with the residents.

Workshops include music and movement, storytelling, and visits to the educational Belong Heritage Gallery, integrated within the building.

Georgina added: “We’ve found that because the older children are already familiar with us and the surroundings, they’ve embraced being part of the team.

“We’re thankful for their assistance; it’s been a pleasure watching them grow their abilities and we hope the experience will have inspired some of them to consider careers in social care in the future.”

Edwina Currie supports new village concept

MEDIA star and former government minister Edwina Currie gave her support to the expansion of a North West care home into a new style retirement village.

Liverpool’s Stapely Jewish Care Home is creating a new concept for the senior living community with the region’s first fully-fledged retirement village based on US, Australian and continental models.

This was an emotional visit for Liverpool born and bred Edwina, whose mother was a long-term supporter of Stapely Care during her lifetime.

She toured the Stapely site and the phase-one conversion of Fernlea House, an Edwardian villa, once home of the Crawford’s biscuit family, into 17 apartment suites for sale or rent to people aged 55 years plus.

The creation of this new style retirement village met with her approval, and she pledged her future support as she was guided around the construction site by Philip Ettinger,

Stapely Care trustee.

Edwina said: “My late mother was a longstanding supporter of Stapely Care, and regularly visited friends and relatives there, so seeing it still thriving and growing means a lot to me. Stapely Retirement Village development is so important because as an economist and a pensioner, I worry too few people think about getting older; where to live, arranging finances, having help at hand when needed.

“We already have more citizens over 85 than youngsters under 16, but it’s taking too long for planners and families to catch up.

“Governments have turned a blind eye for too long to the ageing of our population, a large proportion of whom live alone.

“Yet our older people are a vast source of knowledge and experience. Stapely Retirement Village will help to fill that gap and why I am very keen to give it my support to help make it happen.”

Recruitment masterclass amidst staffing crisis

YORKSHIRE care providers are being given an exclusive opportunity to get expert advice on recruitment during the current staffing crisis.

The Independent Care Group is hosting a masterclass with author and social care workforce expert Neil Eastwood on July 20.

The free event, to be held at the Principal York Hotel, will provide essential and practical advice on recruiting and retaining care staff during the current shortages.

ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “Now more than ever it is vital that care providers can effectively recruit, develop and retain staff as the sector goes through a staffing shortage.

“This masterclass with Neil is an excellent opportunity to learn from someone who has become an internationally renowned expert in his field and we will be delighted to welcome him to York in July.”

Neil Eastwood is an international

speaker on care worker recruitment and retention within adult social care and author of the book ‘Saving Social Care – How to find more of the best frontline care employees and keep the ones you have’.

The first edition has sold 10,000

copies and the next edition was launched on June 22.

He is also founder and CEO of Care Friends, an employee referral app operated in partnership with Skills for Care which empowers the social care and healthcare workforce to become recruiters. Care Friends won the 2023 King’s Award for Innovation, the UK’s most prestigious business award.

Neil was previously a director for a national homecare provider with 10,000 staff.

The July 20 event is titled ‘Recruitment and retention Masterclass: Finding and keeping care workers in York and North Yorkshire’.

It will be an opportunity to join Neil for a face-to-face masterclass sharing best practices to help providers grow and retain their workforce.

ICG chief executive John Pattinson added: “After the many workforce challenges providers have faced in the region, it’s time to regroup and focus

on a fresh strategy.

“This is a great opportunity to join Neil for an exclusive ICG-hosted seminar to learn how to create the best recruitment strategy for your business in 2023 and practical ways of enhancing staff retention.”

The masterclass will look at:

n What is the optimum sourcing strategy for 2023 and beyond?

n How can providers attract both younger and older demographics more effectively?

n ‘My candidate pipeline leaks. What can I do to fix it?’

n Apart from increasing wages, what practical steps can providers take to drive retention rates up?

The masterclass is particularly aimed at registered managers, owners, directors, recruiters and HR teams.

For free tickets visit the news page on the ICG’s website at www. independentcaregroup.co.uk

Neil Eastwood

Edwina Currie with Philip Ettinger, Stapely Care trustee, in Stapely Care Coffee Lounge.

Residents welcome military veterans for armed forces event

NEW Forest care home residents rekindled wartime memories during an afternoon garden party in honour of the armed forces.

Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst welcomed veterans, military enthusiasts and members of the Lymington Royal British Legion for the special event.

Several visitors came dressed in uniform with medals while an RAF jeep and other military equipment and memorabilia were brought along for residents to see first-hand.

It was an opportunity for those with service connections and memories of the Second World War to share their experiences. Maureen Miller, 97, spoke about being a Land Girl in Wales for two years.

Observing that one of the visitors was wearing a Land Army uniform, she said: “I was delighted to see a Land Girl again. I haven’t seen that uniform since I was in my 20s, which was many years ago now.”

Resident Diana Creasey, who celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year, was presented with a book about military history by veteran Andrew Turley on behalf of The Imaginarium Bookshop in Lymington.

Call to speed up NHS health and care integration

CARE providers are calling on the Government to speed up actions to bring NHS healthcare and social care services closer together.

Responding to the Hewitt Review and the Health and Social Care Select Committee inquiry into the workings of the new Integrated Care Systems, the Government has pledged its support.

And it has promised to give the ICS more autonomy, to reduce administrative burdens and to streamline their operation.

The Independent Care Group has welcomed the Government’s support of the ICS but urged it to move more quickly on bringing NHS and social care together.

In conversation with Andrew’s wife Tracey, a senior nurse, Diana said: “I remember when I was a nurse working in an underground basement hospital with pregnant women on one side of the ward and casualties on the other side. It was a very stressful time.”

Other residents attending included Frank Coombes, who served in the Royal Navy, and John Denby, who was in the armed forces for two years before spending 25 years in the Metropolitan Police.

Guests also included representatives of St Nicholas Church in Brockenhurst and residents from fellow Colten Care home Kingfishers in New Milton.

The event was hosted by Woodpeckers companionship team leader Jane Bunker and team member Sian Harris.

Sian said: “Our residents enjoyed the afternoon, chatting to our guests and sharing stories and memories from a time still vivid in their minds.

“We have now been invited to help knit some of the 20,000 poppies required for a display being unveiled by the Lymington Royal British Legion at the end of October ahead of Remembrance.”

It is also disappointed that the Government has rejected a recommendation from the Hewitt Review to increase the proportion of resources spent on preventative healthcare by at least one per cent over the next five years.

ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “The rationale behind the creation of the Integrated Care Systems is an excellent one in that we need to be bringing all bodies involved in the provision of health and social care together, for the benefit of the communities we serve.

“Above all, we need to bring NHS healthcare and social care closer –ultimately to a unified National Care Service – to provide seamless care for older and vulnerable adults.

“Whilst the Government’s ongoing

support and actions to progress the ICS is welcome, to us progress towards that integration seems very slow and to be mired in bureaucracy.

“The Government’s decision to reject the Hewitt Review’s recommended increase in resources on preventative healthcare is also disappointing and at odds with the Government’s proclaimed desire to improve preventative healthcare, which we are all agreed, helps relieve the burden on over-stretched NHS resources.

“We would like to see the process towards true integration speeded up and the Government to make good on its promises to invest better in prevention and in tackling the underfunding of social care, upon which a lot of the successful future outcomes for the ICS will ultimately rely.”

Residents enjoy seaside trip

CARE home residents in Barnsley made the most of the summer sunshine with a seaside walk down memory lane.

Residents, staff, family members and volunteers from Deangate donned their summer hats and sunscreen when they boarded a coach to Cleethorpes.

beeline for fish and chip restaurant Papa’s, located in an old dancehall on Cleethorpes pier.

Activity coordinator Rachael Addy said: “I thought it would be lovely for the residents to dine in such a wonderful building.

her birthday in style with songs from Cliff Richard, Abba and many more, as everyone enjoyed some drinks and dancing. Towards the end of the performance, Betty was surprised with a birthday cake and the home sang happy birthday to her.

After several rounds of bingo on the ride to the coast, the two-dozen strong group disembarked to bright blue skies and blazing sunshine. The seaside town immediately brought back memories for many of the home’s residents, who recalled family trips during their younger years.

After arriving, the group made a

“The atmosphere was electric. We all sat together and shared stories of when we had been to Cleethorpes and what we enjoyed most about coming. It was lovely to hear all the different memories they each had.”

After fish and chips it was time for an ice cream on the seafront followed by a visit to the arcade to play the 2p machines, before a stop off at the gift shop for some rock candy and other trinkets.

Residents at Colten Care’s Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurst with their guests.

Mike Padgham

Betty Knight, a resident at Care South’s Wickmeads care home in Southbourne, Bournemouth celebrated her milestone 105th birthday. Betty moved into the home last year and has three grandsons, one granddaughter and is the great-grandmother of six. She started the day with a special pamper session at the on-site hairdressers, and spent the afternoon opening cards and presents surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents. To mark the special occasion, friend and performer Mike Sideaway helped Betty celebrate

Accessible croquet is a hit with residents

RESIDENTS from Care South’s Sussexdown residential care home in Storrington learned how to play wheelchair croquet thanks to a lesson from local croquet ace, John Coventry.

Home marks good rating

A GREAT Wryley care home is celebrating after being awarded a ‘Good’ rating in its latest inspection.

The Care Quality Commission carried out an unannounced visit of Waters Edge in December to inspect its standards of care and safety.

The CQC report found the specialist residential dementia care home operated by Alpha Health Care Limited to be Good in all five areas of the inspection, which included how safe, effective, well-led, caring and responsive it is.

Caroline Wood, chief operating officer for Alpha Health Care, said: “We are so delighted with our Good rating after its recent CQC inspection. “This is a real achievement for Waters Edge and a reflection of all the hard work and dedication of the staff, and a fantastic accolade to all our staff who go above and beyond

Multi-award-winning care provider Hallmark Care Homes has announced a new Corporate Connections challenge working with Barclays Eagle Labs. The group, which operates 19 homes across England and South Wales, is looking for innovative solutions to improve energy consumption and sustainability and measure hydration for residents and team.

The Corporate Connections programme is designed to help large companies solve real business challenges by working with startups and their UK innovation network. The deadline for submissions is September 1.

every day to create a meaningful, homely and safe environment for our residents.”

Residents interviewed during the visit said they were happy, felt safe and staff are well trained. The CQC inspectors also interviewed relatives who mentioned staff go out of their way to support their relatives.

The inspection also found Waters Edge to be a spacious well-led service with communal areas that suit people’s needs. It mentioned that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life.

To celebrate, Waters Edge held a party themed around super heroes, with special guests including Iron Man, Spider Man and The Hulk to name a few. The home celebrated in the sunshine with ice cream, fish and chips, entertainment and lots of fun.

Starting with the basic rules, the residents were taught the best croquet techniques in the home’s extensive gardens.

The lesson was made accessible for all, as each resident was taught to play seated in wheelchairs.

After some practice and a lot of balls hit, residents joined in with a friendly introductory game.

Activities assistant Pauline Dando was given the suggestion of wheelchair croquet by her father, Canon Peter Cole. Peter enjoys croquet and plays in a wheelchair due to his mobility.

He recommended his friend and West Chiltington Croquet Club member John Coventry teach the residents of the home how to play. The activity will now take place weekly at Sussexdown.

John grew to love the sport back at school and later joined St Helens Rowden Croquet Club in Cheshire where he was a member for about 15 years before moving to Sussex and has now been playing at West Chiltington Croquet Club since 2018.

Pauline said: “After a long, cold, and wet winter, residents were longing to get out and enjoy the lovely gardens.

“With a newly purchased croquet set, I suggested that we get a specialist to come and show residents how to play and have a friendly introductory game.

“Everyone loved getting involved and learning from John who did a

wonderful job teaching the basics to residents in our care.

“As mole heaps and long grass do not make for an easy game, Gary the gardener here did a great job preparing the lawn ready for the activity to take place.”

Canon Peter Cole, who also attended the lesson, and his wife, Marian, was gifted a croquet set when they moved from Folkestone Church Parishioners to a new parish.

They moved to a village in West Sussex called Fittleworth but there wasn’t a croquet club there so Peter put something in the local magazine and the local community were interested, which is when everyone began playing at the old Rectory Garden in Fittleworth.

When that expanded, the Rother Valley Croquet Club was formed in Duncton, and it went on to thrive with a current membership of more than 100.

Dining delight for all at Bowbrook Dementia Centre of Excellence

LEADING meals provider, apetito recently rolled up in the ‘apetiser’ – its food van to hold a tasting at Bowbrook – a dementia-specialist care home in Fradley, Staffordshire.

Residents, family members and staff got the opportunity to sample lots of apetito’s brand news dishes from its Spring/Summer 2023 product range, which have been designed to add even more variation to care home menus, with some classic favourites along with new and exciting flavours.

Attendees had the opportunity to taste lots of new dishes including Plant-based Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken and Butterbean Stew with Dumplings, Salmon and Broccoli Bake, Spring Vegetable Medley and Barbecue Beans with Oak-Smoked Bacon.

Those with a sweet tooth were also invited to enjoy apetito’s new Victoria Sponge and Chocolate cakes, which are the perfect centrepiece for an afternoon team – some dessert connoisseurs sampled both.

Following the tasting, everyone was encouraged to give feedback on the

dishes and were also asked which dishes they would like to see on the menu at Bowbrook in future.

Resident branded the Victoria Sponge as “lovely” and another resident said the food she tried was

“bloody wonderful”.

Brian, whose Mother-in-Law lives at Bowbrook, said: “The tasting event was an excellent idea. The food smelt inviting, tasted good and was easy to eat which was very important to the

overall experience.”

Registered manager at Bowbrook, Lucie Willday, added: “We will be collating and reviewing all the feedback from the tasting and will be making informed decisions about our new menu at Bowbrook.

“We believe in including and empowering our residents, and events like this food tasting help us to achieve this.”

Explaining why apetito hosts tastings, Richard Woodward, general manager of apetito’s care home division said: “We love holding tastings as they’re a such great way to get residents, families and staff invested and interested in the food being served. It helps families learn more about the food being served and helps them relax in the knowledge that their loved ones are enjoying nutritious, delicious food.

“We think our new dishes are a great choice for residents to enjoy now the weather is getting nicer and we were delighted that the food was so well received.

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