Caring uk Weekly May 29

Remembering the landings 80 years later

A NEWLYWED whose husband left their honeymoon to take part in the D-Day offensive has been reminiscing ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

Mary Holley revealed her husband Roy’s ship was torpedoed during the Allied invasion of northern France, which commenced on June 6, 1944.

She had married him just a few weeks earlier.

The D-Day assault marked the start of the successful campaign to liberate Western Europe from Nazi occupation.

Mary, 99, now lives at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton.

She had met Roy shortly before the start of WWII. The couple were courting for a year before he was called up to the Navy in 1941. Following a three-year posting to the Far East, they married in April 1944, after Roy returned home on a week’s leave.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Weston-super-Mare, but within days they were separated again.

Though she did not know at the time, Mary later learned Roy had left to prepare for D-Day on the cruiser HMS Frobisher.

She said: “During the Allied invasion his ship bombarded Gold Beach in preparation for the landings. “However, his vessel was hit by an enemy torpedo, and fearing it would sink, the crew were given orders to abandon ship.

“But when the Frobisher remained afloat, the men were able to clamber back on board.”

The crew remained in place for several days, despite swallowing substantial amounts of oily sea water while in the Channel, and later Roy was one of a party sent ashore to establish a signal station at the strategically important city of Caen.

Mary added: “I did not know Roy was involved in the landings at the time, but I assumed he was. And I stayed positive, I didn’t fear the worst, I expected the best.”

Thankfully, Roy did survive D-Day and the war. He left the Navy in 1946, and the couple went on to have three children.

Looking back on Roy’s service during WWII, Mary added: “When he was called up to the Navy I felt very proud. Everybody was called up, so you were no different to everyone else.

“I knew there was a war going on and I would not have seen him again for a long time, but that was that. All I focussed on was that he was coming home and we were getting married.”

The last D-Day veteran cared for at Royal Star & Garter lived at the Surbiton Home, and died in November 2023, just a month before his 100th birthday.

Wellbeing teams will be hosting events and activities to mark D-Day in each of its three Homes on June 6.

at the

The new

promises a revitalising

for residents, offering a range of services including hairdressing facilities and a nail

against a serene botanical backdrop, the salon provides an inviting space for residents to indulge in self-care and pampering. Shelley said: “ It’s not just a place to get a haircut or a manicure; it’s a space where they can relax, socialise, and feel rejuvenated. We believe that self-care is an essential part of overall well-being, and we are committed to providing our residents with the highest quality amenities and services.”

Birds of prey swoop in at home

A ‘FLYING visit’ by birds of prey including kestrels, owls and falcons thrilled residents at a Dorset care home.

Under the guidance of an experienced handler, the avian stars were greeted with wonder by onlookers at Colten Care’s Avon Reach home in Mudeford.

Denise Marks, companionship team leader at Avon Reach, said: “It was a pleasure and privilege to help make Elizabeth’s wish come true.

“Animal visits always get a great reaction here and this was an especially lovely interactive experience for Elizabeth and other residents. You could see the happiness on people’s faces.”

The visit was a wish come true for resident Elizabeth Longley who had told carers how much she would like to

see such birds close up.

Team members at the home contacted renowned expert Colin Sutherland, who arranged an interactive experience for her and fellow residents in the comfort of their lounge.

After viewing an array of birds, the highlight for Elizabeth was the opportunity to hold Kevin the kestrel. Smiling throughout and donning a protective towel on her wrist under Colin’s instruction, Elizabeth was fascinated with the encounter.

During the visit, Berkshire-based Colin spoke to residents about his work rescuing birds of prey, sharing details of their habitats and diets.

And he gave a demonstration showing how he had trained Kevin to regain his balance after a wing injury.

Lakeview Care Home has unveiled its newest addition with the official opening of its hair salon. Home manager Shelley Eggison and the Alpha Health Care mascot Alfie the dog cut the ribbon

opening ceremony.

salon

experience

bar. Nestled

Fundraisers learn how top dogs change lives

THREE people whose lives have been transformed by guide dogs called in at a Salisbury care home to thank residents and staff for contributing £1,400 to the charity that supports them.

Katie Ransby, Justin Wright and Richard Burt met with residents and team members at Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge.

The visit was the culmination of the home’s year-long fundraising campaign for the Salisbury & District branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Events such as barbecues, quizzes, a garden party and a Christmas market all helped the fundraising effort. On their visit, Katie, Justin and Richard shared what they are able to do because of their guide dogs. Companionship team leader Graham Ballard said: “Katie, who is blind, holds a full-time senior nursing position at Salisbury District Hospital and takes her Labrador Queenie with her everywhere.

“Justin, who has only partial sight and can’t hear either, works full time from home in IT and frequently

walks into Salisbury for pleasure with retriever Ned.

“Ned is both a hearing and deaf dog trained to respond when alarms sound such as doorbells and fire alarms.

“Richard is blind and a former Paralympian specialising in skiing events. He has worked with Help For Heroes to encourage soldiers who lose their sight. His amazing guide dog Dilly, a German Shepherd, was trained with Queenie and so they share a special bond. Rick lives outside Salisbury but travels in quite frequently thanks to Dilly.”

The funds raised by Braemar Lodge will go towards the two-year training of guide dogs locally and for arranging the rehoming of retired dogs.

Graham added: “The group were thrilled to receive our cheque and when we offered them an invitation to return, they were very happy to accept.”

Braemar Lodge residents have chosen the Salisbury Foodbank as their main charity to support for 2024/25.

Staff and residents at a Nailsea care home have marked a recent £350,000 refurbishment with a party and visit from the MP for North Somerset, Sir Liam Fox. He joined residents, family and staff to unveil the new-look atrium area at Sycamore Lodge, which focuses on modernisation and increasing natural light and space. Other guests included local councillors Nigel Ashton, Terry Porter and Luke Smith, the architect of the refurbishment, Katherine Hegarty, as well as CEO for Shaw healthcare, Russell Brown. The refurbishment also boasts extensive works on the units and additional visiting space that has been designed with input from residents in the theme of a garden and bus stops, as well as commissioned paintings from local artists. The celebrations also included some special mentions to senior support worker Sarah Knight and domestic assistant Patrice Welch, who are both retiring, as well as some long serving employees who were presented with gifts and certificates

Jemma honoured with national nursing award

NURSE Jemma Sharratt has been recognised with one of social care’s most distinguished accolades having been presented the Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Gold Award by Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE during a visit to dementia specialist, Belong.

Developed to reward significant and outstanding contributions made by nurses and exceptional nursing practice, the gold award recognises Jemma’s range of leadership skills, expertise and enduring compassion within her profession caring for older people, including those living with dementia.

She said: “I am honoured to do the work I do but to be recognised by Deborah Sturdy is truly remarkable. I love my job and really relish the opportunity to introduce new students to the rewards of working in a social care setting.

“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to develop my career with Belong and to be part such a forward-thinking organisation.”

Jemma is village nurse manager at Belong Atherton, where she leads a team of seven nurses and has played

an instrumental role in developing career pathways for student nurses, including introducing the trainee nurse associate role in conjunction with University of Salford.

She is also leading the development of ground-breaking guidance around the administration of liquid medication for residents.

Professor Sturdy visited the notfor-profit organisation to find out more about its community nursing approach and its ‘household model’ which sees small cohorts of people living together in a homely extended family-sized setting.

The latter entails nurses supporting residents in situ as their needs change, rather than moving them to a dedicated unit, as is typically found in many care settings.

Palliative care is also provided in the households and Jemma has led the village’s achievement of the platinum Gold Standards Framework accreditation for end-of-life care, as well as its win for Most Innovative Setting in the Wigan Palliative and End-of-Life Care Awards 2022, where she was awarded Nurse of the Year.

Owls prove a real hit tu-woo with residents

GETTING up close and personal to three owls in at a nursing home in Glastonbury has sparked ‘priceless’ reactions from residents according to the activities team.

The owls were taken to visit residents throughout the home, including some who were being nursed in their rooms, and they were able to stroke and hold them.

William Merivale, assistant operations manager at St Benedict’s, said: “The visit provided something very different for our residents – being able to hold owls so close is a rare experience – and we loved seeing their reactions to this very tactile and unusual experience.”

The owls’ guardian Anna Reed also did a showcase for residents and staff and entertained them with her answers to a range of owl-related and conservation questions.

The Owl Obsession centre was set up in March 2023 and is now home to eight owls.

It was their first visit of the year to

Jemma Sharratt and Deborah Sturdy.

St Benedict’s, following on from two successful ones last year and with a further two lined up for 2024.

Resident Eric Davies meeting an owl.

Medication management and nurse training in care homes

By Sibtain Nandjy

AS THE director of pharmaceutical

compliance and clinical risk management for Langdale Care Homes, I am responsible for overseeing the critical aspects of our operations, including medication management and nurse training.

These elements are fundamental to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our residents, and I am pleased to share some insights into these processes.

Medication management is a complex process that requires great attention to detail and a high level of expertise.

In our care homes, we cater to a diverse range of health needs, making personalised care and effective medication management paramount. Our approach to medication management extends beyond ensuring that we administer the right medication to the right resident at the right time.

We conduct regular medication reviews to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of the prescribed medications for each resident.

Additionally, we are dedicated to managing potential drug interactions, carefully monitoring for any adverse effects or conflicts between medications that could impact our residents’ well-being.

Furthermore, we prioritise ensuring that our residents have a comprehensive understanding of their personalised medication plan, encompassing not only the specific medications they are prescribed but also the rationale behind their usage and the potential side effects.

This holistic approach to medication management is integral to our commitment to the well-being and safety of our residents.

Our dedicated nursing team serves as the cornerstone of medication management in our care homes.

They play a pivotal role in the administration of medications, closely monitor residents’ responses to treatments, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for our residents.

This involves not only the precise administration of medications but also the vigilant observation of residents’ reactions to treatments, fostering open communication with a wide range of healthcare specialists, and ensuring that the care provided is tailored to each resident’s specific needs.

But their role goes beyond these clinical tasks.

They educate residents about their medications, foster a culture of medication safety, and advocate for residents’ rights in medication-related decisions.

Given the critical role of nurses in medication management, comprehensive and ongoing training is essential.

Our training programmes cover not only the technical aspects of

medication administration but also the ethical and legal considerations involved.

We provide regular refresher courses to ensure that our nurses stay up to date with the latest developments in medication management.

As the director of pharmaceutical compliance and clinical risk management I oversee our medication management practices ensuring they comply with regulatory standards and best practice guidelines.

I also manage clinical risks and promote a culture of safety within our homes.

Medication management in care homes is a complex but crucial aspect of healthcare. It requires a high level of expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to patient safety.

At Langdale Care Homes, we are committed to providing the highest standards of medication management and nurse training.

Through our commitment to excellence in these areas, we aim to ensure that our residents receive the best possible care and enjoy the highest quality of life.

n Sibtain Nandjy is the director of pharmaceutical compliance and clinical risk management at Langdale Care Homes.

We provide the most competitive pricing and highest quality Legionella control services specific to the residential care sector across the UK. Care home and healthcare settings carry the highest risk for Legionnaires’ disease due to the heightened vulnerability of your residents and patients.

The over 50s and the infirm account for over 80% of all cases of Legionnaires’ disease which is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. At Envirisk, we understand that this means the level of control needs to be exemplary. We help your clients ensure all compliance tasks, control methods and monitoring requirements are in place and effective.

Out highly experienced risk assessors and engineers work throughout the UK in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, HSE ACoP L8, HSG 274 and HTM4-01. We provide a wide range of services to ensure your water systems are assessed, controlled and compliant.

Sibtain Nandjy

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Scan the QR code to visit our website, find out more information and book your place, or alternatively call us on 01226 734412 or email cr@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Society offers secretariat assistance to the Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils

By Zoë Fry OBE

THE Outstanding Society is thrilled to support and offer secretariat assistance for the Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils (SCNACs).

The OS is currently crafting the SCNACs website, with further details forthcoming.

“I am delighted to welcome the newly appointed chairs and co-chairs to the seven regional Social Care Nurse Advisory Councils,” said Deborah Sturdy CBE, chief nurse for adult social care.

“The task ahead is a big one in facilitating the social care nursing voice to be heard across systems.

“Working with the nursing and care workforce to ensure that senior nursing leader colleagues in ICB’s have the access to our specialisms voice and expertise, and galvanise the energy and professional commitment of social care nursing to best affect.

“Nursing supports people across the system and as colleagues our specialism can provide an invaluable contribution to shaping the agenda.”

Following the formation of the Social Care Nurse Advisory Councils in 2022, we have reflected on the work the councils have done, where we have seen some incredible work.

I am conscious that we have seen people stepping down and the reluctance of people to come forward to fill gaps, and I am concerned that we

are leaving some colleagues behind.

There is very little resource to support this work, and we have decided to ensure more robust governance, better comms, meeting recording and dissemination.

We’re grouped into seven regional councils with connections to the ICB footprint within them.

The voice of social care nursing needs to be heard, and we all have a responsibility to ensure it is.

The contribution social care nursing makes to the health and social care system is critical. In a system made up of 19,000 providers, this is inevitably no mean feat for us.

Creating a structure that can help bring those voices together and ensure they are represented within the profession and within the system is key.

The newly formed seven regional super Social Care Nurse Advisory Councils (SCNACs) will be key influencers on the footprint of ICS and provide a link for ICB nurses to use their knowledge and experience to help inform thinking and considerations of an inclusive professional nursing agenda.

We look after the same people at different times on their care continuum, and working together, we can utilise opportunity and resources to best effect.

The chairs of these councils have now been established, and the image above sets this out.

The Outstanding Society will be hosting the website where you can find further information about your region.

We need you to participate, contribute and be active in your regions.

The chairs will work with colleagues from other organisations to strengthen the voice and influence, galvanise support, and ensure that meetings and minutes are available to you all as partners in those efforts.

Through these councils, we can come together and, in partnership with others, be a strong advocate for each other and help to shape the future of care wherever that is delivered and ensure we as a profession are at the centre of finding solutions, making use of opportunities and stand proud of our specialism.

The Outstanding Society will be hosting the chairs and providing secretariat support from a DHSC grant.

The chairs will be in touch in the coming weeks to share plans.

Scan the QR code to find the relevant contact details for the different regions.

For general enquires please contact Sonia on admin. scnac@theoutstandingsociety. co.uk

The appointed chairs and co-chairs are forming their councils.

The first regional meetings will be held in June 2024 and quarterly thereafter.

If you are a registered nurse, student or nursing associate working within the sector and would like to be considered for a seat on the Council to help shape the future of care, please contact Sonia or the regional chair/co-chair to learn more.

The Outstanding Society offers valuable resources for ASC professionals, including specialist language guides and support forums like the Out Standing Diversity Forum.

Our platform champions best practices, fosters improvement, and advocates for social care careers.

For more information, check out the OS and OSDF and look out for us marching at Pride in London.

n Zoë Fry OBE is the executive director of The Outstanding Society and the chair of the Sussex Social Care Nursing Advisory Council.

Homecare provider investing to enrich lives of its clients

A HOMECARE provider is investing in specialist training and going the extra mile to support its clients and enrich their lives.

Staff at the Lancaster and Morecambe branch of Westmorland Homecare have taken part in a variety of training programmes, a host of social events have been organised and staff are ready to go out of their way to help clients take part in activities they have always wanted to do.

“We are determined to help all our clients remain in their own homes and live their lives to the full,” said registered manager Daniel Stainer.

The branch, which covers a large area from Silverdale to Galgate, including Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham, provides care to enable vulnerable and often frail people over the age of 18 to live independently in their own home.

Its services include homecare, such as help with housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care, which includes help with medication, dressing, bathing and living their life to the full.

It employs more than 70 staff, including homecare assistants, team leaders and office staff.

Around 15 staff have just completed specialist percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy training.

“We take on packages of care with some clients who have complex medical conditions, including those who have a PEG feeding tube,” added Daniel.

“Giving our staff PEG training, inclusive of administering medication through the tube, enables clients to be cared for independently within the comfort of their own homes, instead of having to move to a residential or nursing home or hospital setting.

“This is the level of quality service that we would expect, so why shouldn’t every client of Westmorland Homecare?”

Daniel explained that one client required oxygen throughout the night so, for the first time, five staff have just completed specialist training to manage the oxygen effectively and safely.

“We also have some clients who

A birthday wish came true for classic car enthusiast Ed Taylor when his Winchester dementia care home arranged a special trip for him in a convoy of classic MGs. The 78-year-old told staff at Colten Care’s St Catherines View that he had previously owned an MG and recalled organising a similar outing for his late father when he reached the age of 90. After speaking with Ed’s wife Andrea about a suitable, last-minute treat for her husband’s approaching birthday, companionship team leader Laura Sheldrake passed on the couple’s request for another celebratory trip to the Winchester MG Owners’ Club. Club secretary Steve Favell jumped at the idea and mobilised fellow members to arrive at the home ready to take Ed out.

cannot move at all, but who generate a lot of saliva in their mouths,” said Daniel.

“Staff have undergone training to use suction machines to effectively stop clients choking or even drowning and to live at home safely.

“We have also taken on our first client who is non-binary and so does not identify as being either male or female. We have sent a small team of carers on a specialist training programme to ensure they know how to provide the best and most appropriate care for their individual needs.”

Dan said client social events were held every three months. The most recent was an Easter-themed event, attended by around 25 clients, which included refreshments and cakes and the opportunity to decorate bonnets and make bird feeders.

Previous socials have included a Westmorland Homecare dog show, where clients and staff brought along their pets, including a Frug and Cocker and Springer Spaniels. At Christmas around 50 clients attended a social, which included 42 children from Slyne-with-Hest St Luke’s Church of England Primary School performing carols.

The branch continues with its ‘Make a Wish’ scheme, in which clients are encouraged to tell staff about things they have always wanted to do but have not done before.

“It might be a trip to the theatre, going up in a hot air balloon or visiting the Lake District for a boat trip on one of the lakes,” said Dan.

“We try to cover the cost of the activity and staff will accompany the client on the visit. If we have the power to make these things happen for clients, we shall do so.

“I think all these examples shows that, as a team, we are really living out our values to be kind, innovative, trusted and enriching and doing our best to provide the best quality of service for our clients.”

Meanwhile two of the branch’s homecare assistants, Damien Whittam and Charlotte Blackshaw, have just been promoted to be team leaders.

celebrated her 100th birthday at Spring Lodge in

calls, afternoon tea and a visit from pupils from Clacton Coastal Academy. She moved into the Black Swan operated care home care home in August 2021 during the Covid pandemic. For her birthday she enjoyed opening her cards and presents with her son Brian and staff, before speaking to her grandson Billy in Australia via FaceTime. Later she enjoyed an afternoon team at the Kingscliff Hotel in Clacton with her family. The celebrations continued the following day when pupils from Clacton Coastal Academy came to spend some time at the home and to hand over some specially made cards and a present.

George Durkal, who was held captive in an internment camp in Germany during World War II, marked his 100th birthday with a celebration at Argentum Lodge Care Home in Nailsea, near Bristol, with his birthday card from King Charles and The Queen Consort in pride of place. Following the war, George joined the Polish Army and was stationed in Italy for two years. As Poland was now under Russian occupation, George emigrated to England where he swiftly learnt English and used his carpentry skills to find work making furniture. He later worked for British Cellophane in Bridgwater for many years. George married his wife Joyce in 1955 and they had a son, Neil. After Joyce’s death in 2023, George moved to Argentum Lodge to be near his great nieces and nephews.

Marjorie (Margie) White

Clacton with FaceTime

Donald Rickwood, a resident at HC-One’s Roseberry Court Care Home in Redcar, celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by his friends and family. Staff, family members and residents came together to celebrate Donald’s milestone birthday. Donald, who has been living in the residential and residential dementia care home for a few years, has had an interesting life and worked many fascinating jobs. Born in Stockton, he started his career in the RAF working on aircrafts. He has also been a foundry worker, Cobbler, railway porter, postman, and schools groundsman. Donald married Joyce and had two children – Neil and Cynthia (pictured). He has seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A Westmorland Homecare staff member (left) with a client making a bird feeder at the recent client social event.

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