Caring UK Weekly - Issue 13

Issue 13 24.06.20 We are committed to supporting customers in these unprecedented times, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or a member of my team to talk about how we can help Derek Breingan, Head of Health and Social Care 07818 454674

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

Senior nurse welcomes comments AN operator’s most senior nurse has welcomed the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s acknowledgement of the role care home teams have played during the coronavirus pandemic.

NMC chief executive and registrar Andrea Sutcliffe CBE took the opportunity, while speaking at an event, to highlight how Covid-19 has changed the perception of social care nursing and how that change may inspire new entrants to the profession.

She was among the keynote speakers at ‘The New Normal’ event – a virtual conference for those managing these challenging times in social care Andrea said: “One of the things that drives me to distraction is the perception of social care not having the same level of skill or value compared to those working in the acute sector.

“But the pandemic has meant we are now busting that myth. I encourage everyone to continue to share and promote some of the brilliant examples of practice and leadership happening in so many social care settings day in, day out, to inspire others.

“Most importantly of all, improving the perception

and recognition of social care nursing is a shared responsibility for all of us who lead, manage and work in health and care services.

“It is incumbent on all of us to promote, champion and strengthen our social care nursing community – who really are the heart of our local communities – now and for the future.”

Last year the NMC issued a statement again backing and recognising the vital contribution that adult social care nurses make every day to millions of people living in communities who rely on receiving person-centred care that meets their needs and supports their aspirations.

Care UK’s head of nursing Rachel Gilbert added: “I was delighted to hear Andrea’s comments. It is truly time for us to move away from the outdated label of the Cinderella service.

“Our nurses are highly skilled and dedicated and they work in purpose-built, well-equipped homes.

“They are leaders, mentors and experts within those home teams and they ensure that some of the frailest members of our society receive exceptional care day after day.”

Home’s staff receive free lunchboxes

Residents at The Chanters care home in Atherton have been treated to weekly cinema ‘trips’ thanks to a donation of dozens of DVDs from Leigh Film Society. The home has been hosting ‘Movie Mondays’ for its residents, playing a variety of movies from all genres with all-important movie snacks, popcorn and pick-and-mix. Some of the donated DVDs included Saving Private Ryan; The Green Mile; The King’s Speech; The Sound of Music; Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat and Memphis Belle. So far, musicals have been a favourite for the residents, with The Sound of Music taking first place.

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

LUXURY nursing and residential home The Oaks in Newtown has taken part in a national campaign to highlight all the good work being done by care homes.

The campaign, called ‘Feeding Heroes’, is being run

by Care Home Life and aims to #PassOnSomeCheer to more than 9,000 social care workers during lockdown.

The motive behind the campaign is to shed a positive light on the fantastic work done by care home staff, and to lift the spirits of care workers by providing them with a thoughtful free lunch.

Debbie Smith of Care Home Life said: “We’re committed to supporting care homes, care workers and their residents as best as we possibly can throughout this crisis.”

The Oaks, which provides residential, nursing and dementia care, received 26 freshly prepacked lunchboxes for its members of staff as a way of recognising their devotion to residents.

Registered manager Jennifer Roberts added: “We are so proud of our staff, who always go the extra mile for the residents.

“The Feeding Heroes campaign is a lovely way of recognising the hard work and dedication of all our workers during this difficult time.”

The campaign has reached thousands of individuals and has brought a smile to those working tirelessly to support care home residents across the country.

CALLING ALL SUPPLIERS …

Your online presence has never been more important so that you can keep in touch with your clients!

Do you need a website – and quick – to sell your services and products online?

We can help with a five-page website, with or without payment facilities AT NO UPFRONT COST! And it will be ready within ONE WEEK of us receiving the necessary information.

That’s the design and development of your own website within seven days!

Includes domain name (.com or .co.uk), hosting in the UK and email forwarding We can also help with SEO, PPC, flyers or promotional material and affordable advertising in print and online!

Contact us today: sally@scriptmedia.co.uk or 07939 324 781

stop the spread of Covid-19

Traditional sanitisers only kill germs at the moment of use so as soon as contact is made with another contaminated surface your protection has gone. OneSpray sanitisers powered by Zoono technology provide antiviral protection for your Staff and Clients up to 24 hours on skin and up to 30 days on all surfaces.

The Products

The Technology

OneSpray sanitisers significantly reduces the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses (including coronavirus), fungi, mould and yeast. The revolutionary technology lasts up to 30 days on surfaces and up to 24 hours on skin.

OneSpray incorporates Zoono technology a mono-molecular layer of antimicrobial, silane based polymers that form a barrier of positively charged microscopic ‘pins’ on the surface. These positively charged ‘pins’ attract and pierce the negatively charged pathogens. The ‘pins’ rupture the cell walls and this causes the pathogen to break up with lethal effect.

Plus the long-lasting bonding capabilities mean it doesn’t wash off, so you can repeatedly wash your hands and wipe surfaces down without reducing its efficacy.

DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED ULTRA GENTLE

ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY

LEAVES BEHIND AN INVISIBLE MICROBIAL SHIELD

LASTS ALL DAY ON SKIN DOESN’T WASH OFF NO HARMFUL CHEMICALS

PROTECTS FOR UP TO 30 DAYS PROVEN AGAINST BACTERIA, FUNGI AND VIRUSES

ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY

NO HARMFUL CHEMICALS

One application of OneSpray Hand Sanitiser in the morning provides an antibacterial protective layer all day so you can relax, knowing you’re protected.

Using OneSpray after you clean gives you germ-free surfaces door handles, light switches etc. for up to 30 days.

, When applied to a surface, OneSpray leaves behind a mono molecular layer that permanently bonds to the surface.

Routine cleaning or handwashing does not disrupt the molecule or its antimicrobial activity.

OneSpray is water-based, alcohol-free and free from dangerous chemicals, as a liquid it is less toxic than vitamin C or coffee.

Zoono has over 150 worldwide laboratory testing reports supporting the efficacy of their products.

MECHANICAL DISRUPTION OF PATHOGENS NOT DEHYDRATION OR CHEMICAL POISONING

PROVEN EFFECTIVE FOR UP TO 24 HOURS ON SKIN

PROVEN EFFECTIVE FOR UP TO 30 DAYS ON SURFACES

ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY

ZOONO

SUPPORTED BY 150+ LABOROTARY TESTS

R

TECHNOLOGY

PREVENTS MUTATION ( SUPERBUGS)

PURIFIED DEIONIZED WATER AND AN ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOUND

OneSpray is successfully used in London Underground, Network Rail, Offices, Vehicles, Shipping, Care Homes and Hospitals in fact anywhere where there is a risk of infection.

To find out more about how OneSpray can help your Home in the fight against Covid-19 and a host of other harmful pathogens call 020 3404 1521 now or email carehomes@onespray.com

This is truly the next generation of antimicrobial technology.

www.onespray.com OneSpray Ltd. Abacus House, 14-18 Forest Road, Loughton, Essex. IG10 1DX tel: 03300 577148 email carehomes@onespray.com

3

CARINGWEEKLY

‘Drive Thru’ reunites families in lockdown STAFF at a Meltham care home have helped to reunite families for the first time in 12 weeks thanks to lifestyle manager Jessica Skirrow’s ‘Relative Drive-thru’ idea.

The team at Greenacres were able to ensure residents received a 30-minute visit from their loved ones.

Each visit was carefully planned

by Jess, as she ensured that families maintained a safe social distance and complied with government guidelines throughout.

She said: “It was a pleasure to put this event together for our residents and their families.

“I am so pleased with how much we have been able to help our residents stay in contact with their loved ones throughout, and the ‘Relative Drivethru’ has been such a hit. They have been smiling all afternoon.”

As relatives drove up to the home they saw their loved ones excitedly waiting for them outside and were able to chat, laugh, sing and play music from their cars.

Families and staff commented on how emotional the visits have been, saying families were cheerfully honking their horns as a sign of their gratitude when they left.

Prior to the visits every resident at the 64-bed home wrote and posted special messages of love to their families inside handmade, decorated cards.

Home celebrates Royal Ascot with Champagne General manager Verity Taylor added: “We have had such a brilliant time reuniting our residents with their families.

“It was a very emotional afternoon – watching the cars come round the corner and then looking at our residents’ faces when they saw their families was amazing.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to my team for organising this and a big thank you to our relatives for joining us.”

EXTENSIVE RANGE OF DISPOSABLE & CUSTOMISED PPE NOW AVAILABLE Get in touch for details on our Care & Nursing Home pricing. info@grahamegardner.co.uk 0116 255 6326 www.grahamegardner.co.uk

IT was hats, horses and Champagne at Nynehead Court in Somerset as staff and residents celebrated Royal Ascot.

The fun began with the residents making their own hats and fascinators to wear, ready for the races later in the day.

Everyone enjoyed Champagne and strawberries in the sunshine, and had the chance to see if they could pick the winning horse in their own game.

Pat Aldridge selected the winner, and was presented with a trophy to

celebrate her victory. Staff joined in the fun, riding their own costume horses and racing them around the grounds to the delight of the residents.

Manager Joanne Fenn said: “Everyone has had such fantastic fun.

It was just what was needed in these difficult times.

“We have lots more activities planned for our residents in the coming months, so that we can make the most of the summer in our wonderful grounds.”

4

CARINGWEEKLY

Vera celebrates 104th birthday at care home

Volunteer Dorothy Morrow.

Community group spreads kindness PENSIONERS in isolation during the coronavirus lockdown have been able to tuck into a weekly nutritional meal donated by a local community group.

Tenants at Bield’s sheltered housing development, Greenacre Court in Bannockburn, have been served soup and snacks every Tuesday for the last eight weeks by the Ladies of the Rock.

A group of volunteers started a Facebook page during week two of lockdown and began by asking Bannockburn locals if they would be interested in helping – the response was positive, with more than 11 volunteers willing to help.

The group was initially undertaking prescription and grocery runs and it grew into making soup from donations received to ensure

the elderly and vulnerable were receiving nutritional meals, with 380 individuals now benefitting from the service.

Lynne Douglas, chief executive of Bield, said: “We are really grateful for the donations from the Ladies of the Rock and the wider community. It’s little acts of kindness like this that are really bringing communities across Scotland together during a troubling time.

“Our tenants have expressed their appreciation for the food parcels and look forward to them arriving at the development every week.”

The group work in conjunction with members of the community and local businesses who have donated all ingredients and equipment.

A RESIDENT at a care home in Newton Flotman near Norwich has celebrated her 104th birthday with a host of special surprises.

Vera Nobbs, who has lived at Olive House for almost four years, marked the milestone occasion with a surprise, socially-distanced visit from Norfolk Police’s mounted officers.

Her day also included an interview on BBC Radio Norfolk, who were keen to hear about her life, achievements and memories.

Immediate neighbours congregated around the home to sing ‘Happy birthday’, which was then followed by a special performance from a Frank Sinatra tribute entertainer who sang for Vera from the gardens.

Vera was born in Norwich and spent most of her life in Hellesdon – just 10 miles away from where she lives today.

She married her husband John ‘Jack’ Nobbs at the age of 21 and together they had a daughter, Jennifer.

Vera worked in retail for companies such as Dixons, and also owned her own shop for a while. She has always enjoyed her beloved hobby of crochet.

For many years she crocheted items for charities, including the Blind Association, and made shawls for hospitals in India who would give these to new mothers.

Adina Marginean, manager of Olive

House, said: “We wanted to make Vera’s 104th birthday as special as possible and so arranged a number of surprises.

“It was really lovely to see Vera’s reaction when Norfolk’s mounted police arrived at the front of the home – she wasn’t expecting horses to arrive for her birthday.

“It was moving to have our neighbours gather to sing Happy birthday to Vera – the community really have been very supportive.

“Social distancing was observed at all times, making it probably one of Vera’s more unusual birthdays, however it was very clear that she loved the treats that were arranged for her.

“Everyone at Olive House is very fond of Vera and it was marvellous to see her enjoying her day.”

Providers welcome new social care task force CARE providers have welcomed the Government’s announcement of a social care task force to support the sector through coronavirus.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock announced the launch of a national Covid-19 social care support taskforce, led by David Pearson, a former chief of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.

The Independent Care Group welcomed the move and said it hoped the task force would go beyond coronavirus and help shape the future of the sector.

Chair Mike Padgham said: “An expert-led task force is something we have called for for many years, as a way to take social care forward.

“We are delighted to see this new task force announced and hope it works swiftly to not only help everyone who is looked after by social care through coronavirus, but also to look at the whole future of social care and guide it into a more sustainable future, with better funding and parity with the NHS. “David Pearson is an excellent choice to lead the task force.

“We hope he is joined quickly by other experts from the social care sector and wish him God’s speed.”

ICG priorities for the future are:

New award added Mike Padgham n The total integration of NHS healthcare and social care. n Social care free at the point of need, funded through taxation or National Insurance. n Direct financial support for care providers during the current pandemic paid through CQC. n A commissioner for older people and those with learning disabilities in England. n A national career pathway and salary framework for care staff. n Professional registration for care staff. n A properly-costed national rate for care fees. n Needs-based continuing healthcare payments. n A Covid-19 bonus for all frontline care staff.

THE National Association of Care Catering has added a new category to its annual awards for 2020: The Triumph Over Adversity Award It will specifically honours the extraordinary efforts of care caterers during the coronavirus pandemic – from those working in care homes to those supporting the vulnerable in the community.

The Triumph Over Adversity Award, sponsored by CaterCloud, is open for nominations from NACC members.

It recognises and celebrates teams and individuals from the care sector (from care establishments and community services to businesses and suppliers associated with the sector), who have overcome significant business and/or personal difficulties to ensure the continued delivery of a quality meal service for residents and customers since the coronavirus pandemic.

Sue Cawthray, national chair, NACC, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has made 2020 an incredibly challenging year, especially for the care sector at the forefront of caring for and protecting the most vulnerable in our

society. Care caterers up and down the country have more than stepped up to the challenge. They’ve ensured residents who suddenly found themselves isolated from the outside world continue to receive nutritious meals and met the increased demand for meals delivery to the vulnerable older population in the community confined to their own homes.

“We could not let the selfless dedication, compassion and ingenuity of these frontline workers go unrecognised.

“The Triumph Over Adversity Award is an exceptional award for exceptional times and our way of saying thank you to all our colleagues for their outstanding response to this period of national crisis. We’re very, very proud of the care catering sector.”

Following the introduction of the new award, the deadline for entries for all categories of the NACC Awards has been extended until July 17.

The Triumph Over Adversity Award will be announced, along with the other eight NACC Awards, later in the year.

CARINGWEEKLY

5

Advertiser’s announcement

£600million to help protect care homes from Covid-19 INFECTION control specialist DDC Dolphin is advising care homes how to make best use of £600million funding to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

Care home owners are contacting DDC Dolphin for expert technical advice on how to upgrade their infection control equipment to safeguard residents.

Boris Johnson announced the £600m for care homes in England last month during Prime Minister’s Questions.

Since then DDC Dolphin has seen an increase in enquiries.

DDC Dolphin marketing director Zoe Allen highlighted how one care home had “contacted us urgently, needing to spend the budget that they had been allocated on upgrading current equipment.”

She added: “The extra funding for care homes is to be welcomed. But it’s imperative they spend it on the most effective infectioncontrol solutions, while at the

same time balancing their books.

“Investing in new sluice room equipment such as medical pulp macerators and bedpan washers is only half the story.

“These advanced machines must be serviced and maintained over their lifespan so it’s important to factor in whole-of-life operating costs.”

DDC Dolphin helps care homes, hospitals and sheltered accommodation to purchase sluice room equipment more affordably.

Monthly bills spread the lifetime cost of the machines.

The company offers a wide range of 360° care and maintenance packages that include:

n Twice-yearly or annual servicing and maintenance to increase the operational life of equipment. n Five-year parts and labour warranties – to help avoid unexpected bills. n Discounts of between five and 15 per cent on chemicals. n Discounts on parts. n Sluice room health checks.

“Regular servicing ensures this vital equipment stays fully operational, protecting care home residents and staff from infection,” added Zoe. “Without it, care homes would close,” Poole-based DDC Dolphin manufactures and supplies sluice room equipment including medical pulp macerators, bedpan washer

disinfectors, incontinence product macerators, air purifiers, medical pulp consumables and maceratable/flushable wipes.

This equipment is essential for the safe disposal of human waste in hospitals and care homes – preventing the spread of infections including superbugs.

DDC Dolphin is the leading manufacturer of medical pulp macerators.

It is one of only three companies in the world specialising in the manufacture of these machines.

The company exports sluice room equipment and accessories across the world, protecting patients and clinicians from dangerous infections. Key markets include Europe and Asia.

For more information please contact DDC Dolphin marketing director Zoe Allen on 01202 731555, email info@ddcdolphin. com or visit www.ddcdolphin.com

6

CARINGWEEKLY

Toddler and resident continue friendship during lockdown

Bernard Nourrice and Shirley Campbell help John celebrate his success.

John walks 14km and raises £5,000 for keyworkers A 91-YEAR OLD tenant of Surreybased Belvedere House, the maritime care home of The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, has raised £5,000 for keyworkers by walking laps of the grounds for 30 days.

Inspired by Captain Tom, John Eiffes wanted to recognise the 100 hardworking keyworkers that make up the Royal Alfred workforce – including nurses, care workers, cleaners, kitchen and maintenance staff –for the around-the-clock care they have provided throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Walking 365 metres each day during his sponsored walk of 13,950km, John raised a total of £5,000 in donations.

The money raised will buy each member a £50 voucher to thank the hard work of the staff during the pandemic.

John said: “I have been living at this home for 10 months and, from day one, the care and compassion I have received from every member of staff has been exceptional.

“All the tenants and residents really appreciate everything the Belvedere House staff do for us and we would have been lost without them during this very worrying time.

“I wanted to show our immense gratitude to the wonderful team and getting out to fundraise was the least I could do for the people that give so

much to us every day.”

The Society, which delivers care to former seafarers and their dependants, including those living with dementia, is a registered charity and was first established in 1865.

Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, CEO at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, added: “On behalf of the Society and all of our staff, we would like to say a big thank you to our tenant John who has selflessly raised funds as a token of gratitude to the Royal Alfred workforce that keep the home running each day.

“A very special thank you to each and every member of our team who, during the pandemic, have sacrificed spending time with their own families to take care of our residents at Belvedere House.

“It is our keyworkers that have kept the country together in times of such distress so I’d also like to say thank you to all keyworkers including NHS frontline staff, our emergency services, supermarket workers, farmers, transport operators and teachers.

“In the battle against the virus we have come together to take care of one another and I am very proud of all of our keyworker staff at the Royal Alfred, and of those across the country, we owe you all our thanks and appreciation.”

A FOUR-year old toddler and a 92-year old care home resident might not seem the most likely of friendships at first glance.

But Eric Fase from Brentwood Care Centre in Essex has formed a strong friendship with Harry Yewman, one of the toddlers who visited the residential dementia and nursing care home regularly before the Covid-19 lockdown.

Prior to the pandemic starting, children from Hopscotch Day Nursery visited the care home in Larchwood Gardens bi-weekly and enjoyed a fun filled and actionpacked morning, taking part in activities and socialising with the residents.

During one of the sessions Brentwood activity co-ordinator Alison Rankin and Liz Francis from the nursery noticed a real bond forming between Eric and Harry.

They seemed to naturally gravitate towards one another, and now, every time Harry sees Eric, he immediately runs to him happily shouting “Eric, Eric!” at the top of his voice.

Harry isn’t the only one who looks forward to the visits though as Eric also eagerly anticipates Harry’s visits too: the two have formed a special bond and work / play together during most activities whether it’s messier ones such as Play-Doh and painting, or more relaxing ones such as building bricks and story time.

Baking in particular seems to be a firm favourite of theirs.

Knowing that both Eric and Harry were yearning for their bi-weekly sessions, with the support of Alison and Liz, the specialist dementia care home arranged with Harry’s mum for the two friends to FaceTime or Skype each other whenever they want.

Manager Torie Pollard said: “We

are very proud of the links we have built in our local community and the relationships that have blossomed from those links such as our partnership with Hopscotch Day Nursery.

“Bringing our communities together and giving different generations the chance to learn from one another is vital in the ethos of our home.

“Not only can we learn from our local community, more importantly our local community can learn from the wonderful residents who live at Brentwood.

“Seeing Eric and Harry’s joy when they video call each other has been such a bright spot for our team and we’re glad that we’ve been able to help the two maintain their strong friendship with each other.”

RCH Care Homes invested in iPads and tablets at the start of the lockdown to facilitate Skype and FaceTime between residents and families.

Residents of Connors House Residential Care Home in Canterbury were delighted to welcome Emmanuel Church back to the home, albeit from a safe distance.

Bringing flowers and an abundance of instruments, Corrine and Richard Hagan set up on the patio and sang an array of traditional hymns, gospel and songs from musicals, with the residents singing along. Activity coordinator Rose Higham said: “We’re doing things a bit different, but just seeing different faces and hearing live music is uplifting for the residents.”

Residents mark the Queen’s official birthday RESIDENTS and staff at Borough Care’s homes for older people across Stockport have marked the Queen’s official birthday, which takes place on the second Saturday of June each year.

Reinbek, in Davenport, was decked out for the occasion in red, white and blue, along with Union Jack flags. Residents tucked into a buffet and toasted the Queen’s health with a few drinks.

Afterwards, they participated in a quiz about the Royals.

Residents at Bruce Lodge in Offerton enjoyed afternoon tea followed by a competitive quiz.

Residents and staff teamed up and went head to

head against each other to test their knowledge about the Queen.

It was a double celebration at Shepley House in Hazel Grove as it was also the 95th birthday of resident June Millett.

Staff pulled out all stops and hosted a special party, followed by a quiz.

Dr Mark Ward, CEO at Borough Care, said: “It was lovely for residents and staff to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday together.

“It was a chance for people to reminisce, chat about the Queen and have fun. Everyone had a great time.”

Silverdale residents Jean and Ron Hulbert.

Without QCS we wouldn’t have been rated as an ‘outstanding service’ Rupert Stocks Registered Manager, Guyatt House

Join over 86,000 satisfied users nationwide - The UK’s leading bespoke policies, procedures and management toolkits for the care sector

Comply with regulatory standards Get help in preparing for inspections Ensure documents are compliant Daily updates, stay informed on current issues and news

Start your free trial today at www.qcs.co.uk or call 0330 8087 606

@QualityComplianceSystems

8

CARINGWEEKLY

Music for Dementia launches m4d Radio

Life’s a beach at care home LIFE’S a beach, or at least it was when Watling Court continued its Friday fancy dress with a Hawaiian theme Transforming the welcome area into Club Tropicana, staff even served up happy hour for the participants, complete with mouthwatering cocktails and fresh fruit.

For several weeks now, staff and residents of the Gravesend extra care housing scheme have been hosting fancy dress Friday, in a bid to lift spirits and brighten up the day during lockdown.

Previous themes include 1960s, sports day and red, white and blue for the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Wearing their finest grass skirts and flower garlands, some even opted to try their hand at hula hooping, as beach bar music played in the background.

Helen Goulding, housing officer at Watling Court said: “We started out fancy dress Friday with a ‘glamour’ theme, getting all dressed up for no reason other than to bring a smile to the residents’ faces.

“From there we thought why not do it every Friday? There’s so much going on at the moment that if we can just bring a bit of joy to the end of the week, it’s absolutely worth it. We’re all looking forward to next Friday.”

MUSIC for Dementia has launched an internet radio station for people living with dementia and their carers.

M4d Radio is free to listeners and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Through careful focus group research and feedback the music has been curated to provide an instant source of meaningful and appropriate music at any time of the day or night.

The group of five radio stations is designed to follow the rhythm of the day from waking to bedtime and right through the night.

Listeners can tune into the mix station or one of four further stations playing music by decade from the 1930s to the 1970s.

The mix station is specifically designed for care homes, providing a mix from across the decades, suitable for larger groups to enjoy listening to together.

Music for Dementia programme director Grace Meadows said: “We know that music enriches the lives of people living with dementia, and during lockdown the benefits of music for everyone have become even more felt.

“Providing a choice of era-specific radio stations to cater for different age groups means carers can get to know the music that resonates with those they care for, enhancing their quality of life.

“It’s also an aid for carers wanting to

create a mood lift without having to break off from their tasks to search for appropriate music. “m4d Radio amplifies Music for Dementia’s aim of making music freely available to everyone living with dementia, and we hope that it will become a station of choice for many care settings.”

The stations are available via any internet-enabled device including computers, tablets, mobile phones, smart TVs and Alexa devices.

Included in the varied programme content are sessions of music to move to, music from musicals, soothing tracks for sundowning and night-time and featured artists.

M4d Radio is non-commercial and does not contain advertisements, avoiding distraction or confusion for people with mid- to late stages of dementia.

Similarly, the talking sections of each programme are kept to a minimum.

The launch is supported by Lauren Laverne, Music for Dementia’s ambassador, who has recorded a welcome for listeners.

She and fellow celebrities have also pledged to highlight m4d Radio via a social media video campaign #Song4You. They are dedicating a song to for someone close to them who is isolating in lockdown, to be played on the station in the coming weeks.

Recent deal completions…

On behalf of the purchaser – Harrogate • Acquisition of care home from RNIB • Established service on 1.28 acre site • Currently 39 registered beds including 2 flats • Joint venture with investor and new operator

On behalf of the vendor – South Yorkshire • Purpose built care home • Sold to new market entrant • Sixth sale on behalf of client • Successful home with good occupancy

Whether you are selling or buying, contact HPC today to find out how our experience gets results.

Tel 01937

222107 Email enquiries@healthcarepc.co.uk Visit www.healthcarepc.co.uk

9

CARINGWEEKLY

From charity walks to VE Day celebrations: lockdown highlights

THE team at Sunrise of Esher has tried to ensure residents are entertained, happy and positive throughout the UK lockdown, especially as they are unable to host many of their regular events and activities.

Residents at the care home have been playing socially distanced active games, including giant charades and badminton.

They have also enjoyed seed sewing, watching their tomatoes, sunflowers, and sweet peas grow.

The team has ensured residents can stay in contact with the outside world.

They have received letters from staff and pupils from Reed’s School and postcards through Age UK’s ‘Postcards for Kindness’ Initiative.

The care home has also utilised technology, teaching residents how to stay in contact with their loved ones virtually via video call and email.

Sunrise of Esher residents also look forward to the Thursday evening drinks at the care home.

Weather permitting, this is usually held outside with a singalong followed by a clap for key workers at 8pm.

Sophie Hagger, activities and volunteer coordinator, said: “We are delighted we have been able to keep the atmosphere at the home so positive throughout lockdown.

“This is thanks to the amazing residents and the team. We have ensured everyone has stayed busy and continued to do the things they enjoy.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors again in the future.”

The Rainbow Walk competition was originally started to encourage residents to go outside and enjoy walking laps of the garden while soaking up the weather.

Bryn Haven residents Sid Jones and Tony Johnson with their self-portraits.

Residents create selfportraits for project This initiative proved so popular the team started a fundraising page to raise money for the Sunrise Good Samaritan Fund.

It has been created to help team members of Sunrise Senior Living and Gracewell Healthcare who are suffering severe financial hardship resulting from a catastrophic event in their lives.

Sunrise of Esher has raised more than £1,100 from their Rainbow Walk.

Diana Stagg was the winner for the most laps walked in April, and Alma Bridge was the winner for May. The care home will continue this initiative as residents enjoy it and it raises money for such an important cause.

Sunrise of Esher also celebrated Captain Tom Moore’s 100th birthday and VE day 75.

The residents played games, shared stories and sang along to the piano played by team member Michele Farrow.

Residents send heart-felt packages to loved ones RESIDENTS at Moorgate Hollow care home in Rotherham have sent their families handmade knitted hearts and hand-written notes to let them know they’re thinking of them in lockdown.

The residents packaged up the hearts and included a note which said ‘Here I have two hearts, one for me that I will keep and one for you that you will keep so that we are forever together and never apart.’

Home manager Lyn Pilkington said: “We understand the importance of maintaining contact between our residents and their families.

“Though the knitted hearts aren’t as good as a real cuddle, they certainly do the job for now and they have brought smiles to everyone’s faces.”

The idea was brought to Moorgate Hollow by former manager Bridget Cooper as a way to reunite residents with their families at a time when they have been unable to physically visit the home.

RESIDENTS at Borough Care’s Silverdale and Bryn Haven homes for older people have taken part in an art project and created self-portraits.

The two facilities signed up to the project with Arts on Wheels, which provides art activities to older people in residential care homes.

Arts on Wheels specialises in creating therapeutic collage making packs, which can stimulate communication, imagination and self-expression.

Lindsay Hadfield, activity lifestyle facilitator at Silverdale, said: “We signed up to the art project initiative to give our residents something different to try their hand at.

“Residents used the different coloured and textured paper to create a portrait of themselves. I helped Silverdale residents create their pictures and it was lovely spending one-to-one time with people chatting and getting crafty.

“It was a welcome distraction for everyone at the present time. We believe our residents should live life

in colour and this project literally brought out everyone’s colourful side.”

The self-portraits produced by Borough Care residents will be part of Collaged Citizens, an online gallery of self-portraits created by people isolated or socially disadvantaged during the coronavirus pandemic.

Devised by Rachel Shore, founder of Arts on Wheels, the project is funded

by Greater Manchester Combined Authority and supported by Arts Council England.

Rachel added: “As a creative practitioner I am a passionate advocate for how creativity, in all its forms, can have immense therapeutic benefits for older people.

“By participating in art making, we engage with both ourselves and others in the wider world around us.”

The self-portrait collages, produced for the Collaged Citizens project, can be seen online at www.artsonwheels. org alongside information on other therapeutic activities offered by Arts on Wheels.

West Midlands care service rated Outstanding by CQC A BIRMINGHAM extra care service has been rated Outstanding following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

The regulator inspected ExtraCare Charitable Trust Hagley Road Village in Edgbaston in March.

The facility has 260 apartments and 50 people receiving personal care. The service was last inspected in 2018, when it was rated Good overall.

Amanda Lyndon, CQC interim head of inspection for adult social care, said: “Our inspection team was very impressed by the level of care and support offered at Hagley Road Village.

“People’s outcomes were consistently better than expected and their feedback described the care they received as exceptional and distinctive.

“Staff supported cognitive stimulation for people living with dementia through activities including art therapy.

“Staff also supported people to enjoy meaningful social engagement through music-making and events with the wider local community.

“The service’s success was

supported by a well-being adviser who worked alongside healthcare professionals to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives.

“This included helping people with weight management and specific health conditions, such as osteoporosis.

“Leaders promoted an open and fair culture, supporting staff to excel in their roles and deliver exceptional standards of care. Policies and systems helped managers have good oversight of the service, and people’s input was used to continually drive improvement.

“An Outstanding rating is the result of considerable hard work, so I congratulate everyone who made this achievement possible.”

Under CQC’s inspection programme, services are rated according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and wellled.

In addition to its overall rating, Hagley Road Village was rated Outstanding for being effective, responsive and well-led.

It is rated Good for being safe and caring.

A valuable addition to the Caring UK family ‌ keeping you informed alongside the care sector’s Number One magazine

Follow us @caringuk

Please send any stories and photos you may have to editor Dominic Musgrave at dm@scriptmedia.co.uk For advertising opportunities please call Bev Green on 01226 734288 or email bg@scriptmedia.co.uk or Tracy Stacey on 01226 734480 or email cuk3@scriptmedia.co.uk

For more information and to sign up

visit: www.caring-uk.co.uk

or email Megan Prince on advertising@scriptmedia.co.uk For all enquiries call 01226 734 734

- the Number One magazine for the care sector