Caring UK Weekly September 13

NACC Awards shortlist is announced

THE shortlist for the National Association of Care Catering’s annual awards has been revealed.

The awards recognise and celebrate teams and individuals that epitomise excellence, innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions within the care catering sector.

Across six categories the finalists represent those working in or associated with care catering that deliver exceptional service every day, from care homes, Meals on Wheels services and lunch clubs to suppliers to the sector.

Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, said: “Huge congratulations to all this year’s shortlisted finalists. “Care catering professionals are some of the best unsung heroes as they continue to work and care for older and vulnerable people in incredibly challenging circumstances – from staff shortages to the cost-of-living crisis and supply chain issues, they continue to shine and inspire.

The NACC Awards

2023 finalists are: Care Establishment of the Year –Heritage Manor, West Eaton; St. John’s House, Castlemeadow; Highmarket House, Care UK; Candlewood House, TLC.

Meals on Wheels Award – Food Train Ltd; Molesey Centre for

the Community; Health and Independent Living Support, West Sussex; My Chef, Meals on Wheels. Catering Team of the Year – Hotel Services Catering Team, FSCH Group; Renaissance Care Chefs, Renaissance Care; HC-One Catering Team; Edgbaston Manor, Care UK. Catering Manager of the Year – Stuart Middleton, Renaissance Care; Majlinda Ndoj, Cooperscroft Care Home – TLC Group; Andrew Mussett, Care UK; Jody Marshall, Meallmore Ltd; Gareth Cartledge, Avery Healthcare Group. Our Care Catering Hero – Julie Setterfield, Elmbridge Borough Council; Rachel Keys, HC-One; Nicola Bushell, The Royal Star & Garter, Signature Dining. The Bev Puxley Award – Valerie Kelly, Houndswood House, Brigterkind Ltd; Chris Bonner, HC-One; Jody Marshall, Meallmore Ltd.

The winners of the NACC Region of the Year Award, the Pam Rhodes Award and the National Chair’s Award will also be honoured at the glittering event.

The overall winners will be announced at a special gala awards dinner on Thursday October 5, which is part of the NACC Training and Development Forum held at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham.

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Nominations deadline extended

EXCITEMENT is building for the industry’s biggest end-of-year party, with plans in place to make this year’s Caring UK Awards the best one yet.

The deadline for entries has been extended due to high demand and will now close on Monday, September 18.

The awards evening will celebrate excellence throughout the industry, with trophies in 20 categories up for grabs at the glittering ceremony taking place on the night of December 7.

Organised by Script Media in partnership with Caring UK and headline sponsor Virgin Money, this celebration of success will culminate in a glittering ceremony – taking place at the Athena in Leicester – where host Emma Jesson will reveal the

winners. Awards include Regional Care Home of the Year, Care Employee of the Year and Activities Team of the Year. Other categories include Best Innovation in Care, Best Outdoor Environment and Care Employer of the Year.

Previous winners have reported an increase in profile and positive media coverage.

Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “Once again we were overwhelmed with the standard of entries we have received so far from homes up and down the country. “If you’ve not entered your care business yet then I would urge you to do so sooner rather than later.”

To enter visit www.caringuk awards. co.uk/nominations

A new defibrillator is available to the High Wycombe community after being fitted at Royal Star & Garter. The life-saving electric shock device has been placed at the front of the home after being purchased by the charity. It led the local Ambulance Service to praise the home for providing a “life-saving publicly accessible defibrillator” in the area. The machine costs £1,320 and is registered with emergency services, meaning nearby members of the public making emergency 999 calls for a cardiac arrest will be directed to it.

Lifepak CR2 USB machine is designed to be used by someone with

medical

with

in-built speaker giving simple step-by-step instructions to operate. Additionally, every member of staff at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe has had training on how to use the device. It also comes with a separate emergency kit, which includes items such as scissors, gloves and CPR face shield.

Head housekeeper wins group award

THE head housekeeper at Ribble Court Care Home near Preston has won a Sandstone Star Award for his exceptional work.

Michael Dowling was nominated for the company’s quarterly ‘High-5’ employee recognition award for his diligence and always going the extra mile.

A number of people across the independent care home group were nominated for the award but Michael, who joined Ribble Court in May 2021, was selected. He was presented with flowers and a cheque for £100.

Michael, who has worked in the care sector for 25 years, including as a carer and receptionist, said: “I was really chuffed when I found out I had won the award.

“It’s lovely to be recognised for my hard work. I like to help out as often as possible and draw upon 25 years of skills and experience in the care industry to get any task done.”

Earlier in the year, Michael also won the company’s Employee of the Month award.

Andrew Mason, deputy manager of Ribble Court, added: “Ribble Court opened two years ago and Michael was the first member of staff to join us.

“He always goes above and beyond, is courteous, polite and attentive. He has been coming in during evenings to support the night team cleaning and his knowledge of the residents is excellent.”

The Sandstone Stars Initiative was

Provider celebrates its carers with trees

launched in 2022 to celebrate the hard work and commitment of its people around the group.

The company gives out Quarterly Awards with the chance to win £100.

Steve Hamblett, operations director of Sandstone Care Group, said: “Choosing a Sandstone Star for this quarter has been difficult because the standard is very high and we had so many great nominations.

“I have been super impressed with Michael, and he stood out for me with the way he has been coming in at night and his flexibility.

“He has demonstrated exemplary commitment to Ribble Court. He thoroughly deserves this award.”

Former dancer praises show

A FORMER ballet dancer enjoyed a surprise treat when 21 young performers turned up at her care home to entertain her and fellow residents.

Jill Kember took a special interest in the visit to Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury by Dorchester Ballet and Dance Club.

The ex-ballet school student and amateur performer watched as the dancers went through a series of ballet, contemporary pieces and hip hop – which proved a new dance for some of the audience.

She said: “I’m thrilled that the performances were showcased to all residents.

“The costumes and grace of the dancers filled the hearts of all.”

London-born Jill had polio as a child and, having no access to professional physiotherapy, it was suggested that ballet might help her condition so she

was sent to a ballet school in Bromley.

“Ballet practice did indeed help,” she added.

“I used to dance at events and galas, that kind of thing. It helped my recovery from polio and gave me the chance to live a ‘normal’ adult life.”

Jill continued her interest in ballet while bringing up her family and working as a personal assistant at a Midlands doctors’ practice.

“While I was never a professional, I still love everything about ballet,” she said.

Team members at Castle View have continued to help Jill enjoy her lifelong passion for dance since she moved to the home in March 2021.

Later that same year they accompanied her to watch stars from the Royal Ballet perform in the grounds of Tudor mansion Athelhampton House, 10 miles from Dorchester.

NATIONAL home care provider Walfinch has gone green by pledging to plant 10,000 new trees over five years – one for each carer it employs.

Walfinch chief executive Amrit Dhaliwal, announcing the Walfinch Goes Green initiative on the Walfinch website, said: “Every carer who joins us and each of our existing carers will be honoured by having a tree planted, funded by Walfinch.

“It’s a way to show that our commitment to sustainable, highquality care extends not just to our carers, and our clients, but to the future of our planet.”

Rene Sonnekus, recently recruited as a carer by Tracy Lezar and Kathleen Plough, franchisee managing directors of Walfinch home care in Weybridge, Surrey, added: “I’m excited to be starting my new role as a carer, but even more so now that I know that Walfinch is doing this.

“I come from a farming background in South Africa and have long been interested in improving the environment – so much so that I studied environmental law.”

Walfinch partnered with online global tree planting scheme Treeapp

for the initiative, with sustainability in mind. It only plants endemic and non-invasive native species, forbids monocultures (as they achieve no biodiversity) and ensures the land is owned by local communities in perpetuity.

The scheme supports projects around the world from Wales to The Americas, Africa and Asia, and Treeapp supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Rene added: “I love that this is a global initiative and benefits indigenous peoples.

“We need businesses to help build a sustainable environment and I am delighted to be joining a company that is taking action on this.”

Treeapp calculates that planting 10,000 trees over five years will absorb around 217 tonnes of CO2 annually (across the lifetime of the trees), while creating 19 workdays for local communities and re-foresting over 3,187 square metres of land each year.

The number of trees planted will be visible on the Walfinch website so new care team members will be able to see the effect when they are taken on.

A care home celebrated its 15th birthday with a summer fete for its residents and their relatives. Royal Star & Garter in Solihull hosted a day filled with fun and entertainment – and a visit from ponies Lollipop and Moomin. The rainy weather was not enough to spoil the fun, with planned outdoor activities moving inside instead. Among special guests invited to enjoy the summer fete with residents were members of local Royal British Legion branches and people from nearby Park View Day Centre. The birthday celebrations began with live music from 1940s and vintage vocal harmony trio The Bluebird Belles, followed by a barbecue lunch. The fete also included stalls, a WWII memorabilia stand, book sale, ice cream van, tombola and raffles.

Ribble Court deputy manager Andrew Mason with Michael Dowling.

Walfinch carer Rene Sonnekus.

Belly dancing reunion for mum and daughter after three years apart

A DELIGHTED mother and daughter danced together in an emotional reunion at a Hampshire dementia care home after three years apart.

Former aircraft engineer enjoys visit to museum

RESIDENTS from Care South’s Sussexdown care home in Storrington enjoyed a day out to Tangmere Military Aviation Museum in West Sussex, which houses military machines, a memorial garden and an air raid shelter which was used during World War ll.

84-year-old resident John Rowntree joined the Royal Air Force when he was 16 as an aircraft engineer and as part of his role worked with radios and flight simulators. John then progressed to be a flight simulator engineer where he worked all over the world installing simulators and training others.

John, who was a volunteer at the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum before moving to Sussexdown care home, helped guide visitors for many years and is still an honourable member there.

Much to John’s delight, he led the tour for the residents who went along for the trip.

Residents were able to see some excellent aircraft including the World Speed Record breaking Gloster

Meteor F.4 Special (flown by Group. Captain E.M. ‘Teddy’ Donaldson in 1946) and Hawker Hunter Mk3 (flown in 1953 by the Museum’s late president Neville Duke).

John said: “I had a wonderful day visiting the museum again – it’s like I have never left.

“Getting to show my fellow residents around the place that I volunteered at was just the cherry on top of a fantastic day.”

The museum is home to five halls, exhibiting a variety of memorabilia which brought back memories for many residents.

One resident said she remembered pilots in her back garden during the war and planes landing on Epsom Downs.

Luba Glebow, activities lead at Sussexdown, added: “It was a fantastic day that brought back a lot of memories for residents in our care.

“We would like to thank Tangmere Military Aviation Museum and all the staff at the museum for letting John guide us around and for providing us all with a wonderful day out.”

Nalini Bhagwat, a resident at Colten Care’s St Catherines View in Winchester, welcomed her daughter Asha all the way from New Zealand specially for the visit.

Both are talented dancers and after Asha made her 11,500-mile trip to the home, it wasn’t long before they were ready to show off some routines as a duo.

A member of a Middle Eastern dance group in New Zealand, Asha offered to entertain residents with a dazzling belly dancing performance dressed in a blue sequinned outfit.

After a few minutes and an offer for spectators to join in, Nalini was first to accept.

Companionship team leader Laura Sheldrake said: “It was the first time in three years they had been able to dance together and Nalini was so keen to be involved. She jumped straight up to be with Asha.

“Fellow residents joined in with clapping and were amazed at what Asha was doing. They kept saying how amazing she looked.

“Nalini told everyone ‘That’s my daughter’ as she watched with pride.

“We have never had a belly dancer perform here and when Asha offered, I immediately said yes. The look on Nalini’s face while Asha was dancing was just pure joy.

“We arrange a Zoom call for them every week since Asha lives on the other side of the world but it was lovely to see first-hand how close they are, hugging each other and dancing.

“It was an emotional reunion but a very happy one indeed. It was like they had never been apart.

“Asha performs belly dance routines in shows and even visits care

homes in New Zealand so she was comfortable in offering to entertain our residents.

“All the residents loved the music, her beautiful costume and the dancing by her and Nalini. It was such a fun morning.”

Although born in Kenya, Nalini spent most of her early years in Pune in the Marathi-speaking Indian state of Maharashtra.

She learned classical Indian dancing as a child and was good enough to be invited to perform in front of Marathi aristocracy.

Operator achieves Menopause Friendly Accreditation

ANCHOR has achieved the Menopause Friendly Accreditation from Menopause in the Workplace. The accreditation has been given in recognition of its commitment to inclusive practices and supporting colleagues experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

The Menopause Friendly Accreditation is industry-recognised, and highlights organisations which are taking positive, tangible steps to embrace menopause in the workplace to establish a working environment that sets colleagues up for success in their career.

Ensuring that organisations are putting words into action on the issue will have a significant impact and allow everyone to continue

to contribute valuable skills and expertise to their place of work, no matter what stage of life they are at.

Anchor chief executive Sarah Jones

said: ‘The happiness and wellbeing of our colleagues is, and always has been, a priority at Anchor.

“So, we’re really proud to achieve the accreditation as a Menopause Friendly Employer in recognition of the excellent programmes we have in place, and the dedication of our team to making sure everyone feels welcomed and supported in their role.

“We’ve had great feedback from colleagues on our wellbeing initiatives and are committed to listening to their needs to make sure we can continue to meet these in the future.”

As part of its commitment to becoming a menopause friendly employer, Anchor has created dedicated online pages which

provide a space for colleagues to openly discuss menopause and share resources.

Senior leaders at the organisation are also actively engaged with a menopause workplace group and a specific e-learning course has been developed that all managers, colleagues and support teams have access to.

In addition, Anchor is passionate about highlighting the importance of regular check-ins on wellbeing, encouraging discussions about subjects including menopause and making sure that the health and care of all colleagues is taken seriously while recognising where reasonable adjustments can be made to support them in their career.

Sarah Jones

Nalini Bhagwat, left, a resident at Colten Care’s St Catherines View in Winchester, welcomes her daughter Asha all the way from New Zealand.

Hayley celebrates a decade of caring with care provider

THE manager at a Norfolk care provider likes working for the ‘friendly’ company so much that she has recently celebrated a decade there.

Hayley Claxton previously worked in a horticultural nursery before changing direction and taking a job in a nursing home.

Residents’ dream to go on boat trip comes true

RESIDENTS at a care home in Cringleford made waves on a boat trip around the Norfolk Broads.

Two residents from Care UK’s Cavell Court shared their passion for boats and sailing and asked the home team to help make their wish come true.

Keen to relive happy sailing memories from their younger years, John Clark and Marion Pearson, both aged 89, were excited to show off their sailing skills and knowledge of boats. The pair were also joined by resident and friend Brenda Burman, aged 87, as they took to the water.

The visit was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a night at the opera, no wish is too big or small.

Home manager Karen Curle said: “Our day trip to the Norfolk Broads was definitely one for the books and the pair were delighted to be making waves once more – there’s no doubt we’ll still be talking about it for weeks to come.

”We always encourage residents to continue to enjoy their favourite pastimes and share memories which hold special importance to them, as it’s a great way to encourage reminiscence.

“John and Marion talk fondly

of their memories sailing in their younger years and so we knew we had to make their wish come true.

“We’re so pleased we were able to organise this nostalgic trip for John and Marion – the residents were over the moon to have seized this opportunity.”

Having joined the Navy in 1952, John served for seven years and progressed through the ranks to Leading Seaman and Petty Officer.

One of John’s happiest memories of his time in the Navy was sailing on HMS Harpy from Portsmouth one summer, which sparked his wish to be back on the water again.

Marion worked as a clerk at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, and began sailing with friends outside of work which fuelled her love of being on the water.

Marion loved the sea so much that she went on to join a sailing club, which she was part of for five years.

After starting a family there was less time for sailing but Marion was keen to get back out on a boat and shared her wish with the home team.

On the day, the residents and the team travelled to the Norfolk Broads where John and Marion got the chance to fulfil their wish to take to the waters once again.

With a love for all things nautical, the pair enjoyed setting sail across the rivers and lakes in the national park.

New rooms available

AN extension has been completed at an Outstanding-rated Norwich care home.

Black Swan Care Group’s Chiswick House has been extended, creating six large bedrooms with en-suite wet rooms and a new lounge for residents, as well as a bigger kitchen and storage area for meal preparation and service.

Manager Mariana Condruz said: “I’m delighted to see our extension open, and we are ready to welcome new residents. The rooms are so lovely with beautiful furniture and our new lounge area is a wonderful place for people to relax and enjoy.

“I want to thank our existing residents and their families for their patience and support while we undertook the building work.

We look forward to welcoming new residents to Chiswick House.”

The home was the first in Norwich to be rated as Outstanding by the CQC and is one of only 12 in Norfolk to currently hold this rating. It is one of four Black Swan residential care homes in Norwich and provides care for up to 32 residents.

The home itself is a converted Victorian house with a grand entrance hall, welcoming dining room and friendly communal areas. Outside, there are well-presented gardens and outdoor areas surrounded by trees.

The newly completed extension has been sympathetically built to blend in with the style of the existing home and the new rooms are expected to be in high demand.

“Although I loved care work, I didn’t enjoy being indoors all day after being outside at the nursery, so I thought I’d do home care instead,” she said.

“The job at Extra Hands came up, and I started on my birthday in June 2013. It’s a lovely, small company to work for, and very friendly – everyone knows who everyone is.”

Having found her calling, Hayley worked her way up through the ranks at Extra Hands, moving from her initial carer post to the rapid response team, and then to a co-ordinator role, before finally taking on the position of manager and then regional manager.

“After a year of being a carer, a position for a rapid response carer came up, so I applied for that and was lucky enough to be given the job,” she added.

“As well as getting to know regulars, I quite like going to meet new people, so I enjoyed the variety of the role, and would probably still be doing that if the co-ordinator role hadn’t become available.

“I did that for about three years, then things changed in the office and they were looking for a manager.”

“I was trainee manager for 18 months, then became manager of the Broadland office in Horsham St Faith,” she continued.

“Now I’m manager of both the Broadland and Heacham offices and spend half a week at each.

“It’s a very challenging role, and you never know what the day will bring

you, but I just enjoy helping people and ensuring that they’re receiving the best possible care and support. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Hayley has seen many changes in her 10 years at Extra Hands, which now employs around 130 carers to look after some 400 service users.

“Going from having paper timesheets to digital care plans in the last few years has probably been the biggest change,” she added.

“When I first started, if you visited someone for the first time, you had to find their paper care plan in the house and read up on them and their needs.

“Now everyone involved has instant access to the digital care plan, and we’ve really got a finger on the pulse of what’s happening at all times.”

Hayley celebrated her milestone anniversary – and birthday – with a Coast Hopper trip, and the occasion was also marked by her colleagues at Extra Hands.

“I received a wonderful bouquet and a gift voucher, I’d just like to say thank you to all the Extra Hands team – they’re a wonderful bunch to work with.”

amongst residents due to her bouncy nature and love of cuddles.

Hayley Claxton

Residents at Dovecote Manor Care Home were recently visited by Herring Green Activity Farm for a one-to-one experience with some of their animals. Abby, a

team

member from Herring Green Activity Farm, brought along

a variety of animals

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the day, which included owls, rabbits, a guinea pig and a much-adored skunk named Nelly. Residents were excited to meet all of the different breeds, learn more about them, and have the opportunity to pet them. Each of the animals was very relaxed and sat calmly as people said hello and gave them a stroke. Nelly is very used to these types of visits and was a firm favourite