Caring uk Weekly April 10

A DEMENTIA care provider is challenging the perception of care in older age, after new research has shown that many people wait until breaking point before reaching out for help when it comes to the care of their loved one.

The study by Vida Healthcare highlights the uncertainty around the different types of care available within the UK, with many Brits admitting to not knowing what different types of care involve.

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of UK adults aren’t confident that they know what residential care is, 24 per cent aren’t sure what nursing care is, more than a quarter (28 per cent) aren’t confident they know what dementia care is, while almost a third (31 per cent) don’t know what social care or respite care involve.

Mayor joins home for dog show Group says ‘stop waiting until care crisis point’

This lack of understanding and reluctance to discuss care options with family members often results in families delaying the inevitable – the research has revealed that more than half (57 per cent) of UK adults have waited until crisis point before seeking expert care and support for their loved one. Another contributing factor to people avoiding conversations around a loved one’s care is the perceptions of care homes in the UK – a fifth (20 per cent) of those surveyed said their perceptions were negative.

James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, said: “Moving a loved one into a care home can be difficult for all involved. By the time someone starts considering a

care home, it’s likely their loved one may be in need of more care than what can be provided at home, and individuals may have come to a point where they can no-longer provide the care and support their loved one needs.

“Our research found that adults are often putting off conversations because of feelings of guilt – more than a third (36 per cent) of UK adults that we spoke to admitted to avoiding the conversation of moving a loved one into care as they felt guilty about doing so, a stigma that we’re dedicated to challenging and changing.

“It’s important to accept that you are human and there is only so much you can do – an individual cannot provide the level of care that a dedicated care home can.”

Of adults who currently have or have previously had loved ones in care, 50 per cent said their family member was resistant to moving into a care home.

The resistance is due to several factors including missing their own home (47 per cent), losing independence (36 per cent) and being anxious (33 per cent).

However, those who have had loved ones in care felt very differently. Supportive staff (22 per cent), having better care (21 per cent), nicer facilities than first thought (21 per cent), surprise at how nice it was (15 per cent) and fantastic specialist care (12 per cent) are just some of the top positives cited once a loved one was in a care home.

Walton Manor Care Home in Liverpool recently celebrated one of its own residents, a former nurse, by granting her wish to don her nursing tunic once more and be part of the caregiving team for a day. Teresa, who dedicated many years to the nursing profession, expressed her desire to assist the care team daily. In response, the team at Walton Manor, always looking for innovative ways to enhance their residents’ lives, provided her with a spare tunic and allowed her to engage in a variety of non-clinical, supportive tasks alongside the staff. Home manager Toni Stirrup said: “We’re deeply moved by the enthusiasm and spirit of Teresa. It was a joy to see her light up, wearing her tunic and being part of the team. This experience not only brought immense joy to her but also inspired our staff and other residents. It’s a beautiful reminder of the diverse backgrounds and rich histories our residents bring to our home.”

AN Orpington care home has announced the winners of its barking mad competition.

Care UK’s Foxbridge House ‘raised the woof’ with its own edition of Crufts. As part of the contest, team members at the care home and the residents’ relatives were invited to showcase their dogs’ skills and good looks.

Joining the judging line-up was the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Mike Botting, who joined the home’s oldest resident and World War Two veteran, Peter Lemon, 103, who together whittled down the top contenders.

Home manager Stella Barnes said: “We loved seeing so many wonderful dogs strutting into our home – they

made it very hard to pick a winner.

“We know just how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people, especially for those living with dementia, as being close to animals can help lift a person’s mood and stimulate social interaction.

“Many residents used to have dogs in their younger years, so they were thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of our judging panel and to meet so many adorable pooches.”

Nine dogs entered, with many winners receiving rosettes, including Nigel a Chihuahua, who won Cutest Smile, Ivy, a puppy Cocapoo, who won Waggiest Tail, and Mia, a Jack Russell, who secured the Judges’ Choice award.

Carers pull strings to make wish come true for former harpist

A HAMPSHIRE care home made a resident’s wish come true with a surprise opportunity to play the harp again for the first time in more than 60 years.

Georgina Chesters, a former member of the National Youth Orchestra, said she was ‘absolutely astounded’ when a professional harpist arrived at Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst as a birthday treat.

Liane Hopkins not only performed herself but brought along two traditional lever harps, one big, one smaller, so Georgina could play too. Residents and staff, accompanied by Georgina’s visiting daughter Emma and granddaughter Eleanor, watched as Liane spoke with the delighted 89-year-old and invited her to pick one to try out.

All eyes were on Georgina as, gently and with a huge smile on her face, she settled into position, held one of the harps and began to let her fingers pluck and run across strings for the first time since her teenage years.

It was the first time that Emma, a piano teacher, had actually seen her mother play the harp even though she knew it was a big part of Georgina’s youth.

Companionship team member Sian Harris added: “Georgina has often spoken of her time as a harpist, playing as part of the NYO.

“She has shared many stories including how she once left her harp on a railway platform, and how she was too scared to tell her father, but, luckily, it was returned in one piece.

“Over time, she unfortunately stopped playing and has told us she ended up selling her harp to pay for a car.

“In all the time Georgina has spoken about playing the harp she has always said that she could never do it again, as it’s so hard on your hands, but in January, as part of a reminiscing activity she actually said her wish was

Georgina Chesters, who lives at Colten Care’s New Forest home Woodpeckers, enjoys the chance to play the harp again for the first time since her teenage years

to play again, even just one last time. That was it, I hit the ground running to make this wish come true.”

While the rest of the home was sworn to secrecy, Sian searched through social media for a harpist to come and visit.

She added: “I thought it would be like finding a needle in a haystack so I was surprised when more than 30 people from all over Hampshire and as far afield as Somerset offered their services to come and play.

“From that list I picked Liane. Our staff and some of the residents knew about this special surprise for Georgina and everyone kept it a secret. You could see by the smile on Georgina’s face how much she was enjoying and appreciating it.

“She was absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed when Liane invited her to play too. She had tears in her eyes when we told her we had been planning that all along.

“Georgina tried both harps. After half a century of not touching one, it was a very moving moment when she started playing. It sounded lovely, amazing.”

Trishaw tours of town for elderly residents

ELDERLY care home residents have been whizzing around Middlesbrough on a trishaw thanks to a community group. Residents at The Gables Care Home have been taken on tours by Cycling Without Age Stockton-on-Tees Chapter. The group of volunteers was set up to enable older people and those with mobility issues to get out and experience the outdoors.

Activities coordinator Samantha McCormick said: “I loved the way the residents’ faces lit up on the bike. It was a joy to see them do something they had never dreamed of doing in a normal day.

“We’re planning to have Cycling Without Age at Stewart Park in the summer, so residents can enjoy seeing the 120-acre site. Everyone is already very excited.”

Community walks in shoes of those living with dementia

BLUEBIRD Care North Hampshire and West Berkshire hosted the Mobile Dementia Virtual Tour at its offices in Kingsclere which allowed care teams, families and friends to experience the daily challenges faced by people living with the condition.

The homecare provider hosted the interactive training experience known as the ‘Dementia Bus’ to show people what it is like to live with dementia in order to boost understanding and raise awareness in the community. Participants experienced simulations of various symptoms of dementia, including confusion, sensory deprivation and mobility issues.

Spiky insoles were given to participants to put inside their shoes to simulate extra sensitivity in the nerve endings in their feet, and thick gloves to reduce feeling in their hands. They were also given glasses that reduce peripheral vision and add dark spots in the line of vision, and headphones that continually play white noise.

Last August the provider announced the region’s first specialist dementia care advice service as they welcomed dementia care specialist Tamsin Hudson to the team. Tamsin, who joined the operator

The three-wheeled, motor assisted cycles allow up to two passengers at a time to be ferried around, see the sights and spark memories.

Staff were also able to enjoy the experience, including domestic worker Alisha Bingham and carer Emma Mann, who tried piloting the trishaw.

after supporting her own mother with dementia, offers tailored guidance from adapting living spaces to reducing distress for those with the condition.

She said: “We work with people and their families to help them to remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

“Our care experts provide compassionate and high-quality care for people with dementia every day. This training helps to make that care even more bespoke, as it’s based on a real understanding of what a person with dementia is going through.

“We were delighted to invite the wider community into the Mobile Dementia Virtual Tour to come together to learn more about dementia and how we can all support those around us to feel as comfortable and supported as possible.”

More than 30 attendees joined the Bluebird Care North Hampshire and West Berkshire team in experiencing the realities of living with dementia.

The event offered insights that can’t be replicated, helping healthcare professionals and the wider community be better equipped to provide empathetic and effective support to those living with dementia.

A resident from Simonsfield Care Home in Anfield saw his dream come true when he was invited to a behind-the-scenes experience to watch Liverpool players train. Players from Liverpool Football Club including Darwin Nunez, Curtis Jones, and Cody Gakpo visited the home just before Christmas. It brought immense joy and excitement to the residents and staff, and was made even more special by the presentation of two tickets to watch the players train. John Kelly, a lifelong supporter and former season ticket holder, alongside Terry Egan, the maintenance operative at Simonsfield, were the fortunate recipients of this opportunity.

One of Somerset’s oldest residents celebrated her 105th birthday with a birthday card from the King and Queen and a party for family and friends at St Benedict’s Nursing Home in Glastonbury where she now lives. Born just months after the end of the First World War, Joan Gifford lived in the same house in Street for 102 years, from the age of two until last year. Joan met her late husband Bert in the mid-1930s while walking to Glastonbury with friends, after he and some of his friends had attracted the girls’ attention by whistling at them. The pair married in 1939 at the start of the Second World War. Joan and Bert celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1989 and were married for a total of 62 years. They had three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Aberdeen’s Cranford Care Home hosted an adorable visitor, a 12-week-old lamb named Jimmy, who instantly leapt into the hearts of the residents. Jimmy’s visit helped make the 93rd birthday of Sheila McKenzie extra special as she celebrated with her family and friends at the home. The arrival of the cuddly lamb was met with joy and excitement by all the residents, who eagerly gathered to interact with the fluffy newcomer, stroking its soft fleece. For many, the experience brought back fond memories of rural life and childhood encounters with farm animals. Farm Stop Farm Experiences brought Jimmy to the home as part of Cranford’s packed activity schedule, which is designed to introduce residents to new experiences and keep them active and engaged.

Great-great grandmother Edith Hodkinson celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by five generations of her family at Corbrook Park in Audlem, Cheshire. To mark the milestone the nursing home hosted an open day where members of the public were invited to meet Edith and take part in activities and a tour around the home. Edith was born in Leek in Staffordshire in 1919, following the end of the First World War. In 1938 she married Walter Hulme and both worked on the family farm in Wormhill, Rushton, later moving to Hunt House Farm near Leek. When the Second World War broke out Walter joined the Royal Observer Corps and the Hulmes continued to farm, hosting evacuees from the surrounding cities. In later years Edith and Walter made prize-winning Cheshire cheese and Farmhouse butter until their retirement in 1971. Edith and Walter had five children together and today Edith enjoys a large, multi-generational family with 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Ten years after Walter’s death in 1978 Edith re-married John Hodkinson, who passed away in 2012.

A resident at a retirement village in Chorley has celebrated her 100th birthday. Marion Hesketh Jackson, who lives at The Grange care home in Buckshaw Retirement Village, used to work at the Co-operative Society offices in Preston. Marion later moved to Siemens in Preston during the war years, where she met Gordon Jackson, whom she married in 1947. The couple, married for 54 years, had one daughter, Susan. After a long career with the Post Office and her husband’s retirement from teaching, they enjoyed their retirement years, often traveling to Florida for winter breaks and supporting Lancashire Cricket Club at games across the country. Following her husband’s passing, Marion continued to live independently until her recent move to The Grange. She is supported by her family, including a daughter, son-in-law, grandson, granddaughter-in-law, four great-grandchildren and two great-greatgrandchildren.

Richard Brown celebrated his 107th birthday recently – but preferred a quiet cuppa to a party. Richard, who lives at Windmill Care Centre in Slough, was born in 1917, served in World War II and has seen five different monarchs during his lifetime. He celebrated his 107th birthday at the home alongside his son-in-law David and grandson Darren. Staff at the home, where Richard has lived for a number of years, couldn’t resist making a bit of a fuss, laying on a birthday cake and decorations, despite Richard’s insistence he preferred a quiet life. Richard received The Legion of Honour from the French Government – the highest French decoration and one of the most famous in the world, for the part he played during the D-Day landings.

Celebrations have been in full swing at Ashcombe House in Basingstoke as one of its residents reaches her 102nd birthday in style. Lilian was joined by staff, friends and other residents as she reached the milestone. The home’s chef Tracey Dyer made a special birthday cake which was enjoyed by all. Children from Kings Furlong Infant School designed, made and signed a huge birthday card, which brought a tear to Lilian’s eye. The afternoon continued with a visit from Wings of Freedom bird of prey rescue centre. Founder Colin introduced residents to a variety of birds of prey including Norman the tawny owl, Rocky the barn owl and Kevin the kestrel. Lilian held Kevin and was amazed as she never thought this would be something she would ever be doing, let alone for her 102nd birthday.

Marjorie Hodnett, known as Aunty Marj, celebrated her 110th birthday recently and attributed her long life to not having a mobile phone. She also believes eating three meals a day is incredibly important, and only having sherry or wine with a meal on a special occasion. Aunty Marj is a resident at New Care’s Formby Manor Care Centre. She is the oldest lady in Merseyside, the oldest person in Formby and the 16th oldest person in the UK. Aunty Marj keeps her mind active with a quiz, wordsearches and crosswords. She continues with several other hobbies, including knitting and drawing portraits of famous people, including King Charles III. Marj also supports Arsenal and is an England rugby fan. Aunty Marj marked her milestone birthday with a party attended by family members, residents and staff.

A resident at Bullsmoor Lodge in Enfield has received a very special 106th birthday present from her grandson. Mum, grandma and greatgrandmother Joan Rose marked her milestone birthday with her grandson David, who had had his Tottenham Hotspur shirt specially personalised in her honour. The inspiring woman then had the chance to celebrate again in the Enfield care home as staff organised a Mother’s Day afternoon tea for the residents. Joan moved into Bullsmoor Lodge in August 2021. She vows that daily exercise and a healthy lifestyle are the reason she is still fit and healthy, and she walks around the care home’s garden every morning. Joan spends a lot of her time in her room, making her own bed and wanting to keep it clean herself. She worked in the City of London for Lloyds Insurance company and always had a love for needle and artwork as well as dogs.

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Operator commits to continue paying real Living Wage

THE Orders of St John Care Trust will continue to pay the current real Living Wage, a voluntary, independently calculated wage rate based on the cost of living.

From April 1 all of the operator’s employees will be paid at an hourly rate of £12 or above, and all care employees will be paid an hourly rate of £12.17 or above.

CEO Dan Hayes said: “As a large notfor-profit employer in the social care sector, we put people – not profit – at the heart of everything we do.

“It is important to us morally, and economically, that we continue to prioritise this investment in our people.

“Social care is the backbone of society, requiring skill, dedication and utmost compassion, and our workforce deserves proper recognition and a fair rate of pay.

“The real Living Wage has also provided much needed stability to our workforce, by enabling us to remain competitive with other industries.

“However, our ability to pay the real Living Wage is impacted by the rates that commissioners pay for care.

“This financial model is not currently sustainable and funding for the social care sector was glaringly absent from the spring Budget.

“With expectations of a general election before the end of the year, on behalf of the sector we are calling on the new government for a cross-party solution to reform – that we have awaited for decades.”

OSJCT was among the first care

providers to pay the real Living Wage, and the charity’s decision to renew its commitment for the third year running represents a £9.8million annual incremental investment in hourly paid employees.

In addition to the pay boost, the operator offers a competitive package of benefits, including training and development opportunities via the Trust’s specially-designed Leadership Academy as well as apprenticeships, pay enhancements for Qualifications and Credit Framework qualifications, enhanced weekend rates of pay, and service-related annual leave increases.

Employees also receive free parking, uniforms and DBS checks, as well as free access to counselling, financial and legal information via the Employee Assistance Programme and The Care Workers’ Charity, as well as high street discounts via the Blue Light Card and MyReward schemes.

Provider wins award for best workplace environment

A BUCKINGHAMSHIRE live-in care provider has been recognised for having the ‘Best Workplace Environment’ for a small business at the UK Small Business Awards. Eximius was announced as the winner for providing a stimulating environment, prioritising employee wellbeing, and having a workplace culture rooted in core values.

Maria Climie, managing director at Eximius, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised at a national level for our workplace environment.

“We believe that a happy team is at the heart of exceptional care services; when we empower our staff and prioritise their wellbeing, they show

Book launches to help children understand life in a care home

FINDING Nana, an illustrated fictional book aimed at helping children to navigate the emotional journey when an elderly relative moves into care, has launched at a Croydon care home.

The book is understood to be the first of its kind. While there are books to help children and young people understand what happens if someone is diagnosed with dementia, none of them tackle the issue of a loved one going to live in a care home.

Authored by Jenni Bacon, with illustrations by Sophie Parmenter, Finding Nana has been created by national care charity MHA in partnership with the Methodist Church. It follows the story of Ellie and Jack as they discover what happens when their Nana moves into ‘the care home’.

Jenni, who spoke with MHA families as part of her research before writing the book, said: “It was a privilege to be given an insight into the emotions families go through before someone moves into a care home and in particular the thoughts of children and young people.

“The feedback we got from children, parents and teachers was invaluable in making Finding Nana such a wonderful story to support families.”

The idea for the book came from the late Crispian Acher, head of chaplaincy at MHA, who died suddenly as the book was being published. He realised in conversations with colleagues that there was nothing available to help children if an older relative went to live in a care home.

were both in attendance at the book launch, which took place at MHA’s Hall Grange care home.

Sam said: “Visiting a care home can be a daunting experience for anyone – but it’s particularly unsettling for younger children when they see someone they love moving into care.

“Finding Nana aims to help families have honest and positive conversations about this experience. It also shines a light on the fantastic and unique work that our chaplaincy team does in supporting our residents and their families.”

They were joined by a group of year seven students from local school, Shirley Oasis Academy, and residents living at the home, who heard more about why the story was written and enjoyed a reading from the book.

Finding Nana shares the questions and concerns that two children have as they visit their Nana in a care home for the first time. They discover that care homes can be places to live life to its fullest and have fun, where people can do the things they enjoy and make new friendships.

The story is based on real-life experiences, with author Jenni having spent time speaking to care home residents and their family members, as well as MHA chaplains. Feedback from school children and their parents and people who worked in MHA care homes helped to shape the book.

up each day, happy and committed to making a real difference.

“Our team is nothing short of phenomenal – they deserve that recognition in some way everyday which is why we’ve always prided ourselves on our workplace culture and values.”

Eximius provides holistic support, a safe work environment and flexible working patterns while also investing in growth and individual development.

Eximius has also been recognised for its workplace culture, which is based on open and honest communication where each individual is supported, celebrated and empowered to excel.

Rev Gill Newton, president of the Methodist Conference, and Sam Monaghan, chief executive of MHA,

Finding Nana is available to purchase via Methodist Publishing. For every copy sold, donations will be made to MHA’s specialist services, care homes and community living schemes – helping to support thousands more people to live later life well.

Minehead Nursing and Residential Home in Somerset has appointed Louise Heppenstall as its new manager. Louise will bring more than 15 years of management experience to the role, and will introduce bold new plans to enhance the lives of the residents in her care. Louise started her career in retail with Tesco, working her way up to become a department manager. Four years ago she becoming a carer at a residential home in South Molton. Louise’s complementary skills of caring for others alongside her management expertise were soon acknowledged and two years ago she became assistant manager at Minehead. In her new role Louise will head up a team of more than 100 employees providing a range of care services, including residential, nursing and specialist dementia for adults of all ages.

Kate Le Sueur, head of chaplaincy at MHA; Revd Gill Newton, president of the Methodist Church; Sophie Parmenter, illustrator of Finding Nana; Jenni Bacon, author of Finding Nana; Sam Monaghan, chief executive of MHA.

Dan Hayes

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