Caring UK Weekly April 5

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

Boss sets out challenge for First Minister

THE head of Scottish operator Parklands Care Homes has recorded a video message to newly elected First Minister Humza Yousaf to outline the challenges currently facing the sector.

In his message, managing director Ron Taylor highlighted the impact of inflation, recruitment and retention, agency costs and inadequate funding for care services.

Ron stressed the need to reduce inflation, particularly rising utility costs which have spiralled “out of control”.

He also addressed the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector, stating that “the number of people just aren’t there”, forcing care homes to rely on expensive agency firms.

Ron added: “Social care in Scotland has always been seen as the Cinderella service and I think it now needs to be elevated and given far more prominence in the delivery of long term care.”

On the proposed National Care Service, Ron said the new body could help eliminate inconsistency in the delivery of care but expressed concerns about its timing, calling for a 12-month postponement.

He added: “I don’t think this is the time for the National Care Service.

“I think it should be postponed for at least 12

months.

“I think the amount of money that’s currently being spent on that should be hitting the frontline services immediately.”

Ron described the current level of funding offered under the national care home contract as “woefully inadequate” and called for an immediate increase in funding to address the crisis in social care.

He said: “We’re very blessed to look after people who have reached old age and these people deserve to be treated properly but, in order to do that, we need to get funding delivered at a higher level.

“There’s been a lot of talk over the last few years from national government about dealing with social care, but nothing’s been done.

“I think if we elevate social care up to a comparable service to the NHS, you’ll see a huge difference in the flow and the delivery of the way care is being delivered in Scotland.”

Parklands Care Homes has nine care homes in Tain, Fortrose, Muir of Ord, Grantown, Aberlour, Keith and Buckie and employs around 700 care staff.

The company also manages two homes in Keith and Cullen on behalf of Craigard Care Limited, now in administration.

Team members and residents from Care South’s Dorset House care home in Poole have raised £100 for Muddy Boots Nursery School and the children who regularly visit the home. The fundraiser was spearheaded by activities lead Sam Baker, who wanted to show staff and residents’ appreciation to Muddy Boots Nursery School, with the money raised going towards outdoor summer toys. Muddy Boots Nursery School attended Dorset House for a fun-filled Easter egg hunt where the home presented the donated items to the nursery which included garden toys consisting of a water table, footballs, goals and bat and balls that were purchased with the money raised. The home also presented the nursery with second hand toys which included a toy car and scooter, an activity cube with a slide and ride-on toys.

Care group springs into action

LAPTOPS were switched off for the day at Athena Care Homes’ central office recently and teams dug deep to support a gardening project.

Working parties made up of central office staff and members of the regional team visited Athena’s five homes and helped get the gardens ‘spring ready’ by weeding, painting, planting and mowing.

Teams worked alongside the homes’ residents, gardeners, maintenance teams and gardening clubs to transform the outside spaces.

Marketing manager James Eley, who organised the gardening day, said: “We saw some dramatic transformations at our homes and are excited to see residents start to use these green spaces again now the spring sunshine is starting to break through.

“The day also benefitted our teams, allowing our teams at the homes to spend

some quality time with people they often only speak to on the phone or via video call.

“In addition, everyone enjoyed the chance to spend some time outside and returned to their desks refreshed and energised.”

The company’s managing director Mala Agarwal joined the effort and visited Amberley Hall in King’s Lynn where she and her team overhauled a courtyard garden to make it more accessible and appealing to residents. The day of action also kick-started the company’s annual Athena In Bloom contest, which sees the homes compete against one another for titles including ‘Best Sustainability Initiative’ and ‘Best Sensory Garden’.

The gardening day proved so successful that Athena will be holding another ahead of the Athena In Bloom judging in the summer, while an indoor decorating event is being planned for the winter months.

Care Providers Conferences 2023 THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

Delivering the latest news, information and products that will enable owners, managers and staff to be at the forefront of delivering care excellence.

Ramside Hall, Durham DH1 1TD

Tuesday 16th May 2023

Village Hotel, Blackpool FY3 8LL

Wednesday 17th May 2023

Holiday Inn, Barnsley S75 3JT

Thursday 13th July 2023

Listen to national speakers and experts, network with like minded operators, and enjoy the chance to demonstrate in the exhibition hall with your latest products and technology that are designed to enhance quality in care homes

York Racecourse YO23 1EX

Wednesday 6th September 2023

Ashford International Hotel TN24 8UX

Tuesday 24th October 2023

Dunston Hall, Norwich NR14 8PQ

Wednesday 25th October 2023

Stands from £550+vat

Price includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day, electric, furniture, Wi-Fi and delegate list. Your company profile, logo and contact details will also be included in the delegate brochure.

Wildlife accolade for Saltburn care home

CARE home gardeners in North Yorkshire have received an award for their wildlife friendly garden from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

The Wildlife Gardening Award 2023 was given to Hazelgrove Court in Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

Activities coordinator Sharon Lewis said: “We are all very excited to have won the award and received our certificate.

“We are waiting for the plaque, which we will proudly display on the wall.

“It was great how enthusiastic our residents were about making our garden a haven for wildlife and their enthusiasm has paid off. We are hoping to see a lot of wildlife in our garden this year.”

Residents and staff from the care home worked hard to ensure their outdoor space met the criteria for the award, which was divided into five categories.

For the food category, residents made bird feeders as part of an arts and crafts workshop, as well as planted early spring flowers, and tended to their berry bearing shrubs and herbs.

For shelter, bird boxes and bug hotels were installed in the garden, and they sent pictures of their hedgerow and bramble tangle as they provide a home for various insects and birds. The garden’s bird baths fell under the water category, with residents also putting out additional

shallow water dishes.

They also had to demonstrate how they manage their garden to encourage and support wildlife, which they showed by committing to avoiding the use of pesticides and created a leaf pile for animals to forage through and shelter under.

The final category was connectivity, with the care home’s outdoor spaces being connected via their trees, shrubs and hedges.

In addition to their garden meeting the competition criteria, staff and residents had to explain anything they do additionally to help local wildlife, with their participation in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch and Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count helping them to clinch the award.

Famous rugby trophy visits St Helens Hall rugby fans

RUGBY fan residents at St Helens Hall took it in turns to hold the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup when it came to the care home.

St Helens retained the cup last year in front of a record UK crowd at Elland Road.

It was brought to the home by Saints Community Development Foundation and residents and staff had the chance to hold it aloft and be photographed with it – along with the League Leadership Shield.

Resident and retired engineer Albert Knowles, a huge rugby fan, said: “I’ve followed the Saints all of my life and watched them play across the country.

“My friends and I would regularly travel in my Austin van to see them play.

“I’ve got lots of happy memories of watching them play so it was brilliant when the trophy was brought to the home. I’m looking forward to seeing a match again soon.”

Jackie Smith, who has been activities co-ordinator at the home for 10 years, said: “The Saints Community Development Foundation is fabulous and they do a lot with the local community.

“When they came in with the cup and the shield, it brought back some very happy rugby memories for a number of our residents, who have followed the team with a passion throughout their lives.

“With the help of the Foundation

Home’s residents have paw-some day at Crufts

RESIDENTS from a care home in Banbury enjoyed a paw-sitively brilliant day out at Crufts.

When the team at Care UK’s Highmarket House discovered that residents Rudi and June Steen, both aged 90 and annual watchers of the famous dog show, had never had the chance to visit in person, they set out to change that.

The married couple have watched the show on television for years, having been lifelong dog lovers.

Throughout her childhood, June grew up with Cocker Spaniels and, once married, the couple cemented their relationship further with a dog of their own, Gretel the German Pointer.

Home manager Francesca Cowley said: “Rudi and June are avid fans of Crufts and tune in to watch it every year, so the team knew they’d be over the moon to visit the event in person.

“Everyone from the home had a wonderful time at Crufts, watching the events and meeting all the lovely dogs.

“Animals are a great way of improving relaxation and wellbeing in older people, and the trip has provided a lovely chance for the residents to share fond memories and stories of their own pets.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Crufts who made this such a special day and are looking forward to planning our next animal encounter soon.”

Rudi and June were joined for the trip by some of their other canineloving friends from the home.

The group were treated to a variety of displays including from the police dogs, an agility show and the junior handlers, as well as having the opportunity to meet plenty of the furry friends and their owners.

Spring lambs delight care home’s residents

A WOMAN who used to work as a cleaner at a Wellington care home has returned to visit the residents of Camelot House and Lodge accompanied by some special woolly visitors.

The lambs, named Cookie, Tulip and Oreo, were brought into the home by Carole Taylor, who was able to borrow them from a smallholder in nearby Rockwell Green.

Richard Dempslake, activities coordinator for Camelot House and Lodge, said: “Residents loved watching and holding the lambs, and were thrilled to have the chance to feed them.

we’re hoping to take Albert and a few other residents to watch a home game this year.

“We’re also planning to get the Men’s Challenge Cup and the World Cup into the home later in the year.”

Residents of St Helens Hall regularly attend the monthly Reminisce Café organised by Saints Community Development Foundation which includes memorabilia, past and current player appearances and footage of Saints games.

“Because we are in a location with a lot of farms nearby, many residents started talking fondly about memories of growing up on or near farms, or working on a farm.

“Watching the lambs frolic in our garden made everybody smile – they are so cute. And bottle-feeding them was also an experience they really enjoyed.

“The ladies and gents we support at Camelot House and Lodge are living with varying degrees of dementia and

we find that suitable animal visitors can help reduce some of the effects of the condition, and bring a lot of enjoyment.

“Pet therapy can help residents be more interactive, as well as reducing agitation, irritability and anxiety.

“Carole has visited before with a lambs called Socks, and we hope to be welcoming her back again.

“The lambs were a real hit with our residents so we really appreciate her arranging the visit.”

Rudi and June Steen enjoyed experiencing Crufts in person after years of watching on TV.

Hazelgrove Court resident Ellen Else, 91, with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Wildlife Gardening Award 2023.

Nigel Howe with lamb Tulip.

Former RAF pilots revisit Harrier jets

A WHITSTABLE care home organised a trip for two retired RAF pilots to return to the cockpit of the planes they flew during WWII.

John Orminston, 77, and Alan Sansom, 89, two residents at Care UK’s Harrier Lodge, were surprised by the team with a visit to RAF Manston History Museum to see the planes they once flew up close again.

Army couple celebrate their 70th anniversary

A COUPLE who met at a dance while they were both serving in the Army celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at a Surbiton care home. Jack and June Keith marked their platinum anniversary with a celebratory lunch laid on by staff at Royal Star & Garter, where they both live.

The couple also enjoyed a large family gathering at the home’s Garden Room.

Jack and June met at a dance in Scotland while in the Army. Jack, 91, did his National Service with the Seaforth Highlanders between 1950 and 1952, and was a physical trainer. June, 94, signed up in 1950 and served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps for three years.

Jack said: “June’s unit wanted to use our gym for a dance, and because it was our gym we were allowed to attend too. I saw this beautiful

woman walk in and thought ‘Oh God, I’m going to marry her’. Luckily for me the fellow she was with had to go early, so I went up to her and that was it.”

Now great grandparents, the couple married in Aberdeen in 1953 and, after leaving the Army, Jack worked as a bus driver in Scotland. After raising their children, June worked as a switchboard operator.

Jack added: “It’s been a wonderful 70 years. I have a good wife and I can’t fault her. I’ve been very lucky.”

The couple also received a card from His Majesty King Charles III. It read: “My wife and I were so pleased to hear that you are celebrating your Platinum wedding anniversary. This brings you warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on this happy occasion.”

The card is signed by both The King and The Queen Consort.

Operator receives top award

FOUR Seasons Health Care has won the Feefo Trusted Service award 2023, an independent seal of excellence which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.

The Trusted Service Award 2023 is given for excellence in customer service throughout 2022 and reflects a company’s dedication to providing outstanding customer service by analysing feedback from verified reviews by real customers.

Joe O’Connor, chief executive officer, Four Seasons Health Care Group, said: “We are thrilled to receive this award which shows our commitment to providing an

exceptional level of service to families looking for care for their loved ones.

“We know it can be a daunting and emotional time and I’m extremely proud of our team members whose kindness and support help to make the experience go as smoothly as possible.”

The accreditation is unique, as it is based purely on interactions with customers and is a true reflection of a business’s commitment to outstanding service.

Four Seasons has been recognised for the care and attention given to those looking to move into a care home, starting from the initial point of contact.

After finding out about John and Alan’s careers as RAF pilots, and their wish to see their aircrafts from 40 years ago once again, Amy Gullett, customer relations manager at Harrier Lodge, worked with volunteers from the museum to make their wish a reality.

A guided tour was organised for the two former pilots, complete with a visit to see the collection of jets – where neither had any struggle knowing what every single button and dial did.

This isn’t the first time the team at Harrier Lodge has granted a wish –the care home has a Wishing Tree initiative which allows residents to suggest ideas for activities they would like to do.

This supports residents to live fulfilling lives – from ziplining through mountains to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Home manager Sadie Porteous said: “We encourage residents to lead fulfilling lives, whether that comes from helping out in the garden, or flying down memory lane like John and Alan.

“It’s true what they say – a pilot never stops acquiring knowledge as both John and Alan demonstrated.

“Everyone at the museum was astounded by the knowledge both of them had of the jets and just how comfortable they both felt being back onboard – something most of us would find nerve racking!

“We were thrilled to be able to make John and Alan’s wish a reality and help them to fulfill their dream of

seeing the planes they once flew once again.

“Both of them had a brilliant time, and it was great to see their faces light up the room when they saw the planes close-up. We look forward to making more wishes come true for the residents at Harrier Lodge.”

John joined the RAF aged 16 after finishing school at Simon Langton Boys School in Canterbury. Passionate about maths, John started his RAF career as an electronics engineer which saw him work on damaged machinery in Germany and cross the Berlin Wall.

He later went on to be a flying officer, where he was stationed across the south of England.

Alan joined the RAF aged 18, where he was stationed at Stanmore Park in West London.

Later in his military career, Alan was posted at Odiham, Hampshire, where he fondly remembers converting a hanger into a social space, so he and his fellow soldiers could play badminton and basketball to pass the time.

Group wishes council well

A NEW council for North Yorkshire ushers in fresh opportunities for the care of the county’s most vulnerable, a provider group has said.

In sending best wishes to the new North Yorkshire Council, the Independent Care Group says it hopes fresh thinking will benefit the social care sector.

Chair Mike Padgham said: “We send our very best wishes and good luck to all those involved in the new North Yorkshire Council and wish them a smooth transition to a single authority.

“And we thank all the outgoing seven district and borough councils for all the service that they have given over the years.

“A new authority signals a chance for fresh thinking about all the services provided for the citizens of North Yorkshire, including the hundreds of thousands of older and vulnerable adults that live in the county.

“We have always believed that this

Mike Padgham

county has a rich and diverse offering for older and vulnerable adults and could become a centre of excellence for social care.

“We look forward to exploring new opportunities with North Yorkshire Council and together providing the best care for the community.”

Harrier Lodge resident Alan Sansom.

Durham-Ramside Hall

16th May

Blackpool Village Hotel

17th May

Barnsley – Holiday Inn 13th July

York Racecourse

6th September

Ashford International Hotel

24th October

Hall

Event attending:

North East

North West Yorkshire Yorkshire

East Midlands

East of England

CARING UK CONFERENCES 2023

BOOKING FORM

The Road to Success

Single delegate rate £20 per person Two delegates £30

Ramside Hall, Durham DH1 1TD

Village Hotel, Blackpool FY3 8LL

Holiday Inn Barnsley (M1, Junction 37) S75 3JT

York Racecourse YO23 1EX

Ashford International Hotel & Spa TN24 8UX

Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich NR14 8PQ

Delegates attending (Please print in block capitals)

Tuesday 16th May 2023

Thursday 17th May 2023

Thursday 13th July 2023

Wednesday 6th September 2023

Tuesday 24th October 2023

Wednesday 25th October 2023

Booked By:

Please sign and date here to indicate you have read and accept the booking conditions:

Signature............................................................. Date:..........................................

Payment Method I enclose a cheque payable to Script Events. Invoice me. Phone for my credit/debit details.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

All places booked must be paid within 15 days of booking and before the conference unless otherwise agreed with Script Events. A telephone or fax booking must confirm when and how payment will be made

A refund will be given, less £20 admin, fee for cancellations received more than 15 days prior to the conference. No refunds will be given with less than 15 days to the conference. However, delegate substitutes will be accepted to the day of the event at no extra cost. Where invoices are requested and agreed, payment must be received within 15 days from the invoice date. We understand and will exercise out statutory rights to claim interest and compensation for the debt recovery costs under the late payment legislation if we are not paid according to agreed credit terms. An interest rate of 8% above base rate will apply for late payment.

Script Media Group is committed to protecting your personal data. By attending our events, we provide you with an opportunity to meet and engage with our exhibitors. Our events create business to business relationships and give access to relevant industry people, products and services. We share your business information with the exhibitors and speakers so that they can review the companies that have attended today’s event, we DO NOT share personal information without your consent.

Please tick to receive a regular copy of Caring UK Please tick to receive information from exhibitors

Time capsule buried at new Skipton care home

2023 has been captured by a group of schoolchildren at not-for-profit later living provider Anchor’s new care home in Skipton, North Yorkshire.

Pupils from Greatwood Community Primary School joined Anchor at The Mill House to bury a time capsule ahead of its opening in July.

Those who find the time capsule in years to come will also discover information and photographs about the site and development which will offer residential and dementia care.

Rob Martin, managing director of care services at Anchor, said: “The time capsule burial was a wonderful day – we were so happy to host the children of Greatwood Community Primary School.

“It’s always great to engage with the local community, particularly ahead of a new care home opening. For us at Anchor, helping people enjoy later life is something we are passionate about.

“It’s an exciting time for us as we celebrate the opening of our latest state-of-the-art care home, The Mill House.

“What better way to mark our new opening than sealing memories away for future generations to find.”

Local dignitaries including Sheila Bentley, deputy mayor for Skipton, councillor Simon Myers and councillor Chris Rose of Craven District Council joined the children to

mark the occasion.

Sheila added: “Well done to all the children on their hard work. It’s clear to see that a lot of thought, time and effort has gone into this project.

“It’s been inspiring to hear about their visions for the future – it’s also been wonderful to get a preview of The Mill House which will be a great addition to our community.”

Overlooking the Leeds and Liverpool

Care UK has appointed Susanne Stevens as home manager of its latest home in Market Harborough, Oat Hill Mews, which is set to open in September. Susanne’s new position will see her lead the team at the home, which will provide residential, nursing and dementia care for up to 76 people. Beginning her career as a care assistant in a nursing home, Susanne went on to complete her BSc in Adult Nursing and become qualified as a registered general nurse. After university Susanne worked for the NHS in gastroenterology, before returning to a care home environment as a nurse and working her way up to deputy manager. Susanne quickly progressed and moved into home management within a few years with another care provider. Susanne will be joined by Mark Evans, who has taken the position of customer relations manager.

Canal, The Mill House is a new, luxury care home with 86 en-suite rooms and eight independent living apartments. Built on the site of an old mill and offering state-of-the-art facilities including a restaurant and bistro, village shop and beauty salon, The Mill House will provide personcentred residential and dementia care.

McCarthy Stone, developer and manager of retirement communities, has appointed Shane Paull as its new chief operating officer. Shane brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked at the business for the past 23 years. He joined McCarthy Stone in 2000 and progressed quickly, becoming land director in its Southern division in 2006 and then divisional managing director for Southern in 2012, a position he has held for the last 11 years. Shane has been responsible for the development of more than 100 retirement communities during his time as DMD. Shane will now be responsible for McCarthy Stone’s strategic development functions, including land, planning, build, construction and health and safety, as well as group sales and marketing.

Margaret Winney celebrated her 100th birthday at Signature at Reigate Grange, where she has been a resident for nearly three years, in the company of her fellow residents and the care home’s team members. To mark the special occasion the chef prepared a birthday cake which was presented in song by the care home. Margaret was also the proud recipient of Reigate Grange’s first 100th birthday card from King Charles III and the Queen Consort. She said: “I have never been one to sit around. I have been very much involved with music, mainly classical and used to be a church organist. I have always kept my brain going, and have been very fortunate that I enjoyed all the jobs I had.”

A not-for-profit care home organisation has made a series of senior leadership appointments as a new manager joins and four employees are promoted to managerial roles. Jessica Costa is the new manager of HICA Group’s specialist dementia home Albermarle in Hull following four years as the deputy. Kerry Moss, who has been at the organisation for 17 years, is now the manager of Elm Tree Court, also a home that provides specialist dementia care in Hull. Ruth Mountain is the new manager of Tamarix Lodge in Withernsea after starting as a carer in the residential and dementia care home 21 years ago. HICA at Home in Doncaster has appointed Nikki Lea as manager, while The Wolds Care Centre in Louth has welcomed Michaela McGlynn as its new manager.

The new manager of Avalon Nursing Home in Bridgwater says her personal experience of having a grandmother with dementia is what inspires her to ensure all residents in her care are treated like members of her own family. When Tamsin Forde’s grandma Glenys was living with dementia and both visual and hearing impairments, she took her to live at the home where she was clinical lead nurse in Ilminster and supervised her care there for three years, until she passed away. Tamsin, 44, originally qualified as an adult general nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and worked briefly with the NHS before moving to the care sector.