Caring Weekly 23 September 2020

Issue 26 23.09.20

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

Tony advises carers to get annual flu jab TONY Stein, chief executive of Healthcare Management Solutions, which operates around 80 care homes across the UK, is pleading with health and social care staff not to miss having the annual flu vaccine this year to protect the sector at an increasingly difficult time.

Uptake from health and social care staff has historically been at only 25 per cent or less, but Tony believes everyone has a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, residents, and colleagues.

He said: “Outbreaks of flu can occur in the best run health and social care settings, and because flu is so contagious, staff, patients and residents are all at risk of infection and it can be very serious, or fatal, for older people and those with underlying health conditions particularly.

“There is enough for us all to deal with in the care home sector without staff being off sick and residents becoming ill.

“While the reporting of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in care homes has been hyperbolic to say the least, it is fair to say that the sector has been badly hit and the very last thing we need is a flu epidemic on top.

“The frustration is that there is a vaccine for flu to mitigate these fears. I will be first in line for my jab and will be strongly

encouraging all my employees to be responsible and get vaccinated.

“My simple message – get a flu vaccination – it takes no time at all, doesn’t hurt and all the myths surrounding it are untrue.”

Reasons given for not having a flu jab include: n It will give me the flu – an untrue myth. n Flu isn’t serious anyway it’s just a bad cold – untrue – between September 2019 and February 2020, almost 8,000 people died from flu in England alone. In 2017 and 2018, more than 22,000 people died from the virus. n The flu vaccination gives you bad side effects – untrue – risk of a serious side effect from having the flu vaccine is one in a million. n I am frightened of needles.

Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, recently wrote an open letter, also signed by the NHS’ most senior clinicians, to more than a million frontline NHS staff imploring them to help protect themselves and the vulnerable patients they might come into contact with from flu, highlighting the exceptional challenges faced this winter with Covid-19 still prevalent.

Frontline health and social care workers are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine.

Wren House care home in Warminster has documented its lockdown activities in a book, which is available for family members to purchase so they too can share the memories that Wren House residents made together during the UK’s lockdown period. The hardback book, ‘Lockdown at Wren House’, contains pictures and write ups about all of the things the staff and residents got up to during lockdown including weekly claps for carers, lots of donations from local businesses and a variety of activities. Resident Pauline Taylor (pictured) said: “Lockdown was a strange time for us all, and it will certainly go down in history. While I am saddened by the losses that families have faced across the world, I’m pleased that I have been able to make some wonderful memories with my Wren House family. The book is fantastic, and it will be a great way for us to remember this crazy time in years to come.”

Celebrate your lockdown heroes IT’S BEEN a year like no other with unprecedented challenges and demands.

But, as the saying goes when the going gets tough, the tough get going – and nowhere has that been more true than in the care sector.

Day after day, we have received news of selflessness, hard work and dedication up and down the country – carers who have made huge sacrifices to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.

The pages of our magazine and our weekly digital newsletters have told heartbreaking and heartwarming stories of unity against adversity; love and care conquering the biggest of battles.

In these circumstances, we were so disappointed that we couldn’t proceed with this year’s Caring UK Awards and decided that so many amazing things had gone on during the difficult months of lockdown and beyond, we still needed to recognise these wonderful individuals and teams.

Today we launch the Caring UK 2020 Roll of Honour – this will appear in our January 2021 issue and will pay tribute to the lockdown heroes who have gone over and above in these most testing of times.

We want to hear from you if you know

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

someone who has gone above and beyond in 2020 to make a difference and help their residents and colleagues get through these harrowing times.

Please send your nomination to events@ scriptmedia.co.uk and we will be featuring some of your stories in Caring UK magazine, and our weekly Caring UK digital newsletter.

Closing date for entries is Friday December 4.

There will be a place on our 2020 Roll of Honour for the most inspiring nominees and they will all receive a certificate to mark their achievements.

We can’t wait to read your stories …

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CARINGWEEKLY

Plan to help protect homes from Covid-19 over winter A NEW adult social care winter plan will aim to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections in care settings throughout the winter months, the Health and Social Care Secretary confirmed today.

As part of the plan: n People receiving adult social care and care workers will receive free PPE. n A new dashboard will monitor care home infections and help local government and providers respond quicker. n A chief nurse for adult social care will be appointed to represent social care nurses and provide clinical leadership to the workforce.

Local providers must restrict all but essential movement of staff between settings to reduce transmission, supported by an extra £546 million for the Infection Control Fund.

This will help care providers pay staff full wages and enable staff to work in only one care home.

This brings the total funding for infection control measures in care homes to more than £1.1 billion.

The government says it is prepared to strengthen monitoring and regulation by local authorities and the Care Quality Commission, including asking them to take strong action where improvement is required or staff movement is not being restricted.

This can include restricting a service’s operation, issuing warning notices or placing conditions on a provider’s registration.

Further details of how the winter plan will be enforced will be released shortly.

Health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “We are entering a critical phase in our fight against coronavirus with winter on the horizon.

“Our priority over the next six months is to make sure we protect those most vulnerable receiving care and our incredibly hard-working workforce by limiting the spread of the virus and preventing a second spike.

“This winter plan gives providers the certainty they need when it comes to PPE and provides additional support to help care homes to limit the movement of staff, stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives.

NCF executive director Vic Rayner and ICG chair Mike Padgham.

“We will be monitoring the Taskforce report highlighting the implementation of this carefully and effectiveness of the fund and the care will be swift in our actions to protect home support package. residents and colleagues across the country.

What the industry said The new chief nurse for adult “In the nick of time, the government social care role will provide clinical has announced an extension of the and professional leadership, while Infection Control Fund. upholding and raising standards “This ring-fenced finance has been among the care workforce. a vital lifeline for many providers Recruitment will begin in October of care to ensure they are able to to ensure the department and sector support staff who are isolating, and can benefit from the professional to minimise movement of staff within expertise the new role will bring. and between homes.

To improve understanding of “It is imperative that this funding where infections are taking place reaches the front line quickly. in care homes, a dashboard will We welcome the funding, and be introduced as a single point of need urgently the detail to enable information for local, regional and understanding of the criteria and national government to monitor timeframe. outbreaks and measures being “The clock has been ticking on implemented to reduce it. the government around a number Minister for care Helen Whately of major announcements this week added: “Our brilliant care workers – the Infection Control funding is have been tirelessly looking after our most welcome – but needs to be loved ones throughout this pandemic, understood against a wider set of and Covid-19 rates have come right commitments for winter and any down in social care through the second wave. summer.

“The well documented breakdowns “With cases beginning to rise now, around testing, rising rates of we must take the strongest possible infection and increases in local action to stop the virus and protect lockdowns mean that we need these people. government plans to be shared “The creation of the chief nurse today – preparation is critical and last for social care is also an important minute announcements serve no one step and will provide leadership to well.” social care nurses and the wider care Vic Rayner, executive director, workforce who often work unseen.

National Care Forum.

“The skills and compassion of our care workers must be fully recognised “This extra funding is welcome – but and supported.” some of the Government’s previously The unveiling of the winter plan will pledged £600million for infection be supported by the publishing of the prevention still hasn’t reached care Adult Social Care Covid-19 Support homes.

“It’s now an imperative that we get a commitment to ensure that all of funding reaches our social care heroes on the frontline.

“But the single biggest weapon to fight Covid-19 is for the Government to commit to full pay for social care workers who have to take time off work due to coronavirus.

“Currently most low-paid, predominantly women and BAME social care workers are left languishing on £95 a week and face the Catch-22 choice between going to work and putting the lives of the people they care for at risk, or staying home and not be able to put food on the table.”

Rachel Harrison, national officer, GMB

“The extension of the Infection Control Fund is extremely welcome.

This is a real lifeline for care providers and we are pleased that the Government listened to the sector on this though the details of the scope and conditions are not yet announced.

“Care England will work with the DHSC to implement the Plan and achieve the best possible outcomes for care home residents, their families and staff.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive, Care England “The injection of money into infection control, support over PPE and appointment of a chief nurse are all very welcome moves as we prepare for the winter and a possible second wave of coronavirus.

“But while these are positive, I fear we have to go further if we are to get through the coming months without seeing Covid-19 take a hold again.

“We urgently need the Government to get more funding to local authorities to help them to do whatever they need to do in their own local areas.

“And we have to get more people into the sector to address the staffing crisis social care has, with 100,000 vacancies on any one day. The only way to do that is to pay social care staff better for the amazing job they do, not just during coronavirus but all the time.”

Mike Padgham, chair, Independent Care Group

Kent charity welcomes wish list donation from Amazon RAPPORT Housing & Care has used a £1,000 wish list donation from its local Amazon sortation centre to thank staff for their hard work throughout the pandemic.

The Maidstone facility has donated enough sweet treats for everyone who works for the charity, as a thank you for the invaluable work undertaken by all employees, particularly during the past few months, which have been incredibly difficult.

Katrina Levett, director of operations at Rapport Housing & Care said: “As a not-for-profit

organisation, any surplus we make goes straight back into our services, thus we don’t often get the opportunity to give our staff gifts.

“So when Amazon approached us in the middle of the pandemic with the offer of fulfilling a wish list for us, we knew it’d be a great idea to use it to reward our staff.”

“Our teams have worked extremely hard to keep our residents safe since the Covid-19 outbreak several months ago, so we are very grateful to Amazon for assisting us to show our

appreciation.”

The committed and hardworking teams have kept more than 300 vulnerable residents safe and happy during an exceptionally challenging time, and this gesture serves as a thank you for all they have done.

From the care, domestic and kitchen teams, to the administration, maintenance and management, they have all supported one another and worked as a family to come through the situation even stronger.

Dene Holm Care Home in Northfleet receive their gifts.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Care home ‘recruits’ former Buckingham Palace employee Dan Archer, managing director of Visiting Angels, with registered manager Tray Hall.

Care company hits 1,750 weekly hours milestone IN HOME care provider Visiting Angels has celebrated a momentous milestone after delivering 1,750 hours of care to residents.

Just six months after reaching its first goal of 1,000 weekly care hours, August saw them smash through the second target.

Managing director of the Sheffieldbased company, Dan Archer, said: “To say I’m proud of the team would be a complete understatement.

The current situation is certainly providing a challenge, but my carers and office staff have faced it with such pride and commitment that this achievement is really for them.

“It’s from their dedication and genuine kindness that we’re able to make a true difference in people’s lives every single day. For some that means needing extra company, for others it’s the difference between being able to stay in the comfort of their own home instead of having to go into residential care. To almost double our service in just six months is quite profound.

“This milestone illustrates just how effective our ‘carer-centric’ approach is. We put staff at the heart of the business; paying them generously for the amazing work they do, rewarding them for their service and ensuring they have enough time between care visits.

“This is clearly something that our local clients enjoy as they can rest assured that they’ll receive a happy and fulfilled carer each and every time. Because, as well as know, a

happy carer is a good carer.”

Visiting Angels launched in Sheffield in late 2017, the first at-home care provider in the region to commit to being carer-centric.

Dan, 45, is from Sheffield himself and made the decision to join the care industry after he witnessed, firsthand, how damaging an unreliable and poor-quality care service can be – not just for the recipient, but for the family and friends too.

“When I was younger, my nan’s health meant that she required support and it was heart-breaking to see the lack of quality care she received,” he added.

“Within eight weeks she was seen by 12 different carers, none of whom were around long enough to learn anything about her, or us for that matter.

“Some visits were missed altogether, while the ones that did happen had no real structure. It highlighted just how unstable the relationships were and that no standards were being kept at all.

“The national average of care workers leaving a business is 41 per cent. Our results indicate that we are currently operating at a 13 per cent carer turnover – less than half the national average. I’m confident this is down to our approach and having a team that feels valued and appreciated.”

Visiting Angels is currently supporting 120 clients and employs a team of almost 100 caregivers and office staff.

HANDLEY House care home in York has ‘recruited’ a former Buckingham Palace employee: 82 year-old resident Judith Gray, as part of its housekeeping team.

Judy has lived at the home since February and has been volunteering one morning a week with the housekeeping team to help keep the home spick and span, drawing on her experience of working in the Royal Household.

Judy grew up in York and attended St Lawrence’s Church of England school with her six siblings.

She left school aged 14 and began working as a trainee waitress at the exclusive Royal Station Hotel, now The Principal York Hotel, adjacent to York station.

Judy excelled at her role and was soon headhunted by Buckingham Palace to work as the Queen’s personal waitress.

She said: “It was my privilege to work for the Queen, it was such an interesting job and an extraordinary place to work.

“The Queen is a wonderful person and I was able to really get to know her in the years I served her.

She is very kind, caring and wellmannered.”

While working at the palace, Judy met her now husband Chaz Gray, and the couple are set to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary next month.

Chaz and Judy left their jobs at the palace when Chaz joined the RAF. They travelled all over the world before returning to settle in York to raise their family.

Head of housekeeping at Handley House, Daniel Richardson, said: “Judy is an absolute delight to have around the home and gives us a brilliant boost when she is ‘on shift’.

“She has been a great help, giving us all her best tips and tricks that

Judith Gray with Handley House manager Rachel McNally. she learnt from her time at the palace.”

Judy helps around the home by cleaning with her favourite pink feather duster and helping to set tables ahead of mealtimes, ensuring the napkins are folded and cutlery polished. She even has her own Handley House staff uniform and name badge.

Home manager Rachel McNally added: “We have the best residents living with us at Handley House and I am so pleased to personally know each and every one of them and be able to help them to live life to the full.

“When Judy said she wanted to help out around the home my heart melted and of course I had to get her a uniform and name badge. We love listening to her stories of her time at the palace, and she is a valued part of our team.”

Walk to victory plan for residents deprived of exercise in lockdown PENSIONERS deprived of proper exercise during the lockdown are now being coaxed back into action at an Edinburgh care home by the lure of raising cash to battle dementia.

Canny staff at Cramond Residence have set a challenge for residents, giving them the month to get in the best possible shape for a major fundraising push.

Care and clinical workers hope the attraction of doing their bit for Alzheimer’s Month will also help the residents shake off the potentially debilitating effects of five months in lockdown.

Lisa Sohn, lifestyle coordinator at the purpose-built, 74-room care home, said: “It’s a vicious circle. The more inactive an older person is, the harder it becomes to get them back

Lisa Sohn into a good place.

“We’ve done everything we can to keep our residents active here, but we’re hoping this new challenge will really make a difference.

“We are lucky to have beautiful gardens at Cramond Residence so we’ve come up with a plan to mark Alzheimer’s Month throughout September, encouraging our residents to walk as often as possible.

“We’re going to build up to a big fundraising day on September 30.

That will see our residents doing as many laps of the garden as possible, while asking their family and friends to make a pledge to Alzheimer Scotland.

“Everyone here has a vested interest in this. Not only is it a great way to keep our people in tip-top condition, but we all know residents who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

“This lets us all do our bit to fight this terrible condition.”

Reopening of Cramond Residence’s garden has been the main impetus for the challenge. However, it has also been partly inspired by the story of former British Army Captain Tom Moore.

His garden walks during lockdown and in the run up to his 100th birthday turned him into a national celebrity. He also raised more than £32m for the NHS – and earned a knighthood as a result.

Lisa added: “All of our residents followed the story of Captain Tom during lockdown, so we’re hoping that will also help inspire them.

“Happily, most of them are champing at the bit to get back out walking outside and the garden walks will be one of our major focuses throughout September.”

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CARINGWEEKLY

Homes take part in sports day event A GROUP of 13 care homes across the South East of England went for gold in a ‘national sports day’ event covering Kent, Essex and Surrey.

The sky was the limit for residents and staff at Nellsar, a family-run group of residential and nursing care homes, as they enjoyed some sporting competition and took part in a range of socially distanced games and activities.

As part of the group’s core strategy to promote physical wellbeing and exercise, and to make the most of the good weather, residents tried their hand at bowling, darts, archery, badminton and basketball, as well as their favourite sports day classics such as the egg and spoon race, ring toss and three-legged race.

There was even hook the duck and the infamous sack race, and staff naturally got involved too, with prizes being awarded to ‘Best photograph of the day’ and ‘Best home manager sporting effort’.

Viv Stead, recreation and wellbeing manager for Nellsar, said: “The annual sports day was a resounding success.

“Not only did we have the weather on our side with some glorious sunshine, but the residents and staff had a wonderful time too.

“While these sorts of events are held so our residents can have fun and enjoy a range of nostalgic games and activities, it’s also important we

Survey reveals exceptional trust in homecare company ensure they get fresh air and exercise to maximise their physical wellbeing.

“I travelled to a number of our homes on the day to cheer on the residents as they took part in some of the activities.

“Whether they were competitive or just plain silly, each game was designed to ensure fun was had by all.

“Overall, we’re quite overwhelmed with how well the day went and delighted that lockdown wasn’t able to stop us from safely having fun across all our homes.”

The event was inspired by the success of their I Am Team GB ‘Nation’s Biggest Sports Day’, which took place in the gardens of each home last year.

Determined not to let lockdown spoil the fun, this year’s spectacle was tweaked to ensure social distancing, so the games could go ahead safely.

HOMECARE provider Bluebird Care Cardiff North wanted to ensure all its employees were feeling informed and confident, particularly with new procedures in place during Covid-19.

At the beginning of June the team were surveyed by an independent firm, WorkBuzz.

The questions were filled in remotely using a mobile app, which was set up to accurately measure how the care team were coping in the current circumstances.

The survey saw some exceptional feedback from the team, with 100 per cent of them strongly agreeing they had the right tools to do their job.

Ninety per cent of those surveyed strongly agreed they had been kept informed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, with 92 per cent reporting communication within the team has been effective.

Bluebird Care Cardiff North adapted all procedures to keep the team and

their customers safe.

Despite dispersing the office-based team to work from home, operations manager Chris Binstead kept the office open so that field based care assistants could collect PPE upon request in allotted time slots.

This also helped manage stock levels.

He said: “The text messaging facility in our rota software meant we could keep in touch with care assistants collectively or individually.

“This helped us stay in touch with the whole team and manage this very important process accurately.

Keeping the care team safe meant keeping customers’ safe as well so as ensuring confidence all around.”

Bluebird Care Cardiff North will continue to implement initiatives such as the team survey.

They continue to ensure communication with all the team and regular feedback is a top priority.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Finalists for the annual NACC Awards revealed

CEO Gordon Cochrane with deputy manager Rachel Scurr and manager Gener Tayhopon.

Care staff thanked and recognised for their long service MEMBERS of staff at Cedar Court in Witney, Oxfordshire have been thanked and recognised for their ongoing efforts to support residents during the Covid-19 pandemic, in a special week of appreciation.

The facility is part of the Healthcare Homes Group, which operates 45 residential care homes and 12 homecare branches in East Anglia and the south of England.

The group launched its own ‘Care Appreciation Week’ recently as a sign of its gratitude for all staff.

Throughout the week, care homes and homecare branches were visited by members of the executive team, and special events were held while adhering to Covid restrictions.

Cedar Court provides residential and nursing care for up to 63 people.

The team was visited by group CEO Gordon Cochrane, who joined them for a celebratory buffet while also presenting nine members of the team with long service certificates, to thank them for their combined 65 years’ of loyal service at the home.

Those receiving long-service awards were: n Registered general nurse Ruth Days – 10 years. n Senior care assistant Anne Morrison – nine years. n Healthcare assistant Helen Trinder – nine years. n Registered general nurse Iyabo Kuponiyi – eight years. n Health care practitioner Tracey Law – seven years.

n Deputy manager Rachel Scurr – six years. n Chef Roi Macaldo – six years. n Housekeeping staff Helen Nicolson – five years. n Health care practitioner Luis Povedano – five years.

As part of the appreciation week, Gordon delivered gifts and a specially designed canvas print to the home and each member of the team received a letter of thanks and vouchers.

He said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to visit the Cedar Court team as part of our special Care Appreciation Week, and to be able to present long-service certificates to some of the staff.

“Care Appreciation Week has been all about recognising the incredible efforts of every member of staff that have each gone above and beyond to help care for our residents during the most challenging of times.

“We are proud and grateful of everyone’s ongoing efforts and commitment.”

Gener Tayhopon, home manager at Cedar Court, added: “So many of the Cedar Court team, including those we have presented long-service awards to, have gone to significant lengths to support residents during lockdown.

“It was an honour to be recognised and to put some time aside to thank our staff. I would also like to thank everyone who was involved in coordinating the event – everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”

Candlelight Care has announced a key promotion within its ‘Home First/Discharge to Access (D2A)’ service. Claire Hurford (pictured left) has been promoted to manager from her previous role as team leader. The Home First/ D2A service works closely with the NHS to help patients who have been discharged from hospital, and Claire has led the service since Candlelight Care began offering it two years ago. Deborah Puxty, operations manager at Candlelight Care, said: “Claire’s well-deserved promotion reflects her excellent work in leading the Home First/D2A team. We are delighted to have made her the manager of this service as we celebrate its second anniversary.”

THE National Association of Care Catering has revealed the line-up of finalists for its annual awards.

The prestigious awards recognise and celebrate teams and individuals from across the care catering sector that go above and beyond – from care homes to community services, such as Meals on Wheels and lunch clubs.

All the finalists exemplify true innovation, excellence and dedication that create tangible benefits for residents, clients and colleagues – incredible attributes that have been at the heart of the care catering sector’s frontline contribution throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The NACC Awards 2020 winners will be revealed at a virtual awards ceremony on October 8, which will be attended by members, industry colleagues, partners and friends and special guests.

The finalists are: Care Establishment of the Year Award: n Murrayside, Care UK. n Pear Tree Court, Care UK. n Nynehead Court.

Meals on Wheels Award: n County Enterprise Foods, Nottinghamshire County Council. n MyChef Meals on Wheels. n Hertfordshire Independent Living Service.

Catering Team of the Year Award: n Mill House Care Home. n County Enterprise Foods, Nottinghamshire County Council. n Meallmore Ltd. Catering Manager of the Year Award: n James Clear, hotel services manager, Care UK. n Anne Dudley, catering support manager, Hampshire County Council. n Adam Elvidge, catering manager, United Health Group Ltd.

Our Care Catering Hero Award: n Anita Foster, head chef, St Georges Care Centre. n Sam Armstrong, head chef, Heffle Court Care Home. n Peter Hall, head of kitchen, Cranleigh Paddock Care Home.

The recipients of The Triumph Over Adversity Award, the Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award and the National Chair’s Award will also be revealed at the virtual awards event, plus the winning region in the hotly contested NACC Region of the Year Award category.

Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, said: “Recognising and celebrating the hard work and dedication of care caterers up and down the country has never been so important.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging year as teams have responded and adapted to the stark impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Whether in a care home or delivering to the elderly and vulnerable living in the community, they’ve all stepped up to increased pressure and selflessly ensured those entrusted to their care continue to receive delicious and nutritious meals in an enjoyable, dignified way; delivering regular moments of joy in difficult times.

“As with events across the foodservice and hospitality industry, the pandemic has stopped us from holding our annual gala awards dinner, but there’s simply no way we’re going to let the opportunity to celebrate our wonderful sector pass us by.

“The virtual awards ceremony will be a wonderful occasion for us to share with colleagues and friends as we honour the exceptional contribution of care caterers in this extraordinary year.”

RAF veteran celebrates 100th birthday at home RAF veteran John Myerscough celebrated his 100th birthday at Stella Matutina Care Home in Lytham, where he is a resident.

He served as a Lieutenant in the Fleet Air Arm 804 squadron and was awarded the distinguished service cross medal for gallantry, skill and inspired leadership while operating from an aircraft carrier on a photographic reconnaissance of the Kra peninsula Penang and Northern Sumatra.

John was involved in the North African and Salerno landings. He was educated at Preston Catholic College and was manager of the TSB Bank in Preston for 40 years.

The momentous event took place during the time of coronavirus restrictions which meant that John’s daughters and their families could not be present.

So the residents, sisters and staff of the home became his family for the day and set up a day of celebrations to help John mark this momentous day.

His big day began with a service in

John Myerscough the chapel to celebrate John’s life.

This was followed by a Champagne reception prior to a three-course lunch.

A film on the spitfire was then shown followed by an afternoon 1940s singalong with afternoon tea. John had two visits (socially distanced at the front door) from representatives of the RAF who passed on congratulations and thanks for his years of service.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Construction starts on £60m scheme in Bedfordshire LEGAL & General’s later living business Inspired Villages has started construction at Elderswell, its £60million scheme in Turvey, Bedfordshire.

Elderswell is part of an ambitious development pipeline, with Inspired Villages to deliver more than 2,500 specialist homes for over 65s in the next six years.

Together, these planned schemes will create around 1,000 construction jobs per annum, and up to 640 permanent jobs once the retirement communities are complete and operational.

Once complete, Elderswell will offer 130 age-appropriate homes, as well as state-of-the-art facilities in the village centre for both the residents and the local community.

The village centre will include a restaurant, café, wellness centre (featuring a fitness studio, gym and Jacuzzi pool), and library.

Phase one of construction will see 76 homes and the village centre built by mid-2022.

The construction phase will create around 50 jobs per annum during the three-year construction programme, with a further 25 operational jobs created on completion.

Neal Dale, development director at Inspired Villages, said: “This year alone, Inspired Villages has achieved

planning to deliver 806 much needed age-specific homes across the UK. “Construction at Elderswell marks a significant milestone for Inspired Villages and the development team, demonstrating our ability to move swiftly from planning to starting works.

“We have an important role to play in providing high quality later living housing across the UK; helping to address the social and economic issues that come as a result of an increasing ageing population.”

Elderswell is the second Inspired Villages scheme in Bedfordshire. The following deals have been achieved

by Inspired Villages during the coronavirus lockdown period: n Planning permission for a 270home, £215m scheme in Kingswood, Surrey, which will be one the biggest retirement villages in the UK once complete. n Planning permission for a 146home, £100m scheme in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. n A site acquired with outline planning permission for a 200home, £120m retirement village in Caddington, Bedfordshire. n Planning permission for phase two of development at Inspired Villages’ seven-acre Ledian Gardens scheme in Kent, which adds an additional 50 apartments to the existing works.

Emily Reynolds during her skydive.

Care staff take on skydive for the Alzheimer’s Society A TEAM of three carers from a domiciliary agency in Godalming took to the skies to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

As care workers they usually have their feet firmly on the ground, but CHD Care at Home’s Emma Leahy, Emma Packer and Emily Reynolds travelled to Hinton Airfield where they took on a new challenge – jumping 10,000 feet from a plane, and raising more than £1,500 for the Alzheimer’s Society in the process.

The team, who provide support to individuals and their families living with Alzheimer’s and dementia on a daily basis, were inspired to take part to raise awareness of the conditions and the effects that they have on the lives of individuals and their families.

Furthermore, they wanted a special way to show recognition for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia who will have struggled with self-isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.

Emily said: “The cause is so meaningful to us because we visit

so many people who are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and they all mean so much to us.

“They’re the reason we do this job. But I also wanted to skydive in honour of my grandad, who suffers with Alzheimer’s himself.

“On the days he looks at me and isn’t quite sure who I am, I know he is just holding our memories so tight he can’t let them out. I hope I’ve made him proud.”

Owned and operated by CHD Living, CHD Care at Home aims to enable service users to retain their independence and to live autonomously with the assistance of carers in daily living.

They offer a range of services and support packages, all focussed on delivering dedicated, high-quality care to service users in the comfort of their own homes.

They provide care to people of all ages, including individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs.

Care home is sold for an undisclosed sum Animal magic at care home RESIDENTS at The Old Vicarage care home in Leigh, near Sherborne, have been treated to some special visits thanks to the team of staff.

Workers at the home brought in their pets for residents to meet and spend time with, and there was quite an array to choose from.

Kathleen brought in her pet snake, Florence brought along her tortoise, while residents were then able to meet horses Charlie Bear and Tally, also belonging to Florence.

Home manager Molly Burrows said: “It was really lovely to have such an animal-focused programme of activities.

“We’re very proud to be such an animal-loving home.

“Many of our residents have

treasured their relationships with pets over the years, and the positive effect that bringing animals into the home is instant.

“Being able to welcome such unique and interesting animals was wonderful and I’m very grateful to our team members for arranging this for our residents.”

The home has a long-held love of animals, recognising the impact that animals can make on older people receiving care.

It is registered with ‘The Cinnamon Trust’, a national charity that works to respect and preserve the treasured relationship between owners and their pets and has been named ‘pet friendly care home of the year’ three times in a row.

DC Care has completed the sale of Carr Holm in the North Wales coastal town of Prestatyn on behalf of Paul and Debra Mallows.

The care home is a large detached property of red brick construction.

Windows and doors are all uPVC double glazed and the reception rooms are light and airy.

It has previously been a hotel, with the care home retaining many of the 1930s features, including a dining room with decorative coving.

Paul and Debra purchased the business 14 years ago and have since enjoyed a long-standing positive relationship and rapport with the local inspection team and commissioning teams.

Now looking to retire, DC Care was instructed to market Carr Holm.

The business was appraised by DC Care’s Northern region director Alison Willoughby and the sale was managed by senior sales negotiator Lisa Rushworh.

Alison said: “Lisa and I would like

Carr Holm in Prestatyn. to send our heartfelt congratulations to Paul and Debra on the sale of Carr Holm and wish them a happy, wellearned retirement.

“All parties pushed to keep the sale progressing throughout the Covid pandemic.”

The business was acquired for an undisclosed sum by Dr Bruce Moore, a first time buyer looking to build a care home portfolio.

THE 2021

CARING

UK AWARDS Thursday 2nd December 2021,

THE ATHENA,LEICESTER We are extremely sad to bring you the news that we have taken the incredibly difficult decision to cancel this year’s Caring UK Awards.

All nominations for this year’s awards will be carried over to next year – and nominees will have the opportunity to update their nominations should they wish to ahead of the closing date.

Thank you for all your nominations and support and we look forward to celebrating your amazing feats in 2021. Thanks too to our sponsors for your continued loyalty and support.

N O M I N AT I O N S W I L L R E M A I N O P E N T H R O U G H O U T THE YEAR CLOSING ON AUGUST 31ST 2021

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