Caring Weekly December 14

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

Arts partnership recognised with national award

A COLLABORATIVE project aiming to tackle loneliness amongst older people living at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme care village has been recognised with a national award win commending the positive impact on participants’ wellbeing, as well as the strategic creative approach to caring for those living with dementia.

We Belong Together was devised through Belong’s partnership with Liverpool’s contemporary arts centre the Bluecoat to support customers residing at Belong care villages when government intervention placed them in lockdown, limiting social interaction.

Critically acclaimed artists ran weekly virtual sessions with tenants, using a range of art forms, including ceramics, sound and storytelling.

The initiative has been crowned winner at the National Activity Providers Association awards, taking home the Year of Creativity Award.

Judges were impressed by the increased wellbeing experienced by those involved and, more widely, Belong’s use of creativity and arts as part of its approach to dementia care.

They praised the village team as ‘truly dedicated to thinking creatively, trying new things and involving everyone, every day.”

Emma Palin, experience coordinator at Belong Newcastleunder-Lyme, said: “We’re thrilled to accept this arts award, both

for us and for the Bluecoat.

“Their workshops gave our customers something to look forward to during a very challenging time.

“Our belief is that activities are more than just a way to keep customers entertained; it’s about providing opportunities for purpose or to keep people connected, supporting them in meaningful occupation where they can contribute their ideas.

“The arts in particular are a vehicle for enhancing wellbeing and fostering relationships, both of which have tremendous health benefits, as seen during the lockdown.”

Since 2019, Belong’s customers have worked closely with artists commissioned by the Bluecoat to promote wellbeing through creative pursuits and evaluate the use of arts for people living with dementia.

The partnership commenced with ‘artist residencies’ which initially saw artists working in Belong villages, leading an array of art forms, ranging from storytelling and sculpture to sound art and dance.

The award win coincides with the launch of a new circus exhibition at the Belong Heritage Gallery, the 17th century listed building integrated within the care village, housing a range of displays to inspire and enthuse residents to explore art and heritage, as well as a creative studio and special needs potter’s wheel.

Carer Emrys celebrates 40 years

A CARER has celebrated 40 years with Royal Star & Garter.

Emrys Owen is the longest serving member of staff with the charity, and was one of four people honoured at the Surbiton care home recently.

Emrys, who has spent 20 of his 40 years working night shifts, said: “To me it’s not just a job, I believe it’s what I was led to do with my life.

“When I think of all the various people I have looked after over the years I feel very lucky.

“I’m extremely proud and privileged to work for the charity and care for the people that we care for.”

Other staff members recognised at

the long-service ceremony were nurses Charlie Idemne and Marilyn Marquina, and housekeeper Khalifa Shehe, who were each celebrating 20 years with the charity.

All four staff members received vouchers as thanks for their service and dedication.

Lead healthcare assistant Emrys, from Dorking, joined the charity in 1982, aged 23. He was originally based in Richmond, before moving to the award-winning Surbiton home in 2013.

In 2021 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to veterans during Covid-19 in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Creative residents at a Dorset care home ran their own craft stall at a church bazaar, raising funds to help young people. Seven ladies who live at Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors spent weeks preparing for the event at the village’s St Mary’s Church. They knitted, felted and crocheted an array of seasonal gifts such as sock snowmen and penguins. On the day, Brook View resident Pamela Clark and young helper Meadow, the daughter of Companionship Team member Rebecca Grimsey, ran the stall and chatted to the public. While total funds raised remain to be counted, residents were pleased with their immediate tally of £70 on the day. Brook View ladies are pictured with their handmade gifts.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Thanks to everyone who attended the event, it was a wonderful evening and we’d like to congratulate all our winners plus those runners up who were all worthy of being winners, there was a lot of tough decisions for our judges!

If you had your photo taken and would like to see this and purchase copies to share and remember the occassion, please visit our online photography portal: www.script-events.co.uk/photography-2

You can view a low resolution, watermarked version of your images on our online platform.

Any images purchased will be supplied as an 8x6 high resolution print, with no watermark present.

If you’d like to purchase images please visit script-events.co.uk/ photography-2/ or by scanning the QR code on the right.

Photographs purchased are £12 inc P&P each.

Eira Fratson, a resident at Colten Care’s Belmore Lodge in Lymington, was over the moon with her royal greeting from the former Prince of Wales during her Paddington Bearthemed party for her 100th birthday. Eira grew up in Wales with her dog called Towser. Her unusual name means ‘snowflake’, as she was born during a snowstorm. The middle of three children, Eira always wanted to be a nurse and she entered the profession at the age of 16 joining the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Service and visiting India, Egypt and Greece. After time spent nursing Japanese prisoners of war, she left the Army at 25 to pursue a career in midwifery. She was happily married for 53 years to her husband, also called Charles, who passed away in 2006.

Eddie Tye celebrated his 100th birthday at Uvedale Hall recently and was one of the first centenarians to receive a special card from the new monarch. Eddie, who has lived at the home in Needham Market since June, is registered blind but enjoys everything Suffolk. He loves BBC Suffolk and has a talking newspaper every week that has all the local news and features. Home manager Suzanne York said: “Eddie had to wait a few weeks for his card to arrive because of the Queen’s passing but was very proud to be one of the first people to receive a 100th birthday card from the new monarch. He is a wonderful man and we feel very lucky to care for him at Uvedale.” On Eddie’s birthday the home arranged a country and western day with a visiting entertainer. A cake was made by the chef team.

THE 11th annual Meallmore Staff Awards recognised carers and nurses for their outstanding dedication.

180 members of staff from the operator’s 26 care homes across Scotland came together for the celebrations at the Dunblane Hydro. The awards, presented by singer and TV personality Michelle McManus, recognise employees who have made a positive impact on improving the lives of residents, family members of residents and colleagues over the past year.

There were 12 awards categories up for grabs including Emerging Talent and Carer of the Year, as well as a special Chairman’s Award. In total there were 1,005 submissions, more than double those received for 2021’s awards. The company employs around 1,700 people, all of whom were eligible for a nomination.

Managing director Gerry Hennessey said: “Recognising the hard work of our staff is extremely important to everyone at Meallmore. These awards are all about celebrating

the incredible people at our care company who have made a real difference to the lives of our residents across the country.

“It gives me great pride to see members of the team showcasing such commitment, and the winners are thoroughly well-deserved.”

Winners were presented with a certificate, trophy and choice of prize, which included an Apple Watch, iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Nintendo Switch or Beats Headphones or Earbuds, with runners up receiving a £50 Amazon voucher. Award winners were: Emerging Talent –Stefanie Bowlzer, Hilton Court; Excellence in Support Services – Dan McGonigle, Kincaid House; Positive Impact – Mark Dolan, Parklands; Head Office and Field Based Support Team – Morag White, quality support advisor; Specialist Service Home – The Oaks; Elderly Home Service – Antonine; Nurse of the Year – Gilly Sulabo, Forthland Lodge; Manager of the Year – Julie Stevenson, The Oaks; Senior Carer/Practitioner – Lauren Cuthbertson, Mearns House; Meaningful Activities – David Lawrie, Kinmylies; Carer of the Year – Jenna Corbett, Bayview; Meals Mean More cooking competition – Paul O’Brien, St Modans.

A Surrey care home resident has celebrated her 102nd birthday in style, with the home organising a day of fun-filled surprises to mark the occasion – including an extra special visit from some four-legged friends and the local town mayor. Joyce started the day at Princess Christian Care Centre, part of the familyrun Nellsar group, with a pamper session in the home’s salon, where she had her hair and make-up done. Joyce was delighted to receive a visit from members of her family too. Princess Christian Care Centre then welcomed a host of adorable farm animals, including ‘Misty’ the Pony, ‘Del Boy’ the Donkey, ‘Alice’ the Goat, ‘Betty’ the Lamb, ‘Emintrude’ the Cow, ‘Soy’ the Piglet and ‘Erksie’ the Turkey — which saw Joyce and her fellow residents hold, pet and take pictures with the animals.

Care home resident Frank Davies celebrated his 100th birthday with the help of his family and friends, royalty and a pint at his local pub. He enjoyed not one, but two days of celebrations. for the first one Frank settled down to enjoy a birthday party at Signature at Winchester alongside his family. The group had a wonderful afternoon of fun, laughter and a three-course meal prepared by the catering team at the care home. And the following day he was whisked off to the pub by activities assistant Zoe Willett, who granted his wish for a crisp birthday pint. Frank then arrived back at the care home for a birthday social, where he was greeted by his fellow residents and the other team members who had come together to celebrate his memorable birthday.

C ARING UK CONFERENCES

South West St Mellion International Resort PL12 6SD

South West Aztec Hotel & Spa BS32 4TS

North East Ramside Hall, Durham DH1 1TD

Wednesday 1st March 2023

Thursday 2nd March 202

Tuesday 16th May 2023

North West Village Hotel, Blackpool FY3 8LL Thursday 17th May 2023

Yorkshire Holiday Inn Barnsley (M1, Junction 37) S75 3JT Thursday 13th July 2023

Yorkshire York Racecourse YO23 1EX

Wednesday 6th September 2023

East Midlands Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich NR14 8PQ

Ashford International Hotel & Spa TN24 8UX

East of England

Tuesday 24th October 2023

Wednesday 25th October 2023

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

Suzanne Booker has taken over as interim chief executive of Lilian Faithfull Care as Martin Hughes moves on to new challenges. She has worked for the charity for 27 years, leading Astell House, St Faith’s and Faithfull House, before taking on the new role of director of care eight years ago. Suzanne is well known for her reputation in the care sector of Gloucestershire. She’s the co-chair of the Gloucestershire Care Providers Association and a recent winner of the ‘2022 Natalie Bonner Award’,for her dedication to health and social care in the county. Suzanne will continue in her role as director of care and a newly established team will support her to ensure care standards are maintained while she takes on the new responsibilities.

The Care Workers’ Charity has appointed Martin Jones, CEO UK and International of Home Instead as its new chair. He takes over the role from Ben Allen who is leaving the role after almost six years. Martin has been a Trustee of the CWC for five years, and is also a member of the finance committee. During his time with the charity Martin was involved with the charity’s Covid19 Emergency Fund which raised £3.2m and supported thousands of care workers with emergency and crisis grants. Martin’s extensive experience in the care sector which includes non-executive and Trustee roles for a variety of organisations makes him ideally suited to the role of chair of trustees.

A Northamptonshire care home that provides nursing, residential and respite care has appointed a new manager to help focus on dementia training and investment into the care team. Meadow View, a branch of Wellbeing Care that prides itself on providing the highest standard of person-centred care for up to 53 people in Wellingborough, has welcomed Kathy Murphy as its new manager. Kathy joins the home with 42 years of experience in the industry. She has a wealth of knowledge working across many different areas of care including learning difficulties, post operative, mental health, old age, dementia and cancer. Starting as a nurse’s aid, Kathy spent 19 years working at a mental health hospital in Ireland, before moving to the UK where she transitioned into management roles, and most recently landing herself a position at the Irchester home.

Salutem Care and Education has promoted Sally Jobling to the role of divisional director for supported living as part of an ongoing reconfiguration of its management structure. Sally has built a career in social care and housing over more than two decades, having started as a support worker at Mencap after graduation. She joined Salutem at the start of the pandemic as group head of supported living, focusing primarily on growth strategy and the policy and procedural elements of the service. Her promotion will see her oversee all aspects of the division, including managing the operations and growth projects across Salutem’s supported living services. Sally is one of four new divisional directors in charge of Salutem’s four key areas of delivery – adult, children, supported living, and education.

Ashley Smith has been promoted from acting home manager to home manager at Care South’s Maiden Castle House in Dorchester. He brings a multitude of experience and has been working in the care industry for more than 11 years. Ashley started his career at Maiden Castle House as a care assistant and, thanks to his dedication and commitment, has progressed to take over the running of the home. He said: “There is nothing better than seeing happy residents, and the memories and friendships you make with them. Every day I look forward to challenges the day may bring, I have worked here for a third of my life, so I am particularly passionate about the home continuing to be as successful as possible. I am a positive person that is always looking forward to the future and all the exciting journeys you can embark on.”

Meallmore Ltd has appointed Rachel Gothard to the newly created role of people and culture director. In her new position she will build on the company’s people and culture strategy, with a particular emphasis on employee experience for all 1,700 members of staff who work in the operator’s 26 care homes around Scotland. Rachel will work closely with Meallmore’s recruitment team and learning and development team to continue to attract and retain the best employees. Rachel joins Meallmore from Baxters Food Group where she was head of HR for Europe, leading the HR team to deliver people routines, covering five manufacturing sites across Europe and their head office. Rachel also spent 22 years at Tesco PLC, where most recently she was group people manager in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

A newly opened luxury Leicester care home that specialises in residential, nursing, respite, dementia and bariatric care

Renaissance Care’s Beech Manor Care Home has welcomed a new manager, Denise Mccorkindale, who has vowed to bring back the pre-pandemic, feelgood atmosphere of care homes by restocking the custom bar and encouraging residents to reconnect within the local community. Denise, who is a qualified nurse and brings 13 years of elderly care experience with her to the role, said: “Some residents have fallen out of the habit of socialising with others because of Covid-19 restrictions. I want to breathe some fresh life into our beautiful social spaces and create more opportunities for our residents to get out into the community and enjoy themselves. I used to jokingly call the last home I worked ‘party central’ because there was such a variety of social events for the residents.”

has welcomed a new manager to lead its team of highly skilled and professional carers. Watermead Rose, a new state-of-the-art home for up to 80 residents within a luxurious environment where individual wellbeing, safety and happiness are prioritised, has welcomed Aarti Popat as its first registered manager. Aarti joins the home after 25 years in the care industry, starting off as a care assistant before working up to management and regional operations roles. Most recently, Aarti was a manager of a complex physical disabilities nursing service where she was responsible for improving the CQC rating.

CEO of independent living specialist to step down in 2023

THE head of Scotland’s leading independent living specialist has announced she is stepping down after 10 years with the charity.

Fanchea Kelly will leave her role as the chief executive of Blackwood in early 2023 after a decade which has established the organisation as the country’s leading proponent of technology to help people live independently.

Already recognised as one of the most knowledgeable experts in the sector, since taking on the role Fanchea has championed the rights of people to live their life to the full and make choices in how they remain independent.

After making her announcement to the charity’s Board and 600 staff, Fanchea said: “The people are what make Blackwood so special. It is a brilliant organisation with great teams whose first instinct is always to look after customers.

“I will leave in the knowledge that because of that Blackwood will go from strength to strength.

“The past 10 years have been a whirlwind focused on our end goal of creating modern accessible homes and services with integrated technology. Looking back, I’m so proud of how far we have come, serving many more customers and ensuring Blackwood is resilient in the context of the many challenges we all face.

“I haven’t yet confirmed what I will do after Blackwood, but I know it will be a high bar to live up to my time here. While there is much more to do to improve independent living, I know that our dedicated board of trustees and executive team will continue to drive positive change.”

Blackwood operates more than 1,500 properties across 28 local authorities. Having previously integrated Freespace’s customers and staff, Fanchea recently oversaw the successful merger of Abbeyfield Scotland Housing Association, after its 106 residents voted by a 99 per

cent majority to become part of Blackwood.

During the past decade Blackwood House has been developed in several communities in Scotland, demonstrating a new standard of accessibility.

Each home can be adapted to include a host of benefits such as lift access, remotely controlled automated functions, and digital care and housing system – all aimed at helping people to live as independently as possible.

Each of the developments is fitted with Blackwood’s proprietary “CleverCogs” digital system developed with people so that they can customise it to suit their life.

The Blackwood Design Awards are now an annual fixture, attracting innovations and inventions from tech hubs, universities, and a host of other sources across the globe.

Previous winners have delivered vital life aids for people who are ageing or have disabilities, including an app that makes living spaces safer for people with dementia and a “spill proof” spoon for those affected by conditions which cause them to shake.

Meanwhile Blackwood also launched its pioneering £12.5m, three-year Peoplehood project with major industry and academic partners to create neighbourhoods of the future, which promote healthy ageing and help people live independently in their own homes.

MP praises care home workers following ‘good’ CQC rating

PETER Gibson, MP for Darlington, has praised the workers of Ashleigh House after the service provider received a positive inspection from the Care Quality Commission.

The Salutem operated service, which predominantly provides specialist care for adults with early onset dementia, received the inspection in May 2021.

Despite several cancellations due to Covid-19 measures, Peter was able to finally visit Ashleigh House, meeting all the staff and individuals supported at the home.

He said: “It’s been wonderful to finally meet everyone at Ashleigh House following the home’s ‘good’ CQC rating back in 2021.

“Ashleigh House is a fantastic

facility and after speaking to the individuals who live at Ashleigh House, it is evident that the workers take great pride in the care that they provide for everyone living at the home.”

During his visit he was given a tour of the service whilst acknowledging improvements that had been made to the living and working environment of the home.

Manager Carole Smith added: “The one thing that I hope that Peter can take away from his visit is that he can see the excellent relationship we have with the individuals we support and it’s that relationship which enables us to provide extra support for them whether they’re having a good or bad day.”

Childhood best friends reunite after 60 years

TWO childhood best friends – who lived next door to each other growing up in Linlithgow – have reunited by chance after losing touch 60 years ago.

Irene Gresty lost touch with Janet Henderson when she moved from the area after her husband was deployed by the Navy.

The pair – both 80 years old – had been living just minutes apart at separate Bield developments in Linlithgow for the past three years but, despite living so close, their paths had never crossed.

A recent event hosted by Bield, focusing on the use of technology to enable tenants to live more independently, helped bring the best friends back together.

Irene, who lived in a host of countries, including Singapore, before returning to Linlithgow to reside at Brae Court, said: “I moved back six years ago as my family still live here. I loved the area growing up so wanted to settle down to enjoy retirement.

“From speaking to people I’d known in the past, I found out Janet still lived in the area but our paths hadn’t crossed.

“We were joined at the hip growing up as we were neighbours and also went to school together, we have many fond memories of sticking up for each other and playing in the park.

“I just couldn’t believe my luck, after all these years we just bumped into

each other! My heart skipped a beat.”

The two women vowed to never let it go that long again without seeing each other and spent the full afternoon catching up and taking part in discussions about technology in care – a major contrast to what they would have been getting up to in the 1960’s.

Janet, who resides at West Port, said: “You’re always doing different activities and bumping into people you haven’t seen in a while, but I couldn’t believe I got to reconnect with someone I knew so long ago.

“People often move away from the area, and you lose contact, it’s the way life goes.

“We both got married and now have different surnames. I hadn’t thought anything of it when someone told me Irene had moved back to the area as I didn’t recognise the name – so when I saw her at the event it was pretty surreal.

“We exchanged numbers so I’m really looking forward to meeting up in the future, we have many years to catch up on.”

Tracey Howatt, director of customer experience at Bield, added: “We often have friends reuniting after not seeing each other for a long period of time, but I don’t think we have ever had anything like this before.

“It’s lovely for the two ladies to reunite and it just shows, you never know when you’ll bump into an old friend again.”

Housekeeper Carole Holt celebrated 14 years of service at Fleetwood Hall Care Home. Carole, who started working at the home in 2008, was presented with a bottle of bubbly, flowers and a celebratory cake by deputy manager Lexie Smith. Carole said: “I love working at Fleetwood Hall and looking after the residents and can hardly believe that I’ve been here for 14 years. There’s a brilliant atmosphere in the home and the staff all get on really well. I was touched to be given such a lovely thank you from everyone.”

Fanchea Kelly