Care providers appeal to new Government
CAMPAIGNERS have called on the new Government to work together with the social care sector to bring about life-changing reform to the way the country looks after its older, vulnerable and disabled adults.
The care provider organisation, The Independent Care Group has written to congratulate new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and to urge him to sit down with care providers to tackle the crisis in the sector, straight away.
ICG chair Mike Padgham said:
“We congratulate Labour on an historic and impressive victory and know that as the new Government begins there is no better time to begin vital and long-overdue reform of adult social care.
“We have therefore written to Sir Keir Starmer and to Wes Streeting, who we anticipate will be the new health secretary, inviting them to engage with the social care sector to begin the challenge of transforming the sector and improving people’s lives.”
In his letter Mr Padgham says:
“I know there will be a million vital issues commanding your attention during these early days of your administration.
“I do, however, wish to make the case for social care to be placed at the top of those priorities and to invite you and your ministers to engage with the sector on urgent reform.
“After some 30 years of neglect, the care of older, vulnerable and
disabled people in this country cannot wait any longer.
“The statistics are well known: 1.6m people unable to access the care they need, 152,000 vacancies in the social care sector and providers leaving the market at an alarming rate.
“Some 80 per cent of us will need social care in our lifetime and to cope with ever-increasing demand, we will need a further 440,000 social care workers in the next 11 years.
“Social care providers in the independent sector stand ready and able to provide the Government with all the help, support, information and suggestions you might need to tackle the crisis.
“All we ask is the opportunity to meet with and engage with you to help begin the task.”
In its manifesto, the ICG called for the creation of a National Care Service, bringing NHS healthcare and social care under one roof, allied to greater investment in the sector and better recognition and reward for the workforce.
It wants to see care provided for the 1.6m people who currently can’t access it and dementia treated like other serious conditions like heart disease and cancer and its treatment funded through the NHS.
The ICG says the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and staff shortages followed years of neglect and under-funding by politicians from all parties and combined to leave the sector in deep crisis.
Wilton House care home in Darlington, part of Popular Care, has invested in a defibrillator to provide a vital, potentially life-saving facility for the local community. Operations manager Steve Massey said: “Installing a defibrillator outside Wilton House is a significant step towards safeguarding our local community. These devices are essential in providing immediate assistance during sudden cardiac arrests, dramatically increasing the chances of survival. We are proud to offer such a crucial resource in Darlington.”
Home manager Emma Hardy is pictured with social care nurse Jacqui Horley and resident Dorothy Bennett.
Awards nominations now open
CARE businesses wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards in partnership with Virgin Money.
Nominations for this year’s event are open at www.caringukawards.co.uk
The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry.
And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business.
Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “We are really excited to be introducing the seventh Caring UK Awards – nominations are coming in and our events team is already busy
ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever.
“Obviously, our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful care sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.”
A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert industry panel.
Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 5.
The closing date for entries is September 2.
Tractor run for resident Brian
A TRACTOR collector, enthusiast and former club chairman was the honoured recipient of a tractor run by his Ripon care home.
More than a half a dozen vintage machines trundled past Sycamore Hall Care Home in honour of 76-yearold resident Brian Pickering.
Brian was chairman of the Yorkshire Chapter of The Ferguson Club, which celebrates the work of the late engineer Harry Ferguson, who designed and developed more than a dozen tractor models as well as aviation and motor vehicles.
Brian and his wife Jo were also committee members of the West Yorkshire branch of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club.
The couple acquired and restored four vintage tractors over the years, with Brian’s first being a “Little Grey Fergie”, an iconic Ferguson TE-20, with which they attended numerous vintage tractor rallies and steam rallies around the country.
More than one Little Grey Fergie was among the tractors at Sycamore Hall when Brian was joined by almost a dozen fellow residents, some of whom used to drive similar machines themselves.
Activities coordinator Jill Scaife said: “We’re always trying to make a difference in residents’ lives, so when I learned about Brian’s love of tractors I knew I had to do something special. Also, many of our residents are from the rural and farming community and I knew they would enjoy seeing the vintage tractors too.
“I spoke with my neighbour, who is a member of NVTEC, and he knew of Brian and how he was a highly respected member of the club. I asked if they would do a tractor run to Sycamore Hall and they agreed.
“It was so kind of the NVTEC members to come and visit Brian and the residents, as they have tractor runs booked all through the summer.
“Some of the men from the club recognised Brian and it was wonderful for him to reminisce about the old days and catch up on news from the tractor club.
“Brian still receives the newsletters from the club and loves to read the latest.”
Brian’s interest in tractors began when he was a boy, as his father worked on a farm and eventually bought himself a small holding in 1959.
However, in 1963, Brian’s father died at the age of 43, when Brian was 15 years of age, with no way of passing the farm tenancy to his son.
Brian helped on his uncle’s farm for a few months and then took an apprenticeship at Glovers of Ripon, a supplier of agricultural machinery and equipment, including tractors. He completed a City and Guilds course to become a fully qualified agricultural engineer and eventually moved from Glovers to Appleyards of Ripon, another agricultural machinery business.
Brian later left to start his own agricultural engineering company and spent the next 40 years working as a mobile engineer, travelling around dozens of farms in North Yorkshire repairing tractors, combine harvesters, balers and all kinds of farm machinery.
Healthcare Homes’ Bedhampton Court in Havant, Hampshire, has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission. It reflects the care home’s strong performance across all key areas of care provision. “I am immensely proud of the team at Bedhampton Court for achieving this recognition from the Care Quality Commission,” said home manager Karen Williams. “This new rating is a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional care, and creating a supportive environment where residents can thrive. Having joined the home only recently, I feel doubly proud that I can go forward in the knowledge that the team beside me always strive for improvement and take pride in everything they do.”
Home is first in county to receive accreditation
CROSTON Park in Leyland has become the first service in Lancashire to achieve the new British Standard for Adult Residential Care –BS8606:2019.
The nursing home, which has the capacity to support 53 residents, was inspected by Care Inspections UK, the UK’s only registered and accredited care home inspection body.
Following the inspection, Croston Park was awarded a certificate of compliance with BS8606:2019, a standard that specifies requirements for providing support, personal, nursing and/or specialist care within a residential setting.
Croston Park recently welcomed Abigail Kershaw as the new manager, who has brought many years’ experience across the health and social care sectors.
She said: “Joining the Croston Park family has felt like discovering where I truly belong. It’s more than just leading; it’s about making a genuine impact on the lives of our residents
and their families.
“My goal is to ensure everyone feels at home, supported, and embraced as part of our unique family.
“Achieving BS8606:2019 compliance highlights the seriousness with which we approach our responsibilities, underscoring our commitment to exceptional care.”
Croston Park is also rated ‘good’ in all five areas of inspection by the CQC.
Chris Lane, chairman of Park Lane Healthcare, added: “We’re thrilled that Croston Park has excelled in two objective, independent evaluations from nationally recognised industry bodies.
“Being acknowledged as a good service by both CIUK and the CQC is a testament to the dedication of our staff, particularly the managers.
“Being the first in the county to be recognised as compliant with BS8606:2019 highlights the seriousness with which we approach our care responsibilities at all levels of our organisation.”
Group’s triple triumph at the Employee Experience Awards
CARE UK is celebrating its commitment to creating innovative working environments for colleagues after securing three accolades at this year’s Employee Experience Awards.
The UK Employee Experience Awards recognise and reward the best employers across all sectors to help raise the bar of employers’ standards. Care UK took home the gold award for Best Employee Experience Journey and the silver award for Best Company to Work For – Large Company. Leah Pozo-Queripel, Care UK’s human resources director, was
also recognised and received the silver award for Leader of the Year.
She said: “Over the last year, in recognition of the important job our teams do, we have invested in colleague rewards, as well as creating more development programmes and tools for supporting career development and wellbeing.
“We are dedicated to delivering the best working environment possible so that our colleagues can continue to thrive, and it is an honour for these efforts to be recognised at such a prestigious awards ceremony.”
Abigail Kershaw (centre), registered manager at Croston Park, with her team.
Brian Pickering
Carers encouraged to share Covid stories
THE Lincolnshire Care Association is joining with the Care Association Alliance to encourage everyone involved with the care sector to share their pandemic stories as part of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Every Story Matters campaign.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is the public independent inquiry that is examining the UK’s response to, and the impact of, the pandemic. Its Every Story Matters platform is available to everyone to share their experiences anonymously to shape the investigation and help make a difference.
The inquiry’s public hearings for its investigation into the care sector will begin in summer 2025. Those with involvement in the care sector can share their story any time, but doing so before July 19 will ensure they formally feed in to the investigation.
Melanie Weatherley MBE, chair of the LinCA and Co-Chair of the Care Association Alliance, said: “Recipients of care, care staff and providers bravely faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, playing a crucial role in supporting our communities.
“We urge everyone in the care sector to share their stories through Every
Story Matters. This will highlight the strength, compassion and dedication of care workers, provide insight into the challenges faced by those who we supported, and shape the inquiry. By sharing our stories, we can help drive change.”
Secretary to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Ben Connah added: “Carers were unsung heroes during the pandemic, facing extraordinary challenges with unwavering dedication.
“Their stories are essential to understanding the full impact of Covid-19 and to helping make sure lessons are learned for the future.
“I urge all carers to share their experiences with Every Story Matters. Your voices are a vital part of our inquiry.”
The inquiry would like to hear from recipients of care and all carers, whether those operating in the sector or providing unpaid care within the community.
The stories shared can help the inquiry understand the full picture of how the pandemic impacted lives and communities.
Those involved with adult social care in Lincolnshire can share their story at https://www.everystorymatters. co.uk/share
Group ends first stage of project
SPELLMAN Care has completed stage one of its comprehensive staff wellbeing project, a significant initiative designed to prioritise the well-being and professional development of its valued team members.
“We’re thrilled to reach this milestone in our wellbeing project at Spellman Care,” said group operations manager Philippa Young.
“This isn’t just about offering initiatives, it’s about embedding a culture of well-being for our staff that becomes the very foundation of who we are. A foundation where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive, both personally and professionally.”
Stage one builds on the operator’s culture of open communication, recognition, and community.
Highlights include:
n A new quarterly staff newsletter which keeps everyone informed about company news, career opportunities, wellbeing initiatives, and resident stories.
n “Wellbeing Wednesdays” have become a monthly fixture, offering fun and informative activities to support staff wellness. Hydration stations will also be available throughout the day, offering fresh fruit and flavoured water for all.
n Monthly “Open Breakfasts” will provide a relaxed environment for staff to socialise with colleagues and residents. Night staff can also enjoy the breakfast at the end of their shift.
n A Special Thank You: For Christmas, Spellman Care created a video message and sent personalised thank you cards to all staff members.
n Long service awards: Recognising and celebrating the dedication of long-serving staff members.
n Plants in offices: Creating a more calming and restorative work environment.
n Star awards – monthly awards at each home: A programme to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding staff achievements.
n Motivational posters in staff rooms:
Providing positive reinforcement and inspiration.
n Outdoor meetings: Encouraging breaks that promote physical and mental well-being.
n Laughing yoga: A fun and interactive activity that can reduce stress and improve mood.
n Feel good Fridays: A dedicated day to celebrate staff and boost morale.
n Staff discount programme: Offering staff access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including local gyms.
n Suggestions email: Providing a platform for staff to share ideas and feedback.
Stage one also lays the groundwork for future initiatives, including the establishment of:
n Wellbeing Champions: Dedicated staff members in each home who will champion wellbeing initiatives and offer support to colleagues.
n Career Progression: An internal application process and internal training program to empower staff seeking career advancement within Spellman Care.
n The Wellbeing and Development Hub: A one-stop shop on the Spellman Care website offering staff news, discounts, information on personal development opportunities, inspirational content, and much more. The hub also features crucial signposts for accessing support services, ranging from health resources to financial support.
Celebration for longest-serving resident and staff member
A RADCLIFFE care home has celebrated the anniversary of both its longest-serving resident and staff member.
HC-One’s Rose Court held a double celebration event to mark the anniversary of both the longestserving resident Kath Turner and longest-serving staff member Susan Hedges.
Kath, 75, has been a resident since 2006. She was born in Ireland and has seven siblings. Kath lived in Salford for many years and used to clean houses before moving into Rose Court.
Susan ‘Sue’ Hedges has been a care assistant at HC-One Rose Court since 1996.
She originally wanted to be an occupational therapist and started at Rose Court while applying for university. However, Sue enjoyed her time at the home so much that she
has never left.
She said: “Kindness costs nothing, you do not always know everyone’s story or what is going on in their lives. Always be kind. Kindness always wins.”
Home manager Leanne BattenSmith presented the ladies with a bouquet of flowers.
Residents at Spynie Care Home were treated to a heart-warming visit from Happy Ever Alpaca, bringing joy and excitement to their daily routine. The interaction with the animals was part of the home’s diverse and engaging activity programme, designed to enrich the lives of its elderly residents. Home manager Maggie Scott RMN said: “It was wonderful to see our residents’ faces light up as they interacted with the alpacas. We strive to create a stimulating and supportive environment, and activities like these play a crucial role in enhancing our residents’ wellbeing.”
HC-One Rose Court care assistant Susan ‘Sue’ Hedges and resident Kath Turner
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Sangria could help you live to 100 according to a centenarian from Peterlee, who said the classic combination of brandy and lemonade was her secret to a long life. Ethel May Clark, who was born just five years after the conclusion of the First World War, claimed the classic cocktail combo – which can be found in sangria to a sidecar, sour to a surfer – helped her to reach a century of age. Ethel was joined by family, friends, fellow residents and staff at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home for the celebration. Entertainer Joe Armstrong put a show for the guests, performing some of Ethel’s favourite songs, and everyone enjoyed a tipple, including Ethel’s favourite cocktail. Ethel met her husband-to-be, Tom, while working at the Pyrex factory in Sunderland. They had three children and now have three grandchildren and four great grandchildren, many of whom attended the celebrations.
Albert ‘Chas’ Clegg, a former Commando in the Royal Marines, has celebrated turning 106 years old with a tea party with family and friends at Abbeyfield Winnersh, the care home where he lives. To start the afternoon’s festivities, staff and residents raised a toast to Chas and everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’. He very readily accepted a few glasses of ‘nosecco’, joking and chatting to everyone, before he opened cards and presents. Abbeyfield Winnersh staff all chipped in to buy his card and balloon, made by Claire Parrish at local business Balloon Boutique. Chas was then joined for a tea party in the home’s summer house by five generations of his family, fellow residents and staff.
Rita Bradbury from Wetherby has celebrated turning 100 in the company of her husband, who himself reached the landmark last year. Rita marked her birthday with a party held for her at Anchor’s Wetherby Manor care home where she and her husband Arnold have lived since 2015. Rita was born in Durham but moved to Yorkshire with her parents just before the start of the Second World War. During the War, she served in the Wrens and was stationed in Grimsby where she worked with colleagues who spotted German U-boats. Rita met her husband Arnold in Leeds and they married at St. Johns Church, Moortown in 1948. The couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at Wetherby Manor in March last year. They had two boys, Michael and Peter, both of whom attended their mother’s 100th birthday celebrations.
A Belper care home is calling on local people to help a D Day veteran who is turning 104 to celebrate his birthday. Maurice Baldwin, a resident at Kiburn Care Home, part of Aurem Care, is set to celebrate his 104th birthday on July 25. To mark the milestone the care home is inviting the local community to come together and help Maurice, who still vividly remembers D Day, receive 104 birthday cards, one for each year of his life. Home manager Amy Weston said: “Maurice is an inspiration to us all. His life story is a testament to enduring love and family values. We’re excited to celebrate his 104th birthday and would love for the community to join us in making it special by sending him birthday cards. Receiving 104 cards would be a wonderful way to honour his incredible journey.”
A World War II veteran says he was ‘overwhelmed’ to receive more than 400 cards from well-wishers for his 101st birthday. Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford, where Joe Jervis has lived since April, and The Veterans Food Co, which supported him when he lived at home, initially set a joint target of getting 101 cards for him to mark the occasion. But Joe was inundated with cards from local schools, the Albion Academy Combined Cadet Force (RAF), social media followers and many others. Among those attending his party at Broughton House were RAF cadets from the academy, Wing Commander David Archibald, who is the officer commanding the Greater Manchester Wing of the Air Training Corps, standard bearers from the Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation and other veterans, along with friends of Joe. The Veterans Food Co supplied food and cake for the occasion.
Brimington Care Home in Chesterfield, part of Aurem Care, organised a heart-warming surprise for one of its residents, Kathleen Carline, in celebration of her 85th birthday. Kathleen, a devoted fan of Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell for more than 30 years, received a personal video message from the star himself, wishing her a happy birthday. Kathleen’s journey with Daniel has been filled with memorable moments. Her admiration for him began when she first saw him perform on television. From that day on, Kathleen attended every concert possible, often dragging her late husband, Keith, along for the experience. When Keith passed away last year, Daniel personally phoned Kathleen to offer his condolences, a gesture that deeply touched her. Their last conversation was in October when Daniel called to wish her well after she was discharged from hospital.
Avocet Court resident Peter Smith celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by his family and friends. He credits his longevity to the happiness he found in his family and the 70 wonderful years he spent with his wife Doris. Together, they raised two daughters, Jennifer and Janet, and were blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The celebration was notably themed in blue to honour his lifelong support for Ipswich Town. His Ipswich Town cake was made by a member of the Avocet Court care team, and pictures of Peter from over the years were attached to the balloons which decorated the home for his celebration. Peter’s life was enriched by hobbies – he bred chickens, tended to his garden and had a passion for cooking.
World War II veteran and prisoner of war James Wren, a resident at Old Sarum Manor, recently celebrated his 104th birthday surrounded by loved ones and staff. Staff transformed the Sky Bar to create a festive atmosphere with balloons and birthday decorations. A cake, chosen especially by James, took centre stage. Adding a heartwarming touch, the Royal Marines in Plymouth sent a personalised video message. The Royal Marines band sang happy birthday to James, a special gesture that acknowledged his service. Originally from East Grimstead, he served as a Royal Marine aboard HMS Repulse during World War II. When the ship was sunk by Japanese bombers in 1941, he miraculously became one of the few survivors. Captured as a prisoner of war, James endured harsh conditions for more than three-and-a-half years.
Home launches operator’s third Reconnect community
ORCHARD Care Homes’ Green Park
Nursing Home in Warrington has opened its third specialist Reconnect dementia care community.
The home in Great Sankey is a specialist dementia care, residential and short-term respite home, with two well-established ‘Reconnect communities.’
The new community, Sandringham, has 12 en-suite bedrooms and is now officially open and welcoming new residents.
These innovative communities adopt a person-centric approach to dementia care in a therapeutic environment, aiming to understand why people exhibit the behaviours they do and adapting support to reduce distress.
Care home manager Laura McLeod said: “We’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in our communities and are excited to open a third Reconnect community alongside our existing services.
“Meaningful engagement is essential, and we’re thrilled that residents can maintain life skills and find daily meaning by living as normally as possible.”
Green Park will be able to provide the local community with a more holistic solution for those living with dementia, introducing environmental and care approach changes to foster
positive outcomes.
Orchard’s Reconnect model succeeds by offering genuine inclusion.
To reflect a homely atmosphere and promote choice of activity, Green Park has adapted its environments to include areas found in a typical family home, including kitchens, laundry rooms, gardens and even a tea room.
Residents can choose to use these spaces as they would in their own home, and family members are encouraged to be as involved as they would like to further feelings of identity and ownership.
Southern Housing’s independent living team welcomed an opportunity to showcase their services when they hosted an Australian care provider. The housing provider gave a guided tour to the team from BaptistCare at two of its independent living schemes in south east London. BaptistCare specialises in age care in Australia, providing nursing homes, home care, community services and community housing. Keen to learn more about models and financial structures in older people’s and affordable housing, they headed to the UK, where the sector is considered more advanced.
Tribute to care home’s long-standing staff
A GROUP of seven care workers who have clocked up 83 years of service between them working at a Shepton Mallet residential home have been recognised for their dedication, care and commitment by the management team.
Those celebrated were senior carers Tina Millard and Helen Chamberlain, who have clocked up 17 and 16 years respectively; senior carer Rachael Hawkins and housekeeper Vanessa Green, who have both worked at St Cecilia for 14 years; Tracy Woolfrey who has managed the home for 10 years; senior carer Zara Ho with seven years under her belt, and housekeeper Charmian Hooper, who has been in post for five years.
Philip White, operations manager for White Care which runs the home, said: “It was a truly joyous celebration and we were so happy to demonstrate how very much our colleagues’ commitment and loyalty to St Cecilia is appreciated.
“The loving care and support this team give to their residents is what makes St Cecilia such a wonderful happy home, and we’re really thankful to have such a great bunch of people working with us.
“Jobs in the care sector demand special qualities – most importantly, a genuine desire to care for others and help them achieve the best possible quality of life compatible with their abilities. It’s not an easy job, and that’s one of the reasons staff turnover in the sector is so notoriously high, so it’s incredibly gratifying to have such an amazing long-service record for our team at St Cecilia – it reflects well on the way we run our homes and the thoughtful way we recruit in the first place.”
The long-serving staff had a special party thrown in their honour, and each received a card, a bouquet of flowers and a bonus payment, along with a selection of cakes from the local bakery to take home.
Multi-million pound investment in refurb of Surrey dementia care centre planned
CHD Living is revamping its historic Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre.
Situated in the picturesque Surrey Hills, it boasts a storied past, having been the retreat of acclaimed novelist George Eliot and inventor Sir Henry Cole.
Owned and operated by the familyowned care group for more than 35 years, the centre is a beacon of care for individuals living with a variety of complex dementia types.
Liakat Hasham, co-founder and CEO of CHD Living, said: “This investment in Surrey Heights is a testament to our family’s commitment to enriching the lives of those we care for.
“By marrying our heritage with the latest innovations in care, we are setting a new norm for what it means to live in a care home.
Our team members and partners have all put their heart and soul into the project and we are really looking forward to unveiling the centre at the end of the year.”
The significant renovations, costing just under £4million, are aimed at enhancing wellbeing and functional life skills.
Ground broke in September 2023, marking the start of an ambitious project, and the care centre has remained operational throughout its
phased completion.
The first phase is expected to conclude this summer, with a full home launch scheduled for the end of 2024.
The redesign of Surrey Heights is heavily influenced by the Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation design principles,
ensuring the creation of a living space that caters to the needs of its residents.
It also celebrates the centre’s historical significance by preserving and improving its architectural features, whilst prioritising environmental sustainability.
The introduction of smart rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including the use of AI for falls detection and Alexa Smart Property technology, is set to revolutionise senior living.
Additionally, the development of safe gardens and terraces, alongside the construction of 28 new and 19 refurbished bedrooms, a new conservatory, cinema, spa salon, exercise room, and billiards room, is planned to foster independence and promote healthy ageing.
The project has been made possible through funding provided by the Coutts Healthcare Team.
Rachael Hawkins, Philip White, Charmian Hooper, Helen Chamberlain, Tina Millard and Tracy Woolfrey.
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