Caring Weekly June 28

Creative arts approach is showcased

AN ARTS research project exploring how creativity can promote the wellbeing of people living with dementia in Chester has been unveiled for public viewing.

Seen and Heard – Adventures in Arts and Dementia showcases the latest chapter in the collaboration between notfor-profit care operator Belong Chester and the Bluecoat, Liverpool’s contemporary arts centre. Now available for viewing, their activities in sculpture, dance, sound art, painting and drawing will come to life through an exhibition at the Grosvenor Museum, with a dedicated space contextualising dementia and a film screening featuring interviews with the artists and participants.

Work including ceramics, paintings, postcards and even tongue twisters will be on display, alongside a timeline of the wider Where the Arts Belong project which has seen artists working with Belong’s customers from across the region since 2019.

Caroline Baker, head of dementia and care quality at Belong, added: “Our four-year collaboration with the Bluecoat has proven to be highly successful, with our customers relishing the opportunity to work alongside the artists, learning new skills and

enjoying the delights of artistic expression. We invite everyone to join us at the Grosvenor Museum to see the work for themselves.”

The relationship with Chester commenced in the lead-up to the care village’s opening last summer, when the community began taking part in Meet and Make Art workshops at the museum. The initiative continues today, and a radio play created by the group is also to be included in the new exhibition. Where the Arts Belong has earned numerous awards for enhancing the lives of its participants, for whom researchers have noted benefits including improved quality of life, increased confidence, enhanced cognitive capacity and feeling a sense of community and inclusion.

A guide featuring activities from the project entitled ‘Little Golden Moments’, has launched to provide ideas for meaningful occupation for anyone caring for someone living with dementia.

In September, a symposium to be held in Chester will bring together the project’s findings, explore how it has helped those involved and discuss the wider implications for the use of arts in care environments.

Seen and Heard – Adventures in Art and Dementia is open for viewing until the autumn.

Volunteer Rita Roth OBE received the prestigious Point of Light award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Jewish Care’s annual dinner for her dedication and achievement in supporting the community and, in particular, Rosetrees care home. 2023 marks Rita’s 60th year of volunteering for Jewish and wider causes. As a teenager she volunteered at a local hospital, trained as a youth manager for her local Jewish Youth Club and volunteered for Jewish Care, as well as being chair of her local League of Jewish Women. Alongside her professional roles, Rita continued with her youth and voluntary work with older people. She was one of the founding members of the company’s Meals on Wheels service in 1973, there from the start, cooking food from her kitchen, delivering soup and hot meals to people at home, as well as recruiting local volunteers.

Sports day changes perceptions

RESIDENTS and school children in Alloa have taken part in a joint sports day at Meallmore Group’s Parklands care home as part of an intergenerational programme.

Residents and staff from Parklands hosted the event at the care home with Primary 7 pupils from St Mungo’s RC Primary School.

The two generations came together for sports day classics including a relay and an egg and spoon race, as well as other events.

It was the most recent event of their intergenerational programme which has been running since November 2022. Every week, pupils from the school visit those living at Parklands. Together, residents and children spend time chatting, playing games, reading, painting and listening to music.

Since the programme’s inception,

residents and pupils have formed ties and learnt to appreciate the other generation in new, different ways.

Rick Murray, area manager for Meallmore said: “Creating meaningful activities and lifestyle options is a huge part of the work we do at Meallmore. This intergenerational programme at Parklands helps residents build up new relationships and allows them to share experiences and their life stories with younger people.

“Welcoming the pupils is a weekly highlight and is a real benefit to our residents and colleagues, but it also allows the children to learn. It helps them to challenge some of the perceptions of what happens when you get older, as well as break down preconceptions of care home living. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

Care Providers Conferences 2023 THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

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

Holiday Inn, Barnsley S75 3JT

Thursday 13th July 2023

York Racecourse YO23 1EX

Wednesday 6th September 2023

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

Ashford International Hotel TN24 8UX

Tuesday 24th October 2023

Dunston Hall, Norwich NR14 8PQ

Wednesday 25th October 2023

Stands from £550+vat

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

Provider is first in UK to receive prestigious HR registration

NEW Care is the first health and social care organisation in the UK to receive the ISO 30415 certification from the Centre of Assessment for Human Resource Management – Inclusion and Diversity.

The operator has dedicated six months to achieving this prestigious HR registration, initially starting the process last November.

The first assessment took place in January and then a full one was conducted last month, which included a tour of seven New Care facilities over the course of two days and meeting several staff from all 14 homes both physically and via Teams.

cfa assessor John Mulholland said: ‘New Care is a well managed, well led organisation demonstrated through a strong leadership team’ and ‘New Care is regarded as a good place to work as a result of good HR policies and practices, where staff feel very well supported.’

New Care was also applauded for investing heavily in sponsoring staff from overseas, providing extensive packages.

Feedback from staff to the assessor was equally as impressive with ‘individual circumstances accommodated’ and ‘a strong sense of inclusion; the organisation employs individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures.’

Staff also reported that there are great opportunities for progression and that New Care continually invests in innovative technology and systems that support the team in consistently delivering high quality standards of care.

HR manager Helen Brown said:

“To be the first health and social care organisation in the country to receive the ISO 30415 certification is a testament to the company and the team, who supported me throughout the process and allowed me to push for it way ahead of other organisations.

“To be formally recognised for inclusivity and diversity is fantastic. We really are ahead of the game.”

Chris McGoff, CEO at New Care, added: “This is an exceptional achievement and to be the first care home operator to receive the accreditation just shows how forwardthinking and advanced we are as a company.

“We aim to always employ experienced care professionals and are committed to supporting each and every employee on their journey.

“We want to provide the highest standards of care for our residents and enable them to live their best lives, and to do this we need to continually support our residents, their relatives and our staff.”

Home walking a million steps for Dementia UK

TEAM members and residents from Care South’s Talbot View care home in Bournemouth are walking one million steps between now and September 15 to raise money and awareness for Dementia UK.

The charity provides specialist nurses to those affected by all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and is running a summer steps challenge to help families.

Talbot View’s challenge is being spearheaded by activities assistant Helen Goss, who is being joined by team members and residents who are participating in the challenge at their own pace.

She said: “I have recently finished a charity walk for Cancer Research where I walked 100 miles in May and raised £250 and thought it would be lovely to start a new challenge.

‘The residents were very interested in how I was doing with the walk so I thought how wonderful it would be if the residents joined in with the Dementia UK fundraiser.

“Staff also wanted to join us and now we are one big team trying to raise awareness and funds for a subject very close to our hearts.”

Four residents and four team members kick-started the challenge with Helen and achieved 35,000 steps on the first day.

Some residents have been racking

Care staff complete cycling challenge

STAFF from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and hospitals have put themselves through a gruelling cycling challenge for the second year running, this time from Exeter to Battle and then on to Purley, all in the name of charity.

Their aim was to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

Over four days a team of Barchester staff cycled a mammoth 276 miles from Exeter to Purley, stopping at 16 care homes across Barchester’s South division to meet well-wishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way.

The core Tour de Barchester team of cyclists Simon McCall (commercial director) and Shona Conway, (project

coordinator) plus support crew Lucy Green (personal assistant), Stephen McHugh (project business analyst) and Mervyn Knight (hospitality manager), were joined and supported by suppliers, staff members and residents from different homes and teams as the Tour passed through.

Shona said: “Last year was the first year of the Tour and we raised over £18,000, which was brilliant, but we were determined to beat that target.

“I am delighted to say that so far this year we have raised a staggering £26,120, which is just wonderful, and money is still coming in.

“I am so proud and so grateful to all the homes that welcomed us en route and helped us fundraise.

“I also have to say massive thanks to our superb support crew who are absolute superstars. We’re already talking about Tour de Barchester 2024.”

Visiting clarity welcomed

CARE providers have welcomed new Government legislation to clarify visiting rights to families of people living in care and nursing homes. But they have also warned that power over visits should always remain with the residents themselves.

The Government yesterday announced new legislation to strengthen the rules around visiting people in hospital and care settings.

The Independent Care Group has welcomed the clarification but said visiting rights should be with the residents.

up their steps on daily walks around the gardens.

Other methods residents and team members are using to get their steps in for the challenge involve daily activities at the home, as well as day trips out.

Home manager Amy Harris added: “Talbot View and its residents really mean a lot to our team, and we have residents in our care that are living with dementia, so it’s something we feel very passionate about.

“It is a great way to have some fun whilst raising awareness and funds for Dementia UK.”

Chair Mike Padgham said: “As care providers we know the huge importance of visiting to those in our care in terms of mental wellbeing, happiness and companionship.

“We saw during the pandemic how hard it was for residents and their families when care and nursing homes had to restrict visiting to comply with guidance and to keep those residents and their carers safe.

“So, we welcome the strengthening of the rules but with some provisos.

“Our belief is that power over visiting should always rest with the residents themselves. As we try to

Mike Padgham

help residents to retain their freedom and independence, whether to accept visitors or not should be a part of that.

“There will be times, for example, when a resident doesn’t want visitors and we must all respect that. They might want some peace and quiet or they might not want a particular visitor to come and we have to be mindful of that and not be tempted to give away that choice on their behalf.

“Yes, strengthen the legislation but make sure the residents stay in charge.”

Global alliance formed to promote small household model benefits

AGED care providers from three continents with experience and passion for small domestic household models of residential care are joining together to advocate for its wider adoption.

The UK’s Belong, Australia’s HammondCare, and The Green House Project in the US have joined together as founding members of the Household Model International Consortium to utilise their shared experience, skills, data and voice to promote the quality-of-life benefits of small household living.

Representatives from the three organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form the consortium at the Australian High Commission, London.

An objective arising from the MOU will be a shared research agenda, including utilising each other’s respective relationships with universities, to deepen knowledge on the household model and how it can be further developed and enhanced.

HammondCare CEO Mike Baird said his organisation had more than 25 years of experience with the cottage model, a form of small household model, to support people living with dementia.

The recent Royal Commission into Aged Care, Quality and Safety, a blueprint for reform of the Australian aged care sector, recommended

a shift toward small household or small-scale congregate living.

He added: “Our experience is that the small household form of residential care provides reductions in hospital admissions, lower use of medications, and a higher quality of life for the residents.”

Belong Villages, which operates eight care communities for older people, was one of the early pioneers of the household model for people living with dementia in the UK.

CEO Martin Rix said in-depth research combined with the

organisation’s early pilots with different sized households had enabled it to evaluate alternative approaches and it was this experience that led to household living becoming the blueprint for the new Belong villages that they now run.

“Our experience has really challenged traditional thinking around what is possible to achieve in terms of outcomes and quality of life for older people,” he added.

“The feedback from the healthcare professionals we link with, as well as from families, is overwhelmingly

positive, with the smaller household setting really proving conducive to the formation of strong relationships between both residents themselves and in addition, residents and members of the care team.

“This familiarity, in turn, provides a sense of security and wellbeing that enables residents to make the most of the wider creative, physical and social opportunities on offer in our care villages.”

Susan Ryan, CEO Centre for Innovation, the non-profit parent of The Green House Project, said the organisation had learnings from establishing nearly 400 homes that are small in scale, self-contained and self-sufficient in 32 US states.

“The Covid-19 pandemic showed the clear advantages of small-home alternatives to traditional eldercare settings, as well as the power of international collaboration,” she added. “I’m delighted to join with our partners in eldercare transformation from around the world to share what we’ve learned and build the next generation of services and supports for elders everywhere.”

As well as research, the consortium will establish areas of strategic focus, joint papers, and position statements. There will also be opportunity for staff exchanges and enhanced learning, as well as shared learning materials and packages.

Clacton care home shortlisted for prestigious award

BLACK Swan’s Maitland House care home in Clacton has been shortlisted for an Essex Care Sector Award.

The team at the home were nominated in the Diversity and Inclusion category for their personal and inclusive work in supporting a Chinese speaking couple who moved into the home.

One of the residents has now passed away, but his wife continues to live at the home.

The home uses Google Translate, pre-printed translation cards and has created signage to support the resident. Her care plan has been translated into Cantonese, which supports her and her family.

The home also uses a volunteer Cantonese interpreter who visits weekly so that the lady can join in with the activities.

She now loves to play bingo and joins in with other residents.

Manager Ann Evans said: “We’re so pleased to be shortlisted – I’m very proud of my team at Maitland House – they’ve really embraced the challenge of supporting Yuk and we have all learnt a bit of the language along the way. We can’t wait to attend the ceremony and we’re keeping everything crossed.”

The Essex Care Sector Awards, locally known as The Prospers, celebrate the best of care in Essex

demonstrated through innovation, achievement and outstanding contribution.

The Awards are open to providers who deliver a care service to adults in Essex County Council’s local authority area.

Those shortlisted are invited to attend the ceremony at Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree, on July 6, where the winners will be announced.

Home bids fond farewell to ducklings

A SURREY care home has waved goodbye to three of its latest residents who have flown the nest having enjoyed a brief spell of specialist respite care.

Whilst Signature at Reigate Grange residents are typically more mature in age and outlook, the care home welcomed a trio of ducklings who spent their first 10 days living there.

Residents and team members paid close attention to Jeremy, Mimsey and Piglet from their early days as eggs in their incubator, before they each slowly hatched in the care home’s activities room.

During their stay at the home the trio received plenty of care and support from residents feeding them growers pellets.

The ducklings were even able to enjoy their first swim under the auspices of the Reigate Grange community.

The residents and team members were entrusted with the responsibility

by Incredible Eggs, an ethical provider of high-welfare hatching kits throughout both England and Scotland.

It encourages communities to take part in hatching to help educate society on animal welfare, safeguarding biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

Client liaison manager Florence Kirkland said: “We spent hours watching Jeremy, Mimsey and Piglet slowly hatch out of their eggs, and quickly grow into the thriving, noisy, swimming ducklings we had at our home.

“Our residents have had a great time watching them grow and enjoyed many cuddles and even got to see them enjoy their first swim.

“A big thank you to Incredible Eggs for allowing us the responsibility of looking after our ducklings and we hope that Jeremy, Mimsey and Piglet enjoy life back on the farm with their friends.”

Martha Jaen and Charlotte Richardson cradle Piglet.

CARING UK CONFERENCES 2023

BOOKING FORM

The Road to Success

Single delegate rate £20 per person Two delegates £30

Event attending:

Yorkshire

Yorkshire

East Midlands

East of England

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

York Racecourse YO23 1EX

Ashford International Hotel & Spa TN24 8UX

Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich NR14 8PQ

Delegates attending (Please print in block capitals)

Thursday 13th July 2023

Wednesday 6th September 2023

Tuesday 24th October 2023

Booked By:

Ms/Mr/Mrs/Dr...................................................................

Organisation......................................................................................................................................................................... Address........................................................................................................................

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

Signature.............................................................

Date:..........................................

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

Caring UK Conferences, Script Media Group Ltd, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS Tel:01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478