Caring UK Weekly March 15

Calls for ringfenced funds for social care

THE National Care Forum is calling on the Chancellor to ring-fence funding for care.

Having submitted representation to the Treasury, the NCF working with the Care Provider Alliance which brings together industry bodies from across the sector have published an analysis which draws on the Fair Cost of Care reports published by councils in England, revealing that in 2021/22, the government paid at least £2.88billion less than the actual cost of delivering care to people in their own homes, and in care homes for those aged over 65. This under funding is only the tip of the iceberg, as the CPA Analysis also highlights the impact on services for working age adults and unregulated services.

Professor Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the NCF, said: “As the Chancellor prepares his spring budget statement, we ask that he ensures there is funding, adjusted for inflation, to meet the three-year pledges in the People at the Heart of Care white paper in full.

“The Government must also commit to a fully funded, 10-year national workforce plan for adult social care which improves pay, terms and conditions for the sector.

“We need to see a move away from short-term emergency funding that is focused on

hospital discharge, towards a longer-term and co-designed funded strategy, with greater focus on community and prevention services.

“At a time when energy costs remain a critical issue for businesses, the Chancellor must create a tailored energy scheme to protect providers, and those accessing their services, from high energy bills, to bring confidence and stability to the sector.

“The addition of adult social care to the Energy Bills Discount Scheme Energy and Trade Intensive Industries list, alongside the museums, zoos and libraries already listed, offers an immediate way to help. We would also like to see zero rated VAT rather than exemption, particularly for not-for-profit adult social care providers. The existing funding shortfall is unsustainable and cannot continue.

“Care providers are depleting their reserves, relying on charitable income and are having to increase self-funder fees to subsidise the state and are unable to expand their care and support services to meet rising demand from people across the country.

“It is imperative that the government delivers and ringfences funding for adult social care providers that is realistic to the actual cost of delivering that care.”

A wildlife charity has praised the ‘amazing efforts’ of a pair of Winchester care homes who have together raised £2,750 to help its work. Hart Wildlife, which rescues sick and injured animals and birds from across Hampshire and neighbouring counties, was the nominated charity last year for the Colten Care homes Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View. Residents and staff at both homes staged a series of fundraising activities with the main money spinner being a joint, family-friendly fete that netted more than £1,600 on its own. Other initiatives included a sponsored weekly mufti day for staff, seasonal raffles and sales of homemade greeting cards. The nominated charity for 2023 is the Sutton Scotney-based Boaz Project, a therapeutic work community for adults with learning disabilities.

Group named a finalist in Awards

ACI Care has been named as a finalist in the ‘Residential Care Provider of the YearSmall Group’ category at the HealthInvestor Awards.

The group, which focuses on providing care to older people living in Kent, East Sussex and Northamptonshire, has been named as one of six finalists up for the prestigious industry accolade – which celebrates the very best health and social care providers that manage under 10 settings.

Operating across four homes, ACI Care’s team provides residential, respite and dementia care, with their core focus being to enable residents to live independent and fulfilling lives.

Director Ravi Sodha said: “We’re honoured to be recognised alongside some other

incredible care providers.

“This is a great achievement for us, and showcases the hard work and commitment we’ve put into ensuring we continually improve upon and provide the best level of care in each of our homes.”

The awards are the culmination of information submitted by companies operating, investing or advising in healthcare.

Organisations are asked to complete an online form and to submit a 2,000-word supporting document that is put forward to the relevant judging panel, which consists of high profile, independent judges from across the sector.

The winners will be announced on June 7 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.

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We chat to Barony Lodge’s resident ambassador Elsie

MOVING into a care home doesn’t have to mean you have to sit back and let people do everything for you –quite the opposite.

Elsie Whittaker is one of Sanctuary Care’s many resident ambassadors and lives at Barony Lodge Nantwich. She loves to support the team with everything from interviewing potential staff to showing people around the home.

For Elsie, having a very active role to play in how the home is run is very important to her, giving her a sense of significance and purpose.

“I enjoy doing it – I think it’s very important and it makes me feel really good, like I really belong here,” she said.

“I recently met a lady and she seemed really pleased that a resident was showing her round – and for me it’s lovely. I am using my brain and I really enjoy it because I like talking to people.”

Elsie moved into Barony Lodge last March and feels very much at home.

“It’s lovely and clean and everyone is so friendly,” she added.

“I get on great with all the residents and staff and would recommend it to anybody.”

An active life is an enriched life for Elsie

For Elsie it is so important to lead an active life, and she has made so many

A novel idea – residents read bedtime stories to children across the UK

RESIDENTS in Care UK homes across the UK have been turning the pages on classic children’s tales to ensure children get the perfect bedtime story.

created a special storytelling corner. Equipped with blankets, puppets, cuddly toys and a cup of tea, residents filmed their special stories.

friendships at the home.

“There’s something to do every day – one day we were making kites and the next crocheting and knitting. I would be idle if I had gone home,” Elsie added.

“And from my bedroom there’s a door so you can go to the gardens straight away, which is lovely because you can see the birds.”

And the home-cooked food is something Elsie really enjoys.

“We have some lovely meals and I eat everything.”

Residents explore their culinary creativity with award winner

RESIDENTS at Sanctuary Care’s

Fernihurst Nursing Home in Exmouth

are enjoying weekly workshops with their very own Masterchef winner.

From pizzas and cakes to biscuits and even homemade ravioli, the residents have loved cooking with head chef Ruaan Prins, winner of Sanctuary Care’s Masterchef 2022.

For the residents, who live with dementia, activities like cooking can give them such a sense of achievement when they see – and taste – what they’ve created.

Manager Hollie Prowse said: “We are proud to do everything we can to enrich the lives of our residents each and every day, and sometimes this can be with something very simple

that they love to do.

“So many of our residents loved baking and cooking before they joined us, so we wanted them to experience that sense of continuity and belonging at Fernihurst.”

Once the weather warms up they will embark on a project which is being rolled out across Sanctuary Care’s homes called Grow Your Own Way, where residents grow and nurture their own produce, which will be cooked for them to eat.

Hollie added: “So many of our residents love gardening, so we will soon be sowing seeds, which our residents will nurture, before sharing their produce with Ruaan and the kitchen team.”

The ‘Bedtime Stories’ initiative sees residents read much-loved bedtime stories to children in their local area.

The campaign, which was launched to celebrate National Storytelling Week, ensures children who may not have a grandparent do not miss out on a magical tale told by a wise voice of experience.

After practicing their lines and perfecting their characters’ voices, residents from Edinburgh to Poole have been visiting their local libraries and welcoming school children into their homes to host reading sessions.

Keen to learn more about what inspired some of literature’s most famous children’s tales, residents have also been visiting places on their doorstep that sparked the inspiration behind some of the most famous childhood tales.

At Invicta Court in Maidstone, the home’s maintenance manager Brian Thornton created a six-foot-tall reading throne, perfect for residents to read The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson to local primary school pupils.

The throne and display took weeks to build and was made from recycled materials.

To ensure everyone felt as mighty as the smartest giant himself, the children took it in turns to read in the handcrafted chair.

At Cavell Court in Cringleford, residents created videos of themselves reading famous children’s stories for youngsters. Residents took to the home’s lounge where the team had

In Mobberley, at Cranford Grange, 91-year-old resident Margaret McKinlay, a former English teacher, read Mr Happy to two-year-old George Daine, a grandson of one of the team.

At Winchcombe Place residents chose to read Paddington Bear as the book has strong connections to the area as the author Michael Bond was born in Newbury.

To help prepare, residents also took a day trip to Paddington Station in London to immerse themselves in the life of the famous bear.

Residents Alma Deaking, aged 88, and Helga Patrikios, aged 85, read the tale of the famous bear to children from Happy Kids Pre-School as they listened eagerly.

In Sevenoaks residents at Weald Heights celebrated Winnie the Pooh Day by welcoming children from Oakley Day Nursery for a special retelling of A.A Milne’s well-known tale.

As well as practicing their best character voices, residents and team members went a step further to get into character and wore costumes including Winnie, Tigger and Eeyore for the children to enjoy. To finish the afternoon all of the children left with a copy of Winnie the Pooh.

Finally in Edinburgh, residents at Lauder Lodge were joined by local storyteller Claire McNicol from the Scottish Storytelling Centre, who read Scottish folklore tales by Robert Burns to residents and team members’ children.

Elsie Whittaker

Teams rewarded with a nine per cent pay rise

SIGNATURE Senior Lifestyle, a luxury care home provider with 38 homes across London and the south-east, has announced all colleagues working in its care homes have received an above inflation 9.6 per cent pay rise.

Charity is first seafaring home to secure Veteran Aware accreditation

MARITIME charity The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society’s care home Belvedere House has become the first in the UK dedicated solely to seafarers to obtain the Veteran Aware Accreditation from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance. Its commitment to care has now been recognised with the accreditation from the VCHA, a group of NHS providers committed to improving armed forces and veteran care whilst raising standards for all.

Chief executive of The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt OBE, said: “The Royal Alfred has always celebrated the hard work and sacrifices of the British armed forces, particularly from those from naval backgrounds as so many of our residents, employees, supporters and sponsors have served.

“This accreditation further highlights the important work of those veterans as well as the work we do to support them at the Royal Alfred. Veterans have sacrificed so much to ensure we have been able to continue our lives as safely and with as little disruption as possible, it is so very important that we ensure those who fought for their country, receive the best possible care and upmost respect.

“This accreditation aligns heavily

with our goals here at The Royal Alfred and we are proud we can be a part of it.”

This accreditation comes after the Royal Alfred signed the Armed Forces Covenant earlier in the year, a pledge which promises to ensure those who serve or who have served in the armed forces and their families are treated with fairness and respect.

The Society, which cares for residents at its home in Banstead, Surrey, has focused on creating a community of shared interests amongst its former seafarers. Everything from the home’s décor and facilities to former seafarers amongst the Society’s staff ensures residents see Belvedere House as a home from sea.

The Society has also pioneered a Maritime Acquaint Training programme, helping staff to better understand their seafaring residents in terms of their physical and psychological needs both in a seagoing life and afterwards.

The VCHA accreditation includes eight manifesto requirements that an organisation must meet, including supporting the UK armed forces as an employer, training and educating staff in the needs of veterans and identifying veterans to ensure they receive appropriate care.

More than 4,000 Signature team members now earn a minimum hourly rate of £10.90, this represents a 10 per cent rise made on Signature’s previous £9.90 minimum hourly rate offered to its care homes’ team members.

The new policy marks a £4.68m additional annual investment by Signature and sees all colleagues across its family of care homes included.

Under a phased roll out beginning in October 2022, care, hospitality and maintenance teams have now received uplifts.

Kay Cox, chief operating officer at Signature Senior Lifestyle, said: “We are delighted to make this announcement.

“Our commitment is to be the provider of choice within the care sector, which allows our trusted team members and new recruits to develop rewarding and long-term careers.

“The uplift in hourly rates for our teams is the latest example of this commitment in action, and we do so not only as part of our recognition for all of their hard work, but also recognising the continued cost-ofliving challenges the country faces.

“We are committed to supporting all colleagues across the business, by being a workplace that cares as much for our team members as we do for our residents.”

Signature’s commitment to its new minimum hourly rate for its care home teams comes into effect for colleagues of all ages, and will also be applicable for new recruits joining the business.

This adds to an announcement the luxury care home provider made in January 2022 that all team members on hourly rates contracts would receive 25 days of paid leave a year plus eight days bank holiday, up from the industry standard of 20 days.

Brentwood care homes under new ownership

A CARE home group has acquired two care homes in Brentwood as it continues its mission to provide outstanding care and support to people in Essex.

Ardtully Retirement Residence and Old Shenfield Place were taken over by Premium Care Group last November, and the new home owners will be making a significant investment to transform them into warm, welcoming and inclusive environments.

Ardtully is a grade II-listed care home, which occupies an extended Georgian residence, situated in the conservation area of Ingatestone.

Old Shenfield Place is a renovated 17th century building set within Shenfield, close to local amenities. Combined, the homes offer 57 beds.

recruitment.

15-year

anniversary.

Robert Adams, managing director at Premium Care Group, said: “We are delighted to be the new owners of the beautiful Ardtully and Old Shenfield Place.

“Our vision is to provide extraordinary care, so we will continue to invest in the buildings and facilities at Ardtully and Old Shenfield, as well as continually improve training, development and

“As a local care home owner, I look forward to increasing our strong links with the local community.”

The changes will also see the management of the home transformed, with improvements being made to staff training and development and personalised care and activity programmes.

Premium Care Group also own Weald Hall Care Home in Epping, as well as two Outstanding CQC rated homes in Oxfordshire.

Signature Senior Lifestyle chief operating officer Kay Cox.

The manager of Longridge Hall has celebrated her

work

Tracey Hartley joined the Preston care home in 2008 as a senior care assistant before working her way up to become deputy manager and then manager six years ago. James Parkin and Ben Challinor, directors of the Sandstone Care Group, which owns the home, presented Tracey with champagne and a bouquet of flowers. James said: “Tracey is an absolute star and we wanted to give her a massive thank you from all her team for her dedication and ongoing commitment to Longridge Hall.”

Robert Adams and Beryl Kersey.

Durham-Ramside Hall

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York Racecourse

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Norwich Dunston Hall

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Dementia cafes to support local communities

NEW dementia cafés offering a warm and welcoming space for those living with the condition, and their loved ones, are opening across the North West and Midlands, providing a valuable support network for local people in the communities they serve.

Hosted by dementia specialist Belong, B’s Café is set to take place regularly at the not-for-profit organisation’s eight care villages, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a range of experiences while accessing support and forming new friendships at the sessions.

The programme includes arts and crafts workshops, pet therapy, specialist exercise classes and visits from musical performers.

Also on-hand, Belong Admiral Nurses provide a dedicated dementia nurse service available through the organisation’s partnership with another charity, Dementia UK, offering advice and the confidence to help individuals and their loved ones manage a future living with dementia.

Bridget Lawler, Admiral Nurse at Belong, said: “Dementia affects not only the person living with it, but also their family and friends, who are often their carers, too.

“We understand the challenges they can face, sometimes on their own, and that’s why we’ve launched B’s Café, to give a helping hand and a support network, which we know is

vitally important to have.”

The dementia cafés are open to everyone, including non-residents of Belong’s care villages.

Another Belong Admiral Nurse, Caroline Clifton, added: “B’s café is named after our inspirational colleague Belinda Jones, who is sadly no longer with us after losing a twoyear battle with cancer.

“She helped shape our values, including being compassionate, and this extends outside our village to the wider community.

“Her legacy lives on and we know how much something like this would mean to her and her family.”

Resident reaches new heights and completes world’s

fastest

A CARE home resident in Chester has completed a breathtaking wish – and she’s now on an all-time high. 85-year-old Sally Webster, a resident at Care UK’s Deewater Grange, took to the skies and soared over Penrhyn Slate Quarry at 100mph on a 1.5km zipline – the fastest in the world –from 500 feet high.

When Deewater Grange first opened its doors, the team installed a ‘Wishing Tree’, an initiative which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to live fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Home manager Sally Cooper said: “No wish is too big or too small and so when Sally said she wanted to complete the world’s fastest zipline, we knew we had to make her daring dream a reality.

“We are thrilled to have helped Sally complete her once in a lifetime wish and it was wonderful to see the excitement on her face as she landed after her zipline – a big thank you to the team at Zip World too for helping make Sally’s dream come true.

“The team at Deewater Grange delve into all residents’ life stories to learn more about their lifelong passions and see how they can bring special wishes to life.

zipline

mission to help Sally achieve her wish to soar through the sky at 100mph.

“I cannot wait to see which resident’s wish we organise next – the sky really is the limit.”

Having always had a passion for adventure, Sally paraglided over Morzine in France in her mid-sixties, and was determined to make the daring wish to soar even higher.

Sally was an active member of the Fulbourne Ramblers rambling group for more than 20 years.

Driven by her curious spirit and wanting the opportunity to explore, Sally enjoyed many hikes around East Anglia and in Europe.

The group would regularly take it in turns to plan new and exciting routes for everyone to complete together.

The team wasted no time getting the wish off the ground and soon the day came for the highly anticipated trip.

The team arrived with Sally’s daughter Juliet at Penrhyn Slate Quarry and, after one shorter zipline to get her ready, Sally zoomed over Snowdonia at 100mph taking in the incredible views.

She said: “Doing the zipline really made me feel alive. I was nervous at first but so excited.

“I never thought at my age I’d see myself at the top of Snowdonia –never mind ziplining down it.

“The best part was getting to do the zipline together with my daughter.

Panto declared a real ‘beauty’

PANTO season has continued in full swing at a Dorset dementia care home with residents and staff staging their own version of Beauty and the Beast.

Weeks of prop making, rehearsals and sourcing costumes culminated in Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham laying on a much-enjoyed performance of the famous fairy tale. The fun involved staff members from various departments, including housekeepers, nurses, carers and companions, all dressing up and taking on characters.

Students from Canford School in Wimborne, on work experience at the

home, also took part.

Ann Marie Knight from Fernhill’s companionship team said: “It was great to see colleagues from different departments all contributing and taking part. For our residents and staff the show prompted smiles and laughter all round. Everyone is still buzzing about it.”

Braving the role of the beast was Jess Sears Dawson from the housekeeping team, while healthcare assistant Mirren Lloyd starred as Beauty.

After the show, performed in the home’s spacious lounge, performers and audience members declared it a success.

“After hearing all about Sally’s explorer spirit through her active role in her local rambling group and continued love for thrill-inducing activities, the team made it their

“The drive to the summit was breathtaking, and seeing the mountain ranges and the fresh country air reminded me of where I grew up as a child.”

Not-for-profit care village operator Belong has appointed HR specialist Maggie Wallace as head of people, with the aim of attracting, inspiring and retaining the sector’s most talented people. Maggie will be responsible for all aspects of HR, including recruitment, engagement and learning and development, at Belong. Her priorities in the role include addressing the recruitment challenges faced by the care sector, which she says will be achieved by championing the social care industry and showcasing the rewarding career opportunities it provides, as well as ensuring colleagues are well supported in their roles. It will also involve bold new ways of attracting people, including adopting more flexible ways of working.

Christine Messam and Leanne Bone.

Fernhill resident Patrick Ryan with fellow cast members of Beauty and the Beast, from the left, staff Lexie Gibson, Jess Sears Dawson, Mirren Lloyd and Ann Marie Knight.