Group looking for entrepreneurial leader for service
AWARD-winning North Yorkshire care group Saint Cecilia’s is looking for an outstanding individual to launch and run a new service providing care to people in their own homes.
The Scarborough-based company is hoping to launch HomeFirst, an exciting new service offering homecare to people across Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale, some time in 2025 when the right individual is found.
HomeFirst will provide the familyowned care provider with a fresh addition to its two nursing homes, three care homes and day care centre in the area.
Executive chairman Mike Padgham said: “In this, our 35th anniversary year, it is really exciting to be announcing a new addition to the Saint Cecilia’s family of care services. Homecare has been the missing link in the range of care that Saint Cecilia’s offers, as we already provide day, respite, residential and nursing care.
“When people come to us seeking help and support for themselves or a loved one we want to be able to offer the full range of services to meet their needs, all with the long-established knowledge and expertise we have built up over those years behind them.
“There is demand for providing care in people’s own home and we hope to bring some of the Saint
Cecilia’s magic and success to providing that homecare in and around the North Yorkshire coast and Ryedale.”
Homecare is perfect for people who want to retain the independence of living in their own home.
Mike added: “We want to offer day care for people who want to come out and enjoy activities, a meal and some companionship; respite care for caregivers who need a break, homecare for those who want some help in their own home, care homes for those needing around the clock care and dementia care and nursing care for those with more complex needs.
“Home First fits in with our desire to provide a comprehensive service, to meet as many local needs as we can and to provide professional and compassionate continuity of care for our local communities.”
Saint Cecilia’s is offering an attractive salary and benefits package for the right candidate who has ideally had previous experience of running a homecare service.
Saint Cecilia’s began with one care home, Saint Cecilia’s Care Home, in Scarborough. It now also has Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home in Scarborough, Jubilee House Nursing Home in Whitby, Normanby House Care Home in Scarborough and Alba Rose Care Home in Pickering.
Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, Leicester on Thursday, December 5th are now available. For more information and to book your tickets visit https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
Charles and Eileen Gilmour, residents of Riverside House care home in Morpeth, celebrated a milestone few achieve: their 70th wedding anniversary. The couple first met while studying to become schoolteachers at Durham College, and their love story has flourished ever since. They were married at St Gabriel’s Church in Newcastle and have since built a loving family, including two children, Catherine and Stephen, and one grandchild, Dan. To mark this special occasion, Riverside House hosted a celebration beginning with Las Vegas-themed entertainment provided by popular local performer Mike Memphis. This was followed by a presentation of flowers by the Mayor of Morpeth Councillor Betty Bawn and a celebratory cake, with Charles and Eileen surrounded by their children and friends from the care home. A card from the King and Queen took pride of place.
Fete celebrates home’s new garden
A RECENTLY opened care home in Oswestry, Shropshire, celebrated the opening of its new garden with a fete.
HC-One’s Bluebell View, which provides residential, residential dementia and nursing care, opened in April and cost £12million to build. It has the capacity to host up to 80 residents at any one time.
The opening of the garden was one of the final touches in the completion of all the home’s facilities. It was officially opened by the Reverend Keith Musson and his wife Pat.
Michelle Middleton-Smith, Bluebell View’s home manager, said: “We are delighted to have opened our new garden, which is a beautiful environment in which residents can spend time talking with friends and
relatives.
“We loved inviting the community to Bluebell View to help celebrate the opening of this new facility.
“We look forward to supporting our local Oswestry community even more over the next few weeks and months.”
More than 100 guests attended a fete featuring stalls, games, face-painting and a wide range of refreshments, including food prepared by the Bluebell View kitchen team.
A fire engine from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service was also available for people to inspect, while fire officers explained some of their important roles and responsibilities in keeping the community safe.
Live music was provided by popular local entertainer Paul Watkins.
Home trials AI-powered tech to reduce injury
A COVENTRY care home has trialled AI-powered technology aimed at improving worker safety and reducing injury rates.
Over a two-week period, Clarendon House tested the BionicBack exoskeleton – a passive suit designed by safety experts Stanley, with promising results that could reshape the future of care work.
The trial was part of a collaborative effort between Clarendon House and Stanley, whose approach was key to identifying the right exoskeleton for the physically demanding tasks performed by care workers.
The process began with ergonomic safety consultants from Stanley using advanced video scanning technology to analyse specific tasks carried out by the carers, including lifting and repositioning patients.
The collected data was thoroughly reviewed to determine the most suitable exoskeleton for the job.
The BionicBack exoskeleton was recommended for its ability to support up to 60kg of weight, significantly reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders by enhancing stability during tasks such as bending, lifting, and transferring patients.
Workers reported feeling 33 per cent less fatigued while wearing the suit, and no injuries were reported during the trial period.
Stanley’s head of ergonomic safety,
Andre Jutel, said: “The consultative approach and phased trial process were crucial in ensuring that Clarendon House selected the correct exoskeleton for their team.
“The data collected provided invaluable insights, demonstrating how the BionicBack suit significantly reduces the risk of back injuries.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Clarendon House to further enhance workplace safety.”
Agoritsa Karagiampa, a team leader at Clarendon House, added: “After a while, it felt like I wasn’t even wearing the BionicBack exoskeleton.
“The suit allowed me to confidently lift and move patients, knowing that I had the extra back support. It was easily adjustable, and I would love to continue wearing the suit at work.
Hazel walks nearly 200 miles to combat cancer
HAZEL Salter, older persons support adviser at RMBI Care Co., has completed a 190-mile walk with her family from Stockport to London.
The aim was to raise £10,000 and distribute that amount to charities within the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, which offer a mix of different services to their families.
She said: “Our walk was designed to represent the tough physical, mental and emotional challenges faced every day by children and families walking their own cancer journey.”
Hazel, accompanied by her brothers Mark and Shane, walking in single file along A roads and powered through uphill pathways for 10 days.
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The initiative was planned and led by Shane, whose 10-year-old son, Hughie, was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma, an aggressive blood-related cancer, last year.
Hazel added: “Hughie’s stays on the children’s cancer ward were made so much more bearable by the support received from a number of charities and small organisations.
“They do so much to help parents and families of a child with cancer, from providing overnight bags for parents full of essentials (including blankets and toiletries) to snack packs and fruit in ward kitchens, and pizza Fridays for everyone on the ward.”
apetito launches ‘better than ever’ Purée meals
BUILDING on its already extensive specialist nutrition range, care homes meal provider, apetito has unveiled an exciting new and improved range of world-leading Purée meals, designed to bring joy and restore dignity to mealtimes for residents with swallowing difficulties (also known as dysphagia).
After listening closely to customer feedback and preferences, apetito has made significant changes to its texture modified meals, as well as introducing five delicious new dishes, to deliver an even better mealtime dining experience for residents.
The new additions to the menu include an aromatic Purée Chicken Korma and warming Purée Bean Chilli, alongside three potato-topped pies, Purée Cottage Pie, Purée Shepherd’s Pie and Purée Fish Pie, that feature a “just cooked” browning effect to enhance the visual appeal.
One range enhancement is bringing all its Puréed dishes into the smaller ‘Purée Petite’ portion size, providing a more manageable serving for those living with dysphagia.
This ensures that even those with smaller appetites can still enjoy meals packed with essential calories and protein.
Understanding the importance of
mealtimes in care homes, apetito has added a wide selection of new puréed sauces and gravies into meals to elevate the delicious flavours, along with an array of new side dishes that vastly expand on the variety and choice available. Additionally, apetito has significantly improved the allergen profile of the meals, with 11 dishes now being made without all 14 recognised allergens* and many more made without milk
and soya. This update offers residents with food allergies greater freedom of choice and helps care homes maintain a varied and inclusive menu selection.
Richard Woodward, general manager of care homes at apetito, said: “We are extremely excited to be launching our ‘better than ever’ range of Purée meals and desserts, which we believe provides a real step change in our offering for residents living with
swallowing difficulties.
“Mealtimes are about more than just nourishment and it’s extremely important that everyone can enjoy their mealtimes and dine with dignity, regardless of their dietary needs.
“We are confident that this new range will allow care homes to provide an even safer, more diverse selection of meals, allowing residents with specialist diets to experience the full joy of dining without compromise.”
Find out more about the specialist nutrition offering from apetito at apetito.link/carehomes
Now if you are a care home with less than 30 beds, you can benefit from this world-leading texture modified range without committing to the full apetito meal provision through a new service, Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional.
n Please note that “Made Without” does not mean “Free From”. Made without means that the identified ingredient is not part of the recipe, but very small amounts could be present. The intended purpose is to enable the avoidance of an ingredient disliked due to its taste or texture. Food ‘made without’ an ingredient may not be suitable for someone living with food hypersensitivity.
Find out more at wffpro.co.uk
Hazel Salter, older persons support adviser at RMBI Care Co., poses with her brothers Mark and Shane during their 190-mile walk from Manchester to London.
Home’s flower power raises £700 for charity
TWO garden open days at a Dorset care home have raised hundreds of pounds to help take local families out of hardship.
The public afternoons at Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors were part of the home’s ongoing annual involvement in the National Garden Scheme).
Admission charges, donations and proceeds from the sale of plants and craft items made by residents together raised more than £700.
Of this, £168 is for NGS charities with £534 going to Stronger Together Across Ringwood and Fordingbridge, the home’s main nominated community cause for this year.
STARF is a group of volunteers from the two towns who co-ordinate funding and support for families and individuals living with poverty, debt worries and mental health issues.
More than 70 visitors joined Brook View residents on the two open days, admiring the wide variety of plants and flowers on show in the home’s gardens.
Brook View Companionship Team
Leader Lauren Parrett said: “It was
a joy to open our beautiful gardens to the public once again, all in aid of charity.
“Our gardeners have been working tirelessly throughout the year to produce a wonderful and peaceful space for our residents, relatives and community to enjoy.
“Residents were proud to show off projects they have been working on such as outdoor decorations, hedgehog homes and hanging lanterns made in arts and crafts sessions.
“These items were set up on our craft stall where we sold them to raise funds for our charity.”
The garden experience featured the opportunity to sit down for afternoon tea and cakes prepared and baked by Brook View chefs.
Tasty treats included carrot cake, Victoria sponge, fresh eclairs and blueberry muffins made specially with blueberries grown in the garden.
There was live music too courtesy of accordionist Debbie Murphy on the first day and pianist Kevin Pritchard, a member of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, on the second.
Colleagues marry in surprise wedding
TWO sweethearts have become the first couple to get married at an Enfield care home where they both work – and it was all a big surprise.
Mihai Marcu and Lavinia Marcu have worked at Brookwater House since it opened earlier this year. The inseparable couple joined the home together after meeting nine years ago. Their colleagues at Brookwater House loved their story so much that they decided to throw a surprise early wedding for the couple before they dash off to Romania to be married in their childhood home.
Customer relations manager Amba Shaw said: “Mihai and Lavinia are such valued members of the team, and we have loved hearing about their wedding plans. Although they are married again in Romania, surrounded by their large families, none of us here wanted to miss out. We thought it would be a lovely idea to celebrate here at the home, too.”
The Brookwater House bridesmaids dressed in vibrant red, and everyone enjoyed a cake prepared by the home chef, with residents lining up with flower hair bands to make the big day special.
The revalidation of Northbourne Court
at evidence against the three key principles of reducing loneliness, helplessness and boredom; the seven domains of wellbeing (identity, growth, security, connectedness, autonomy, meaning and joy); and the three Eden transformational changes: personal; environmental and organisational, as well as the 10 Eden principles overall.
Royal recognition for homecare provider
SPECIALIST homecare provider
Alcedo Care Group has been recognised and rewarded by the Princess Royal Training Awards for the provision of care training.
The awards are open to organisations of all sizes and sectors in the UK and Ireland who can prove their training and development programmes have resulted in a positive impact for their business.
Managing director Andy Boardman said: “It was a real labour of love undertaking the application for the Princess Royal Training Awards, but one we enjoyed as we were essentially able to showcase our exceptional training and development programme in our complex care division, which is a must for all staff, not just our carers.
“We invest significantly in every single employee, ensuring all staff have the skills and knowledge to provide outstanding home care in
a safe and effective way, with each specifically trained in the health conditions of their clients.
“With a growing number of complex care clients, each with individual health and wellbeing needs, training is a huge part of our business and an area that requires ongoing attention to evolve.
“More and more clients are looking for complex care, so we have introduced a specialised nurse-
led training course with over 80 modules currently, and to date we have upskilled 275 members of staff to provide clinical care for a diverse range of complex needs.
“To say we are proud to have received royal recognition is an understatement and it’s hard to put into words how we feel about attaining this most prestigious and sought-after accolade.
“But we are beyond thrilled that out of the 600 companies that initially registered their interest, we are one of only 52 to have met the standards required, alongside auspicious organisations such as IBM, Bentley Motor Group and the NHS to name a few who also achieved this award with Alcedo Care Group this year. We are very much looking forward to the awards ceremony at the end of the year.”
It’s not a competition and there are no categories to apply to, recipients
must meet the strict standards of excellence and are judged by a team of assessors on their initial comprehensive written application, supporting statement as well as a grilling face-to-face interview on all aspects of the business, with the whole process taking up to six months.
Supported by HRH The Princess Royal, the award gives you royal recognition for training programmes that have created positive benefits. Evidence-based, the Princess Royal Training Awards seek figures and statistics that showcase increased staff and client satisfaction, and all entrants must clearly demonstrate the impact the successful training and development programmes have had on turnover. In depth details of Alcedo’s in-house training department, plus its investment in training, development, resource and equipment was also provided.
Ruth Bellis with Andy and Jo Boardman.
Avante Care and Support’s Northbourne Court has been revalidated by Eden Alternative assessors and granted a Platinum award status. The assessment evaluated and measured the home’s care delivery and philosophy, which is based on the Eden Alternative. All Avante Care staff are trained to understand and deliver this philosophy in their work with those the operator cares for and supports.
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Exhibition of artwork by care home residents with dementia
ARTWORK by care home residents with dementia has gone on show at an exhibition at a North Wales arts centre.
Co Fi (My Memory) is a coproduction between Galeri Caernarfon and Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd care home on the outskirts of Caernarfon in Gwynedd.
Paintings depicting scenes of Eryri landscapes adorn the walls of Galeri’s Safle Creu (Creative Space) while the recreation of a living room revives memories from bygone days through song and words.
After spending hours creating the paintings, sometimes aided by children from several of Caernarfon’s primary schools, the artistic residents visited Galeri to see their work on display.
Pendine enrichment co-ordinator Elliw Owen led the drawing work and created artwork with the residents, inspired by the spectacular landscapes of the Eryri National Park.
She said: “Each lounge in Bryn Seiont Newydd is named after places such as Glyder, Wyddfa, Moelwyn, Elidir and so on and artwork was created with the residents of the lounges with this in mind.
“Just because they live with dementia in a care home doesn’t
mean they can no longer enjoy the arts.
“Creating music and art as part of the day-to-day care is essential, as well as presenting and supporting external organisations such as schools and local choirs.
“Music is one of the few things
Donation sees residents spend day at the beach
A DONATION from the granddaughter of a woman who lived her final years at Astune Rise in Eston, Middlesbrough has paid for residents to have a day along Saltburn seafront.
Shirley Breckon’s granddaughter Eve walked from Eston to Saltburn to raise £700 for the care home’s residents’ fund which pays for extra excursions, experiences and entertainment. Eve raised the money in memory of her grandmother so that others at the care home could ‘have as much fun as she did’ while living there.
The first trip out funded by the money saw 16 residents travel to Saltburn to spend a day at the beach huts, enjoy the sea breeze, fish and chips, ice cream – and even a trip to the arcades.
Caroline Bowstead, care home manager at Astune Rise, which is
operated by Popular Care, said: “Our entire purpose is to look after the people who live with us, make sure they’re happy and entertained, and give them brilliant experiences.
“It means a lot that Eve saw that with her grandmother Shirley and has helped us to continue to put a smile on the faces of our residents. We really appreciate her support and look forward to being able to do even more with our residents thanks to her sponsored walk.
“We have some great characters living with us and we love taking them out. They’re always in such high spirits. When we asked the residents what they’d like to do next, they’ve asked to go in a hot air balloon. I’m not sure how we’ll pull it off, but we’re looking into it and will do our best to make it happen.”
Nia Davies Williams added: “The main purpose of this project is to show that life and creativity does not come to an end following a dementia diagnosis and that the arts still provide an escape to express, inspire and gladden.
“The idea started as a community project by Galeri that wanted to bring armchairs to life by playing soundtracks of the voices and memories of the older generations of Cofis, the people of Caernarfon, through speakers embedded in the chairs.
“The idea developed when Galeri connected with our art programme through the annual Agored exhibition and created an exhibition in and of itself.
that people living with dementia can still process, music can be used to connect and open up avenues of communication and at Bryn Seiont Newydd we always strive to find the person behind the dementia.”
Bryn Seiont Newydd’s resident musician and head of enrichment
“At the back of Safle Creu you’ll see a re-creation of a living room of times gone-by which feature armchairs from Bryn Seiont Newydd where visitors can sit back, relax and listen to the joyful memories of the residents and songs sung by the residents and recorded by our creative practitioner, Emyr Gibson.
“There are also photos of artwork created over the years with art sessions in response to music, with the focus on the residents’ ability to create despite their dementia.”
Hand-crafted key fobs
sold in aid of charity
A HOMECARE provider has teamed up with the husband of one of its clients to sell hand-crafted key fobs to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
The fobs and some other wooden items made by 92-year-old John Rigg are on sale at Westmorland Homecare’s Penrith branch office.
“It is lovely that John has come up with this idea,” said Charlotte Cooper, the branch’s care manager.
“It is great to be able to link with him by selling his products at the Penrith branch to raise money for such a great cause.”
Westmorland Homecare provides regular support to John’s wife, Margaret, 87, who has dementia.
John started making wooden items as a hobby 50 years ago after he and Margaret moved to Penrith.
“I used to make quite large items, such as pieces of furniture, for ourselves and for friends,” said John.
“I have also made things like standard lamps and kitchen bowls and, latterly, shoehorns, back scratchers, walking sticks, coasters and key fobs. None of these have been sold – they have just been for friends.
“Recently I came up with the idea of making some of my key fobs and selling them and some other items at Westmorland Homecare’s Penrith branch in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance. I have some key fobs in stock but if I end up making 100 and selling them for a tenner a piece, I shall be very happy.”
John said he chose to support GNAAS, which is not NHS funded, because he admired its work and services.
“I see the ambulance fly over our house nearly every day,” said John. “It is able to get to places that nobody else can reach to help people.”
John likes to use wood such as yew, pitch pine, laburnum, oak and beech and the fobs are usually made with three different types of wood.
John cares for Margaret but said the support he received from Westmorland Homecare and others gave him time to relax and pursue his interest in woodwork. The couple celebrated their diamond anniversary at Easter this year.
Charlotte added: “Keeping up with a hobby can be very valuable and fulfilling for elderly people. One of WHC’s main values is enriching the lives of our clients and the support we give to his wife means John has more time to enjoy his hobby.”
Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd residents Eve Flint and Marie Hughes with artist Elliw Owen.
Residents Dorothea Quinn, Mary Taylor and Betty Eason enjoy Saltburn.
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