Group sets new standard with its leave policy
ELIZABETH Finn Homes has launched a progressive parental leave pay policy that aims to provide all employees who become parents the opportunity to take time to bond with, support and raise their child during the first year of the child’s life.
Or in the case of adoption, the first year of an employee becoming a parent to the child.
The new scheme has the full support of its charity owners Turn2us.
This marks a significant milestone in the care home group’s strategic objectives to provide outstanding and inclusive careers in care, operating as an exemplar employer and indicates a firm commitment to supporting staff as they become new parents.
“I am utterly delighted to announce the launch of our new and greatly enhanced family leave policy,” said chief executive Dr Olivia Curno.
“We believe we have developed one of the most progressive, generous and family-centred approaches in the care sector.
“We continuously strive to be a caring, supportive employer and by offering these enhanced benefits, we set an example we hope other providers will follow.”
The new Elizabeth Finn Homes family leave policy now in place outlines the rights and entitlements of employees when welcoming a new child into their lives, setting out both basic and enhanced entitlements relating to new and expectant birth parents at work, birth parent leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave, co-parent leave, parental leave and parental bereavement leave.
Olivia added: “The margins in care are incredibly tight.
“It’s a chronically underfunded sector trying to meet ever mounting needs and costs but short-changing new parents is a false economy.
“Comparing care sector spending on agency staff and recruitment, excellent family policies might be just the investment we should be making to keep social care workers – 81 per cent of whom are women –healthy, happy and retained by our sector.”
Elizabeth Finn Homes employs over 750 staff across its eight residential homes, and all are paid a real living wage.
It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the charity Turn2us and was founded by Elizabeth Finn, a pioneering philanthropist, who set up the Distressed Gentlefolks’ Aid Association in 1897.
Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, Leicester on Thursday, December 7th are now available. For more information and to book your tickets visit https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
vehicles
memories among many residents. The Auchlochan Classic Car
Car
attracted enthusiasts from across the region. The event welcomed the public with a variety of classic and vintage cars on display. Visitors also had the opportunity to contribute to charity, with donations supporting CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland). Resident Greta Inman is pictured enjoying the car show.
Home hosts its own music festival
THORNTON Hall and Lodge Care
Home near Liverpool hosted its very own eagerly-awaited festival.
Thornton Fest featured three live entertainers, kicking it off with Magical Mike, a local singer and performer who got the crowd going with a sing-along of greatest hits from the 80s, 90s and 00s on the ‘main stage.’
He was supported by the second act of the afternoon, talented local singer and performer Bill from Happy Days Entertainment, who got everyone up and dancing. Ukulele band the Quay Notes then had everyone clapping along with their guitars.
Regional business support manager Michelle Duvall said: “It’s always great fun organising events like this; taking advantage of the good weather and getting the local community along to enjoy it with our people.
“None of this could have been possible without Emily Dickson and Lauren Hudson, activities coordinators at Thornton Hall and Lodge. We are so proud of them for always going the extra mile to make our people’s lives special.”
There was a strong attendance from the local community, which the home is always keen to involve in its events. The traditional fairground stands proved popular; offering handmade gifts, cheesecakes by Nana’s Cheesecakes, brownies and other baked delights.
A hotdog, popcorn and slushie stand by Mersey Entertainment – Parties and Events was a big attraction not surprisingly, and there was no shortage of family entertainment such as balloon artists, fairground games and much more.
Residents at Lower Johnshill Care Home near Lesmahagow, Lanark enjoyed a nostalgic experience as they visited the third annual Auchlochan Classic Car Show. The event featured treasured collections of vintage
that sparked cherished
Show, organised by the Lanarkshire Classic
Club,
New partnership for operator and care organisation
MARIA Mallaband Care Group has announced its official partnership with Care Campaign for the Vulnerable and the piloting of CCTV in one of its homes – with a further roll out planned across its homes.
The group, which has almost 80 homes across the UK, is fully supporting CCFTV which has long campaigned for the use of cameras or closed-circuit television in care homes in a bid to put a stop to abuse cases and to keep both those living in the homes and workers safe.
Paul Walsh, chief operating officer for MMCG said: “We are continually seeking to innovate and raise the high standards of care and wellbeing in our homes, and we believe that transparency and an atmosphere of openness and learning is essential to help us do this.
“CCFTV’s campaign for safety in dementia care chimes completely with our own drive to improve dementia care across our services and embed a culture of recognising and celebrating the individuality of every person living with dementia in our care. And that’s why we have chosen to roll out initially in one of our homes (Kings Manor in Devon) with other homes closely followed such as Lace Hill Manor and Chartwell Manor both in Buckinghamshire.
“Our Dementia Pledge is developed around the key phrase, ‘Always you…’, with a focus on supporting those people in our homes living with dementia to continue to live well and as independently as possible.
“We are excited to be working with CCFTV on our plans to pilot CCTV in one of our homes initially, with a view to rolling this out across our homes in the future.”
CCFTV stands as an independent, national, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to safety in dementia care. Collaborating with the care sector,
its mission is to advocate for and promote the implementation of independently monitored camera systems in communal areas and private rooms in UK care homes, with a particular focus on communities catering to the elderly with dementia.
Jayne Connery, who founded the campaign group 10 years ago, added: “Following MMCG’s proactive engagement to explore our independent safety monitoring in care homes initiative, the operator has now committed to piloting this innovative system in one of their care homes initially, with plans for a further rollout in the future.
“MMCG’s current management team has demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication to enhancing transparency in care homes. Our joint effort to promote independent monitoring aligns with the shared vision of prioritising vulnerable residents and their carers’ safety and well-being.
Children bring cheer to home‘s summer social
CHILDREN aged five and under brought joy to residents of a Dorset dementia care home when they visited for a morning of intergenerational fun and games.
In a special ‘summer social’, Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham welcomed youngsters and their families from the Truth Be Told storytelling and preschool play group.
Pupils about to enter the reception class at Hampreston First School were among those sharing the experience with Fernhill residents, relatives and team members.
Companionship team member Ann Marie Knight said: “It was a fun, interactive and nourishing morning
“MMCG’s decision to embrace this initiative sets an exemplary standard for the care industry, and we are optimistic that it will inspire other care providers to follow suit.” Previously registered for
and a lovely way of saying goodbye to the Truth Be Told children and families who we have bonded with. Our residents were so happy, with big smiles all around.”
The social is an annual event for Truth Be Told, who make regular visits to Fernhill, and is held as a farewell get-together for children moving on from the group to go to primary school.
The morning featured singing, pass the parcel and parachute games and a teddy bears’ picnic with fairy cakes made by Fernhill Chef Martin Spiers and his team. There was also a chance to sample tasty treats from a sweet cart on the way out.
The kitchen team at Black Swan Care Group’s Heathcote care home in Norwich has been awarded a five-star food safety certificate following a recent inspection by the Food Standards Agency. Staff were delighted when the inspection team awarded the home with the highest level of safety. Manager Sylvie Ames said: “The
is such
Paul Walsh and Jayne Connery.
New MP meets fellow Armed Forces veterans
THE new MP for Solihull West and Shirley has praised a care home in his constituency following a recent visit.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst was given a tour of Royal Star & Garter, where he learned about the work of the charity and spent time with residents and staff.
He said: “Royal Star & Garter in Solihull is a fantastic Home. I’ve been hearing about all the incredible work they do here, and it’s a really great facility.
“What struck me was the highquality of care they provide, it’s a cut above so many other institutions.
“And having that golden thread that runs through the military service – that sense of camaraderie and community – really comes through here among the residents.
“You really get a sense of belonging and place. I think it’s a shining example of how we should be doing social care in this country.”
Having joined the Army as a medical doctor, Neil is himself a veteran, and says he is a “passionate advocate” of the Armed Forces.
The MP met Royal Star & Garter chief executive Andy Cole and home manager Katie McCauley.
They discussed the award-winning dementia and nursing care provided
at the Home, and new services which tackle loneliness and isolation among the veteran community in the area.
This includes day care, lunch club and a free-to-use telephone friendship service.
Andy added: “It’s a privilege to welcome Dr Shastri-Hurst to our Home so soon after he was elected.
“We were delighted to show him the fantastic work we do, and also tell him about other services we are running, and the positive impact these are having on the lives of people living in his constituency and across the country.”
Neil also learned about the Veteran Friendly Framework, a nationwide project designed to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes to the 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England.
It is a collaboration between Royal Star & Garter, Royal British Legion and the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (an NHS flagship Armed Forces programme), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
During the visit Neil was accompanied by councillor Samantha Gethen, who represents the St Alphege Ward at Solihull Borough Council.
Resident celebrates 83rd birthday with trip north
A CROYDON care service has given an octogenarian a memorable expedition to Scotland.
Peter Jarvis, who is supported at Croydon Supported Services, part of Salutem Care and Education, recently embarked on the journey north to celebrate his 83rd birthday.
Supported by carers Veronica Simpson and Ade Oyaniran, Peter enjoyed a holiday filled with excitement, new experiences and the making of lifelong memories.
He chose Scotland for his birthday adventure, having heard much about its serene landscapes and abundance of fascinating places to explore.
Joe Donnellan, locality manager at Salutem Care and Education, said:
“We are delighted that Peter had such a wonderful time in Scotland. It’s heart-warming to see him so happy and excited about his holiday.
“Our team, especially Veronica and Ade, did a fantastic job supporting him and ensuring his birthday trip was truly special.”
During his stay, Peter’s enthusiasm was palpable.
He attended a lively Scottish night at the Royal College of Surgeons, where he savoured traditional haggis and made new friends. His exploration included visiting the farm shops at Loch Lomond Centre and a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Mealtimes were a highlight for Peter, as he enjoyed breakfast and dinner in the company of new acquaintances.
serving to bring smiles to the faces of young and old. While Dorothy was the most senior party host, the youngest visitor – only eight weeks of age –
gap from
other direction. Other residents who took part
A snapshot in compassion – carers
CARE workers in Plymouth were captured in their element, showcasing their dedication and compassion to the job as part of a portrait photography project.
Photographed while at work at Butterfly Lodge, run by care provider Camelot Care, the prints aim to shine a light on what are often seen as the unsung heroes of the social care system.
The project, the brainchild of filmmaker and photographer Daisy Moseley, seeks to acknowledge and salute the hard work and commitment of the country’s more than 10 million carers.
Daisy visited the dementia specialist’s four homes, photographing the lives of care workers at their workplace.
“I was inspired through helping my mother provide end of life care for my late grandmother and saw just how much work goes into it,” said Daisy. “It made me realise how vital and
demanding the role of a carer truly is.
Caring for someone can be a beautiful thing, but it’s also physically and emotionally draining.
“I want to document the incredible work of these individuals and share their stories and raise awareness to a wider audience.”
Daisy added that the role of
caregivers is undervalued in society.
“It feels like no one noticed the work they did until Covid hit—some at the cost of their own lives—and their vital work behind the scenes.
“One minute we were all on our doorsteps clapping them, the next, it feels as though we forgot all about them again, as though nothing had ever happened.”
Daisy, who is a freelance art director for commercials and a set director, shot the photographs in both colour and in black and white.
“I spent quite a lot of time with each person, talking with them about their job, why they became a carer and what the work means to them,” she said. “It was touching to see how much they care for the people they look after, the different relationships they have with the residents, and how it’s different for each one of them.
“The carers that I met were from all different walks of life – some who had been in the profession for 20 years,
others who were just coming into the sector.
“Each one I met had a unique story about how they came to be there – some inspired by personal experiences, others wanting to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
“Carers are the unsung heroes of our society. Through this project, I want to ensure their efforts are recognised and valued.”
Daisy visited Camelot Care homes in Yeovil, Bridgwater and Wellington. She is hoping to get art funding to stage an exhibition of the photographs and create a book as a lasting tribute to carers and the work they do.
Paul Teasdale, director of Camelot Care, added: “We are delighted that Daisy is highlighting the crucial role of care workers. Her photographs beautifully capture the dedication and empathy our staff bring to their work every day.”
Care worker Rose Ntaopane.
Peter outside the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.
Dorset care home residents including one of the south’s oldest people bridged the generations on an afternoon of play with toddlers and preschoolers. Just a few weeks after her 104th birthday, Dorothy Parker was among residents at Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors who welcomed a visit from the Jiggy Wrigglers early years group. The fun featured music, movement, games and interaction with colourful props, all
bridged the century
the
in the fun included Joan Campbell, Janet Silcocks, Cybil Conner and Barbara Phillips.
Outstanding care home manager receives top international award
THE manager of an “outstanding” Newcastle care home has become the first person in the North East to receive one of the industry’s most prestigious awards.
When Andrea Blades and her team at Brooke House, Denton Burn, welcomed and cared for resident Margaret Jamieson, they were unaware her son-in-law, Arnold Baker, was the president of the International Guild of Nurses and Carers.
And he was so impressed with the level of care she received, he returned to the home to award Andrea with a Certificate of Commendation – one of only around four handed out to carers and nurses internationally each year.
The Guild, which has around 1,000 members worldwide including international hospitals and care providers, was formed in 2000 to recognise the work of nurses and carers.
And, in a special presentation, attended by staff and directors of the home’s owner, Prestwick Care, Arnold
paid tribute to the care Andrea and her team gave to Margaret, who died in June in hospital.
“It’s a very difficult time when a family member has to go into a care home,” he said. “And in my 50 years association with the industry I have seen some great homes and some that are not so great.
“But Brooke house was recommended to me and, as soon as I visited, I realised they are doing something right here. Margaret enjoyed it here and from day one it was clear it is an exceptional place.”
Andrea, from Consett, became the manager of Brooke House – rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission – in 2021.
She added: “For once I am lost for words, but I am only as good as my team. This job is a privilege because you get to meet so many lovely people who have had richly tapestried lives and to work with some of the most committed, caring and dedicated people in our society.”
Jane set to take on 4,000 Mont Blanc climb
A GLASGOW care home worker is set to climb Mont Blanc to raise money for a ‘bucket list’ fund for residents. Ukraine-born Jane Yakovleva is part of the domestic team at Cumbrae House and when she’s not keeping the care home spick and span, she is embarking on training climbs, bouldering and rock climbing in preparation ahead of the 4,800m climb.
Jane said: “I’ve always been interested in climbing and have been practicing for many years now, however when I started working at the care home it gave me a renewed sense of drive.
“I came to realise that life is a gift, and we need to make each moment count. I want to have memories to tell future generations – stories that will make them gasp and think ‘she lived her life well and went after her dreams’.
“I’ve never done anything like this before, the climb or the fundraising, so I’m learning as I go. I have some fun things planned to raise money for Cumbrae House and our residents.
“I’ll be doing a raffle and I’ll also be hosting an exhibition in the care home for residents to see all the kit I’ll need for climbing. I think they’ll enjoy trying everything on – and they’ll be surprised by how much it weighs.”
Jane, who is hoping to raise £2,200, added: “When I came to the UK I had no idea what path my life was going to take, but two years on and I am fully immersed in Scotland, and I firmly believe Cumbrae House has had a huge part to play in that.
“I love my job, my team and the icing on the cake is getting to know the residents who live in the care home.
“I see how much they love life, love getting out and about into the community and doing activities and it’s really inspired me to go after my dreams – Mont Blanc is the first step on that journey.”
If Jane is successful in her adventurous climb, she plans to plant a Cumbrae House flag at the top of the French mountain.
Sunita Poddar, chief executive officer and founder of Oakminster Healthcare, said: “We are all rooting for Jane and the incredible feat of climbing Mont Blanc. Her efforts are truly inspiring and her dedication to training and fundraising knows no bounds, I am very impressed.
“The residents will be thrilled to have her back and if she can leave a little bit of Cumbrae House at the top of the mountain in the form of a flag, then even better – they’ll be delighted.”
Inspectorate praise for Newcastle care home
KENTON Hall Care Home, part of Solehawk, has been praised by the Care Quality Commission for the quality of its care.
The inspection report noted that: ‘This service maximises the effectiveness of people’s care and treatment by assessing and reviewing their health, care wellbeing and communication needs with them.’
The inspector also listened to the views of residents. The report said: ‘People told us they were involved in making decisions about their care and support’ and ‘People told us that their care needs had been assessed and they were involved in care planning. People said staff consulted with them and knew their care and support needs.’
It was also stated that ‘…people’s outcomes were consistently good and people’s feedback confirmed this’ and ‘Care records were detailed and clinical assessments were undertaken and updated regularly. Best practice guidance was followed when treatments and care were given.’
Positive feedback was received from professionals who are involved with the home. One professional
commented: “There is a good team ethic within the care home, it comes across as a pleasant environment to live in and work in, staff are always polite and friendly and residents appear to be well cared for.”
Home manager Malcolm Hanson said: “I am proud of the whole team, who have worked incredibly hard to achieve this result.
“Our aim is to make Kenton Hall a kind, caring, happy and safe home for our residents and this report testifies to the fact that we are achieving this.”
Jane Yakovleva preparing for her Mont Blanc climb.
Bunty Malhotra, Andrea Blades, Arnold Baker and his wife Christine.
Staff at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, recently hosted a wedding-themed day to celebrate the impending nuptials of staff member Louise. Residents and staff had fun dressing up in their own wedding attire or borrowed wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and hair fascinators. There was music, dancing and cake for everyone to enjoy. Staff with Indian or African heritage proudly wore traditional clothing and everyone learned about their traditional wedding customs. Activities coordinator Diane said: “We wanted to do something fun for the residents to celebrate Louise’s upcoming big day. We are also fortunate to have staff members from different cultures to teach us about different traditions which were fascinating.”
Malcolm Hanson, manager at Kenton Hall.
Care UK and Blue Light Card announce new partnership
CARE UK is offering free access to Blue Light Card membership for staff as part of a new partnership.
This unprecedented benefit, which supports all permanent colleagues across the provider’s 155+ homes and support centre functions, is predicted to save almost 13,000 people hundreds – if not thousands –of pounds each year.
Blue Light Card is the UK’s only discount service for emergency services, NHS, social care workers and armed forces. With more than 3.5 million members across the country, Blue Light Card is partnered with over 13,000 retailers both national and local, providing savings, discounts and benefits that often aren’t available to the general public. In 2023, Blue Light Card saved its members more than £330million.
Care UK colleagues already have access to an internal Perks rewards system, which offers reductions and cashback across hundreds of retailers. As well as introducing new deals and suppliers, the Blue Light Card can be used in addition to some of the existing deals on Perks, meaning colleagues can save even more than they originally intended.
Colleagues value benefits, which is why Care UK continues to deliver them in innovative ways. Earlier this year, the provider hosted its first Colleague Appreciation Week, which
saw homes take time out of their day to award colleagues, host parties and even take part in a wheelbarrow race.
It’s paid off, with four per cent more colleagues than last year agreeing in Care UK’s internal survey that they ‘value the benefits available’.
Sharon Quinn, head of reward at Care UK, said: “I am very proud that Care UK is the first care provider to partner with Blue Light Card to offer free membership to our colleagues.
“Colleagues across the UK work in all sorts of roles to support residents and ensure they are living fulfilling lives. It’s important that we show our appreciation for their hard work in as many ways as possible – whether that’s with our Colleague Appreciation Week, through development and progression opportunities, or making
sure they have free access to discounts through the Blue Light Card.”
The benefit was rolled out to Care UK staff in July, and Blue Light Card has already reported that Care UK sign ups to the scheme have doubled from colleagues who were using it prior to the partnership.
As part of the launch, Hannah McIntosh, reward manager at Care UK was joined by Ianina Lucca, chief product officer, and Mohamed Ouf, director of growth, from Blue Light Card to introduce the new benefit to staff at St Vincent’s House care home in Hammersmith, London. Colleagues at the home spent time sharing their previous success stories with Blue Light Card, learning about the deals on offer or signing up for the very first time.
welcomed a visit from Zoolab to celebrate World Lizard Day. Zoolab regularly visit the operator’s homes throughout the UK and provide an interactive learning experience for residents who can get up close and personal with the creatures. The experience is a firm favourite with residents at Primrose House, who enjoy engaging with different animals, learning about them, and showing how brave they are too. In this particular visit to the residential dementia and nursing dementia care home there were lots of creepy crawlies, snakes and giant snails for the residents to get to hold and touch. Many of them were very brave and held the snake and giant snail. The session sparked lots of reminiscing.
Royal honour for apetito
LEADING meals provider to the care homes sector, apetito, which also delivers to consumers in their own homes through its retail brand, Wiltshire Farm Foods, has been presented with the prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, by Vice LordLieutenant, Lt. General Sir Andrew Gregory KBE, CB, DL.
The Award sees the company’s fourth Royal honour, having previously won three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise (two for Innovation in 2005 and 2016, and one in 2019 for Sustainable Development).
This latest honour recognises apetito’s commitment to conducting business in a way that impacts positively on the environment, society and economy.
In particular, it celebrates apetito’s outstanding dedication to sustainability, its pledge to reach Net Zero by 2040, and the work the company has taken in delivering actions to meet challenging shortterm targets for carbon reduction and supporting climate change – targets which are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Central to its King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024 win, was apetito’s work in launching the world’sfirst closed loop recycling scheme for plastic meal trays, “Project Boomerang.”
Under the Boomerang’ initiative, once the meals have been eaten, the used trays are collected from the
company’s customers and turned back into new meal trays.
The award-winning initiative is far more effective than household kerbside collections.
Not only does it “collect” more (apetito collects close to 50 per cent of all trays compared to household recycling which collects just 39 per cent), apetito then guarantees that 100 per cent of clean trays collected will be turned into new ones.
This is in stark contrast to UK household recycling rates, where it is estimated that 46 per cent is sent abroad for processing, often with uncertain results, including being sent to landfill.
To celebrate the occasion, apetito held a celebratory lunch, inviting over 40 of its long service heroes, members
of team apetito with more than 20 years’ dedicated service.
During the occasion, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant was full of praise for apetito for achieving yet another Royal honour:
“It’s impressive for a business to be recognised four times with the UK’s highest business accolade,” he said.
“apetito is one of just 29 businesses that were recognised in 2024 for their work in Sustainable Development.
“The company is an exemplar of a business that leads the way through its actions to reduce its impact on the environment. To present this award to a Wiltshire-based business has been a privilege”.
The presentation was also attended by the CEO and chair of apetito UK, Paul Freeston and many of those
involved directly with the award entry and sustainability projects that contributed to the award win.
Paul dedicated this award to all members of staff who made it possible.
He said: “This award reflects the hard work, commitment and vision of everyone here at apetito | Wiltshire Farm Foods. We are proud to be making a real difference in the area of ethics and sustainability and making significant strides on our journey to Net Zero by 2040.
“The continued success of our sustainability journey is the culmination of all the hard work and passion of everyone who works here.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty
The King’s, desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II, by recognising outstanding UK businesses.
The Awards celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services, delivering impressive social mobility programmes or showing their commitment to excellent sustainable development practices.
The Award programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards for Enterprise emblem for the next five years.
HC-One’s Primrose House care home in Crewe
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