Caring UK September 2024 by Script Media

Operator reveals state-ofthe-art voice tech trial

OAKLAND Care has announced a new partnership with Voice Design Studio and Agency, Vocala, as part of a trial to explore how technology can enhance the lives of their residents.

Vocala use the latest voice technology devices such as Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa to create specialist ‘smarter’ systems tailored to the specific needs of customers. They look to go beyond the traditional features of these devices to offer advanced functionality, with the potential to transform lives.

Oakland Care has partnered with Vocala as part of a six-month pilot of Alexa Smart Properties, an innovative system which has been installed by Amazon and Vocala.

It will enable residents to access more generalised information, entertainment and services such as lunch menus, when visitors are coming into the care home, planned activities, and to raise queries and requests to team members directly with Alexa-to-Alexa calling, using only their voice.

It also benefits the care team by enabling them to make announcements and voice and

video calls to other Alexa-enabled devices throughout the care home.

Branden Suddes, project manager at Oakland Care, said: “We’re delighted to be among the first social care providers to be trialling this innovative new technology in our care homes. As a forwardthinking organisation we recognise the possibilities that technology can offer our care homes, both for improving resident experience and wellbeing, as well as enhancing the working lives of our team members.

“It has been excellent to see the

ways in which this technology can help make an important contribution to the future of social care. These specialist voice technology devices go way beyond their traditional functionality with so many features that look to be extremely beneficial.”

Initially, 10 residents will be provided with a specialist Alexa device that will be managed by the team at Oakland Care. Information will be gathered at the start of the trial from residents, families and team members and again at the end to measure the success.

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

Advertising

Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288

bg@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Sales Executive: Carole Rice Tel: 01226 734412

caringuk1@scriptmediagroup. co.uk

Publishers

Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. info@caring-uk.co.uk

Editorial Operations Director: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Studio Manager: Paul Hopkinson Tel: 01226 734711

ph@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Assistant Studio Manager: Scott Firth Tel: 01226 734414 sf@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Database enquiries to: 01226 734473 circulation@ scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.

www.caringuk.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @caringuk

Social Care TV continues to fly the flag for quality training

SOCIAL Care TV continue to fly the flag for highest quality online training for health and social care, after unwavering commitment to excellence within the sector for more than 25 years.

Their widely-used health and social care specific courses – produced and edited in-house – are expertly designed to make learning engaging, informative and, therefore, highly effective for learners.

Accredited by CPD and endorsed by Skills for Care, training with Social Care TV is quality assured, comprehensive and relevant.

As one of the leading online training providers in the health and social care sector in the UK, they supply training for local authorities, recruitment agencies, care home groups and other health and social care organisations.

Their feature-rich Manager platform has further been enhanced this year with the introduction of several new Manager tools designed to aid with compliance, reporting and trainee management.

SCTV regularly release new and updated high-quality courses.

Previews for all courses can be viewed at: Courses – Social Care TV (social-care. tv)

To enhance their learners’ experience further they have created free, comprehensive subject-specific workbooks which were rolled out across all courses this year.

This unique addition provides excellent value and a fully robust training package. SCTV is delighted to have won several awards over the last 12 months including:

Best Online Health and Social Care Learning Platform’ – Global Health & Pharma Social Care Awards 2024. ‘CPD

Provider of the Year’ – The CPD Awards. ‘ Social Care Training Provider of the Year’ – Corporate Livewire Innovation & Excellence Awards.

Gold standard customer service remains a core staple of the business, with expert support and guidance provided via telephone, email and live chat.

Their much-loved ‘Care Worker of the Month’ award recognises and rewards the selfless dedication shown by care workers across the UK, and they proudly support the Care Workers Charity who aim to advance the financial, professional and mental wellbeing of social care workers.

The company stands behind a clear mission and set of values which define their ethos and their dedication to both the Care Sector and those within it.

These can be viewed at: Mission Statement and Core Values – Social Care TV (social-care.tv)

Above all, SCTV consistently strive to make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of those being cared for.

For more information please see: Homepage – Social Care TV (socialcare.tv)

Dismay at axed cap promise

WELL, that didn’t take long, did it.

Just over three weeks – 25 days to be precise – after the election and the Government axed an important social care promise that could have made a difference to many, many people.

In cancelling the proposed cap on social care costs and at the same time, cutting some care training plans, the new Government left those of us hoping for better in dismay.

Whilst it was not explicitly in Labour’s manifesto, the Health Secretary Wes Streeting had promised to introduce the cap –designed to prevent people from having to sell their home to pay for care.

It is too early to dismiss the Government completely over social care of course and we have to give them the benefit of the doubt for a while yet. But it is an inauspicious start.

They have promised a workforce strategy for care staff and, in the fulness of time, a National Care Service. A start on those initiatives would restore confidence that has been damaged by their actions, or lack of them, so far.

On the subject of restoring confidence, much work needs to be done to revive our faith in

our regulator, the Care Quality Commission, after a damning report on its service and it was branded ‘not fit for purpose’ by Mr Streeting.

The Health Secretary has promised a review of the CQC, and we hope it is a thorough one to create a regulatory body that serves both service users and providers better.

The shortcomings identified by Dr Penny Dash’s interim report, tell only half the story. She reported low levels of inspections, a lack of clinical expertise amongst those conducting inspections and a lack of consistency. One in five health and social care providers had not received a rating from the CQC whilst others had not been inspected for several years.

Care England criticised the CQC for its “over-reliance on outdated data, lack of transparency in their regulatory approach, and vast inconsistencies between assessments.”

Providers have also criticised the CQC for the “hostility” of its inspection regime, at times.

The CQC’s interim chief executive, Kate Terroni has apologised for the failings in the CQC’s implementation of its 2021 strategy and has pledged

improvement.

Importantly, that improvement promises “to work with people who use services, providers and partners to agree more actions and develop solutions together.”

Partnership is the key and bringing an end to the “them and us” feeling that many providers have when dealing with the CQC. We share the common aim of providing the best care to people and should be working together to achieve that.

This partnership working goes further than just relationships with the CQC. I have long argued that social care needs to be better represented on the ICBs and in her review of integrated care systems, Patricia Hewitt said she agreed that social care providers “should have a strong voice in every ICS.” That is something the Government should insist upon.

Getting back to the CQC, I would also like to see greater emphasis on the CQC overseeing the part commissioners play in the delivery of care.

Providers up and down the country tell me that local authorities and ICBs wield too much power when it comes to commissioning. They use that position to drive down prices,

placing greater pressure on providers to keep delivering more and more high quality care for less money, stifling their ability to pay staff properly and to grow their services.

Better oversight by the CQC might help us work towards commissioners paying a fairer and more consistent price for care that maintains a sustainable market for delivery and helps providers to not only survive but to grow. At the moment providers are under pressure, some are leaving the sector and we are seeing the creation of social care deserts.

Overall, a more effective CQC would provide a level of oversight that gives service users the confidence they need and providers an inspection regime that works with them and is quick, fair and consistent. We might then be able to dispense with the other inspections that duplicate what the CQC is supposed to achieve and which add unnecessary layers of administration for already hardpressed providers.

If he wants a “quick win” to restore faith in the Government’s plans for social care, Mr Streeting could do worse than include a thorough overhaul of the CQC as well in his reforms for our sector.

Groundbreaking nursing diploma launches

A UNIQUE, currently free, scheme giving nurses, nursing associates and assistant practitioners the opportunity to enhance their careers in social care has been launched in Devon.

The Advanced Diploma (CPD) in Adult Social Care Nursing has been designed by care provider Southern Healthcare (Wessex Ltd), which has four awardwinning homes in the county.

The scheme has been developed in collaboration with a satellite centre of the University of Bolton, based at Petroc College in north Devon.

The innovative training is supported by NHS England and is open to registered nurses, registered nursing associates and assistant practitioners,currently working in nursing and care home environments.

It is predominantly an online learning programme together with an in-workplace face-toface assessment of practice and competencies.

Also included are 10 face-toface clinical days at Southern Healthcare’s dedicated training centre, Eden House in Dawlish or at Petroc College, Barnstaple, led by a clinical nurse tutor or invited

Margot Whittaker and Shaun Kershaw.

specialist. This all goes hand in hand with an interactive learning application accessible on the learner’s mobile phone.

Margot Whittaker, Southern Healthcare’s director of nursing and compliance, said: “This course has been created to help aid nurses, nursing associates and assistant practitioners within social care to understand the complexity of their job role, and supports them towards reaching nursing wellbeing, not only for themselves, but also for residents

and families through person centred approaches and high quality clinical practice.

“Until now, there has been no specific recognised qualification for nurses working in a nursing home environment. All general nurses are mostly trained within hospital environments which support the more medical models of care and nursing.

“Whilst in social care, the nurse is looking after a person within their own home or care environment, and so the more regimental task-focused way of nursing is not appropriate, or appreciated, within this more relaxed setting, particularly for those with a dementia or who are at the end of life.”

Margot added that current models of care tend to encourage care workers to focus on the deficits of people rather than upon their capabilities, which also goes against the regulatory requirements now being requested by the CQC.

“This course is groundbreaking and has been designed to address sectorial changes within the health and social care environment,” she added.

“It is a dynamic and experiential

learning experience focusing on practical, reflective and critical thinking in practice.

“Learning is orientated towards clinical practice, as well as understanding the needs of residents and their families, promoting values such as kindness, compassion, and relationship/person-centric wellbeing. It explores all aspects of adult social care nursing with its day-to-day challenges, deliberating on situations and successful resolutions.

“We want to see social care nurses striving towards this with pride. We feel they should be recognised within a standard as specialists in social care nursing and be fully equipped to work holistically at a very high level.

“This course has been met with tremendous enthusiasm from our own nurses and healthcare professionals, both locally and nationally.”

The programme has been coauthored with Shaun Kershaw, senior lecturer in nursing at the University of Bolton Satellite Centre for Nursing at Petroc College in Barnstaple. Support for diploma has also come from senior figures in the NHS.

Residents benefit from mini zoo experience

A DERBYSHIRE care home became a mini zoo of weird and wonderful creatures during an animal assisted therapy session.

A corn snake, tarantula, tortoise, bearded dragon, hedgehog, guinea pig, and stick insects were among the menagerie brought to Springbank House in Chesterfield.

Becky Jackson, from Animal Encounters Derbyshire, brought the creatures for an interactive and therapeutic animal handling experience.

Home manager Emily Barlow said: “These sorts of sessions have a massive positive impact on our elderly residents.

“Just watching them interact with the animals and hearing them talk about their experience shows the power of activities like this.

“Interacting with the animals, seeing creatures they’ve never seen before, and learning new facts all help to visibly boost everyone’s mood and wellbeing, while reducing feelings of stress, loneliness, and

anxiety.

“We will definitely be running more animal assisted therapy sessions in future.”

Each animal was taken around the residents in turn, who had the opportunity to hold and stroke them, learn facts from Becky and ask questions.

While some proved popular, including the hedgehog and guinea pig, the Chilean rose hair tarantula, named Ruby, got a mixed reaction from the residents.

Book shares home’s history and residents’

A KENT care home has published a book that explores and celebrates its history – offering a deeper look into its past and vibrant community.

Tracy Betts, family liaison at Hengist Field Care Centre in Sittingbourne, has written ‘A Journey Within’ – serving as a dedication to those who work and reside within the home, as well as a fitting tribute to all those who have passed.

She said: “I came up with the idea of doing life stories for the residents, and as I was doing it, I was looking at a lot of their history, and then I started looking at the history of Hengist Field, and I said that this would be a really good story.”

The book starts with the story of Hengist and Horsa, Germanic twin brothers who are said to have led the Angles, Saxons and Jutes in their invasion of Britain in the fifth century. According to tradition, Hengist became the first Jutish

king of Kent, which is how the home gained its name.

In fitting with the namesake story, the home held a Viking themed book launch party, seeing team members and residents wearing traditional Viking dress, such as helmets, armour and fur.

Whilst the garden was decorated with shields, a faux ‘pig roast’ and tepees.

Other homes, part of the Nellsar group, also joined in the celebrations, enjoying a barbecue, followed by entertainment with a singalong and a dance.

stories

The 76-page book further details resident stories, shares their most loved recipes and cards, dedicates a section to the team members at the home, and explores the community that makes Hengist Field.

Martin Barrett, managing director of Nellsar Care Homes, added: “I’m just thrilled by the work that has gone into this book, and I think it’s a great showcase for everything that we do, and I’m so proud of everyone involved.

“This book is a celebration of how caring for each other and sharing each other’s joy in the little things can transcend what you think a ‘care home’ is.

“I guarantee you that every single resident has a story worth hearing. Our society must re-learn how to value its most experienced citizens and to treasure them in the vulnerability of older age.”

To read a copy of ‘A Journey Within’ visit hengist-field.nellsar. com/a-journey-within-book

CQC update – what’s happened, where we are now and what this means for providers

By Samantha Burges

IT HAS been a tumultuous few months for CQC to say the very least.

In May 2024 we saw the first public acknowledgement of concerns with CQC’s new Single Assessment Framework through the commissioning of the Dash Review, in June we saw the announcement that CQC’s chief executive (Ian Trenholm) was stepping down and in July we saw an unprecedented public acknowledgement from CQC that it’s not fit for purpose.

This was promptly followed by the publication of the interim report from the independent review into the operational effectiveness of the CQC, led by Dr Penelope Dash (‘the Dash Review’), on July 26.

A brief summary of the interim findings from the Dash Review is set out below and this article addresses where we are now, what this means for CQC registered providers and what we can expect in the future.

Main findings and recommendations noted in the Dash Review’s Interim Report

The interim report succinctly summarises the findings emerging from the review and has set out five recommendations for CQC to start working on right away. Five emerging findings have been reported as follows:

1. Poor operational performance (including a significant reduction in inspection activity, a lack of initial and follow-up inspections, delays to registrations and poor call centre performance).

2. Significant challenges with the provider portal and regulatory platform which are hampering CQC’s ability to roll out the Single Assessment Framework and cause considerable frustration and time loss for providers.

3. Considerable loss of credibility within the health and care sectors due to loss of sector expertise and wider restructuring, resulting in lost opportunities for improvement.

4. Concerns around the SAF (including no description of what ‘good’ care looks like, resulting in a lack of consistency in how care is assessed, a lack of focus on outcomes, a lack of transparency around the data used to understand the user voice and experience, no reference to use of resources or efficient delivery of care in the assessment framework and limited reference to innovation in care models or ways of encouraging adoption of these).

5. Lack of clarity regarding how ratings are calculated and concerning use of the outcome of previous inspections (often

several years ago) to calculate a current rating.

Five recommendations have been made in line with the findings. These are for CQC to:

1. Rapidly improve operational performance.

2. Fix the provider portal and regulatory platform.

3. Rebuild expertise within the organisation and relationships with providers in order to resurrect credibility.

4. Review the SAF to make it fit for purpose.

5. Clarify how ratings are calculated and make the results more transparent, particularly where multi-year inspections and ratings have been used.

The interim report has additionally highlighted the necessity for the DHSC to enhance its oversight of CQC including more regular performance conversations to take place to reinforce progress against the recommendations set out above and expanded on in the interim report.

Where are we at now?

CQC has accepted there are genuine issues and has stated its commitment to working with providers and other relevant stakeholders to further develop and improve its processes.

Prior to the publication of the Dash Review’s interim report, Kate Terroni, the interim chief executive of CQC, issued a statement on July 15 which noted three urgent and immediate areas of action as follows:

1. Improve how CQC is using its regulatory approach by:

n Increasing and improving the support and guidance for providers on CQC’s regulatory approach.

n Increasing the number of assessments and inspections CQC is doing.

n Improving registration waiting times following the recent increase in the number of people working in registration and working to get any outstanding registration applications processed as soon as possible.

2. Fix and improve the provider portal by continuing to work with providers to identify

improvements that can be made to the portal and design solutions together.

3. Rethink CQC’s ways of working including testing a new approach to relationship management that enables a closer and more consistent contact point for providers.

The statement also included an apology that CQC got things wrong in the implementation of the SAF. It acknowledged the technical issues experienced with the provider portal and delays in the registration process. It also acknowledged that a number of issues CQC is now facing were anticipated and flagged by providers and CQC did not listen properly or take on board the concerns. It stated a commitment to urgently and rapidly improve how CQC is using its regulatory approach and to make the changes needed to steer CQC in the right direction.

A further statement was issued by CQC in response to the interim findings of the Dash Review on July 26 accepting the findings and recommendations in full and reiterating the points noted above.

CQC has reflected on its failure to listen to providers and has stated a commitment to work together with people who use services, providers and partners to agree more actions and develop solutions.

What does this mean for CQC registered providers?

The key point to note is there has not been a pause in inspection activity as a result of recent announcements (albeit, as noted in the Dash Review’s interim report, CQC inspection activity has more than halved compared to figures from 2019-2020).

CQC is continuing to inspect services under the SAF and continues to pursue enforcement action where it believes it is necessary. No changes have been announced in relation to the application of the SAF to inspections to date.

In the current landscape CQC may be more responsive to challenges raised in response to assessment findings through the FAC process. Therefore, if providers have concerns with any communicated inspection findings, they should utilise the FAC process to help ensure inspection reports are as accurate a reflection of the service as they can be.

What can we expect in the future?

There is still a lot of uncertainty around what changes will be made to CQC’s assessment process over the next few months and how wider changes to the

organisation will impact this. A lot of high-level statements have been made, including in Kate Terroni’s statement from July 15.

As an example, during an online CQC Regulatory Approach Advisory Group meeting with providers on July 29, CQC said it was considering putting a pause on the scoring of evidence categories, while continuing to score Quality Statements.

No detail was provided as to how this might work in practice and generally speaking there has not been much tangible information about what’s happening on the ground.

That said, we do know the following:

n The Dash Review’s final report is expected to be published in Autumn 2024. The interim report has already listed five recommendations and these are expected to be expanded on.

n CQC continues to seek to engage the public in providing feedback on various aspects of its operations. The current live CQC survey is requesting feedback on whether Kate Terroni’s recent statement adequately reflects people’s feedback and concerns and whether the actions CQC is proposing feel like the right ones.

n CQC has said it will be developing a new handbook for all providers. It is working together with stakeholders to produce this and will be releasing more information soon on how people can get involved. So far CQC has been told the handbook should cover the following:

n What providers can expect from an inspection.

n What customer services standards should be expected from CQC.

n How CQC can together with stakeholders reach a shared understanding of what ‘good’ looks like for different service types.

n Frequencies of assessment – further information on this was meant to be published in July but this has been delayed as a result of the Dash Review’s interim report. CQC is now saying it will publish an interim statement about how frequently it plans to assess each type of service. CQC will then publish more information on this.

Information will continue to be released by CQC over the coming weeks and months. Providers should sign up to CQC’s email circulars to ensure they get the most up to date news on developments and actively engage with CQC’s requests for feedback.

n Samantha is a senior associate solicitor at Gordons Partnership.

Samantha Burges

Your trusted interior specialists for exceptional care homes

KILWORTH is your trusted partner for exceptional care home flooring and furnishings.

With a rich history spanning generations, we’ve honed our craft to deliver tailored solutions that elevate any environment.

Located centrally in Leicestershire, we specialise in flooring and furnishings, providing bespoke solutions and quality products ideally suited to residential homes and care homes.

Utilising our vast skills, we create luxurious environments that exceed the usual expectations of retirement living and assisted care environments.

Full service offering

Our comprehensive service encompasses everything from bespoke interior design and product sourcing to expert installation and ongoing management.

We offer a vast selection of flooring options, including carpets, carpet tiles, sheet vinyl, and specialist flooring products and furnishing services including design, sourcing and management of interior spaces across the care sector.

Whether you’re seeking to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a residential home or a functional yet stylish space in a care home, our team of experts is dedicated to bringing your unique vision to life.

Seamless processes

Our process begins with a comprehensive

consultation to understand your vision and requirements. We then create detailed drawings and designs, bringing your ideas to life and ensuring optimal space utilisation.

Once your vision is clear, we meticulously select and procure the finest products to match your style and budget.

Finally, our skilled installation team will expertly transform your space, paying close attention to the smallest details, to deliver a flawless finish that exceeds your expectations.

Above and beyond care

At Kilworth, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients.

Our dedicated team, comprising skilled designers, procurement experts, and experienced fitters, is committed to exceeding your expectations.

With a proven track record of delivering outstanding service, we’re your go-to choice for transforming spaces into exceptional care environments.

Since 2005, we have always endeavoured to support our customers’ needs above and beyond the recognised service levels.

We pride ourselves on the feedback received by our customers, who recognise that we are always prepared to go the extra mile to fulfil optimum service at all times.

Clegg Construction completes third care home for Avery Healthcare

CLEGG Construction has completed a £10.3m contract to deliver a care home in Peterborough for Avery Healthcare.

The 80-bedroom, three-storey building is the third care home built by Clegg Construction for the operator and is a key part of the Hampton Gardens development, which includes a convenience store, residential accommodation and a children’s nursery.

Waterhouse Manor will provide a dementia-friendly environment for older people, including suites for couples, a lounge, hair salon, café and therapy facility.

Managing director at Clegg Construction, Michael Sims, said: “I am very pleased that Clegg Construction has handed over this superb modern facility which will provide first-class care accommodation.

“Clegg Construction has wide experience of working in this sector and this is the third care home scheme that we have delivered in partnership with Avery Healthcare. Everyone involved in this excellent development can be proud of what has been achieved.”

Previously, Clegg Construction delivered Middleton Lodge Care

Home in Littleover, Derbyshire, and Mousehold View Care Home in Norwich for Avery Healthcare.

Other key members of the project team that built Waterhouse Manor, which will provide residential, respite, and dementia care for residents, included Harris Irwin Architects, project manager and quantity surveyor Holden and Lee, and mechanical and electrical engineer Harniss. Director of developments

at Avery Healthcare, Adrian Doyle, added: “Our longterm relationship with Clegg Construction is based on consistently high quality results, the strength of our partnership, and the expertise of the team that continues to deliver successful care accommodation.

“It’s been great to work again with Clegg on this scheme and I am delighted that our partnership has created valuable care facilities

for the local community of Peterborough.

“Waterhouse Manor is part of an extensive development programme being undertaken by Avery Healthcare and we are proud that this is the latest in a number of new care homes that will be opening over the next year, with others in Sheringham, Burley in Wharfedale, Downham Market, Eastbourne and Gravesend all under construction.”

During the course of the build, Clegg Construction held site and office-based collections for Peterborough Foodbank which resulted in more than 250kg of food and toiletries donated by staff and supply chain partners.

As part of Clegg’s commitment to the local area, a group of Prince’s Trust students and job centre clients visited Waterhouse Manor for a tour ahead of completion. Project manager Stacey Humphries and site manager Kevin Gamble led the tour and gave a presentation. This scheme is the latest in a string of care homes built by Clegg Construction over the past five years, including the £9m, 65-bedroom Highfield Care Home in Tadcaster handed over to Barchester Healthcare in May.

Case study – Orchard Care Homes

ORCHARD Care Homes recognises the significant transition many new residents experience when moving from their own home to a care home.

To make this transition as smooth and welcoming as possible, the group takes a painstaking approach to interior design and aesthetics across its 23 homes.

From soft furnishings to innovative lighting solutions, each element is meticulously chosen to foster a sense of comfort and belonging.

All bedrooms are decorated to the highest standards, with modern fittings and furnishings throughout.

Each bedroom is designed to include ample storage space for personal items and any specialist clinical equipment, along with multiple lighting options, which are designed to suit any needs or preferences.

Curtains, cushions, and upholstery are curated in neutral colours and textures, other colour palettes lead with pale, calming colour ways, reflecting a sense of homeliness.

Ergonomically designed chairs and beds that cater to the varying needs of people are essential.

Most homes in the group offer reclining chairs and beds with built-in support features, providing

comfort and aiding in mobility whilst blending seamlessly with the overall décor.

People who live in an Orchard Care home are encouraged to personalise their spaces as much as they wish to; with photographs, artwork and their own personal decorative pieces to ensure they feel right at home.

Enabling a sense of community when it comes to Orchard’s communal spaces is vital, with light, spacious and comfortable common rooms and dining areas that allow for multiple group

activities and events with a cosy, homely feel.

Many homes across the group offer additional communal spaces such as bars, in-house cinemas, tea rooms and so much more – creating a lively community atmosphere where people can enjoy the best possible quality of life, in a sociable environment. Orchard operates nine Reconnect Communities within its 23 homes for residents who require highly specialised Dementia care.

These innovative communities

have been specifically designed to provide a person-centric approach in a therapeutic environment, aiming to understand why people exhibit the behaviours they do and adapt support accordingly to reduce distress.

These Reconnect Communities are specifically designed and built with facilities commonly found in private homes; such as DIY workrooms, kitchens, laundry areas and gardens.

These spaces are created to allow residents to engage in ‘normal’ activities like cooking, baking, and light housework, enabling a sense of choice, inclusion, and purpose.

For example, Archers Court Nursing Home in Sunderland offers different clubs for residents to enjoy, empowering them to do everyday activities just as they would have before their dementia diagnosis. With an estimated 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, the provision of long-term specialist dementia care is essential.

Reconnect Communities provide a holistic solution, supported by specialist Dementia Nurses and Dementia Support Workers.

A higher staff ratio ensures more social engagement opportunities, reducing anxiety and distress among residents.

Construction partner completes residential and dementia care facility for operator

STEPNELL has handed over a £9.4million care home to residential care provider Cinnamon Care Collection.

Marking the fourth project completed between the two firms, Oakley Grange in Bishop’s Tachbrook, Warwickshire, will provide 66 beds and five care suites set across a traditional brick structure.

The home will offer premium facilities that cater for assisted living and specialist dementia care, with a range of features including cinema rooms and private dining, supported with a commercial kitchen.

Stepnell also constructed a dedicated therapy room – the first to be offered in a Cinnamon Care collection facility.

Stepnell commenced the build in January 2023 and completed in 73 weeks, handing over to the client for fit out two weeks ahead of schedule.

To ensure the project ran smoothly, the firm led on numerous collaborative meetings between stakeholders so that delivery expectations and adjustments could be met.

Project manager Steve Hollins said: “Calling on our collective healthcare experience, including an established relationship with

Cinnamon Care Collection, we were pleased to deliver a firstclass assisted living facility for older residents in rural Warwickshire.

“This is a project that really highlights our exemplary standards, with a smooth operation that enabled our teams to handover to the client earlier than planned, allowing greater time for fit out and final preparations for its opening.”

Using its complete construction expertise, Stepnell was able to take advantage of its Step Energy and in-house joinery department, providing energy specialists to install a 70-panel solar array, as well as numerous bespoke fitted

furniture items suitable for laterliving requirements, and all made locally.

Stepnell was able to utilise a local workforce, providing further development opportunities for a team that was experienced with completing the Bennett Drive Care Home in Hagley for Cinnamon Care Collection in 2022.

The team coordinated activities to overcome operational challenges, including delivering with restricted access through the housing estate and ensuring minimal noise disturbances for neighbouring residential properties and schools.

James Gant, development

Advertiser’s announcement

Are you looking to refurbish your home or considering an extension or new build? It can be a very time-consuming and costly business but we can help you to avoid these problems, and it’s never too early to think about Christmas in terms of furniture and curtains. Please take a look at our website www.access21interiors.co.uk, email us at info@access21ltd.co.uk or call 023 8017 9845.

director at Cinnamon Care Collection, added: “We are delighted to have completed our fourth project with Stepnell. Oakley Grange is a new luxury care home, which will offer premium care facilities that cater for residential and specialist dementia care.

“The home boasts lavish and luxurious interiors, superb onsite amenities, and high-class quality hospitality. Oakley Grange offers first-class residential care and dementia care set within a stunning care home environment.

“Thanks to highest standard of workmanship and excellent craftsmen that Stepnell employed, our development was completed ahead of the schedule and to a very high specification that is typical of a Cinnamon development.

“There were a number of challenges that had to be overcome such as limited access and construction noise management that required careful planning.

“Stepnell’s positive and proactive attitude throughout the process ensured that another project came in ahead of time. We look forward to working with Stepnell on future projects and to continue to develop our homes.”

H.W.Pickrell

Gardiners Lane North, Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2XE

Mobile: 07860 894 331 • Telephone: (01268) 521033

email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk | www.hwpickrell.co.uk

We specialise in the sale and purchase of quality used wheelchair accessible vehicles and ambulances. They can be bought as seen or refurbished and sign-written to your own requirements. 12 months M.O.T and 3 months warranty. Independent Engineers inspection report supplied

• FREE DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

• ALL BUSES COMPLY WITH THE LATEST REGULATIONS

• LEASE HIRE. LEASE PURCHASE AVAILABLE

• ALWAYS LARGE STOCK OF ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

• OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK SUNDAY BY APPOINTMENT

All current stock available to view at:

Community garden party raises £800 for foodbank

RESIDENTS and team members at a Salisbury care home have raised more than £800 for the city’s foodbank by staging a summer garden party open to the community.

Braemar Lodge hosted the family-friendly event after residents chose Salisbury Foodbank as their main charity to support this year.

Manager Jackie Cash said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to host the garden party, enabling our residents to play an active role in supporting the foodbank and have fun with a lovely event right here in their own garden at the same time.”

Visitors to the party purchased books, CDs, crafts, jewellery,

greeting cards, flowers and plants on sale at a variety of stalls.

And the home organised a raffle and laid on a cream tea with glasses of fizz available throughout the afternoon.

As partygoers mingled and shopped, they enjoyed live music courtesy of the Salisbury Pluckers ukelele band and two residents’ groups: the Braemar Singers and the Braemar Handbell Ringers.

Braemar Lodge resident Catherine Brighty manned her own table, selling books, cards and other gifts she had gathered.

Maria Stevenson, manager of Salisbury Foodbank, was among the visitors and later praised the home for staging the event and raising so much in funds.

Our September front cover photograph shows residents at Valentine House care home in Silver End enjoying their annual garden party and fun day. The staff prepared the garden at the rear of the home with bunting, decorations, garden games and entertainment for residents and their relatives and friends. Residents and guests made their way to the garden party via a balloon arch which acted as a grand entrance to the garden where they enjoyed a barbecue, party games and entertainment. If you have an image that you think would make the perfect front cover then email it to dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Advertiser’s announcement

LAUNDRY can be incredibly complex and costly for care homes to manage.

Typically costing between £30 and £50 per resident, per week, care environments demand laundry practices way above the status quo, and it’s a well-documented tension point to meet acceptable standards, whilst trying to control overheads.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

With the right products and systems, care homes do have a golden opportunity to make long-term, sustainable operational cost savings of up to 20 per cent, by looking at the bigger picture of Total Operating Value.

This approach takes into account more than just the product price point, which is the natural go-to for cost-cutting.

TOV guides toward strong professional brands trusted to do a better job, also considering time saving and other important reductions such as electricity, water, and wash time.

For example, an optimised laundry system for one care home group achieved up to 40 per cent reduction in electricity consumption due to having the confidence to lower the temperature.

Water usage reduced by 23 per cent and wash-time by 28 per cent because of firstpass results, eliminating the need for prewash and re-wash.

And let us not forget the comfort of residents and satisfaction of their relatives finding them with clean, fresh-smelling clothes and soft bedding. Utopia.

The secret sauce is the chemical quality

Spotlight on laundry

with a focus on strong performance and a solid process, using a simple, safe, and effective line-up that works right the first time, eliminating unnecessary costs and labour.

To find out just how much your home could save, and try our cost-savings calculator, speak to one of our helpful experts on 01772 425310 or info@carehomelife.co.uk

Specialist Nutrition Made Easy

Why Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional?

It’s specialist nutrition made easy

WITH most care homes catering for between three and 19 per cent of residents with specialist dietary needs, it’s more important than ever to ensure that homes have the right catering solutions in place to meet those needs.

That is why Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional is a powerful opportunity for homes looking to enhance their specialist nutrition offer and meet the complex dietary needs of residents.

Whether that is catering for those living with swallowing difficulties (also known as dysphagia), with one or more of the 14 known food allergens, or those residents who may be at risk of malnutrition.

When you choose to work with us, you are benefiting from a partnership that brings together the combined expertise of apetito, with more than 30 years of experience in serving care homes and hospitals, and the local delivery network and good old-fashioned service that Wiltshire Farm Foods is renowned for.

This means that every home can benefit from our award-winning specialist ranges, even when not taking the full-service solution from apetito.

We also offer the perfect solution for smaller homes (with under 30 beds), who are looking for a broader meals service provision that they can mobilise day-to-day, delivering high quality meals in a way that is simple and cost effective to manage.

Providing high quality solutions for those requiring specialist dietary requirements can be a significant challenge for care homes and smaller institutions, particularly when faced with labour shortages and cost challenges.

Wiltshire Farm Foods

Professional can help you to combat this and ensure that all residents have access to a nutritious and delicious meal that is safe for their individual needs – all with ease and convenience for your kitchen. We understand the importance and value of mealtime enjoyment for residents and believe that everyone should be able to dine with dignity whilst eating meals that support their health and well-being. These values are reflected in our world leading texture modified

meal ranges that are made in line with International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative guidance, providing safety in every bite.

Within our Specialist Nutrition ranges we also offer a selection of meals that meet the British Dietetic Association standards for ‘Energy Dense’ served in a smaller portion size, a great solution for those residents who may have smaller appetite or are at risk of malnourishment.

Furthermore, our extensive ‘free from’ range provides choice for residents who may be living with one or more of the 14 known allergens, putting resident safety, quality and peace of mind at the forefront of every mealtime.

Our good old-fashioned commitment to service

excellence means you can count on us to be there for you, whether it’s answering your questions, choosing the right meals for different dietary requirements, or resolving any concerns promptly and efficiently.

And with no contractual requirements or commitments and free delivery, why not get in touch with us today at www.wffpro.co.uk or scan the QR code below.

Managing allergens in care homes

By Sophia Cornelius ALLERGENS

are extremely prevalent in the UK with an estimated 41 million people, and rising, living with one or more allergy1

Whilst there are many types of allergies, food is one of the most widely recognised with threequarters of care homes reporting that one in four of their residents require allergen-free meals.

It is essential that care homes have a robust allergy management policy in place to ensure the health and safety of residents.

This policy should include procedures for identifying residents with food allergies upon admission, documenting their allergies, and implementing measures to prevent crosscontamination and

accidental exposure.

The food standards agency (FSA) state that a resident’s dietary needs should be documented in their care plan and processes put in place to ensure their needs are communicated to those serving the food.

One way to reduce risk of a resident having an allergic reaction is through comprehensive staff training on food allergies, including how to recognise symptoms of an allergic

reaction, how to read food labels effectively, and how to handle and prepare allergen-free meals safely (avoiding crosscontamination).

Cross-contamination poses significant risk for residents with severe allergies.

Cross-contamination is when a ‘safe food’ has been exposed to an allergen containing food and can occur at any point when food is being handled, including preparation, cooking, storage and serving. Therefore, it can be challenging to avoid, especially if homes are scratch cooking for many residents with varying dietary needs and allergies.

In the recent Nourishing Lives research report conducted by apetito and

Care England, it was found that 40 per cent of homes worry about contamination of food when it comes to preparation and that preparing individual dishes to the highest level of food safety was time-consuming. Using pre-prepared meals can help to mitigate some of these risks for care homes as they will have been produced in a strictly controlled environment, safely packed, and labelled – providing a safe and more convenient option when catering for diverse dietary needs.

Reference

1. About allergy: Allergy UK: National Charity [Internet]. [cited 2024 Apr 19]. Available from: https://www.allergyuk.org/aboutallergy/

n Sophia Cornelius is a development dietitian at Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional.

Our Free From range of meals

OUR Free From range offers meals that are safe for residents that need to avoid one or more of the 14 major allergens without having to compromise on the quality or enjoyment of the meal. From a Free From Sweet & Sour Chicken to a Free From Roast Beef in Gravy, we have got a wide selection to ensure that residents don’t need to miss out on their favourite meals.

All of the meals in this range are free from the following: Soya, Mustard, Gluten, Celery, Sesame, Peanuts, Sulphites, Nuts, Lupin, Fish, Crustacean, Egg, Mollusc, and Milk (and all products produced or derived from milk). The dishes are also made without both onion and garlic.

For added peace of mind, every batch of these meals is tested in our dedicated approved allergen laboratory before being sold, providing assurance that the strict standards required are always achieved.

Sophia Cornelius

Specialist nutrition, made easy

AT Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional, we pride ourselves on enhancing the health and wellbeing of residents and believe everyone should look forward to mealtimes regardless of their dietary need.

That is why we have been honing our world leading specialist nutrition range for more than 10 years and are proud to offer more than 88 meals across three of the IDDSI textures – Level 4, 5 and 6. We’ve spent years understanding the needs

of those living with swallowing difficulties (also known as dysphagia) and our mission from day one has been to create a range of texture modified meals that are not only delicious and safe, but also provide the nutrition required.

The common phrase ‘we eat with our eyes’ is even more important for those living with dysphagia and is why the visual appearance of a modified meal makes a difference. We are committed to not only focusing on the delicious flavour

and variety of our meal offering, but also paying significant attention to how they look, ensuring to bring dignity and enjoyment back to the dining experience. We shape our meals so they resemble ‘traditional’ notions of how food should look and have also launched our latest innovation that replicates the browning effect on the surface of meats and potatoes, giving that “just cooked” look and making the meals even more visually appealing.

Our range of Texture Modified dishes

Created in line with IDDSI guidance

Level 4 Purée – These meals have a smooth texture and do not require any chewing. They are shaped using specialist moulds to resemble the food they represent and hold their shape even after cooking. Our range also includes a selection of Puréed desserts, breakfast options and a trio of tasty toasties to support all day menu planning.

After listening closely to customer feedback and preferences, our range of Purée meals is now better than ever. Improvements to the range include bringing all our Puréed dishes into the smaller ‘Purée Petite’ portion size, that are still packed full of flavour and meet the BDA guidelines for ‘Energy Dense’, as well as introducing more puréed sauces and gravies and an array of new side dishes into the range to elevate the flavours and overall mealtime experience.

Level 5 Minced – Our Level 5 main meals are minced to be tender and moist; the pieces are equal to or less than 4mm width and no more than 15mm in length. In this range, you will find plenty of comforting dishes such as casseroles and stews served with mashed sides.

Level 6 Soft & Bite-sized – Our Level 6 meals are soft and tender, only requiring light chewing. Each element of the dish is cut

into smaller, manageable pieces that are no larger than 15mm and can be easily mashed with a fork.

Mini Meals Extra

These meals are for when residents need more but want less.

Malnutrition is a serious issue that impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including overall sociability and mental wellbeing.

And according to the Malnutrition Task Force, one in 10 older

people are living with or are at risk of malnutrition. Our energy dense range, Mini Meals Extra, packs extra protein and calories into a smaller, more manageable portion, helping to meet the dietary requirements of those in need and working towards combating the effects of malnutrition. All these meals contain at least 500 calories and a minimum of 20g of essential protein to help residents towards their nutritional needs.

Our range of meals

FOR smaller homes with less than 30 beds, Wiltshire Farm Foods

Professional can also provide a more traditional meal offer that your residents can enjoy every day.

We pride ourselves on creating high quality dishes which are conceived by our team of in-house chefs and dietitians, to make sure our meals are not only delicious but right nutritionally for your

residents.

Portions are frozen within one hour of cooking to lock in nutrition and flavour, maintaining the food’s goodness.

From traditional favourites like Cottage Pie, Roast Chicken Breast with Stuffing and Bangers and Mash, through to a selection of tasty Vegetarian or Indian and Chinese style options, we have got you covered.

Our range even provides options for all other meal

occasions to help with your menu planning, with a variety of delicious desserts, savoury snacks and warming soups on offer.

We know that not every appetite is the same, which is why we cater for different portion sizes.

Our Mini Meal range is perfect for those who prefer a smaller portion, whilst those with a larger appetite might prefer to try our Hearty selection. And the preparation

couldn’t be easier.

All our meals can be cooked in the microwave straight from frozen in a matter of minutes, without even the need to pierce the film lid, removing the complexities of managing kitchen teams and ensuring adequate staff cover.

This provides a flexible and hassle-free experience for your teams in the kitchen – saving on time and significantly reducing your labour costs.

How can texture modified diets help tackle malnutrition for those living with dysphagia?

By Sophia Cornelius

ONE OF the common consequences of dysphagia is malnutrition, with 51 per cent of people living with dysphagia being malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

Providing nutritionally dense, well presented and, of course, tasty texture modified meals is essential for both preventing malnutrition and managing dysphagia.

Here are several ways in which a texture modified diet can help:

Improved safety and comfort

Dysphagia can result from mechanical issues that impair the ability to chew and break down foods in a way that is safe to swallow.

These mechanical issues can stem from various conditions affecting the structures involved in chewing and swallowing.

Texture modification helps address these challenges by altering the consistency of food and making it easier to chew or eliminating the need for chewing altogether.

It also ensures a cohesive bolus is formed, which is easier to control and swallow safely, thereby reducing the risk of choking and aspiration.

Reduced mealtime fatigue

One of the challenges

that contributes to the increased risk of malnutrition is mealtime fatigue.

The physical changes associated with dysphagia can make the act of eating more time consuming and tiring.

Texture modified foods help individuals to conserve energy through being partially of fully broken down, reducing the amount of effort required to chew and overall physical strain required for a safe swallow.

Enhanced nutritional intake

Enhancing safety and comfort while reducing mealtime fatigue will ultimately improve nutritional intake by making the experience less stressful.

Furthermore, meals should be approached similarly to how they were before dysphagia, incorporating variety to prevent boredom, presenting food attractively to stimulate

appetite, and ensuring excellent flavour to promote good intake.

One consideration for individuals with dysphagia is portion size; due to factors like mealtime fatigue, larger portions may no longer be manageable.

Food fortification is essential to counteract the nutritional deficit created by smaller portion sizes as not only does it optimise nutritional intake but can prevent people being over faced by large portions as well as reducing food waste.

Both malnutrition and dysphagia can have severe consequences to an individual’s health and wellbeing through increasing the risk of hospital admissions and reducing their independence, resulting in a poorer quality of life.

Texture modified meals are tailored to meet the specific swallowing capabilities of individuals with dysphagia, enhancing

safety during eating. Additionally, food fortification can be utilised to ensure nutritious meals. However, taste and variety are crucial factors that need to be addressed to ensure optimal nutritional intake and enhance food enjoyment and quality of life.

Recent innovations are giving people with dysphagia access to foods that would previously be considered unsafe, expanding the variety and choice available.

This includes different cuisines and accommodations for a growing number of dietary needs.

At Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional, we understand that food is considered one of life’s greatest joys, and that it is essential that texture modified diets are both safe and enjoyable.

n Sophia Cornelius is a development dietitian at Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional.

Sophia Cornelius

Leading the way

NOT only do we believe in enhancing health and wellbeing through our meals, but we are also dedicated to limiting our environmental impact and prioritising the health of our planet.

Whether that is working closely with trusted suppliers to ensure we

are sourcing sustainably or operating our world leading closed-loop system for ready meal trays to reduce packaging waste, doing business in a sustainable way is at the heart of everything we do.

That’s why we have committed to reaching Net Zero carbon emissions

by 2040. But we didn’t stop there. To keep ourselves accountable and ensure we are taking decarbonisation action now, we’ve also set a series of short-term carbon reduction targets (independently validated and approved by the SBTi).

Our commitment to ethics and sustainability is the reason that we were awarded our fourth Royal Honour; The King’s Awards for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2024. It was awarded in recognition of our commitment to conducting business that positively impacts the environment, society and economy, and we are one of only 29 businesses recognised for their work in this space.

By partnering with Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional, you’re not only getting access to high-quality meals, award-winning specialist diets and local service, but you’ll also be receiving an automatic five per cent discount on our Wiltshire Farm Foods retail prices on every order.

If you want to hear how Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional can help you make a real difference to the nutrition, health and wellbeing of those in your care and all with fantastic value for your business, get in touch with the team on:

Website: wffpro.co.uk

Phone: 01225 308829

Email: info@wffpro.co.uk

In partnership with

Videographer swaps a career in ‘The Big Apple’ for care home

A VIDEOGRAPHER and photographer who travelled the world snapping world-class campaigns has swapped a career behind the camera for a career in care.

Andrew Blake from Pollokshields is embarking on a new profession at a care home in Govan, Florence House, in which he is responsible for the mental and physical activities for the elderly residents as an inhouse wellbeing enabler.

In a previous career, Andrew globe-trotted from his home in Glasgow’s southside to Toronto to pursue a university education in filmmaking and screenwriting. This saw him working on national campaigns for President’s Choice, a grocery supplier in Canada, and telecommunications giant, Rogers.

A trip to New York presented him with the opportunity to work alongside photography heavyweights and set him up for a return to Scotland where he pursued photography and videography with fashion editorials, weddings and freelance campaigns forming the majority of his portfolio.

Andrew had the career most people longed for, but he was lacking passion and an intrinsic feeling of reward in his career choice.

He said: “I had the career everyone envied, fast-paced, glamorous and I was working on some huge campaigns both in Scotland and overseas. As much as I enjoyed it, I wanted a career that made a difference to the everyday quality of life for people.

“After some reflection, I decided I wanted to try a new career, but I wasn’t sure where to

start. Even though I am relatively still young, it is daunting trying to find a new job, a new sector and essentially start learning all over again.

“I have always been quite a caring person and so I knew I had strengths in that area. I saw the job advert for the wellbeing enabler at Florence House and it really resonated with me. I don’t have a background in nursing or social care but the role didn’t require that. It needed someone who could form meaningful relationships with residents, develop engaging and stimulating activities and provide a sense of community for the people living in the care

home.”

The residents at Florence House all benefit from the small team of wellbeing enablers working in the home to curate a rich social calendar. Each resident is encouraged to join activities and excursions as part of their care at the home.

All of the residents’ hobbies, interests and passions are taken into account when planning the weekly activity schedule which currently includes cookery classes, crafting cafes, ballroom dancing, surprise day-tours to a mystery location, walking football and men’s shed days.

Andrew added: “A big part of my role is to keep the residents connected to their community. We regularly engage with events in Govan, day trips and community events are a cornerstone of our social calendar. The more we can do in the area that many of our residents have lived in for most of their lives, the better.

“I am passionate about ensuring our residents are in the community, socialising and living rich-meaningful lives, not confined to the walls of a care home. Our residents don’t lose a sense of their interests and passions just because they come to a care home, it’s our job to facilitate activities and opportunities that bring joy our residents.

“I love taking the residents out, we try to get out once a day. It keeps their minds and bodies active and stimulated and ensures they are coming to a home that keeps their mental and physical health front-of-mind.”

Andrew Blake

Couple acquire second home in Surrey

their

thanks to six-figure funding from Unity Trust Bank.

Mekala and Sena Satheswaran, directors of Y&M Care, bought Old Wall Cottage Nursing Home in Betchworth in 2019 after the Care Quality Commission had ruled it ‘required improvement’.

After turning it into a ‘Good’-rated establishment, they have acquired Westcott House in neighbouring Dorking so that both homes complement the company’s care offering in the area.

More than 100 staff are now employed across both homes, with Old Wall Cottage providing 36 bed spaces for dementia patients and Wescott accommodating 60 residents in need of nursing care.

Mekala said: “When we bought Old Wall Cottage we worked with healthcare consultancy Fulcrum to identify and prioritise what needed doing.

“We refurbished it and added more

bedrooms but, as with any business, staff are your main assets and crucial to your success.

“We created a good working environment, invested in training and introduced competitive salaries and flexible working patterns.

“When we wanted to buy Westcott House, Fulcrum recommended Unity to us and Paul Kelly, who is our personal relationship manager, was so knowledgeable. He inspired confidence in us and guided us through the whole process.

“We want to make a difference to people’s lives and ensure that their later years are as

comfortable and meaningful as possible, so it’s important that our bank is communityorientated and not just about the finance.”

Unity was founded 40 years ago and its mission is to help create a better society. In 2023 it surpassed a milestone £1billion in socially-responsible lending and received the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development 2024 in recognition of the social good it delivers.

Paul Kelly, deputy regional director at Unity Trust Bank, added: “Through excellent customer service and responsible financing we support organisations to grow and address social, economic or environmental needs in local communities.

“I have worked with many specialised care home operators during my time in banking and Mekala and Sena’s commitment to improving the welfare of both their service users and employees aligns with Unity’s values.

“The operators are pro-actively involved with the wellbeing of the service users, their families and the wider community.”

Operator pioneers staff health checks

CONNAUGHT Care Collection is offering free ‘full-body health checks’ to all of its 184 staff members.

To deliver the service the operator is partnering with Bluecrest Wellness, who will offer comprehensive health checks covering heart disease, stroke risk, ECGs, cholesterol levels, diabetes, protein and iron levels.

This company-funded package will help staff members to monitor their own wellbeing, stay healthy and detect any serious health issues early.

Connaught staff will have rapid access to appointments, worldclass laboratory facilities and fully personalised results reports with 24/7 GP follow-up support as standard.

CEO,Andrew Winstanley said this is the first time a UK care group has offered free, comprehensive health checks to its entire staff.

“We think this is absolutely the right thing to offer to our teams,” he added.

“When we founded the Connaught Care Collection our vision was to create the kind of homes where both residents and staff can thrive.

“The health and well-being of our staff is paramount to achieving this. The partnership with Bluecrest Wellness will offer

New bedrooms now available to reserve

SIXTEEN new en-suite bedrooms are now available to reserve at Hartford Care’s Springfield House Nursing Home in Shanklin, Isle of Wight.

The new bedrooms will be located in a newly-built extension and will be available to move into in the near future.

Home manager Emma Davis said: “I am privileged to be part of such a wonderful community here at Springfield.

“We are a ‘home from home’ and our residents feel as if our team supporting them are members of their own family.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer another 16 bedrooms at our home and very much look forward to welcoming our new residents.”

Springfield Nursing Home currently has 42 bedrooms and

offers dementia care, residential care, respite breaks, nursing care, day care and end-of-life care in an Edwardian-fronted building which has been sympathetically restored and extended.

The new rooms will offer clean, crisp interiors, which act as a perfect canvas to be personalised as residents wish, with their own furniture from home, family photographs or paintings. All will have en-suite wet rooms. Alongside the new rooms will be two new residents’ lounges, a hair salon and an assisted bathroom.

To celebrate the launch of the new rooms, Hartford Care is running a limited offer of £250 off per week for the first 12 weeks when moving in as a new permanent resident.

peace of mind and highlight areas of concern.

“If our own team is happy and healthy, both mentally and physically, then we know they are in the right frame of mind to deliver the outstanding care our residents deserve.”

Non-invasive tests will check for

key health markers including liver and kidney function, cholesterol levels, diabetes risk, blood pressure, and mental well-being.

Tests have already been administered to 100+ staff members across the provider’s four active homes, and will be offered to all staff in future homes that the group opens.

Both Connaught and Bluecrest will be monitoring the results of the health checks to measure their long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of the staff.

They will announce their findings in a ‘case update’ in the coming months. They hope this will inspire other operators to offer a similar service to staff.

Andrew added: “Our mission is to offer ‘complete care’ to everyone in and associated with our care homes – residents obviously, but also their families and our own staff and colleagues.

“Their happiness and wellbeing has a multiplying effect, helping residents to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives.”

Group recognised as one of UK’s fastest hirers

NORWICH-based Black Swan Care Group has been recognised as one of the UK’s fastest hirers by Indeed, the global hiring and matching platform.

Black Swan is rated as five times faster than other employers and they join household names including major pub chain JD Wetherspoon, fast-food giant McDonald’s, and leading British supermarkets Tesco and Morrisons.

Anett Vass, Black Swan’s head of recruitment, said: “We know people want to start their new job with us as quickly as possible, and we have to ensure that we complete all the relevant checks properly to enable them to do so.

“We have really efficient systems in place to follow up the interview process and to get all the background information

checks done so that people can start their new job in our homes. So, to hear that we are in the top five of all companies in the UK is wonderful news.

“Ultimately, our residents and their loved ones see the benefit of that by us having our own employees and reducing the number of people from recruitment agencies working in our homes.”

Speeding up the hiring process means new employees are able to swiftly start their roles in care homes, reducing the pressure on homes to use expensive recruitment agencies to cover shifts, helping local employment and bringing familiarity to residents in homes.

The care company employs almost 900 staff in 22 care homes in East Anglia.

Hartford Care’s Springfield House Nursing Home in Shanklin, Isle of Wight.

Montane Care successfully manages the transition of Ely nursing home

MONTANE Care has successfully managed the transition of The Limes Nursing Home, located in Ely, on the instruction of Making Space to an undisclosed purchaser.

This prominent facility, specialising in dementia care, mental health conditions, and physical disabilities, offers 19 bedrooms spread across two floors.

The Limes Nursing Home has long been recognised for its dedicated and compassionate care, making the successful transfer of ownership a crucial step in ensuring its continued excellence in serving the needs of its residents.

Nick Farmer, chief operating officer at Making Space, said: “After collaborating with Montane Care, Darren promptly identified several prospective purchasers.

“Through meticulous negotiations, he skilfully secured a deal with a suitable care provider, resulting in a successful completion. I am deeply grateful to Darren for his unwavering support throughout the process.”

Darren Edwards, healthcare agent at Montane Care,

emphasised the importance of building strong client relationships and understanding the unique needs of each transaction.

He added: “After establishing a solid rapport with my client, I was pleased to present an offer from a qualified operator with robust financial backing.

“Montane Care’s extensive

expertise, both locally and nationally, allows us to connect sellers with reputable buyers who are ready and eager to invest in similar businesses.”

Montane Care’s reputation for delivering exceptional service continues to attract operators who are keen on acquiring businesses like The

For those considering selling or seeking to understand the value of their business, Darren Edwards is available for confidential consultations at 07855 361 960.

Limes Nursing Home. With comprehensive coverage across the UK, Montane Care remains a trusted partner for those looking to buy or sell care homes.

Not-for-profit dementia specialist

Belong has named Caroline Anthony as the new general manager for its Crewe village, marking a step up for the highly experienced care leader. Her latest career move sees Caroline take the helm following five years as the village’s registered manager with the Care Quality Commission, responsible for its 24-hour care and nursing provision for 72 residents. Caroline’s leadership has, to-date, seen the village maintain its status as Crewe’s only CQC Outstandingrated care home. She was also instrumental in its reaccreditation of the Gold Standards Framework Quality Hallmark Award for endof-life care provision, as well as supporting colleagues to achieve a number of industry accolades.

Oyster Care Homes has announced the appointment of Lauren Dinham and Emma Curtain as they prepare for the opening of Somer Valley House in Midsomer Norton this October. Lauren joins as the new general manager, bringing a wealth of experience in care home management and a genuine passion for providing exceptional elderly care. Her leadership and expertise are set to make Somer Valley House a beacon of excellence within the community. Joining Lauren is Emma, who will take on the role of front of house manager. With her warm demeanour and outstanding organisational skills, Emma is poised to ensure that every resident and visitor feels welcomed and valued from the moment they step through the doors.

Westgate Healthcare has announced the appointment of Louise Atherton as its new quality director. With more than 35 years of experience in the care industry, Louise brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise. Her proven track record in quality management and dedication to excellence make her a valuable addition to the leadership team. Louise is a Registered General Nurse with a post-registration degree in care home nursing practice. Her extensive career includes senior roles where she has excelled in caring for individuals with palliative and complex physical care needs. In her previous roles as a quality director for UK and European companies, Louise successfully introduced innovative ideas and practices for quality improvement.

Worthing social care charity Guild Care has announced the promotion of Warren Fabes to the role of chief executive officer. Warren, who has served as chief financial officer and deputy CEO for the past eight years, will assume his new role in early September following the departure of Alex Brooks-Johnson who leaves to take up a new challenge in the charity sector. His appointment as CEO comes at an important time for the charity as it continues to expand its community services in line with its five-year strategic plan, supporting older people, people living with dementia, and children and adults with learning disabilities. Warren spent more than 20 years working in large national and international organisations as a finance director before joining the charity sector at Guild Care, which had provided support to members of his family.

Aria Care Group has announced the appointment of Antony Brister as its new chief financial officer. Antony joined recently to assist the operator in delivering its plans for its current portfolio of homes, as well as support in the future growth and development. A qualified accountant and experienced CFO, Antony previously held senior finance roles within the hospitality industry, working with global brands including Marriott and Hilton Hotels, before moving into the social care sector in 2018, spending four years as CFO of Sunrise Senior Living and Gracewell Healthcare. Most recently, Antony worked for an organisation which provides specialised care and education to children and adults with autism and complex behaviours.

Anchor has welcomed Lyn Romeo to the Board as a non-executive director. Lyn has more than 30 years’ experience at senior leadership level in commissioning, regulation, quality assurance and delivering social care, health and housing services for disabled adults and older people. She held the role of chief social worker for adults (England) for 10 years until February. Lyn said: “I am pleased to be joining Anchor’s Board as I am committed to ensuring that housing and care for older people provides the environment and communities for them to have the best possible lives. I believe that older people have a right to a place to call home, with people they enjoy being with and where they feel valued and respected and able to thrive.”

Harbour Healthcare has announced the appointment of Paul Courtney as its new director of development. He brings a wealth of experience and a passion for outstanding person-centred care to this pivotal role. Paul will spearhead the implementation of Harbour’s groundbreaking “Live well” strategy incorporating the “Making it Real” framework, a transformative approach that prioritises resident well-being and empowers individuals to live fulfilling lives. This innovative programme focuses on creating meaningful experiences tailored to each resident’s unique needs and preferences. Paul’s appointment marks a significant step forward for Harbour Healthcare as it continues to elevate the standards of care in the care home community.

Oldbury Grange, a 69-bed nursing home in Bridgnorth, Shropshire has achieved an overall ‘Good’ rating following an inspection from the Care Quality Commission. The home achieved the rating across all five of the inspectorate’s assessment criteria; safe, effective, responsive, caring and well-led. The report is published at the same time as the home announces that Jodie Haines has been appointed its new manager. Jodie has been interim manager at Oldbury, helping to oversee many of the positive changes at the home and her promotion reflects the excellent contribution she has already made. Jodie is a registered nurse and has worked in a number of complex care settings within care homes. Experienced as both agency and permanent staff, Jodie worked her way up to become a care home unit manager, a clinical project lead and then a deputy care home manager for a number of homes.

Beat the winter blues – essential bedpan washer maintenance

AS THE days gradually shorten and temperatures drop, healthcare facilities face a unique set of challenges.

Sadly, the onset of winter brings a surge in illnesses like flu, Noro virus and C diff, as well as reduced mobility for many.

The importance of maintaining optimal hygiene standards becomes paramount in the quest to keep your home infection free.

Among these is the increased demand on essential equipment, such as bedpan washer disinfectors.

Bedpan washer disinfectors are the silent heroes in the battle against infection.

These machines play a critical role in preventing the spread of germs, particularly in environments where vulnerable individuals reside.

However, the increase in usage can take a toll on even the most

robust equipment and can lead to a buildup of limescale, equipment breakdowns, and a heightened risk of infections.

To avoid these potential pitfalls, it is essential to prioritise bedpan washer disinfector servicing before the onset of winter.

Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your equipment but also ensures its optimal performance.

A well-serviced bedpan washer disinfector operates efficiently, reducing downtime and minimising the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

Moreover, it contributes to a safer working environment for staff, lowering the chance of injuries and exposure to harmful bacteria.

Investing in preventive maintenance is not merely a cost; it’s a strategic decision.

By addressing potential issues proactively, healthcare facilities

can avoid costly repairs and replacements down the line.

Ultimately, this translates to savings and a more efficient operation.

An infectious outbreak can severely damage a homes’ reputation, as many homes serve their local communities, this can also have a devastating effect on financial planning.

Remember, a well-maintained bedpan washer disinfector is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a vital component in providing quality patient care.

By ensuring that your bedpan washer disinfectors are in top condition, you are contributing to a healthier and more comfortable environment for your patients.

Don’t let the winter months catch you off guard.

Nationwide Coverage

Speedy Response Times

Engineer Reports

Aftercare

Flexibility & Affordability

Schedule a service today and protect your facility from the challenges that lie ahead.

One Visit, One Fix

Service opens second office as it expands its offering

A HOME care service has opened its second office as it continues to expand its services across the Midlands – marking a significant step in the company’s mission to enhance its offerings and support more individuals in the community.

Located in Longbridge, the second New Age Care office looks to strengthen the support the service offers in Birmingham and surrounding areas, and make the team more accessible to its clients and care professionals.

Led by registered manager Charlotte Comley, the Birmingham team brings more than 30 years of combined experience in the care sector.

Each member of the team started their careers as carers and have progressed to their current roles, ensuring they bring handson experience to their positions.

Charlotte said: “We offer an open-door policy which means that our care professionals or clients can visit the office at any time, even if it’s just for a natter and a cup of tea.

“Our office team is also fully trained to be able to provide care to our clients if the need arises.

“I’m delighted to head up this opportunity and expansion. We hope to continue to grow and are looking to open a third office in Staffordshire soon.”

With its headquarters in Leamington Spa, New Age Care offers a comprehensive range of specialised care services to cater to a client’s specific needs.

Its portfolio of services, offered on an hourly or live-in basis, includes dementia, Parkinson’s, palliative, and overnight care, as well as travel companionship.

The service also plans to introduce its popular ‘Wednesday Club’ to Birmingham.

This monthly activity club, which has been a big hit with the Leamington team, has enjoyed visits from a financial expert, the fire service, a police fraud squad talking about scam prevention, as well as performing seated exercises and a session with a voice coach.

Advertiser’s

Men’s Shed powers up with partnership

GORTACHAM Residential and Nursing Home has teamed up with Lisnaskea Men’s Shed to deliver essential tools for the organisation’s new premises. With an investment of £1,000, the care home has provided a wood turn lathe, power tenon cutters, a cordless angle grinder and battery, a dowel maker jig kit, a cordless chainsaw, wood pruning cutters and more, ensuring that Lisnaskea Men’s Shed can continue to have its positive impact on men’s health in Fermanagh.

Ryan Smith, chief executive of Dunluce Healthcare, who operate the home, said: “We are excited to partner with Erne East Community

announcement

Partnership Ltd and their Lisnaskea Men’s Shed project and play our part in benefitting the community in which we operate.

“We understand the significant beneficial influence that charities such as Erne East Community Partnership has on the area, especially amongst the older generations, and are committed to supporting activities that enhance the lives of local residents.

“Lisnaskea Men’s Shed is particularly important in aiding older individuals who may be vulnerable to loneliness and isolation, and we are proud to support a group that helps mitigate these effects and promote overall wellbeing.”

Discover catering solutions with apetito at Care Show Birmingham

LEADING meals provider apetito will be back at Care Show Birmingham 2024 showcasing its award-winning range of prepared meals that help care homes deliver an outstanding mealtime experience for residents whilst reducing stress and costs in the kitchen.

In the recent Nourishing Lives collaborative research report carried out by apetito and Care England, it was found that almost every home surveyed expressed concern about rising food inflation and labour costs associated with mealtimes.

Whilst it’s clear that there are no quick fixes to these escalating expenses, there are some changes that homes can make to their catering provision to help alleviate cost and labour pressures, without compromising on providing high quality and nutritious food for residents.

Saving costs and reducing waste Food waste can have a significant impact on the amount of money care homes spend in the kitchen.

It’s a common occurrence that the number of residents booked for mealtimes can

change unpredictably, and all those uneaten meals have cost implications.

Portion control and food presentation can also both help to lower the amount of food waste seen at homes, through ensuring that you only cook the amount of food needed and that residents are encouraged to eat everything on their plate.

Having a pre-prepared meals service, like that offered by apetito, makes it easier for kitchen staff to cater for different numbers with minimal notice and helps to better manage portion control for residents.

Managing labour challenges

With only requiring short training

and an easy-to-cook system, pre-prepared meals can also alleviate some of the pressures that come with catering labour shortages, providing a reduction in overall labour costs, and allow you to streamline the efficiency of kitchen operations.

At apetito, whilst providing delicious and nutritious food is central to our service, we pride ourselves in always going above and beyond to support individual homes with their specific needs and help them to deliver the most enjoyable mealtime for their residents.

Building genuine partnerships with homes across the UK is important to us and allows us to support them in combatting some

of the key issues being faced in the care industry.

Book in and try our meals at Care Show

To continue fostering these connections, we will be bringing our exclusive VIP Lounge back to Care Show Birmingham on October 9 and 10, speaking to teams about how we can support them to deliver quality mealtimes and drive cost and time efficiencies within catering operations.

You can also catch Clare Hunt from the apetito care homes’ team taking part in an insightful panel, ‘Food for Thought: Rethinking the Dining Experience’, alongside Jo Bonser and Professor Jane Murphy, at 1.50pm on October 10 in the Design, Build & Environment Theatre.

If you would like to speak to a member of our team during the show on how we could support your care home catering, book your space at apetito.link/care-show-oct24

Charlotte Comley

Care Show Birmingham returns for 2024

CARE Show Birmingham 2024 is set to be the most impressive edition yet.

Scheduled for October 9 and 10 at the NEC, Birmingham, this multi award-winning social care event promises an unparalleled experience.

Attendees can look forward to engaging with more than 280 exhibitors, hearing from more than 190 speakers, and networking with a community of more than 4,500 care professionals.

The event features a comprehensive conference programme spread across eight theatres, offering insights into the latest priorities and challenges in the social care sector.

Hosted by show partner The Outstanding Society, the Learning Lounge will also be offering invaluable insights with key speakers. Read on for conference themes, session highlights, and new features.

Key topics at this year’s conference include the ongoing rollout of the CQC’s Single Assessment Framework, new government regulations, strategies for workforce stability, access to funding, mental health and wellbeing, and the latest technological innovations.

Don’t miss what promises to be the best Care Show Birmingham yet.

Sessions not to miss:

‘The State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England: a Skills for Care report’ with Dr Jane Brightman of Skills for Care.

‘An update from the CQC’ with James Bullion of the Care Quality Commission.

‘Funding your homecare business’ with Christopher Watson of Colligo Labs, Derek Breingan of Virgin Money, and Susan O’Sullivan and Holly Baine of Rayne Foundation.

‘What next for digitising social care?’ with Peter Skinner of Digitising Social Care.

‘Workforce wellbeing: recognising your employees as the biggest asset in your organisation’ with Sonia Rai of Nectar HR, Amrit Dhaliwal of Walfinch, Nadra Ahmed of the National Care Association, and Karolina Gerlich of the Care

Workers’ Charity.

‘A greener future: sustainable design and reducing energy consumption’ with Jacqui Smith of HomeSmiths Ltd, Clare Cameron of PRP LLP, Robert Walton of The Lindhurst Group, Aaron White of Oakland Care, and Jeremy Carter of Carter Energy Consulting.

New feature for 2024

Sustainability Zone: Grace Cares has partnered with Care Show Birmingham to make a remarkable impact, spearheading initiatives that underscore their dedication to sustainability in the care sector. This year’s show is the first to feature a comprehensive space dedicated to sustainability, emphasising eco-friendly practices and innovations. The main highlight will feature the final results of the ‘Pimp My Ride’ Campaign, displaying repurposed zimmer frames along with a thought-provoking art installation highlighting the environmental impact of waste in the care sector. The Sustainability Zone will also feature the inaugural launch of a sustainability guide, a free resource created by Grace Cares and The Caring View, packed with practical advice and actionable steps to empower care managers to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

www.careshow.co.uk

Maximise savings, enhance care – your trusted partner in every day essentials

AS A key supplier to thousands of UK care homes, I understand the challenges you face in managing costs while maintaining the highest standards of care.

That is why at Gompels, we are dedicated to helping you save money on the products you rely on every day, without compromising on quality or service.

With more than 3,700 products in our range, from care equipment and PPE supplies to incontinence products, towels, bedding, wipes, and catering essentials, we have got you covered.

We know how critical these items are to the smooth operation of your facility, and we work hard to keep our prices competitive.

For example, we are currently offering wipes at just 60p per 100, and gloves for as low as £1.76 per 100 pack – prices that can

significantly reduce your operating costs.

But we are not just about low prices. We are also about delivering a service that is reliable. That is why we offer next working day delivery on orders placed by 4pm.

We know that in your industry, timely access to supplies is crucial, and our website allows you to get what you need, when you need it. Setting up an account with us is quick and easy—we can have you up and running within 24 hours, and I am always on hand to assist with any queries or support you might need.

At Gompels, we are committed to being more than just a supplier; helping you deliver the best possible service to your residents while keeping your budget under control.

Let us talk soon about how we can help you achieve even more savings.

sam.paines@gompels.co.uk

Advertiser’s announcement

Forbes ensures smooth laundry and warewashing in UK care homes

FOR care homes, laundry and dishwashing operations are a crucial element of hygiene control, and a central component of daily operations. Consequently, when there is an equipment problem or breakdown, it can have far reaching ramifications.

Established in 1926, Forbes provides a much-trusted service provision to care homes across the UK.

They understand the critical role that reliable laundry and warewashing equipment plays in a care home and their team of manufacturer-trained engineers provides a first-class service support.

Any disruption can significantly impact the comfort and well-being of residents and Forbes ensures swift and efficient repairs to minimise any downtime.

Their depots and vans are equipped with a wide range of spare parts, allowing them to deliver a fast response and an impressive first-time fix rate.

Forbes’ Complete Care solution

offers care homes access to premium commercial machines without the burden of costly upfront expenditures.

This rental service includes their multi-award-winning reactive and maintenance support, at no additional cost for the life of the contract.

Forbes Professional’s flexible service options also include ad-

hoc service callouts as well as allinclusive maintenance contracts. These contracts offer same/next day breakdown response, annual gas safety checks, annual duct cleaning, and full certification. Regular servicing not only prolongs the lifespan of your equipment but also restores efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and prevents costly

repairs. It ensures that your laundry machines are always performing at their best, providing peace of mind and protecting your investment.

Gas safety is a paramount concern in any care home environment and Forbes’ Gas Safe engineers ensure full compliance with Regulation 35 of the Gas Safety Regulations 1998, providing requisite gas certification and safeguarding your operations and safety.

Additionally, Forbes’ nationwide dryer duct cleaning service helps prevent fire hazards and inefficiencies caused by lint accumulation; a legal requirement and an essential part of preventive maintenance.

Forbes understands that every care home has unique requirements.

Whether you wish to rent, lease, purchase or access repair and maintenance services, they will find the right solution.

Call 0345 070 2335, email info@forbes-professional.co.uk or visit forbespro.co.uk

Country tunes and summer fun at home

IT WAS a case of cowboy hats at the ready when country and western’s The Calamity Janes ‘flew into’ town to help celebrate the open day at St Cecilia care home in Shepton Mallet. The duo, who performs hits from the 1950s through to current Nashville chart toppers, entertained more than 45 guests at the event, celebrating with

music, food and togetherness.

Tracy Woolfrey, registered manager of St Cecilias, which is run by White Care Group, said it was a day to remember.

“The Calamity Janes provided the soundtrack to a fabulous event – the sun was shining, the food and drinks were amazing, especially the homemade Pimms, and the grilled meat

and sausages were flying off the barbecue,” she added.

“Their renditions of classics like “The Deadwood Stage” and “Just Flew in from the Windy City” were a real hit and prompted some enthusiastic sing-alongs and toetapping.

“It was such a great atmosphere. Everyone had such a good time; it was a really

enriching experience for our residents.”

Guests included residents’ families and friends along with members of Somerset Council’s social work team; Mendip safeguarding team; NHS Community Mental Health team, and Inner Wheel who support St Cecilia residents with monthly Music2Connect sessions.

Eliminating time theft with Fusion

TIME theft, where employees are paid for time they did not work, can be a significant drain on resources.

Having time and attendance software in place can eliminate this issue by providing accurate and tamper-proof records of employee attendance.

This ensures that care homes only pay for the hours worked, reducing payroll costs and improving financial accountability.

Accurate tracking of employee hours helps to minimise overtime costs by ensuring that staff work within their scheduled hours.

When overtime is necessary, automated systems can alert management, allowing them to make informed decisions about staffing levels and avoid unnecessary expenses.

By analysing data on staff attendance and productivity, management can identify patterns and trends that indicate how resources are being utilised.

This information can be used to optimise workforce deployment, ensuring that staff are allocated where they are needed most and that care home operations run smoothly.

Adequate staffing levels ensure that residents receive consistent and reliable care.

Automated scheduling systems help to avoid gaps in coverage, ensuring that there is always a

sufficient number of staff on hand to meet residents’ needs.

This consistency is crucial for maintaining the trust and confidence of residents and their families. The implementation of time and attendance and staffing software in care homes is not just about streamlining administrative tasks; it’s about creating a more efficient, compliant, and compassionate care environment.

By leveraging technology, care homes can ensure that they are providing the highest standard of care while also fostering a positive and productive workplace for their staff.

In an industry where the wellbeing of residents and employees is paramount, the benefits of such software are indispensable.

As the elder care industry continues to evolve, the adoption of time and attendance and staffing software will become increasingly important.

Care homes that embrace

this technology will be better equipped to meet the challenges of the future, ensuring that they can continue to provide the highest standard of care to their residents. Whether through improved efficiency, enhanced compliance, or increased employee satisfaction, the benefits of time and attendance and staffing software are clear. By investing in this technology, care homes can create a better future for both their residents and their staff.

Fusion Care Management Software provides an end-to-end solution with our suite of product modules.

Choose technology that integrates essential functions. That way you’ll have one or fewer providers for your care home technology and there’s a far better chance of maintaining data integrity.

Email info@fusioncare.co.uk or visit www.fusioncare.co.uk

Making every day count

By Lara Bywater

HOW often do you or people you know say life is short?

We all use this phrase, as a reflex reaction, to encourage and validate people to take that risk or decision whether it is applying for a new job, booking a holiday or eating that piece of delicious cream cake.

It is ingrained in our collective psyche that indeed life is short, we turn on the news to hear of tragic events – this again collectively validates us as individuals and as a nation.

I have visions of Roman Gladiators going into battle with Carpe diem echoing through the stadium. It is how we are wired.

Do we translate this into social care? Do we honestly, systematically incorporate this thinking into everyday living for people receiving paid for support? I fear that we can be so caught in the implementation of a beautifully crafted support plan that we can lose sight of the freedom needed to make those impulsive decisions.

At LDC Care Co I am proud that we embrace this as part of our culture. We have been referred to by many professionals over the years as a ‘can do’ organisation, in spite of working with many people with legally imposed restrictions.

This has meant we have become an organisation that is approached to provide support for people who need a different approach to risk management. I want to be really clear we are not irresponsible or maverick, but our default is never no, it is always how.

A recent case really made me think about this. We started supporting a young autistic man who has most of his adult life in secure settings, with multiple failed discharges.

His files were thick with clinical observations, records of bad days and restrictions. Lots of work went into facilitating a transition to his new house.

The clinical MDT were brilliant – they included him in the planning meetings with us and our teams. We collectively worked with him to create the best chance of success. We are seven months in and whilst, like all of us, he has had a few bad days, he is settled.

I was moved last week when I was chatting to him a couple of weeks ago and he said to me, ‘I want to go to London for the day’.

He told me about the things he would like to do. Now, many of us would not consider this a huge ask in life, but for him, having had so little freedom for so many years it was.

Excited conversations ensued and within a few days, with discrete but meticulous planning, he made the train journey to London with his brilliant support workers.

This was a monumental achievement as he

had been labelled historically as someone who ‘cannot tolerate public transport’. He then went on to use the DLR, the tube and the cable car at Stratford.

As the day went on he mentioned that he would like to go to Buckingham Palace (not part of the original plan) – the team could have said let’s do that another day but they read the situation and ensured that he went to the palace, after all ‘life is short’.

That day is a reminder to us all that people in paid for support still deserve to have impulsive moments of joy. He had a wonderful day, his support team were thrilled to be able to facilitate this and the clinical MDT were delighted to hear of such a great adventure after such a short period of time. He now has the confidence to express more of his desires – he is currently planning a short break in September.

I believe that this day is borne out of our culture of enabling the people we support to be surrounded by teams who are confident and motivated with an atmosphere where moments like this happen everyday – big and small.

n Lara Bywater is a director at the LDC Care Company and a director of The Outstanding Society.

Lara Bywater

A Positive Outlook for Care

Join us for an informative day meeting care suppliers, industry experts and like-minded care professionals.

Dunston Hall, Norwich 30th October 2024

Visit more than 25 exhibition stands showcasing the latest products.

Speakers topics will include:

• Post election prospects for social care.

• Providing positive solutions to the challenges care staff face when planning person centred activities.

• Implementing good diet and nutrition in a care setting.

• New initiative for training staff which includes recruitment and staff retention.

• Changes within CQC.

TICKET OFFER:

£20 for one delegate

£30 for two delegates SAVE £10

All delegates receive:

• Lunch and refreshments

• Goody bag and attendance certificate

• Enter our prize draw with some amazing prizes

Scan the QR code to visit our website, find out more information and book your place, or alternatively call us on 01226 734412 or email cr@scriptmediagroup.co.uk