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no.215 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
CQC consults on the way it rates services By Dominic Musgrave THE regulator is asking people who use and run health and adult social care services and the public at large for views on its plans for inspecting and rating care services. Over the past year the CQC has been developing a new approach to the way it works. The main elements of the new approach are larger, more specialist and expert inspection teams led by chief inspectors, greater involvement in inspections by members of the public with personal experience of services, better use of information to identify risks and plan inspections, and ratings for all health and adult social care services. The consultation is on the detailed guidance on how it will regulate, inspect and rate NHS acute hospitals, mental health services, community health services, GP practices, out of hours services, care homes; home care services; and hospice services. CQC is seeking views on a range of issues about the new approach including: I The proposals for a rating system. I CQC’s view of what a service looks like for any of the rating categories – outstanding, good, requires improvement, inadequate.
I The questions inspectors need to ask to determine if a service is safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led. I The core services we always look at when we are inspecting. I The methods we use to gather information about services from the public. I The sources of information we draw on to help assess risk and decide when and where to inspect – our ‘Intelligent monitoring’ tool. I The frequency of inspections. CQC chief executive David Behan said: “Over the past six months we set out proposals for different types of care services and we have been testing our new style inspections in hospitals, mental health and community health services and will be testing them in adult social care services and GP practices from this month. “The changes we are making are vital to ensuring that we are able to make sure that health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high quality care and encourage care services to improve. Throughout these changes, we will always be on the side of people who use services and it is important to us that we hear what people think of our plans.”
Student Charlotte secures new job
Celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE helped to launch Worldwide Afternoon Tea Day, a key focal point of the recent Nutrition & Hydration Week. He was joined by representatives for the Week's three leading organisations – Andy Jones, HCA chair; Caroline Lecko, patient safety lead, NHS England and Derek Johnson, NACC Nutrition & Hydration Week lead.
A STUDENT from the Communication Specialist College Doncaster has secured a full-time job with a residential care home in her home town of Felixstowe. Charlotte Locke, aged 20, who is profoundly deaf, has been appointed as a junior care worker at Merryfields residential care home following a successful work placement. She said: “My job here involves writing personal care plans for our residents, looking after their medication needs and taking part in the regular entertainment activities.” Sue Barker, manager at Merryfields, added: “Charlotte is doing a fantastic job. She came to us on work experience arranged by the college and we could see what a dedicated worker she was. “We have never had a deaf employee before and worked closely with the college to ensure that Charlotte settled into her role and felt supported.”
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Residents gripped by nightly Nestwatch TV By Dominic Musgrave THE FASCINATING lives of wild birds are being captured live on a retirement village’s ‘Nestwatch’ cameras – with nocturnal residents turning out in their nighties so they don’t miss any of the action. Inspired by the BBC’s successful TV programme, Springwatch, the cameras have been installed in three of the 40 nesting boxes in the 100-acre grounds of Middleton Hall Retirement Village, at Middleton St George, near Darlington. Visitors and residents have been avidly following the progress of the wildlife on a 32-inch television screen in the village’s reception area where they can see a live feed of the birds. So far, a tawny owl has laid three eggs and residents have been gripped by the nightly calls to her mate as he goes hunting for mice to feed the prospective mother-of-three. The eggs are expected to hatch within the month. Resident Pat Webb said: “We come down at all times to see what’s happening. Everyone’s fascinated by it. I love owls and it’s something that you would never get the chance to see so close up normally.” The Nestwatch scheme was the idea of David Richardson, the retirement village’s operations manager, who arranged to
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Feathered fans at Middleton Hall Retirement Village include, from left to right: Sonia Wade, David Webb, Pat Webb and Brian Richards. have the cameras installed before the birds began using the boxes. David, who used to be a volunteer with the British Trust for Ornithology, said: “A couple of the residents have been going down in their nighties so they don’t miss anything as the action happens at night. They’re always letting me know the latest
goings-on in the nest which is great. “One of the reasons programmes like Springwatch are so popular is probably insight into the secrets of nature people usually don’t get to see. “It’s a chance to get up close and personal with wildlife, seeing what the birds’ habits are and how they live.”
Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.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. Follow us on Twitter @caringuk
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The Stocks Hall Nursing and Care Group was awarded a highly commended certificate in recognition of its valuable community contribution at a Central Lancashire County Council provider celebration event. The event in Preston joined together all providers of care from adult and community services. Sue Lace, director of Stocks Hall Nursing and Care Group, said: “We were delighted to accept this award from Lancashire County Council. Our community is very important to us and we have given consistent support, commitment and resources into many worthwhile community projects throughout the year. We look forward to this vital work continuing.” Pictured receiving the award are Lisa Fletcher and June Sears-Jones.
Homecare company to double size of its Stroud head office By Dominic Musgrave AN award-winning Gloucestershire homecare company is improving the service it delivers to clients by doubling the size of its headquarters to give it the room to expand both its customer services team and its staff training facilities. Stroud-based DoCare is taking over the ground floor of Griffin Mill, where it has its headquarters, effectively doubling the size of its footprint. The extra space will enable DoCare to have a larger, dedicated training centre for staff as well as capacity to expand its customer services team. The increase in size will also equip it for future growth. This expansion comes hot on the heels of the opening of DoCare’s Gloucester office at Waterwells Drive Business Park. As well as the Stroud and Gloucester bases, DoCare has teams operating out of premises in Cirencester, Cheltenham, Dursley, Witney and Yate, so putting them in the heart of the communities they are supporting. The company employs 130 staff, and supports more than 300 private and social services referred clients in Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire. “This expansion is an exciting move for DoCare,” said operations director Una Mills. “Demand for our services
DoCare operations director Una Mills. is increasing, so this will give us the space we need to grow. We plan to increase the size of the customer services team we set up last autumn and we will be able to provide a dedicated training facility which will be a better environment for our staff to learn in. “We already invest heavily in training, because we know that the better trained and more motivated our staff are, the better our service to our clients who we put at the heart of the DoCare family. We also hope in future to make the new training centre facility available to external companies.” DoCare is this year celebrating ten years in business, having been started in 2004 by Una and her husband Steve, who is the company’s development director.
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Stunning murals provide sensory stimulation MURALS that have helped residents living with dementia at a Sanctuary Care home have scooped an award. Beechwood Residential Care Home in Upton-upon-Severn – and three other Sanctuary Care homes in Worcester, Stourport-on-Severn and Droitwich – have been awarded £7,500 through Worcestershire County Council’s Dementia Leadership Award Programme. The home’s manager Jemma Robinson and her team have created sensory scenes around the home, which include a beach area with shells and fabric seaweed, as well as a Wind in the Willows scene, with lots of furry creatures, imitation grass and flowers that blow in the breeze. The grants are in recognition of the homes’ achievements in meeting the council’s Dementia Standards. The standards focus on treating people as individuals, respecting dignity and privacy, highlight the importance of environments being ‘homely’ and not institutional and the benefits of multi-sensory stimulation. Jemma said: “Our residents absolutely love the murals, and for many they are a focal point and meeting place. We have one lady in
particular who always tells her friend she will meet her by the hare on our Wind in the Willows mural.” The home has invested in bread makers, so the residents can bake their own bread and enjoy the aroma it creates. There are also activity stations around Beechwood, including an area with a vintage sewing machine, hats and scarves, which are a wonderful source of tactile stimulation. There is a 1950s kitchen complete with old fashioned Hoover, iron and ironing board and famous brands from yesteryear. All of these authentic items help residents to feel at home, providing comfort and reassurance, because they are familiar things that many of them would have grown up with. Sanctuary Care’s dementia lead Jo Phelps added: “Our care homes are homes for our residents, so we are constantly looking at ways to make them feel as homely as possible. Although our residents’ feelings and happiness are central to everything we do, it gives us an enormous sense of pride to receive formal recognition for our achievements with this award.”
Hale Place owner/manager Kevin Hewlett with registered manager Victoria Wright.
Provider wins coveted award HALE Place Care Solutions, a small private dementia care provider, under the same ownership since 1988, scooped the coveted person-centred care award at the Nursing and Residential Care awards’ ceremony in London. Victoria Wright, registered manager, who has worked at the home for more than 10 years, was recognised by the panel as effectively managing a care team that empowers residents’ independence and choice in their care, demonstrating respect for privacy and dignity of individuals. Carol Hunter, senior care worker at Hale Place since 1990, was highly commended as a care worker for going beyond the usual routine and expectations of her role and for providing high level, person-centred care to service users. Director Kevin Hewlett said: “To
win one award and be highly commended in another is testament in itself to the values and standards to which we all, at Hale Place, adhere. “Carol is an outstanding senior care worker and person who selflessly gives up her time to helping others and supporting her colleagues and family. We are blessed to have her as an employee and I am honoured to call her a friend. “We are all so proud of Victoria’s achievement, she has an infectious, bubbly personality with a warm heart. If you combine those treasured human qualities with professional dedication you have a chance of winning national recognition. Victoria has always had a strong focus on delivering quality, personalised care and our high calibre care team always deliver the highest standards demanded by her and Hale Place.”
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MPs warn of social care ‘lottery’ crisis By Dominic Musgrave Jane Ashcroft with her CBE.
Jane collects CBE award ANCHOR chief executive Jane Ashcroft collected her CBE from Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, at Buckingham Palace. Jane was recognised in the New Year’s Honours List for her services to older people. She became Anchor’s chief executive in March 2010. She said: “It’s a great honour to receive this award and to be recognised along with other members of our community who are committed to making a real difference to people’s lives. “To me, this award represents the tireless work of all of my colleagues at Anchor to enable older people to live fulfilling and happy lives. I have great pride in all of our achievements.”
MPs fear thousands of vulnerable people face a future care ‘lottery’ if the Government’s flagship Care Bill passes without further amendment, a new survey has found. The findings of the survey commissioned by Home Group were at the centre of debate in a meeting of MPs and peers in the House of Commons entitled ‘How will the Care Bill impact social care in the UK?’ The Care Bill – currently passing through Parliament after gaining Commons approval earlier this month – proposes the biggest shakeup of state-funded social care in 60 years. More than 100 MPs from across the political spectrum responded to the survey by Home Group, which each year supports 30,000 vulnerable people with a range of social care needs. The results showed: A majority of MPs thought access to care is a lottery and that the system is underfunded. Half of MPs surveyed believe the Care Bill will increase costs to the public sector. 65 per cent think demand for social
care will greatly increase in the next decade. 52 per cent think the Care Bill will reduce access for those with low needs in future. Around half of respondents have negative perceptions of social care. While 89 per cent of MPs have met people receiving social care, only seven per cent of MPs have delivered social care and none have received it. Rachael Byrne, Home Group executive director care and support, said: “We are gravely concerned that the Bill focuses statutory funding on people with significant needs. In overlooking those with moderate needs it exposes vulnerable people to a sliding scale of decline that will ultimately cost the state in the long run. “The Care Bill has many qualities that will bring greater coherence to a system which has evolved over the decades, however stark questions remain as to how it will be funded. “Unless the care system is adequately funded, demographic and other changes will mean fewer and fewer people will be able to access the help they need. “Over 11 million people alive today will live until they are 100. Whoever
Rachael Byrne leads the next Government needs to understand that investing in social care is a ‘must have’ and not ‘an addon’ and commit to significant investment in social care if the ambitions of the Care Bill are to be met.” The survey was conducted for Home Group by DODS.
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Whatever your circumstances, mealtimes are an important time in the day, bringing both routine and an opportunity for social interaction. In this special feature, chef David Gill talks about the importance of his role at Shaw Healthcare’s Wood House care home in Southmead.
Healthcare provider goes the extra mile to cater for residents’ needs CATERING in a care home setting is quite different from that at home, but the notion of the kitchen being the heart of a happy home is not limited to domestic kitchens. Fresh food, creative, bespoke menus and individual care plans are just some of the culinary provisions that Shaw Healthcare uses to make sure its residents feel at home. Shaw’s fully qualified chefs work closely with residents and their families to ensure that their dietary requirements are met in the menus, the menus are also assessed for nutritional value and quality by dieticians. David Gill, chef at Shaw healthcare’s Wood House care home in Southmead, was awarded care caterer of the year at Shaw Healthcare’s Star Awards for his work improving standards at the home. He was praised for the menus he creates and the way he goes the extra mile to make residents happy, whether through hand-decorated birthday cakes or Halloween ghost cakes. Talking about his role as a care home chef, David said: “Catering in a care setting can be quite a demand-
that meet all tastes and preferences. “At Shaw, we run four-weekly menu cycles which are regularly updated. We also have special meals for public holidays like Christmas and I enjoy putting the menus together so that
Chef David Gill. ing role, but is one I love. “Not only do you need to focus on the nutritional value of foods, but you also need to create plenty of varied meals. These contribute to a highquality dining experience that enhances the whole experience of our residents. “All of Shaw’s care homes cater for specific dietary needs, whether you’re vegetarian or vegan, have a special diet to help manage a health condition or have any allergies. “We also cater for any specific cultural cuisines or religious diets and will work hard to put together menus
our residents can celebrate too. “I take great pride in what I produce and it’s particularly gratifying to know that you don’t have to be directly involved with the personal care of an individual to make a difference.”
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Speaker line-up is announced A 95-year-old care home resident is believed to be the oldest Rubik's Cube player in the UK. Retired BP engineer Bob Andrew solves the 3D combination puzzle every day to keep his mind razor sharp and his fingers nimble. The puzzle was invented by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture ErnŒ Rubik in 1975, and became a massive hit in the 1980s. According to Bob, who lives at Pendine Park's Hillbury care home in Wrexham, North Wales, he does it as a memory test, having been hooked on it since the 1980s. “It’s something to keep my mind going,” added Bob. “The quickest I would be able to do it is in about seven minutes. It’s something I do every day.” Somerset Care has appointed Fiona Godbolt the manager at Carrington House in Wincanton. Fiona started her career with the group almost 10 years ago when she started as a night care assistant. In September 2010 she was made deputy manager, before now becoming the manager. Fiona said “I am thrilled and extremely proud to have been appointed the manager of such a fantastic care home. The staff and residents at Carrington House are a friendly and cheerful group of people and I enjoy each and every day.” Carrington House is a purpose-built residential home and provides residential, respite and day care.
THE line-up of speakers has been revealed for the first two Caring UK conferences. The Elderly Care: Positive Choices events, which take place at Rookery Manor in Weston-super-Mare and the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay on July 2 and 3 respectively, are being sponsored by NatWest. NCA chief executive Sheila Scott will kick off both events with an update on the Care Bill, followed by Skills for Care area manager Teresa Morrison and her look at ‘Building positive workplace cultures in adult social care’. Prior to the mid-morning break at Weston-super-Mare, Active Minds product designer and founder Ben Atkinson-Willes will discuss ‘Design for Dementia: A look at how better design can help improve peoples’ quality of life’, while at Torquay there will be an update from the inspectorate. After the break occupational therapist Heather Manktelow will begin the session with a seminar entitled ‘Activities for Health’ – Provision for nursing and care homes to engage in meaningful activities which promote and maintain health, well-being, quality of life and independence. At Weston-super-Mare this will then
be followed by an update from the CQC. The final two speakers at both events will be NatWest’s head of healthcare Neil Garton, who will offer advice on ‘Understanding and helping to deliver your business strategy’ and Lee Sheppard, head of care homes at apetito Limited, who will discuss ‘Dining with dignity catering for Dysphagia’ in his session. A light lunch and refreshments and the opportunity for networking and visiting the extensive exhibition which will run alongside the conferences will complete the events. Caring UK editor Dominic Musgrave, who will chair the conferences, said: “As you can see we have once again put together a stellar line-up of speakers who will talk about a range of topics throughout the day. “With the exhibition running alongside and the opportunity to network, these conferences are truly not to be missed, and I would urge all care home and domiciliary care operators and managers in these areas to attend these events. “We also must thank our headline sponsor NatWest for their support of our conferences this year, and we are delighted to have them on board.” To find out more and to book your place at these must-attend events turn to pages 15 and 16.
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Association warns of ‘storm clouds ahead’ over minimum wage NURSING home leaders have welcomed the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation that the Government should require local authorities to increase funding for the social care sector to help care providers meet the cost of a proposed three per cent rise in the national minimum wage. The Registered Nursing Home Association argues that, without the extra funding, nursing homes will struggle to find the money to pay the rise. If accepted by the government, it will come into effect from October and require employers to pay adult staff a minimum of £6.50 an hour. Chief executive officer Frank Ursell: “We support the Low Pay Commission in its desire to increase the minimum wage. We think that it is a fair and considered proposal. “But as the commission itself is well aware, social care providers do not have the resources to meet the cost of the increase. We are therefore pleased the commission has reminded the government that, when councils decide how much they are going to pay care providers, they must take account of actual care costs.”
He added: “It is not just the Low Pay Commission that is saying this. Over recent years a number of landmark court cases have resulted in judgements reinforcing this message. “When you think about it, that’s common sense. How can anyone provide care for less money than it is costing them? That’s a route to lower standards and, ultimately, bankruptcy, is it not?” Commenting on funding prospects for nursing homes in the year ahead, Frank stressed that numerous councils had either frozen or cut the fees they pay for publicly funded patients. “Whichever way you look at it, local authorities are imposing ‘real terms’ reductions in the amount they pay to nursing homes,” he said. “That’s why the government is going to have to act, especially if it accepts the Low Pay Commission’s proposals on the national minimum wage. “How, logically, could the government tell us in one breath to pay our staff more while councils tell us they’re going to pay us less? Unless ministers grasp this conundrum, there will be storm clouds ahead for elderly care in this country.”
Nazareth Lodge, a residential care home in North Dorset, held a series of activities supporting the third national Nutrition and Hydration week. Residents invented their own recipes for fruit smoothies. There were food and drink themed quizzes and games such as ‘taste, touch and feel’, exercise classes balancing fruit and cooking sessions. The highlight of the week was a vintage tea party for residents and guests.
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National campaign gives seniors food for thought By Dominic Musgrave A NATIONWIDE campaign to highlight the importance of healthy eating among seniors was celebrated at Sunrise Senior Living communities across England and Wales. The doors and kitchens at the 27 communities were thrown open as part of the ‘Taste of Sunrise’ campaign with breakfasts, lunches, brunches and afternoon teas all open to the public. Following a brief to create exciting, nutritious food for elderly people, Sunrise’s chefs served up a feast of culinary events, ranging from traditional Victorian afternoon teas to Mediterranean mezzes, and an Oriental buffet to a seafood lunch. Guests were also given a series of recipe cards for dishes specially designed for seniors. The recipes, a selection of Sunrise’s chefs' favourites, include easy to follow, step-by-step instructions plus all the nutritional information for each dish, giving everyone the chance to recreate a ‘Taste of Sunrise’ at home. Amanda Scott, managing director of Sunrise UK said “The ‘Taste of Sunrise’ campaign was a huge success. It really recognised the vital work our chefs do every day in ensuring residents enjoy a good, healthy and balanced diet.
Sunrise of Weybridge team member Jayson Mallari gives a cooking demonstration. “We care for people with a range of conditions, and it’s of the utmost importance that every single resident receives exceptional food which is specially designed to meet their individual needs. Taste of Sunrise shows just how far removed the food we serve is from the traditional image of catering in the care sector.” As part of the campaign, several of Sunrise’s head chefs entered the NACC’s Care Cook of the Year 2014
competition. Seven have made it through to the final 25, whisking their way past around 2,500 other competitors along the way. Amanda added: “Our seven chefs who reached the finals of the NACC’s Care Cook of the Year competition capped off a fantastic week, and underlined the value we place on serving our residents outstanding food every day.”
Residents at a Salisbury care home were treated to a dazzling display of Indian dancing by a group of children from the city. The youngsters, aged between three and 14, performed a variety of dances at Colten Care's Braemar Lodge while wearing traditional dress. Bincy George, a nurse at the home, also runs the Salisbury Malayalee Supplementary School and arranged the entertainment. It was the finale to a whole day celebrating India during which residents ate curries and staff wore saris. Bincy said: “The Salisbury Malayalee Supplementary School teaches those from south India about their culture, including language and dance. We brought 20 children along with their parents and siblings to perform for the residents who loved it.”
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Company champions designs to support independent living
Chloe Spencer chats to Victoria Care Home resident Enid Jackson.
Care home volunteer Chloe preparing for Bolivia project A TEENAGER who volunteers at Victoria Care Home in Burnley as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Gold award is preparing to go to Bolivia. After completing a year at the care home, during which she has supported staff and befriended the residents, Chloe Spencer will be helping to establish a community project in the South American country for four weeks in July. Chloe said: “I hadn’t had any experience of care for the elderly before. “Victoria is such a nice, loving place to be and I have learnt a lot. The
elderly are so often seen as past it and a voice not heard – but at Victoria everyone counts and staff have so much respect for the residents and families. “Although I am going on a fantastic adventure, I will miss everyone at Victoria.” Cat Metcalfe, Victoria Care Home manager, added: “Chloe has been great for us. She chats away to the residents and they really appreciate having her around. We will miss her, but wish her the best in Bolivia – she knows she is always welcome back here.”
STUDENTS at the Glasgow School of Arts are competing to design a new personal alarm to protect elderly and vulnerable people in a competition created and sponsored by Chubb Fire & Security. David Hammond, general manager of Chubb’s Community Care business, said the firm conceived the competition to complement the work of its own design engineers. He added: “We are constantly looking at new and improved ways of enhancing the safety and quality of life for those in independent living facilities. “Encouraging students in this way reflects our proven support to the local community where our systems are widely used, as well as our commitment to nurturing and promoting innovation among the next generation of talented young designers.” For the challenge, students were divided into five groups. They are tasked with designing a new pendant, worn around the neck or wrist that will enable the wearer to generate an alarm if they are in distress. The students took a user-led approach, rather than manufacturer- or provider-led one, by working with the current users of the technology, their
“What the pendant looks like, where it is worn, and how an alarm signal is transmitted is up to the students’ imagination and creativity.” carers and other professionals to get input on the design and functionality of the pendant. “What the pendant looks like, where it is worn, and how an alarm signal is transmitted is up to the students’ imagination and creativity,” David added. “There are no boundaries; we want them to think about how they can create a device that is practical in its use and application, that does not make the users feel self-conscious, and that enables users to enjoy a better quality of life.” The winning group will receive £250 for each team member, and there are prizes for second and third places.
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Joanne promoted at Bradford care home
Staff and residents at Carrington Court in Wigan join in the ‘Bandanas for Brain Tumours Day’ fun.
Group takes part in charity day HC-One showed its support for The Brain Tumour Charity, with residents and staff taking part in ‘Bandanas for Brain Tumours Day’. Chairman Dr Chai Patel challenged staff and residents to wear bandanas in aid of Brain Tumour Awareness Day, pledging to donate £1 for every bandana worn, and had an incredible response. 2,784 residents and staff from 140 homes sent Dr Patel photographs of them donning colourful headwear with enthusiasm, with additional fundraising also taking place in several facilities. ‘Bandanas for Brain Tumours Day’
is a national campaign to mark Brain Tumour awareness month in March. Its aim is for the whole country to unite against brain tumours and support the people they affect. Chai said: “It was really great that so many colleagues and residents from HC-One took part in this campaign. Wearing a bandana for a day is a really great way of raising awareness for Brain Tumour Awareness Day. “Every individual who participated in the campaign will add to the amount raised for this cause and will help raise awareness for this very worthy initiative.”
JOANNE Sugden has been promoted to assistant manager at Crossley House care home in Bradford, part of Hadrian Healthcare Group. She joined the team at Crossley House as principal senior carer 18 months ago and is now studying for an NVQ level 5 in management. Joanne began her career on a twoyear apprenticeship at Airedale General Hospital and Craven College, gaining a BTEC national certificate and NVQ in care. She then worked in care homes in Keighley and Ilkley as a care assistant and senior care assistant. Joanne said: “I’m delighted to take on this new role at Crossley House. I’ve always been keen to gain more insight, knowledge and experience of different aspects of care and this has definitely helped me to progress my career.” Kath Bailey, manager at Crossley House, added: “Joanne is an
Joanne Sugden enthusiastic and high calibre member of staff. It’s exciting to see people develop through the company and I’m thrilled to be mentoring Joanne in this new role.” Crossley House provides residential and dementia care for elderly people. Hadrian Healthcare Group holds the Investors in People Silver award.
Coxbench Hall to open its gardens A DERBYSHIRE care home which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary is to open up its gardens for the general public to enjoy. Coxbench Hall, which is set in 4.5 acres of managed parkland between Little Eaton and Belper, opens its gardens twice a year as part of the
National Gardens’ Scheme to raise money for its chosen charity. The gardens at the home include ponds, a stream and woodland walks, as well as wild and sensory areas. There is an entry charge of £3 per person, with all money going to charity.
NOT TO BE MISSED BY DECISION MAKERS IN THE CARE INDUSTRY
Elderly Care: Positive Choices Elderly Care: Positive Choices is the theme for Caring UK’s annual regional conferences.
Our stellar line-up of speakers will offer expert advice on a wide variety of topics to enhance the quality of life your residents deserve in their later years, and also make your business stand out from your rivals to potential residents. Our top industry experts will pass on their knowledge on subjects including food and nutrition, activities and the care home environment itself, giving tips on what you can do to achieve and maintain the highest levels of care. Our first two conferences will be held at Rookery Manor in Weston-super-Mare and the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay on July 2 and 3 respectively. In September our events move north to the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley and Leeds United FC’s famous Elland Road stadium. Running alongside all of the conferences will be an extensive exhibition, which will showcase all the latest products and technology for your care home. These really are conferences not to be missed, so to avoid disappointment please complete the booking form to guarantee your place.
For more information contact:
Exhibitor enquiries: Bev Green: 01226 734 288 Delegate enquiries: Lucy Dickinson: 01226 734 695 Refreshments served throughout the event including light lunch. Closes with a grand prize draw. Goody bag and attendance certificate for all delegates attending. Sponsored by:
HEADLINE SPONSOR
Some of the conference exhibitors:
10th Sept
Leeds United Football Club. LEEDS
2nd July
Rookery Manor, WESTON-SUPER-MARE.
3rd July
9th Sept
Black Country Living Museum, DUDLEY.
Riviera International Conference Centre. TORQUAY.
Conferences 2
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Homecare firm to create 25 jobs in York expansion Anne Kasey receives her award from NRC editor Hannah Lenon and consultant editor Adrian Ashurst.
Anne scoops national award CELEBRATIONS are underway at a Surrey maritime care home as manager Anne Kasey took gold at a prestigious ceremony recognising outstanding commitment to excellent resident care. Anne, manager at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, recently celebrated 30 years caring for ex-seafarers and took home the ‘care home registered manager’ award at the Nursing and Residential awards for her exemplary commitment to the charity and its beneficiaries. During her time at the home, Anne has helped over 1,250 residents receive the best possible care and support, overseeing the change from ward based care to the introduction
of a dedicated annexe specialising in dementia care. Chief executive, Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, said: “Anne started working at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society as a staff nurse, working her way through the various roles until securing the home manager position. “Her leadership skills and the example she sets inspires others, which is reflected in the level of care given by all members of staff. Anne is an asset to our team, and it is great to see her commitment recognised at a national level.” The awards, held in London, celebrated those who have shown outstanding excellence within their field of work.
HERITAGE Healthcare is planning to double its operation in York. The home-based care provider is creating up to 25 new jobs in the area as it expands its client base. Heritage Healthcare currently has a team of 25 staff delivering care to more than 60 clients, and plans to increase these figures substantially over the next 12 months. Sarah Dowell, who joined the company a year ago and is based at Clifton Moor, manages the York office and is spearheading the expansion She said: “My main goals are to provide a strategy and set foundations to continue to grow the business in the York area. I want Heritage Healthcare to become the named provider for good quality care in York. “To achieve this aim we are planning to recruit around 25 new carers to provide personal care and support to individuals needing varying levels of assistance to remain living independently.” Managing director Glenn Pickersgill added: “Good quality home care enables many people to remain in their own homes rather than ‘bedblocking’ in hospital or moving into a care home.
Sarah Dowell “Sarah will work with fellow professionals across the York area to further develop the business and enable clients in the city and the surrounding villages to take advantage of the high quality domiciliary care and healthcare services Heritage Healthcare provides. “We are pleased to be growing the business in York and providing good employment and training opportunities for the area.”
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Anti-competitive cartel Brownies entertain targeted care homes By Stephen Critchley THE Office of Fair Trading has found that four companies unlawfully conspired to rig bids for contracts to install access-control and alarm systems. All 65 victims were retirement or care homes. In each of the 65 cases, only two companies bid for the work; Cirrus Communication Systems and one of the other three cartelists; Glyn Jackson Communications, Peter O’Rourke Electrical and Owens Installations. Cirrus and its competitor colluded in the setting of their prices in response to the tender, with Cirrus submitting the lower bid. The OFT believes that the other companies were compensated in subcontracts from Cirrus. Care homes can check whether they were victims, as the rigged tenders are listed from page 76 to 234 of the OFT’s report - http://www.oft.gov.uk/ shared_oft/ca-and-cartels/ CA982013.pdf. The report is dated December 6 2013, but it was confidential until recently. Cirrus may have instigated the cartel, and it may have been the only company involved in all unlawful tenders, but it was the only company that the OFT excused from a financial
penalty. Cartels are secret by their nature, so the OFT is heavily dependent on whistleblowers coming forward in exchange for leniency. In this case, Cirrus blew the whistle. Had Cirrus not been immune, its fine would probably have been considerably larger than those imposed on the three smaller companies; £35,700 on Glyn Jackson, £15,933 on Peter O’Rourke and £1,777 on Owens. Any care home that was a victim of the cartel can sue Cirrus for damages in a “follow-on” action. The OFT’s decision is binding on the Courts, so any trial could jump straight to the question of what damage was caused. That said, the total value of Cirrus’s bids across the 65 contracts was around £1.4m, so it is likely that only a collective action by the care homes would be viable. Collective actions – specifically for competition law infringement – are being legislated for in the Consumer Rights Bill which is currently working its way through Parliament. The intention of the Bill is to take the weight off the shoulders of regulators like the OFT by introducing a system such as that in the United States where antitrust actions by victims are commonplace. As well as collective actions, the Bill proposes the introduction of a fast-
track for small businesses to bring individual competition law claims cost-effectively. However, in this case, the prices paid for the access and alarm systems were mainly between £20,000 and £30,000, so any overcharge by Cirrus may be too small to justify individual action Stephen Critchley even on the fasttrack, once it is established. Coincidentally, on 20 March, the OFT issued a decision concerning another cartel specifically aimed at care homes. It found that various companies including Lloyds Pharmacy infringed competition law by entering into a market sharing agreement in relation to the supply of prescription medicines. In this case it was Lloyds who blew the whistle, thereby avoiding a penalty. However full details are not yet known as the OFT’s report is still confidential. Stephen Critchley is head of competition law at Collyer Bristow LLP.
residents
THE local Brownie unit visited residents at Edward Moore House in Gravesend to get involved with the community and earn themselves a new badge. They joined the residents for a morning of enjoyable activities and to earn their baking badges. A few of the girls also gained their entertainment badges. They started the day by whipping up a cake mix and baking fairy cakes. While they were in the oven, the girls entertained residents with magic tricks, poems, readings from books and one of the girls even played the flute. They also sang a few songs for residents and invited them to join in with famous old songs. Once the cakes were baked, the Brownies handed them out to residents and they chatted while they tucked in to their creations. The Brownies have already planned to return to Edward Moore House in the summer for a picnic and at Christmas to sing carols.
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CARINGINTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNISHING
Care home to give dementia sufferers ‘new lease of life’ AN £8.5million care home purposebuilt by Colten Care has opened in the heart of Lymington offering dedicated support for people living with dementia and memory loss. The town’s mayor, councillor Anna Rostand, officially declared Linden House open as more than 150 invited guests enjoyed a lunch reception and tour. Up to 60 residents will live in one of four small ‘house groups’, each with a friendly atmosphere of safety, security and togetherness. Home manager Jackie Hampton said: “We hope that Linden House will help to dispel any myths around dementia care. It will be a home where an individual can really thrive and experience a new lease of life. “It will give relatives peace of mind that their loved ones are being taken care of and it will become a family community like our other homes.” Every physical detail of the 4,250square-metre home has been designed with dementia care in mind including themed rooms, colour schemes, corridor and room features, and navigational aids. There is a café, retreat, hairdressing salon, cinema and even a ‘Linden Square’ complete with ‘shop fronts’ evoking the Georgian grandeur of
Lymington. Themed gardens include a gazebo, beach huts and putting green. References to Lymington and the local area throughout the home will help the overall aim of prompting both interactivity and reminiscence. The opening of Linden House will create around 100 direct jobs including posts for nurses, healthcare assistants, activity organisers, social carers and other ancillary staff. Each team member, irrespective of their job role, undergoes dementia care training through a programme developed in partnership with, and accredited by, Bournemouth University’s School of Health and Social Care. Ian Hudson, executive chairman of Colten Care, which is based in Lymington, said: “Linden House will provide much needed specialist dementia care for Lymington and the surrounding area. “We have more than 30 years’ experience in elderly care, giving us a huge body of knowledge about the different dementia journeys people can take. “Our approach is based on helping people to maintain practical life skills and a spirit of independence for as long as possible.”
New waterproof upholstery collection by Skopos SKOPOS has launched a new waterproof upholstery collection as part of its Accents range. Chamonix is a collection of four upholstery designs, all suitable for the care and nursing sector. It provides a fresh, contemporary and natural look for contract upholstery. With over 40 skus, the collection brings a variety of options, comes with a Crib 5 flame retardant backing as standard and available with a waterproof layer, offering anti-microbial properties and soil / stain resistance, perfect for care. Adding to the current Skopos portfolio of
waterproof upholstery fabrics, Chamonix delivers style and comfort into care home interiors, helping to bring interiors closer to domestic and hotel environments. The designs within Chamonix have been developed to work together or alone, developing a unique look for beautiful furniture. Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 30 years’ specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high performance FR contract fabrics for the care and nursing sector. Enquiries: Visit www.skoposdesignltd.com
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CARINGINTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNISHING
Ayresome Court senior care assistant Allison Bellerby with residents Barbara Holton and Pat Oddy in one of the refurbished bedrooms at another of the group’s homes.
Group to invest in three of its North East care homes By Dominic Musgrave THREE sites in the North East are undergoing major refurbishments as part of a £12million investment programme in Akari Care homes throughout the UK. The homes will benefit from complete re-decoration to improve the surroundings for residents. Operations director Donna Lyons said: “The environment of a care home is so important to the wellbeing of the residents. “Quality is at the heart of everything we do and that includes the environment of our homes. We like to keep them as fresh and comfortable for our residents as possible. “Everything is geared towards achieving positive outcomes for the people who live in our homes and every effort has been made to ensure that our residents cope well with the refurbishment work. This major investment will make a real difference, and we are looking forward to seeing the finished homes soon.” Following a refurbishment of its first floor last year, Hillfield Nursing Home in Newcastle will have its ground floor and second floor freshened up. Social areas throughout the facility will be re-decorated and refurbished, including new carpets, furniture, curtains, soft furnishings and an upgrade
to the lighting, making the areas more relaxing for residents. In addition, the home’s external windows will be improved and the bathrooms will be fitted with new suites. Also in line for a refurbishment is St Marks Court, which has already had its lighting, bathrooms and hair salon upgraded. The refurbishment will continue with the re-decoration and replacement of furniture, carpets, curtains and soft furnishings in communal areas, making them more appealing for residents to socialise in with each other or with visitors. South Gosforth-based Dene Park House will have all communal areas re-decorated, including the replacement of ceiling tiles, lighting and new bathroom suites. To make the residents’ personal spaces more comfortable, all bedrooms will have new carpets fitted and curtains, furniture and soft furnishings will be replaced. A trip to the hairdressers will be made more enjoyable for residents, with an upgrade to the hairdresser salon, which is used for weekly pampering sessions and hair appointments. The exterior of the home will also be freshened up to make it more inviting to visitors.
Geometric brings the ‘flair to care’ GEOMETRIC Furniture Limited is a well established family run and owned contract furniture business. Based in Manchester, the company has a 17,000 sq m manufacturing facility which includes office, showroom and storage space. Geometric has invested in its own in house designs, skilled craftsmen and customer service to deliver a quality product at a fair price. Product ranges include loose furniture, soft seating, fixed seating, bespoke joinery, cabinet work and case goods, which can be tailored to suit individual specifications. Whether you choose from Geometric’s current collection or commission bespoke items, they have the capability to meet your expectations.
From single unit supply to large scale turnkey projects, their extensive skills and experience within the contract furniture market show through in the extra care and attention given to all their products.
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How can your home avoid being affected by market changes? By Tom Simcox FOLLOWING a recent FCA investigation it was announced that specialist managing general agent Access Bi are to suspend activities. This comes after Ecclesiastical announced in December that effective from March 1 they would be withdrawing from the non-charity care home sector. Catlin has said it will honour care home insurance policies which have been issued by Access BI until policy expiration, which means if your broker has insured you with Access BI, you will need to arrange alternative cover at renewal. This recent activity has no doubt come from an increased perceived risk in the care home sector driven by some high profile claims which have caused insurers to re-align their position. And unfortunately for care home operators, with these two major insurers now retracting from the market we are likely to see rates increase in the coming months, with the remaining insurers carefully reviewing their position. What is important for care home operators to consider in this time of uncertainty is your level of risk management and safety, as alternative insurers will be sure to
scrutinise any new applications. Our advice to improving your risk management is to take the following steps: Ensure you are fully prepared for your next CQC inspection – take steps to assess your care home through care quality audit companies such as Care2Improve. This can help you diagnose any potential issues. Your level of compliance is a critical indicator to your insurer and these performance surveys will not only help you maintain high standards but make sure you pass your next CQC inspection with flying colours. When was the last time you reviewed your health and safety policy? If the answer is over a year ago, consider carrying out a full health and safety assessment or training course. Cardinus provide health and safety training and risk assessments. This helps prove to insurers that you are up-to-date with your policies and that you are actively working to reduce any areas of risk in your organisation. Providing evidence such as this to insurers not only reduces your operating risks but could be used to help you lower your premium. The care home building itself can pose a level of risk and will be a major consideration in an underwriter’s
Tom Simcox judgement. Ensure that you have carried out an up-to-date building survey and insurance valuation. This report will confirm that the building has been safety-checked by a professional and poses a low-level risk. Cardinus again can provide these surveys or assessments. Another area insurer’s review is compliance with employment law. This can include making sure that your employees’ working environments are in-line with all legal regulations, that employee contracts and rights have all been fully updated and reviewed, and all general HR regulations are complied with. Here’s a handy review of the basic employment laws. If you have any staff working offsite, there is an enhanced level of risk attached to their work activities.
Because they are unsupervised, the possible risks that they are exposed to are multiplied, insurance companies can consider any ‘lone worker’ operations to increase risk. To help reduce these risks you could consider an enhanced staff safety system such as Staff Guardian. This not only keeps your staff safe when out and about, but can also work to improve your business efficiency. During this time of uncertainty it is important to take steps to protect your care organisation and ensure that you can continue to operate, without your insurance premiums sky-rocketing. As independent insurance brokers, we are not tied to any single insurer giving you better access to a wider panel of insurers and dedicated schemes. We not only work to ensure your unique care organisation is placed with the right insurer for you but are happy to carry out a review of your current coverage and sums insured. In doing so, we will help you identify any potential gaps in cover and see where you could reduce your costs. We also offer continued advice and health and safety support which helps to ensure compliancy and maintaining high standards. Tom Simcox is a Principal (BA, Cert CII) at Simcox Brokers.
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Study paves the way for music therapy research By Dominic Musgrave A FEASIBILITY study has paved the way for greater research into the workings of music therapy for people with dementia. The study, carried out within national charity Methodist Homes, indicates the positive effects of music therapy and the potential for a largescale clinical trial, the provider’s lead music therapist Ming Hung Hsu told the British Association for Music Therapy’s inaugural conference in the Birmingham Conservatoire, along with fellow music therapists Clare Monckton and Rosamund Pendry. The presentations covered video analysis in psychophysiological research into music therapy, and the benefits of the alternative therapy for people with dementia. In total, 14 residents from two MHA homes, Homestead in Carterton, Oxfordshire and Fitzwarren House in Swindon, Wiltshire, took part in the five-month period. The trial was conducted with the assistance of professor Helen Odell-Miller of Anglia Ruskin University. Ming described the results as “positive”, adding that the protocol of the study appeared to be feasible for a
“I will research how music therapy can improve quality of life for care home residents.” large-scale clinical trial. “Results indicated the positive effects of music therapy inside and outside music therapy sessions,” he added. “There is not much research going on into the effects of music therapy for people with dementia, so we are very pleased to be doing this. “This has also been a psychophysiological study – we have been collecting data such as skin temperature and heart rate to help indicate the effect music therapy has on people. “This was just a small feasibility trial but I hope it sets the path to help us understand how music therapy works. A lot of music therapy research now is indicating that it can improve well-being but very little has been done into how it actually works, the mechanisms of it.” Ming has addressed other interna-
Residents use computer game for memory study A CLINICAL psychology student is undertaking a research study to determine whether computer games have the potential to increase wellbeing and independence for sufferers of mild memory loss. Timothy Bowerman, a University of Kent student, has been working with Abbeyfield Kent residents with mild dementia and Alzheimer’s at Connors House in Canterbury using interactive life simulator The Sims. Residents are using the game daily to carry out simple tasks such as having a bath or eating lunch. Tim then uses a range of tests including recall lists among others, which assesses whether or not residents can recall the tasks they carried out the day before. The research study includes three weeks of training, followed by three weeks of rest, and concludes with a range of tests. Though the study cannot give significant results over a few weeks, Tim hopes that if the results indicate that this could benefit certain residents then a larger scale test could be carried out on a bigger study group, over a longer period of time. He said: “I chose this study as my grandma suffers with Alzheimer’s and I’ve always been very interested in why people behave the way they do. I’ve always been drawn to people who I feel I can help or benefit in some way. “The residents are loving it, they’re
University of Kent student Timothy Bowerman has been using The Sims interactive life simulator with residents at Connors House in Canterbury. all very enthusiastic and want to benefit from this as much as possible. At the moment, I’m working with a lady who suffers from short-term memory loss and she’s doing great, it’s really impressive. “I’m really enjoying how it’s going so far, it’s great to be working in an environment that is as welcoming as this one has been.”
Methodist Homes’ lead music therapist Ming Hung Hsu with a resident. tional music therapy conferences previously, including ones in Seoul and Norway. He has a Masters in music therapy with a distinction from Anglia Ruskin University and has been working on a PhD there with funding from MHA. Ming added: “I will research how music therapy can improve quality of life for care home residents. “Nobody has yet looked into how exactly music therapy works. There have been studies showing that it works, but none into how or why. I’m going to be looking into that.”
www.active-minds.co.uk
New £4.8m service for Blackburn
COMMUNITY Integrated Care has unveiled plans to develop a new £4.8million specialist dementia care service in Blackburn, which will create more than 100 jobs. The service, which will be named EachStep Blackburn, will apply the charity’s unique model of integrated dementia care, which aims to support people from diagnosis until the end of their lives. It will provide domiciliary care in the Blackburn community, as well as respite, residential, nursing and palliative care for 64 people within the new service. The proposed development, which will be completed by the end of summer 2015, will be overseen by LNT Construction, who have submitted a planning application for the project. Their proposal aims to support local regeneration plans for the Ewood area of Blackburn, where the service will be built. Catherine Murray-Howard, deputy chief executive of CIC, said: “We intend for this service to benefit the Blackburn community at-large, enhancing the local environment and bringing many new opportunities for local people.”
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A £1.7M nursing home near Shipley has opened for business this month, following the successful completion of a 14-month building project by QSP Construction. The Glen Nursing Home in Baildon, which will operate as a specialist dementia care home, includes 56 single en-suite bedrooms and state-ofthe-art facilities such as reminiscence pods, a sensory room, cinema and hairdressing salon. The Glen is the latest in a series of regional building projects won by Bingley based QSP Construction and was built for The Glen Nursing Home Ltd whose owners – The Holt family – also own and operate Kingston Nursing Home in Roundhay, Leeds. Director Daniel Holt said: “The Glen was designed specifically for people with dementia. We wanted a purposebuilt modern facility to serve the people of Baildon.”
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In a special feature for Caring UK, leading care provider Avery Healthcare reveals how it is using the latest in technology to enhance the lives of residents living within its homes.
Provider using technology to make a vital connection THEY say happiness is contagious. So how better to spread ‘happy’ than with the lightest touch on the newest technology, enabling those at greatest risk of isolation and loneliness to stay connected and stimulated. Improved independence, enhanced life and increased joy – all just one click away. In an exciting initiative, residents are connecting with friends and family thousands of miles away, roaming the virtual gallery of their past and keeping up with the latest world news. It all adds up to a stimulating and exciting new time, with those already using touch-screen technology as enthusiastic about the possibilities as their grand and great grandchildren. Avery Healthcare is breaking ground, using new technologies within iPads to connect residents to all the aspects of their daily lives. For the group, which has a well deserved reputation for setting quality benchmarks in care, spearheading a new communication strategy is a natural progression as they seek to raise standards across the sector. Residents in Avery Healthcare homes are already experimenting
with the iPads, enjoying the ability to speak, and see, loved ones across the globe. These are vital links for those who, in many cases, are no longer able to roam as they would wish, reaffirming vital connections which are the keys to happy and fulfilled later years and, by extension, better mental well being. Although still in its infancy, research has shown major positive outcomes in the treatment of dementia care with touch-screen technologies such as the iPad. There is also anecdotal evidence that using this technology for life enhancing activity affords new opportunities for both restorative memory and interaction, improving assimilation and hand to eye co-ordination. The devices can also be used for creative work, such as music and art, which have also been shown to activate feeling and memory, promoting both reminiscence and reality orientation, and can benefit those with cognitive impairment. Avery Healthcare via the AI system (Aver Interact) is developing systems which will one day mean residents will be able to use the iPads to do
everything from choosing their evening meal, joining in group activities, through to booking a hair appointment. Further up the technology ladder innovative nursing staff within Avery can use systems to share best practice ideas and experiences across the group’s homes. The multi-sensory capabilities of an iPad combined with its portability, make it the technology of choice for Avery Healthcare, which has ambitious plans to equip every new resident with an iPad when they arrive. Avery Healthcare recreational and leisure managers are reporting a very positive reaction to the project. R&L
coordinator Emma gives examples: “We have loaded on the iPad old photos the resident’s families have provided for us. This is good as a lot of the photos were small and using the iPad we can zoom in and the residents can see the photograph clearer than before. With the iPad we can walk down streets our residents used to live in. We can also use Google to get up photos of different areas, people, places and even pets!” Fellow coordinator Charis added: “One of the key things that our residents find is that because it is handheld you can take it anywhere in the home, or even use it outside in the garden when the weather is nice. Residents really enjoy using it for Skype to keep in touch with friends and family from the comfort of their own bedroom.” With a commitment to bridge the divide between life inside and outside residential homes, Avery Healthcare wants the connections to be as strong and meaningful between those they care for and their loved ones, as it would be if those families were never apart.
HD Medi management system Wash caps a new addition to octenisan decontamination range THERE’S a new addition to the octenisan® decontamination body cleansing range - new octenisan wash caps are available in addition to octenisan wash mitts and octenisan wash lotion. The octenisan range is formulated for gentle but effective whole body cleansing, including hair washing and showering. octenisan wash caps are designed for use with octenisan wash mitts for bedbound patients and those with limited mobility. octenisan wash lotion is formulated for ambulant patients who are able to shower. octenisan wash caps are impregnated with octenidine – a clinically proven, broad-spectrum antimicrobial, which is also effective against multiresistant strains. Unlike some body washes, octenisan has a skin friendly formulation which is gentle on the skin. To try a sample of the octenisan range, emai: mail.uk@schuelke.com Enquiries: schülke UK, Cygnet House, 1 Jenkin Road, Meadowhall, Sheffield, S9 1AT. Telephone 0114 254 3500 or visit www.schulke.co.uk
HD Medi has created a new medicines management system for care home residents. Pouching is a unique way to allow residents or staff to administer medication safely, easily and effectively. There are many benefits of using such a system in your care home. They include that it is compact and easy to store, increases patient safety, reduces round times, increases compliance, and there is no more need for secondary dispensing. Nicola Meskill, a senior support worker at Beechwood Care Home in Sunderland, has noted many benefits since the facility has started to use the HD Medi system: Decreases indiscrepancies. Easier to manage – each individual is very specific to an individual with the name, date, medication and dosage. The pharmacy is very approachable and we are confident of contacting them with any queries. All medication is delivered in a designed plastic container so there
cannot be any confusion. Easier to administer as the name of the person is clearly printed on the packets. Very hygienic so avoid any mess. Safer and easier to sign in and do a weekly check as part of a stock audit. The containers promote independence and dignity for the individual. They are a lot more discreet when taking medication out into the community. When you are on holiday you only have to take the amount you require for the amount of time you are away rather than a month’s worth. The pill boxes are person centred and come in individual packets. HD Medi has the right machine in stock for you. The software and the hardware are continuously being developed in accordance with the strictest of guidelines, which means pharmacies are guaranteed the right machine for individual solutions. To find out more contact Sufia Khan on 07972 697901.
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Care worker recognised for going the extra mile By Dominic Musgrave A MEMBER of staff at Glossop-based Pennine Care Centre has been recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty throughout the festive period. Members of staff from the 11 Canterbury Care homes throughout the UK who worked all their allocated or additional shifts during December were entered into a draw for the special bonus prize. Sylvia Fisher, who is a night care assistant and has worked at Pennine Care Centre for eight months, was surprised with a bonus of £1,500, when her name was pulled out of the hat. Wendy Rushton, operations director at Canterbury Care, said: “All of our members of staff are committed to providing high-quality care and work extremely hard, so we thought offering a reward for their efforts would be a great way to say thank you. “Sylvia epitomises what a carer should be; she demonstrates exemplary person-centred care and treats residents with dignity at all times. We would like to thank all of our members of staff for doing a great job and say a very well done to Sylvia.” Pennine Care Centre provides care for up to 64 elderly residents, some of
Sylvia Fisher (front right) with resident Joseph Dixon and her colleagues from Canterbury Care. whom have dementia. Sylvia added: “I was really shocked when I was told that I’d won, and I’m really grateful to Canterbury Care for the bonus, which demonstrates the company’s appreciation for my hard
work. “It’s great to be rewarded for something that I really love doing and the residents had a great time over the festive period, which makes going the extra mile well worth it.”
Nominations now open for the Safety in Care Awards
NOMINATIONS are now open for NASHiCs’ fourth annual Safety in Care Awards, which recognise those who make a real difference to health and safety in the sector. The awards are open to everyone working in social care, members or non-members of NASHiCS, and nominations can be made between now and June 3. There are four categories this year: Best Practice Award, Learning and Training Award, Company or Individual of the Year Award, and a special 10 Year Individual Award, recognising 10 years of the Association. Winners will be announced on September 11 with an awards luncheon at the 10th anniversary National Learning & Development Forum at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford. All award winners will receive an engraved plaque, certificate and £150. For further information, or to download a nomination form visit www.nashics.org NASHICS is the membership body promoting excellence of safety and health in care services.
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QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BY
www.requiredsystems.com
Dorset care home marks 30 years at the top with party
Netherthorpe student Hayley with Willow care home resident Bob Porter.
Care home joins forces with school to bridge the generation gap A CHESTERFIELD care home has teamed up with students at a local school to bridge the generation gap and share life experiences. Amore Care’s Willows care home received a visit from a group of students from Netherthorpe School once a week for six weeks. The young pupils partnered up with a service user from the care home and discussed how things have changed for each different generation and ultimately created a book based on their shared experiences. One service user in particular enjoyed sharing his unusual life and visited the school joined by a group of residents with a homemade card and chocolates along with other participants to show their appreciation. Bob Porter, 86, has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and has benefitted from sharing his stories and in return learning about modern day technology. He said: “This programme has been the best thing I have ever done. As a young boy I spent my life moving from different care homes until I was
evacuated during the war. “The pupils from the school loved hearing my war stories and I looked forward to their visits every week. They told me all about modern day technology and it is really interesting to see how things have changed since I was that age.” Rachel Batham, head teacher at Netherthorpe School, added: “The students were reluctant at first, worrying what to say, but after the first 10 minutes they looked forward to their weekly visits. “They exchanged conversations and banter with the residents. They enjoyed getting first-hand accounts of events that they had only read about in history books. “The students made an attachment to the different characters so much and are now planning to visit their new friends during the school holidays. “Students said they didn’t want the sessions to end, they had a brilliant time and thought it was a fantastic project. They said they hope to keep this connection going.”
SPRING sunshine smiled on the Old Vicarage care home in Leigh, near Sherborne in Dorset, as it celebrated a successful 30 years of caring for the elderly. Residents, visitors and staff enjoyed musical entertainment, a buffet lunch, cream tea and champagne to toast Ian and Annie Sinnott who opened the 40-bedded home in 1984 with one resident and one staff member. “I don’t know where the time has gone, but we are very proud of what we have achieved,” said Annie, who in 2007 was awarded an MBE for services to social care. The Old Vicarage is central to the friendly rural village of Leigh. Its staff have won 25 national and regional awards and been shortlisted for many more. The home’s commitment to excellence and staff development have made it a beacon of good practice in the care industry. Annie praised her staff and the support of the local community, adding:
“We are truly local. Most of our staff are from this area, and some have been with us for years. Our current managers came to us as schoolgirls 15 years ago, and achieved their qualifications and experience here. That’s what I call growing your own workforce.” Manager Natalie Adams, who presented Ian and Annie with four rose bushes on behalf of the staff, said: “Annie has always believed in and encouraged us, and we all owe her a lot.” Far from being inward looking, the Old Vicarage is always keen to share good practice, and this year also celebrates its 21st year of hosting Dutch care students. Currently working with the regular staff are Iris Van Der Linden and Kirsten Smulder from Gorinchem in Holland. “This has been a very successful programme,” added Annie. “It is always interesting to exchange good practice tips with care staff from other countries.”
Group achieves Food Mark first HC-One has become the first care home group to achieve the Food for Life Bronze Catering Mark, which guarantees excellence in the produce used to make residents’ meals. The award is given to institutions which guarantees that what’s on the menu is freshly prepared, free from undesirable additives and better for animal welfare. Meals which have been awarded the Catering Mark are all free from controversial e-numbers such as aspartame, tartrazine and MSG. They do not contain artificial trans-fats or GM
ingredients. 25 homes in Scotland and the North East have been awarded the standard by The Soil Association, and every HC-One care home is working towards achieving it in the near future. Tracy Sutherland, HC-One’s head of hospitality, said: “Good nutrition is so important for older people to live a healthy, comfortable, and enjoyable life. HC-One aims to provide the kindest care in Britain and ensuring our residents receive nourishing, tasty, and home cooked food is an important part of that.”
Homecare provider celebrates report STAFF at Poole-based homecare provider Good Oaks Home Care Limited are celebrating a report published by the CQC praising the quality of care provided by the company. The report found that Good Oaks Home Care met the needs of individ-
uals, promoted independence and incorporated personal preferences into individual care plans. Registered with the regulator in August 2012, Good Oaks Home Care employs 50 members of staff. It is run by directors Ben Ashton and Darius Mitkus.
Helping you to comply with the regulator IT IS not just CQC that require services in the care sector to be able to evidence compliance. Your bank and local authorities placing service users are becoming more demanding. The two major failures in CQC inspections are poor record keeping and drug administration. Required Systems Ltd has all the quality systems you need to be compliant, incorporating all the forthcoming changes from CQC. To find out more call 01236 782477 or visit www.requiredsystems.com
Monochrome image for easy identification THE integrated discharge team at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire were seeking a multi-disciplinary staff uniform for all 20 team members, encompassing nurses, OTs and assistant practitioners. Staff from the team work with patients from across all the wards, they support the ward staff in the identification of the best discharge pathway, identifying care packages to support timely, safe discharge. When they were attired in uniforms tied to their role they were often called upon for other activi-
ties, which did not fall within their department’s remit. Grahame Gardner worked with the team to find the best colour combination, one that would not be confused with other hospital departments or roles. The P356 tunic was selected, produced as a made to order garment in white with a black trim. And as you can see from the image, they are very happy with their new look. Enquiries: Call Grahame Gardner on 0116 255 6326 or visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk
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Care sector ‘shows signs of recovery’ By Dominic Musgrave THE UK's private residential elderly care sector is showing signs of renewed financial health, following a prolonged period of instability, a new report has revealed. The review of the sector by business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP identifies a number of factors signalling both stability, and cautious optimism for care home operators. These include an overall net increase in residential demand, coupled with a recent improvement in occupancy rates; stabilisation of operating costs – namely with regard to employment costs – and improvements in Debt / EBITDA lending parameters to more normalised levels of x4-6, versus the 'pre-credit crunch' period when leverage
reached x14. Grant Thornton's study predicts an overall improvement in the sector's longer-term prospects, underpinned by an increasingly elderly demographic, the long-term transfer of residents from local authority homes to independent care homes and earlier credit pressures having restricted new builds, thereby assisting current occupancy levels. The report, however, expresses a degree of caution over the sector's near term outlook. It notes that highly leveraged operators, and particularly those with compliance issues operating from older properties, are still likely to face challenges potentially leading to further business failures. Daniel Smith, partner and head of private sector healthcare at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: "The UK's private residential elderly care sector
Daniel Smith faced a challenging period since 2008, but we're now starting to see a rebalancing of fortunes in the sector and renewed optimism from both the businesses and their financial backers. “Over the past few years, operators
have had to adopt more efficient operating models whilst maintaining – and in many cases improving – the quality of services they provide, in order to stay afloat. These businesses are now poised to capitalise on the demographic and economic factors which point toward favourable conditions for the sector.” Regionally, the report identified a growing disparity in business conditions around the UK, with London and the South East remaining the most buoyant markets on account of localised affluence and resident's ability to self-pay. The North East, Yorkshire and Humberside are noted as some of the most challenging regions, on account of local economic factors, over capacity and lower fees, coupled with lower occupancy rates and aging properties in these regions.
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CARINGCOMMERCE
Resident and local MP open care home’s £1.6m refurb NEW Care Projects LLP, the operator of the Manorhey Care Centre in Urmston, Greater Manchester, has completed a £1.6m project at the home. The scheme saw the addition of new accommodation, officially unveiled by Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green and resident Milly Mitten. Now complete, Manorhey boasts an additional 20 beds, taking the home to 83, catering for the increasing need for quality nursing, residential and dementia care in the region. With Manorhey Care Centre regularly achieving 100 per cent occupancy, New Care made the decision to acquire an additional parcel of land neighbouring the home to cater for the increasing demand for beds. Chris McGoff, CEO of New Care Projects, said: “Manorhey Care Centre was our first home built in 2010 and it is a great achievement that four years in we have had to add beds to the premises to ensure the pent up demand for our unrivalled care is catered for. At Manorhey Care Centre, the team specialises in complex clinical care and we offer an affordable service, which not only represents excellent value for money but is received by residents in purpose-built surroundings.
Resident Milly Mitten joins Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green to open the new accommodation, with Manorhey’s registered manager Joanna Fryers and New Care’s partner for clinical services and operations Dylan Southern and CEO Chris McGoff. “We are determined that all our residents are treated with respect, that they receive a second to none service and their dignity is at the heart of all we do, from which we have forged a formidable reputation.” A £200,000 refurbishment within the original building is 60 per cent complete, ensuring the highest quality environment is maintained throughout Manorhey Care Centre.
This is a delicate logistical operation as the work is underway while clients remain in the home, but will include an updated kitchen with blast chillers, now required in all care homes. Manorhey Care Centre will also boast an array of new services, designed specifically for the home by its hospitality and client experience manager, Kay Johnson, meeting the most rigorous of standards.
Castleoak awarded contract CASTLEOAK has been awarded a contract by Methodist Homes to design and build two assisted living schemes. In Swindon, the company has started work on a project comprising 33 one and two-bed apartments and four care suites to deliver MHA’s new assisted living offering. The new development is next to Fitzwarren House, a care home with nursing, and Stanton Lodge retirement living with care apartments, which Castleoak built in 2005. In Peterborough, Castleoak’s development team has achieved planning permission for 37 one and two-bed assisted living apartments and 13 care suites, having previously identified and acquired the site. Simon Greenstreet, customer partnerships director at Castleoak, added: “MHA has been a customer of Castleoak for more than 15 years. We understand MHA’s requirements and are able to drive innovation to enable high quality care in various care settings.” Construction will start this month.
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Lamont Johnson sells the prestigious Shenstone Hall LAMONT Johnson are delighted to confirm the recent discreet sale of Shenstone Hall. This charming and stylish 35 registered home has been owned and operated by Dr Raj Mahanta for over 25 years and is located in the village of Shenstone, close to Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. The home is set in its own landscaped gardens and grounds and has been acquired as their second home by the Yorkshire-based Wright Care Homes. The other home being located close to Carlisle. Julie Wright, managing director of Wright Care Homes, said: “We are so pleased that Grayson Taylor introduced us to the Shenstone Hall
opportunity, he is so well connected in the industry, and helped and supported us all the way through the sales process.
“Undoubtedly, his 34 years’ experience was a major factor in this transaction being a successful one for all concerned.”
DC Care has sold two residential care homes located in Torquay to local operator Beechcroft Care Homes. The homes, Choice and Southbourne (pictured above) both situated in the Babbacombe area, are registered for 24 and 21 respectively, caring for people with old age and dementia. DC Care were instructed by joint administrator Begbies-Traynor to find a suitable purchaser who has already commenced a programme of refurbishment that will see the home upgraded and modernised.
Group working on several sites YORKSHIRE-based DECS Group are currently working on site at Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire and Canterbury, Kent – their ninth and 10th developments for Maria Mallaband Care Group, as well as two care developments for other operators. MD Steve Pippard (pictured right) has been in the construction industry for over 30 years, has a degree in construction management and started as a building inspector in the north of England.
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CARINGCOMMERCE
Operators warned of potential tax losses DC Care has completed the sale of Roman Court in Mexborough. Acting on behalf of the joint administrators, Stephen Grant and Anthony Cork of Wilkins Kennedy,the specialist healthcare agent secured the sale following a comprehensive marketing campaign resulting in a number of offers being made. The successful purchaser was Mary Whitehead of Maricare, taking her portfolio to three.
Care group wins settlement over bank mis-selling THE first major case due before the UK courts about the mis-selling of interest rate protection products businesses has been settled. Guardian Care Homes had alleged that Barclays Bank had mis-sold it two interest rate swaps worth £70m that were linked to Libor, the benchmark interest rate used to price financial products. The high profile case was due to go to trial at the end of the month, but it has emerged that a settlement has been reached worth around £40m, which will see Barclays restructure facilities for Guardian, which is owned by Graiseley Properties, based in Stone, Staffordshire. The case has been watched closely by the banking industry and by over 60,000 businesses which the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) says were mis-sold interest rate swap products. In a statement Barclays said: “In order to support the ongoing viability of Graiseley’s care home business, the parties have signed a restructuring of Graiseley’s debt. This reflects the impact of changes in conditions to the sector over the past few years. Graiseley has withdrawn the litigation.” The UK financial regulator set up a compensation scheme for businesses affected by the scandal, which emerged in 2012. At least 60,000 firms are eligible to claim. However, the compensation scheme was restricted to businesses that did not cross a threshold of financial sophis-
Wayne Thomas, director of Thomas Guise Solicitors. payable to the property owner to nil, but this is not always possible as rental payments may be needed to support a mortgage. An alternative solution is to transfer the property to the trading company. However this would trigger a payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax on the full value of the property. Wayne added: “Fundamentally, it is simply good tax planning that allows business owners to claim Entrepreneur’s Relief. However, no two businesses are the same and each needs to be reviewed individually.”
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Daniel Fallows tication. Anyone outside of the scheme has to resort to the courts to seek redress. Daniel Fallows, a director at Seneca Banking Consultants, an expert advisory firm which is handling some of the UK’s biggest mis-selling claims said: “Guardian Care Homes was very much a test case and its outcome shows that firms which thought they were too ‘sophisticated’ to successfully claim should seek advice in relation to their hedging arrangements. “In the world of interest rate swap mis-selling, the banks have been able to avoid litigation on the basis that a business was ‘sophisticated’ enough to know better. “That defence – which was at best highly subjective – has been shown to be flimsy. Just because the bank classes you as ‘sophisticated’ doesn’t mean you do not have a case.”
Home sold from £1.25m asking price BINGLEY Wingfield Care Home, a care home with nursing, registered for 48 by the CQC, has been acquired by Bingley Wingfield Care Ltd — and becomes the third care home purchased by Karen and Mike Reynolds through specialist property adviser Christie + Co in the West Yorkshire region. The care home was converted from a Victorian residential building by Dr
A LAW firm is warning care home operators to secure themselves against losing hundreds of thousands of pounds in tax. Thomas Guise Solicitors – based in Studley, Birmingham, Worcester and London – is raising awareness among care home operators about how they could be missing out on Entrepreneurs’ Relief if they sell their business. Currently if a business is sold, Capital Gains Tax of 28 per cent is paid on any increase in the value of assets, but ER can make a huge saving by reducing tax down to 10 per cent. However, care home owners are not eligible to claim ER on the increase in the value of the property, if the property and trading company are held under separate ownership and rent is being paid. To overcome this problem, Thomas Guise is offering advice on how it may be claimed on both. Director Wayne Thomas said: “Entrepreneurs understand all too well that a hefty tax bill upon the sale of a business can significantly hamper reinvestment or retirement plans, but there are measures that may reduce the amount of tax they pay.” The barrier to claiming ER for care home owners occurs where the trading company pays rent to the property owner, because they are held separately. A solution is to reduce the rent
Ghoneim, who also added a purposebuilt wing to house single en-suite accommodation. The home was acquired from Dr Ghoneim off an asking price of £1.25m, and funding for the purchase was providing by Lloyds Banking Group. Acting on behalf of Dr Ghoneim was Jonathan Asquez, corporate partner at Gordons LLP.
Meet Grayson Taylor, MD of Lamont Johnson Ltd GRAYSON has often been described in the trade press as being unconventional, ebullient and tenacious. It is these qualities that have sustained him through a 34-year career in the specialised field of selling care homes. Grayson commenced his career in 1981 when he was the sole founder of the very successful Taylor National agency, establishing 4 offices employing 44 staff and finally selling the business in 1989. He emerged again in 2001 when, alongside his wife Dawn, he was the joint founder of the DC Care Property Agency, finally leaving a very successful business in 2008. Lamont Johnson was established by Grayson and Dawn, in 2012 and prides itself on providing a very personal, and “one-to-one” service for individual and corporate operators alike. Grayson very much believes in the personal touch and in so doing, allows his team to maintain a very close relationship with his clients as well as many new entrants currently coming into the sector. Many of Grayson’s clients are now sons and daughters of operators that he bought and sold for throughout the 1980’s! Lamont Johnson has developed via Grayson’s numerous connec-
Lamont Johnson Ltd managing director Grayson Taylor. tions, links with all the professionals in the field including specialist architects, project managers, builders, solicitors, banks and finance brokers to name but just a few. Grayson and Dawn are always available to advise any existing home owner regarding either an acquisition or a discreet sale of their Home and operate throughout the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
Lower price challenge
Are you smelling fresh? GONE are the days of simply having to tolerate bad smells and stains with Gompels HealthCare Ltd’s innovative new range of carpet and fabric care products. The exciting new range is specifically formulated for use in care homes and covers all aspects from stain removal and cleaning to deodorising and freshening the environment. The range includes carpet shampoos, bactericidal deodorisers
in exciting new fragrances, stain removers and an enzyme cleaner. It also includes a concentrate fragrance which you can put into your general cleaning solutions to keep rooms smelling fresher for longer. All of the products are highly effective and are designed to offer superior results at a reasonable price. On top of quality and value the range is designed with the environment in mind; they all use biodegradable surfactants and are ozone friendly.
Gainsborough’s online selector proves popular GAINSBOROUGH Specialist Bathing, part of the Care in Bathing Group, has been the leading choice for the design, installation and after-sales support of assistive baths for 25 years. Gainsborough launched its new website last May, and its new interactive online bath selector tool is proving popular with care providers and healthcare professionals. To ensure the most suitable product is selected, this resource provides an easy to use, step-by-
step search facility that takes into account specific care requirements, care setting and key functionality. As visitors select their desired options, the selector tool filters the results to offer them with direct links to all relevant product information. Overall the new website provides comprehensive, easy to access technical information that illustrates all the key features of Gainsborough’s assisted baths, patient hoists and showering solutions.
LEADING international supplier of name badges, Badgemaster, is citing technological advances as the reason behind its new, lower prices. For over 22 years the company has placed keen emphasis on investing in the most up to date manufacturing and order processing systems which coupled with consistent volume growth, has always enabled economies to be passed on to customers. “We’re now in a position to complete even the shortest runs extremely cost-effectively,” said managing director John Bancroft MBE. “So we’re overhauled our price list to make lower quantities of badges accessible at the same
discounted rate previously reserved for higher volumes and are able to offer further significant savings for larger users-and the product quality is better than ever.” John believes competitors will be hard pushed to match Badgemaster’s combination of product quality and pricing and invites buyers to check out their current deal against his company’s offer. He added: “Every order is backed by our best price guarantee, and we never compromise on quality. “We are confident of providing the best value and the best service in the marketplace, because we’ve invested in the resources which support competitive pricing long term.”
Group growth adds more solutions to firm’s menu JLA’s new catering division is already cooking up a storm in the marketplace, following the addition of some of the biggest names in commercial kitchen services to the JLA Group. With over 25 advisers dedicated to kitchen solutions and over 220 field engineers, JLA can now offer the same end-to-end expertise it is already known for in the laundry arena to those who need specialist help in their catering facility. From refurbs to refits, JLA can assign any given project to the most appropriate catering experts from across its wider Group, and take care of everything from initial scoping and
layout planning to bespoke fabrication and compliance checks. And of course, once a kitchen is designed and built, JLA can then install brand new machines as part of its renowned Total Care package – with inclusive seven-day breakdown cover and the promise of a £100 payment if a call-out is not responded to within eight working hours. With everything from combi ovens, cooktops and ranges to fridges, freezers and dishwashers available to them from a provider they already know and trust, the JLA Group’s expansion means care homes can now benefit from truly businesswide solutions under one roof.
Peverel uses Shackletons for Albion Court refurb RETIREMENT housing group Peverel turned to preferred supplier Shackletons when looking for a contemporary refurbishment of the communal areas at Albion Court Retirement Home in Northampton and their second largest site in the UK; Homegower Retirement Home in Swansea. As part of Peverel’s commitment to maintain and oversee the wellbeing of residents, an interior overhaul was commissioned to provide comfortable and contemporary communal spaces for the residents of 178 individual apartments. Coordinated by Shackletons, the previously dated interior received an overhaul which introduced occasional and contemporary features ranging from high back arm chairs to low back tub seats and settees with matching occasional furniture. “Working with Shackletons was a thoroughly pleasant experience,” said
Eric Wells, Albion Court house manager. “They really understood the nature of the environment and embraced its social function to make it into an appealing and comfortable space. “It was a seamless interior transformation with good support and guidance.” Jason Bloom, Shackletons’ national sales manager, added: “We have an absolute understanding of what it takes to create comfortable care home environments. We genuinely believe that a positive environment provides those within it with a positive experience.” The Shackletons service doesn’t just provide an exceptional product, quick turnaround, and responsive customer service; it also provides choice and expert guidance to ensure comfort, mobility, safety, freedom and enjoyment is provided without compromise for any residential or nursing care environment.
Several well known care sector figures are embarking on a 240-mile charity cycle in aid of Huddersfield Town’s P4P5 Yorkshire Air Ambulance ‘Keep It Up’ campaign. DECS group MD Steve Pippard, Simon Hough, construction manager at Seddons and Jason Bloom, national sales manage rat Shackletons will ride The Herbert Chapman Route from Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium to the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield in just four days. The three are part of a group of seven who have trained together known as ‘The clean shaven bikers’. Steve is second left, Simon third left and Jason fifth from the left.
Show to feature system in action CARE home managers and operators in Kent are invited to an exhibition at the Walpole Bay Hotel on May 20. There will be a range of exhibits covering many of the basic needs of the care industry such as catering, plumbing and gadgetry.
The event will also provide an opportunity for delegates to view Multi-Care-Solutions, a paperless care plan system devised especially for care homes. The event begins at 9.30am, with refreshments available.
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
Is it time to switch lenders? CHANDLER & Co have been finance specialists in the healthcare sector since 1995 and has completed loans in excess of £2billion nationwide. Our bespoke finance packages cover all aspects of funding for: Acquisition, refinance, development, expansion and financial restructuring. Terms include: Monthly repayments as low as £4,361.31 (per £1m borrowed). 75 per cent loan to value. No arrangement fees. 25-year loan commitment. Chandler & Co’s status as an independent healthcare specialist means we have strong links with a comprehensive range of lenders. The combined experience of the partners including
financial, management and care home ownership offers first-hand knowledge and expertise in the healthcare sector. Interest rates 1.75% over bank base. Variable rates available. 100 per cent finance including development loans. Make an informed decision using a FREE financial review with Chandler & Co.
Show time for carers WHETHER you are looking at upgrading aspects of your care home, looking to give your setting a complete overhaul or just want to keep up to date with the latest developments within the care sector then Care Roadshows are the perfect events to attend. Care Roadshows will be coming to Bradford’s Cedar Court Hotel on May 13. The event is free to visit and alongside a dedicated exhibition of care home products and services there will also be free educational seminars and interactive workshops for visitors to take part in.
The fun and energising workshops will be delivered by exercise therapy experts Oomph, who will share ideas on how to get residents within your settings active for a happier and healthier lifestyle. From using chair-based exercises they will explain the benefits of regular gentle exercise and how this can be applied within your homes. The show also offers the opportunity to reconnect with exciting contacts as well as networking with other professionals from the sector in a relaxed environment.
Achieve consistency of care and optimise staff efficiency
Beaucare’s CareClean™ range BEAUCARE has launched CareClean™, a specialised NHS and care home chemical cleaning range. These products have been specifically formulated for medical environments. The range includes a number of concentrates providing dilution cost savings, without compromising on quality. Careclean™ is a selection of triggers,
concentrates and five-litre refills, encompassing all the essentials for your daily cleaning regimes, from multi-surface cleaners, polishes and degreasers. Beaucare® Medical Ltd, established 21 years, is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts.
Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
Claim VAT back on your home even if you are not VAT registered IT is true, care providers can reclaim VAT worth about £3,000 per bed for any residents who stayed in your home between 1993 and 2002 paid for by the local authority. You don’t have to be VAT registered to make a claim. We can usually find the information required with minimal disruption to your business. How is this possible? Well in 2002 a care provider called Kingscrest challenged the view held by HMRC and won. There is no cost to you unless we are successful. Typical claims: 50 beds – £240,000; 40 beds – £170,000; 287 beds – £1.25m. And the best part is that you get the money in your bank account before you pay us. Don’t forget the tax repayment is free of tax – it is extra profit.
Enquiries: Call 01233 640985 and ask for Howard to find out more.
THE dilemma of operating efficiently and profitably against delivering quality, consistent care is being eased through new options for the care market. New research by Clos-o-Mat, Britain’s biggest provider of domestic and commercial toileting solutions for the disabled and elderly, has highlighted that: Helping residents go to the toilet takes up a significant proportion of care staff’s time. Many residents have difficulty cleaning themselves after toileting but are in denial. Residents who do ask staff to help clean them often feel embarrassed. Adequate levels of cleanliness after toileting can be inconsistent. On average, up to 50 per cent of residents need help toileting. “All the issues highlighted by our research can be solved in one fell swoop, by installing an automatic shower toilet, which washes and dries the user instead of manual cleansing with toilet tissue,” said Claire Haymes, Clos-o-Mat’s care/nursing home specialist. “Other research shows that the cost of this equipment, such as our Palma Vita, is recouped
by the savings in staff time for just two residents in less than six months. It frees staff up for other duties. It also ensures users are consistently clean, and helps to provide much greater dignity and independence for residents when using the toilet.” Enwuiries: Visit www.clos-o-mat.com
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Care support worker appointed to run Experience Days A CARE support worker has been appointed at Belong Crewe, to support the care village’s increasingly popular Experience Days. Julie Kenworthy will be joining the team that help members of the local community to take part in some of the varied activities and vibrant village facilities on offer at Belong Crewe, in a refreshing alternative to conventional day care. Julie, who previously worked in the Belong Crewe Bistro, was so impressed by the inclusive community that the company offers that she retrained as a support worker to work in the Experience Days team. In her new role, Julie will give customers the support needed to participate in village activities, which are based on feedback from participants, and have included flower arranging workshops, arts dancing, food festivals and local history tours. She will also assist customers that want to access village facilities, such as visiting the salon for a new haircut or just meeting friends in the village venue. Julie said: “This is such a wonderful service to be part of, no two days are ever the same. It's really rewarding to see the same people regularly and help them to build new friendships in the village. It isn't just the customers that benefit, we also give carers the reassurance that their loved ones are being cared for in a safe environment. I feel privileged to be
Transport
An outreach worker helps one of the children put on her new jumper.
Group keep children warm A GROUP of residents at a Coverage Care home have been keeping their knitting needles busy to help produce blankets and jumpers for orphaned children in Malawi. The Jolly Jumpers knitting group have been designing and creating their woolly items for the charity African Vision in southeast Africa at Stone House residential home in Bishops Castle, south Shropshire. One of the founding members of Julie Kenworthy in a role where I can make such a difference to people's lives. " Melanie Saywell, general manager at Belong Crewe, added: “With so much demand for the activities taking place in the village, it was only a matter of time until we needed extra support to meet the increased interest in our Experience Days. “Julie passionately supports the Belong principles of offering a richness of experience and sense of community belonging in our villages, and I'm sure that she will help our Experience Day customers to experience that warmth and inclusivity.”
Jolly Jumpers, Gaynor Cook, said: “The knitters range in age from 70 to 102-years-old and we have been meeting at Stone House every Monday for a year now. It's proving wonderfully successful. “Our group is made up of residents from the home as well as ladies from the local community, and those in respite care who love to come back for a get-together, and a chat while we knit.”
Sarah wins employee prize at fourth annual ceremony MONARCH Healthcare held its fourth annual awards ceremony at East Midland's Conference Centre. Sarah Richardson was named employee of the year, with Diane Martin taking home the care innovator accolade, Linda Townsley the dementia carer prize, Julie Wills the frontline leader and Lyn Richardson the hospitality. Pinxton Manor Nursing Home picked up the quality advancement prize, with Autumn Grange Nursing Home named home of the year. Operations manager Jacki Perry said: “It’s an opportunity for us to thank all our wonderful nurses, carers and support workers for the amazing job they do and to celebrate their successes.
Accountancy
“Working in care can be very difficult and its usually only poor services we hear about in the news. The directors of Monarch Healthcare know they are lucky to have such a dedicated group of men and women supporting them and feel it is something well worth celebrating.” Going The Extra Mile awards were also presented to: Barry Cooper (Autumn Grange), Carol Attack (Haddon House), Sarah Power (Parkside), Charlotte Lowe (Woodlands), Maxine Keene (Rutland Manor), Diane Harpham (Pinxton Manor), Diana Jones (Clifton Manor), Lisa Wheeldon (Clifton Manor), Maria Kelsall (Kingfisher Court), Jackie Bollington (Poplars) Alison Jenkins (Croft).
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