Caring UK - Issue 65

Issue 65 14.07.21

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

Government must ‘step up to the plate’ A SOCIAL care leader says it’s time for the Welsh Government to “step up to the plate” to avert a new crisis and fund the sector properly so that frontline staff can be paid what they deserve.

Mary Wimbury, the chief executive of Care Forum Wales, said social care workers had responded heroically to the unprecedented challenge of keeping vulnerable people safe during the pandemic.

But the added pressures caused the spread of the virus had amplified the financial fissures that were already undermining the stability of the sector.

She added: “We are concerned. We went into the pandemic, as the First Minister himself said, with social care in a fragile state.

“During the past 15 months or so we have seen both the value of the social care services and the fact that we need to invest in them.

“We have a manifesto commitment from the Welsh Government that all care workers should be paid at least the Real Living Wage.

“If that’s going to happen there needs to be more money coming from local authorities in the fees that they are paying.

“It’s not even a question of keeping services as they are.

“It’s actually to make them

deliver what the people of Wales need, so we need extra investment.”

Most independently run care homes and domiciliary care companies were funded via fees paid by local authorities or health boards.

The fees mechanism, she said, had never been fit for purpose since it was introduced more than two decades ago.

In effect they set staff pay at poverty levels that meant providers were only able to pay the basic minimum wage to many care workers.

It had also led to chronic underfunding in the sector and a postcode lottery of fees, with a massive disparity between the amounts paid in different parts of the country and an ever-widening North-South divide.

Now an investigation by the BBC has shown that the effects of the pandemic have contributed to Welsh councils having to make an average saving of more than £20 per head for this financial year.

On top of that, they were still likely to overspend compared to the budgets they have.

“Social care is both a profession and a vocation and the wonderful people who work in the sector deserve to be paid accordingly,” Mary added.

Wellbeing support for care staff

Staff and residents at Lydgate Lodge in Batley raised more than £100 for Age UK after being inspired by their dedication to supporting older people throughout the coronavirus pandemic. In order to show their support, residents decided on the coin trail idea at their monthly committee meeting after reminiscing about creating traditional penny trails throughout their childhoods. Home manager Gary Kent said: “Our team have been brilliant in organising the donations and it’s been a huge team effort creating the trail. Thank you to everyone who generously donated. We are proud to be able to give to such a wonderful charity.” The trail took more than a week to complete and was a significant achievement for residents who were able to spell out ‘Lydgate Lodge’ and other inspirational hashtags such as #healthcareheroes out of the donated pennies and pound coins.

Diana Hornby is pictured with the final coin.

A BIG THANK YOU

FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP OUR MOST VULNERABLE SAFE AND HAPPY …

WE’RE IN AWE OF YOUR SELFLESS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.

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A NORTH Yorkshire care group has engaged a positive psychologist to help its shell-shocked staff to cope with the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group has organised sessions with consultant Hannah Dunn to help them cope with the ongoing crisis.

Staff are being invited to a series of online workshops to discover ways to improve their mental health and protect themselves from stress during the pandemic.

During the sessions, Hannah will introduce attendees to positive psychology: information and practical skills to help them improve their happiness and wellbeing and to manage emotions.

The idea is to help staff to reduce symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety, to develop self-help skills that improve mental wellbeing and to prevent escalation of emotional issues.

Saint Cecilia’s managing director Mike Padgham said: “The last 15 months have taken a huge toll on our staff as they have dealt with the physical and mental stresses and strains of compassionately caring for people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I am full of admiration for each and every one of them and very keen to help them get through this as best we can. I think caring for our mental health as we come through this extremely challenging period is very, very important and I hope that our staff will get benefit from the sessions we have organised with Hannah.”

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Motorbike fan John revs up for new challenge A MOTORCYCLE-mad care home resident is gearing up for a new challenge to lovingly restore an old bike.

John Wykes, 83, who now lives at Pendine Park’s Hillbury home in Wrexham, has a life-long passion for motorbikes and classic cars and has returned numerous ‘wrecks’ to their former glory.

Now he’s aiming to rebuild the Kawasaki motorbike that was donated after Shane Swift, the husband of Hillbury’s deputy manager Patsy, put out an appeal on Facebook.

Shane’s big-hearted friend Ian John came up trumps – even though his original plan was to sell it.

The home is now looking for specialist tools that John can use breathe new life into the bike.

Before retiring he was a professional joiner by trade, learning his craft at Harland and Wolff in his native Liverpool.

When he and his family moved to North Wales he opened his own joinery business, Marchwiel Joinery, near Wrexham, which he ran for many years.

But in his spare time John said his real passion was motorbikes. He taught himself the basics of vehicle mechanics.

He eventually became so proficient that he restored several vintage bikes, including a large silver coloured cruiser model.

Shane Swift with resident John Wyke and the Kawasaki motorbike.

Among his favourite projects was fresh air with the wind in your hair. transforming a decrepit classic “It is completely different to Vauxhall J type car, a model which travelling by car, although I did enjoy was popular in the 1930s and 40s. restoring classic cars too.

John said his love of motorbike “The black J Type took me about two started after he started riding them to three years to restore starting with when he was 16 the rusty old chassis and working my He added: “I loved that feeling of way up. freedom on the road, being out in the “I took photographs of it at different

stages along the way.

“The finished result was supremely comfortable, a lovely classic vehicle, which I took to a few classic car shows.”

As for motorcycling, John said he enjoyed visiting different parts of the country on two wheels and motorcycled through France on several occasions.

“That was great,” he said. “But they have the weather for it there.

“My own motorbike riding days are long over but someone younger could still enjoy this if it is given a complete overhaul. We’ll see what we can do.”

Hillbury manager Cindy Clutton came up with the idea of looking for a motorbike for John to work on after leafing through his photograph album which is packed with pictures of motorbikes and cars he spent many hours restoring in his younger years.

She added: “He has good days and not so good days, but his face always lights up when he talks about his old motorbikes.”

“We cannot express enough thanks to everyone involved in this magnanimous gesture. To see John’s reaction when the motorbike arrived was heartwarming.”

“If anyone has any motorbike tools they can spare or no longer want then we’d love to hear from them. I’m sure John will take excellent care of them and put them to good use. He has motorcycling in his blood.”

Operator celebrates carer Lisa’s years of service SUNRISE of Mobberley has celebrated a carer who has been working at the home for five years.

Lisa West has gone from strength to strength since joining the care home.

Despite enjoying a successful career in pub management for much of her working life, Lisa made the decision to enter the care sector several years ago, eager to explore a new role with a greater degree of job satisfaction and fulfilment.

Joining Sunrise Senior Living UK’s Care Assistant Development Pathway at Sunrise of Mobberley, it was soon obvious that Lisa, like many other carers at the home, was an extremely talented and caring individual.

Always demonstrating tremendous compassion and care for the wellbeing and happiness of residents, she quickly grasped how to create bespoke and individualised personcentred care plans and administer first aid.

Then, with additional training, she became responsible for administering medication and delivering end of life advanced care plans.

The culmination of Lisa’s progress came with her nomination to represent Sunrise of Mobberley at the annual Sunrise Senior Living Award

ceremony in 2019, and consequential Heart & Soul accolade achievement.

Earmarked as a ‘Shining Star’ by general manager at Sunrise of Mobberley, Lisa Burrows, she has exceeded expectation, and is now a highly valued member of the team in her position as care coordinator – following the completion of her Level 3 Diploma in Dementia Care.

Lisa Burrows added: “I am truly honoured to have been with her every step of the way on her journey so far and continue to be inspired every day by her enthusiasm and passion for caring for our residents.

“It has been an absolute joy to watch Lisa grow in confidence and ability, and to see her excel as a natural leader.

“Residents and families have nothing but praise for her dedication and high levels of compassionate care.”

Within this new role Lisa has again demonstrated her abilities; proving instrumental in ensuring that all residents continued to feel safe, loved, well-looked after, and comfortable in their home, while also embracing all Covid control and prevention measures to keep infection away from residents and team members.

Group launches event to celebrate its carers THE care team at Maria Mallaband Care Group has been recognised for its hard work and dedication with a new annual celebration– MMCG Carers Appreciation Day. After observing International Nurses Day in May, the operator chose to create a new event to specifically celebrate its 3,500 paid carers who work across the group.

Executive chairman Phil Burgan said: “We are delighted to have introduced MMCG Carers Appreciation Day to give those who live and work alongside our carers the opportunity to express their gratitude for all they do.

“Carers play a vital role in ensuring MMCG’s homes are warm and welcoming places to live, and we are thankful for their hard work and dedication, this year as much as ever. The support and attention they give to those in our care contributes greatly to their quality of life and enables us to achieve our collective vision.”

A special gift was sent to every carer within the group on the day as a small token of appreciation, acknowledging their hard work and to demonstrate the gratitude of all those who live and work in MMCG’s care homes.

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Research reveals social care workers should be paid extra £7,000 a year A NEW report has found that many frontline social care workers are undervalued by as much as 39 per cent – nearly £7,000 per year – in comparison to their peers in equivalent positions in other public funded sectors.

Community Integrated Care commissioned the first ever independent analysis of the frontline support worker role.

Its ‘Unfair To Care’ report provides in-depth evidence that frontline carers receive an unjust deal in comparison to other public funded industries, and breaks the stereotype that social care is a ‘low skilled’ sector.

Mark Adams, CEO of Community Integrated Care, said: “The moral case for investment in social care and its workforce has, sadly, been ignored for years.

“This research now provides cold hard facts, which surely cannot be ignored by the Government. Our research proves that in other related sectors, many frontline support workers would be getting paid at least £6,907 more per year, and almost £7,500 within the NHS. This is immoral, illogical, and cannot be justified.

“This is a significant challenge, but it can be fixed – firstly, by recognising the £46bn contribution that social

Mark Adams care makes to the UK economy annually, and also delivering progressive reforms that improve efficiency and quality of live through delivering joined-up services, reducing the burden on family carers and embracing innovations.

“All evidence points to overwhelming public support for investment in the sector. This is an issue of strategy and focus, not of possibility.”

“It is a matter of national shame that social care workers, who provide such an invaluable service to society, are in such desperate circumstances.

“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, frontline workers have risked their health to protect those

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who need their support. Most have done so below the poverty line and without the basic safety net of sick pay. This cannot continue.”

The analysis has led to calls for the Government to provide an immediate and fair pay rise to social care workers and deliver a robust social care sector people plan, which ensures long-term parity of pay with other public funded sectors.

The average pay for support workers in England who assist people to live independently in the community is £17,695 or £9.05 per hour – 45p per hour below the Real Living Wage.

Community Integrated Care commissioned Korn Ferry to undertake an in-depth analysis of this position, objectively assessing its true value across sectors.

Their researchers found that roles with equivalent scope, complexity and accountability within other public funded sectors are, on average, paid at £24,602.

The gap is even greater in the sector’s counterpart – the NHS. The average take home pay for equivalent jobs in the NHS is £25,142, meaning that many social care workers would need a 42 per cent pay rise, an additional £7,447, to have parity with their NHS peers.

GMB national officer Rachel

Harrison said: “For far too long our dedicated social care workforce has been underpaid and undervalued for the incredible work they do.

“These are highly trained professionals taking care of our loved ones when they need it most. Instead they languish on minimum wage, often facing zero hour contracts and shocking conditions.

“The care system is crumbling after years of chronic underfunding from austerity and the overriding profit motives of many care providers.

“Care workers need a proper living wage for the amazing work they do – and proper professionalisation of the service. We need nothing less if we want a care system worthy of the name.”

Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum, added: “It is hard to believe that in 2021 we have workers who are highly skilled, doing complex work that enables people to live the life they want and yet being paid at minimum wage.

“If we have learned anything in the last year, surely it is how valuable and how precious it is to be a part of your community and have control of your life. That is what good quality care work delivers, day in and day out, for some of the most vulnerable members of society.”

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World Music Day inspires operator

Veterans take part in exercise class RESIDENTS at Royal Star & Garter have taken part in an international challenge inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, and organised by a kindhearted nine-year-old.

The charity’s Solihull and Surbiton Homes were two of 100 care homes which took part in a YouTube seated exercise session led by Heather Bryson.

The event was part of the national Captain Tom 100 challenge, which aimed to build on the legacy of Captain Tom, who last year raised millions for the health service by walking in his garden.

Heather’s own grandmother died in a care home during the pandemic, and the youngster hopes “to make Granny proud” with her work with residents around the world.

Care homes from New Zealand,

Australia, America and India also took part in the exercise session.

Heather said afterwards: “I want to thank Royal Star & Garter residents who took part. I hope they enjoyed the adventure and raised lots of smiles. I’d love to join the residents in person for lots more fun in the future, if they’ll have me.”

Before the pandemic, Royal Star & Garter would welcome children from as young as a few months up to secondary school age to come into its Homes and meet veterans.

The intergenerational visits were popular with residents and young visitors.

Earlier this year, Royal Star & Garter residents took part in a variety of activities to raise money for the charity as part of the Captain Tom 100 campaign.

Provider collaborates with local Lions Club

BLUEBIRD Care Tonbridge & Tunbridge Well has teamed up with its local Lions Club in an effort to support vulnerable members of the community.

In the form of DVDs, the two organisations have come together to provide some much-needed light-hearted ‘Musical Moments’ entertainment to residents in the local area.

To compensate for the cancellation of the annual Lions Senior Single Citizens’ Party, and Clubs Cabaret Show, an event that has under normal circumstances been held every year since 1978 for elderly people on their own within the area, this year the two community supporters have collaborated to provide the show on screen.

The video includes the Lions Singers performing renditions of popular songs, individual performances from the Lions archives, and recordings of the Cannon School of Irish Dancing.

Maisie White, care manager at Bluebird Care Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells, said: “When the Lions Club came to us about this plan, we jumped at the opportunity to support them with it.

“Many elderly people have had an extremely tough year, and as a home care provider we have seen this first-

FROM cardio drumming to performing song and dance routines, World Music Day inspired a harmonious week of uplifting sounds for care home residents and staff.

Voices and playing from all 21 Colten Care homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex are represented in a new music video celebrating their creative talent.

It features a special arrangement of Barry Manilow’s song One Voice by Colten’s music and arts partner Fiona Pritchard.

Opening with a solo from Kirby Sharp, a healthcare assistant at Abbotts Barton in Winchester, the video includes cello, flute, violin and guitar as well as singing.

Fiona said: “Some of the singers and players may have been nervous beforehand but everyone finished their parts with laughs and smiles.

“There was a real sense of achievement and positivity as with all our Music Day activities. The homes came up with such a wide variety of ideas to celebrate the occasion, all supporting our residents’ wellbeing.”

The provider found a host of ways to celebrate the universal joy and power of music, bringing smiles and positive vibes all round.

Residents at Belmore Lodge in Lymington stretched their arms for a fun workout drumming on exercise balls to the rhythm of the 1961 Dion hit The Wanderer.

Those living at Woodpeckers in

nearby Brockenhurst took part in a closely fought musical bingo tournament featuring lyrics from favourite pop songs.

And all four of Colten’s dedicated dementia care homes got in on the act too, staging musical experiences for residents.

There was a 1950s singalong at Linden House in Lymington and a song and dance afternoon at Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth.

It featured companionship team members Anne Marie Knight and Megan Fletcher dressing up and performing the Judy Garland song A Couple of Swells and the signature tune from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

In a karaoke session, residents at St Catherines View in Winchester sang and played percussion instruments while The Aldbury in Poole held a name-that-tune competition.

Among other homes, Braemar Lodge in Salisbury invited residents to join the global dance challenge prompted by the success of the song Jerusalema by South African DJ and producer Master KG. And while singer and companionship team member Rebecca Osborne performed ‘a musical trip around the world’ at Amberwood House in Ferndown, residents at Avon Reach in Mudeford enjoyed a trip down memory lane with music hall songs and reminiscence.

Resident Marlyn Povey using the new activity table. hand. Giving back is so important, and we know that this small gesture will mean a lot to our customers and the other elderly members of our community.”

Driven by a desire to give back to those members of the local region who have endured much hardship as a result of the pandemic this past year, DVDs of the show will be distributed across the community.

20 are also set to be delivered to Bluebird Care Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells customers by team members.

With the future looking brighter past the pandemic, plans are now underway for the Lions Senior Single Citizens’ Party in 2022.

Generosity funds activities A FAMILY has gifted Edward Moore House an interactive activity table to say thanks for the care and support given to their mother.

Having previously gifted the Gravesend residential care home a lifelike therapy doll, and with a profound interest in mental health and emotional wellbeing, Ian and David Leadbetter were keen to continue to support meaningful activities for the residents.

General manager Christine Hutchinson said: “We are extremely touched by such a generous donation from Ian and David and we’d like to

say a huge thank you.

“The opportunities for an extensive variety of engaging activities within the table are endless and we know the residents will love using it.”

The touch screen table offers a combination of sensory, nostalgic, calming, creative and fun activities.

At the touch of a button the residents can video call loved ones, view the place they got married on Google Earth, follow an exercise class on YouTube or enjoy some tabletop games or brain training.

They could even turn their favourite photo into a jigsaw puzzle.

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Retired Spitfire pilot honoured with print A BRACKNELL care home resident was presented with a special print to honour his status as the last surviving pilot of 41 Squadron from World War II. At a socially distanced ceremony, Peter Hale, a resident at Care UK’s Bickerton House, was presented with a signed print by two currently serving members of 41 Squadron: Wing Commander Lee Gordon and Warrant Officer Stevie Dryburgh.

Peter, who turns 99 on July 28, said: “I am delighted with this early birthday present and all of the signatures from those currently serving. I have had a very interesting life, and someone has definitely kept a very good eye on me.”

Born in Harpenden in 1922, Peter joined the RAF during the Second World War, in June 1941, at the age of 18. Taking to the skies, Peter became qualified to fly from September 1941, which meant opportunities to travel to a host of countries around the world, including Canada in 1942 and Belgium in 1944.

During the Second World War, the 41 Squadron operated the Supermarine Spitfire which was a key defender in the Battle of Britain and the fighting at Dunkirk.

From 1943 to 1944, the Squadron flew many missions, including flying defensive patrols against low level attacks and escorting essential weaponry to troops on the ground.

Home manager Erika Smith added: “Peter is a much-loved resident here at Bickerton House. Peter’s gentlemanly nature and his history in the RAF have always made him a hero – and now he has the plaque to prove it.

“We were delighted to receive the call from RAF Coningsby and welcomed serving members of the Squadron to meet with Peter and honour his courage during the War. “We strive to celebrate the great achievements and rich history residents have and recognise the importance of revisiting and honouring those moments of the past that are reflected on with pride.

“We look forward to celebrating Peter’s birthday soon and hearing more about his time spent in the RAF.”

Operator launches annual ‘Gardens in Bloom’ contest IDEAL Carehomes has launched its annual ‘Gardens in Bloom’ competition across its 23 Yorkshire, North West and Midlands sites.

The contest encourages both staff and residents to work together to embrace their love of the great outdoors by devising and implementing an exciting revamp for their outdoor spaces that everybody can enjoy during the summer.

Each year the garden transformations are a real community effort, with the homes partnering with local garden centres, businesses and schools in a Covid-19 safe way, who generously donate flowers, paints, gardening tools and decorations to help create the displays and garden features.

Last year Greenacres in Huddersfield took home the prestigious overall winner title.

The team impressed judges with an upcycling project, transforming old garden furniture into new chic seating areas.

They also installed a new vegetable patch garden to grow fresh herbs and created a personalised garden mural which represented each resident who lives at the Meltham home.

However, it was their ‘Secret Night

Garden’ that really blew the judges away, with a seating area under a decorated pergola featuring climbing roses and waterfall fairy lights, the new design provides the perfect hide away to relax.

Managing director Stacey Linn, said: “The competition throughout summer 2020 was a real high point of the year and enjoyed by all.

“It really was wonderful to see the relationships built and nurtured when residents and staff worked together to create an outdoor masterpiece.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to the finalist homes last year and was really impressed with everyone’s efforts – I can’t wait to see all of this year’s displays and if Greenacres are able to retain their winning status or if they will pass the baton to a different home.”

Ashworth Grange in Dewsbury came second with its seaside themed garden entry which featured many sensory elements such as a sand pit and memory evoking pictures framed on the garden walls and fences.

The competition judges are made up of Ideal Carehomes directors, who will select regional winners before crowning the overall national winner later this summer.

Harry Redknapp with West Ham fan Frank McHale.

Harry Redknapp visits home to surprise fan FOOTBALLING icon Harry Redknapp paid a surprise visit to a fan with terminal cancer, thanks to quick thinking staff.

After spotting Harry while driving through Bournemouth, the care home’s manager Claudia Carvell asked him to meet with life-long West Ham fan Frank McHale.

The 57-year-old has been living at Bupa’s Queensmount care home since May, following a terminal diagnosis of lung sarcoma – a rare type of cancer.

Claudia said: “Whether they’re with us for weeks or years, our job is to make residents smile.

“Frank is a huge West Ham fan so, when I saw Harry in town, I knew I

had to ask him to visit.

“He must have thought I was crazy as I ran down the street to catch him, but I hadn’t even finished explaining before he agreed.

“Harry was wonderful and the visit has had a huge impact on Frank – he’s been beaming ever since.”

During the visit the pair took time to talk about football and family, sharing their favourite stories about West Ham, whilst also talking about what had drawn them both to Bournemouth.

As well as chatting with Frank, Harry also took time to meet staff at the home – thanking them for everything they do for local residents.

Lime Tree House in Ringmer celebrated Care Home Open Week with a visit from PCSO Avril Kent and PCSO Crispin Scott from Sussex Police. Residents had the opportunity to learn more about what a day in service looks like and the duties that must be completed before the end of a shift. Home manager Julie McPhater said: “It was so lovely that the officers gave Lime Tree House their time and support. Community engagement is so important through these tough times and especially now that restrictions are beginning to ease.” During the week the residents also enjoyed a Zoom chat with Brighton and Hove Albion FC CEO Paul Barber.

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