Caring UK

April 2009

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Home plans halted amid violence Exclusive by Dominic Musgrave A CARE home operator has shelved plans to build a care home in a sleepy village in the North East after angry residents got physically violent.

Angela Swift and her daughter Genna were jostled and jeered as they outlined their plans for a 60-bed care home at a meeting in Nunthorpe near Middlesbrough – even before putting the formal application into the council.

She told Caring UK she was forced to cut short the meeting and throw the residents out because it got so heated.

Angela said: “The locals were getting angry so we asked them to leave, but some said they wouldn’t and I had to throw them out.

“There was a bit of jostling and my daughter was pushed against a wall. We were both in shock and a bit shaken after what happened as it was the first time we had ever had any protests to our plans.”

She added that claims by residents that the new £4.5m facility would attract drug addicts to the area and create a high level of noise in summer from residents sitting in the garden were ridiculous.

“Some of their arguments were just

ridiculous. One said that we would get planning permission and build apartments instead because a lot of care homes are closing, while another argument was that there would be hearses going up and down the road all day, which obviously I don’t want either as it wouldn’t be very good for business.”

She says she has now focused her attention elsewhere following the hostility to both the plans and her family.

Richard Sales, from the planning department said the meeting was prior to any involvement Middlesbrough Council would have had with the development.

“The meeting is a way of a developer presenting their plans to the community before submitting a planning application. It allows residents and other groups to raise any issues they may have. As a council we wouldn’t have been involved with this and didn’t attend the meeting.”

Her first home in Yarm, North Yorkshire is set to open in the summer.

I Have you had a similar experience?

Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or emailing dm@whpl.net

Operators planning legal bid

Three carers got a bum deal as they took part in an unusual marathon to raise money for their local branch of the Alzheimer’s Society. Pendine Park’s Gerry Humphreys, Tracy King and Becky Griffiths (pictured, left to right) sat in every one of the 11,500 seats at Wrexham Football Club’s Racecourse ground, which took over six hours. Gerry said: “I’m always trying to think of strange ways to raise money. We thought it would take us around ten hours, but it took us a few less thankfully.”

Gerry is now planning a sponsored sleep-in in the window of a local furniture shop.

ANGRY home operators in Northumberland are to mount a legal challenge against their local care trust in a row over fees.

The stand-off follows the trust’s decision to end the contract it had with homes, and set up a new one based on its own new grading system.

Any home not agreeing to the new contract will not receive any new placements from the trust.

Simon Beckett, managing director of Wellburn care homes and chairman of the Care North-East association of private care home operators, said: “We didn’t pick this fight, they picked it with us. At the bottom of all this is that the trust terminated a fundamentally good contract.”

I For a special report on the Northumberland care fees problem turn to pages 14 and 15.

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CARINGNEWS

Angry care home owner hits out at zero rating

By Dominic Musgrave AN angry owner says he does not know why his care home has gone from being one of the best in Cumbria to one of the worst in just five years.

Stuart Coulthard, who has run Croftfield in Carlisle with his wife Wendy for the last 11 years, says he is ready to sell the home after his most recent CSCI inspection gave him a zero rating.

He told Caring UK that Wendy has already walked away from her role as the registered manager because she is so fed up with it.

He said: “Five years ago ago we had one of the best care home inspection reports in Cumbria, even in July 2007 it was not so different. We have worked to improve the home over the last 11 years and are 99 per cent full, but now they have rated us as poor and the council has stopped its referrals – I think it stinks. I’m just so lost as to why – my wife has decided to pack it in and has walked away which has left me alone to run the place.

These inspectors don’t live in the real world and seem hell bent on putting us down. I don’t know why they do it, but if this doesn’t get sorted then I’m packing up.”

Caring UK has seen a draft copy of the new report, which has almost 30 requirements, and is damning of the home’s management

procedure, complaints and protection polices and daily life and social activities. Stuart has hit back at claims in the report that there is a personal care rota in the office for bathing and shaving, which it says suggests that ‘care was delivered around staffing requirements and routines rather than being person led’.

It used the example of a lady who was being persuaded by staff to have a bath in the middle of the afternoon when she was “clearly not very keen.”

He said: “Neither of these exist, and so are definitely not pinned up in the office. Bathing is promoted at least once a week for obvious hygiene reasons, there is no rota. The only bath-related pin-up is a table showing which member of staff is designated to which resident, which should gain us extra brownie points if anything. The lady in question was being persuaded, not made to take a bath. If we did not even persuade them to bathe then some wouldn’t wash for years.”

A CSCI spokesman added: “We carry out inspections to encourage improvement in social care services, in England.

“Every service will also have to complete an annual service review. The annual service review is how the commission assure itself, and the public, that the quality of a service has not changed since the last key inspection.”

Home takes well-being award A MANCHESTER care home has been recognised for its commitment to employee health and well-being in the workplace.

St George’s Care Centre received the healthy workplace award from healthplan provider HealthSure after it implemented a new company-paid health cash plan to ensure its team has access to everyday essential healthcare treatments.

The policy means that the 140 staff who have been with the company a year are now able to claim money towards a range of important health treatments and checks such as an eye test, check up at the dentist, physiotherapy and complementary therapies.

Manager Julia Hamilton said: “The nursing and care staff are on their feet all day so we wanted to be able to offer them treatment that could help relieve the day’s aches and pains.

“Our staff are the lifeblood of our business so we wanted to reward them for their hard work and commitment to the care of our residents by helping them look after themselves.”

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director:

Tony Barry Sales Manager: Jackie Brook National Sales Executives: Mandy Edwards Ellen Sharp Tel: 01226 734333 Fax: 01226 734477

Publishers Wharncliffe Publishing Ltd. 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk

Editorial Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 Reporters: Nicola Hyde Christina Eccles Mary Ferguson Louise Cordell Lyndsey Smith Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458 Database enquiries to Tel: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ wharncliffepublishing.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.

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CARINGNEWS

Laughter specialist ready to tackle depression

By Mary Ferguson A FORMER care home manager plans to use her new career to tackle depression by training residents to smile.

Carol Young, a newly trained laughter specialist, discovered the technique at a workshop and is now promoting its health benefits to the elderly.

After taking a weekend training course in laughter therapy, she tested it on a group of carers and said the benefits were obvious.

“One woman came up to me and said she had not laughed like that in years. And at the workshop there were people with all sorts of health conditions and every single one was laughing by the end of the session.”

The therapy works by asking residents to chant words like ’ho ho ho’ and ‘ha ha ha’ whilst clapping – while those unable to clap can just move their hands in time to the chant.

They then take deep breaths while stretching before being given exercises designed to stimulate laughter.

“Sometimes spontaneous laughter will come from people feeling

awkward or embarrassed but the benefits are the same regardless, as the body and brain can’t tell the difference between genuine and forced laughter.”

Sessions can go on for up to 20 minutes but Carol recommends five minute bursts, especially for elderly people who may lack strength.

“Laughing hard is like internal jogging and is actually quite a physical workout.

“Care needs to be taken with people who may have very high blood pressure or bad asthma but it’s really just about common sense.”

Carol suggests care homes incorporate laughter therapy into the day by doing a few minutes before breakfast and just before afternoon tea, when everyone is together.

She added: “Laughter therapy lifts endorphins and relieves boredom and depression in residents, as well as encouraging eye contact and social inclusion. It’s not rocket science, but it really works.”

I What do you think? Send your comments to Mary Ferguson at 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS or email mf@whpl.net.

Laughter has a lot of health benefits for the elderly

CARINGNEWS

Residents to grow and eat their own crops

By Mary Ferguson CARE home residents are to grow and eat their own crops as part of a new campaign run by Bupa.

Community Crops aims to promote the health benefits associated with gardening by linking up with its care homes.

Operators are being encouraged to invite members of the community into their grounds to interact with the residents and help them plant seeds and tend fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Sue Kilby, senior activity coordinator at Mill View Residential and Nursing Home in Bolton, will be deliberately targeting men for the project – who she said are often difficult to get involved in group activities – as well as de9mentia sufferers.

“Most of our dementia patients are physically fit and they will get a sense of achievement from growing their own products, as well as it hopefully triggering memories.

“Even those that can't physically take part in the gardening will be able to see the vegetables grow and of course, enjoy eating them."

As most of the residents in the home

are wheelchair bound, the garden beds will be raised to chair height and constructed to be narrow so residents can reach over to do weeding and planting.

The home is inviting the local community to get involved by helping with the planting and has linked with a nearby secondary school to invite children to the project.

Sue said: “As well as it being good for the residents to mix with people in the community it's also a great way for us to showcase our facilities here in a nonthreatening way. We are in a very residential area but many people don't know what goes on within our walls.

"We have big gardens to take advantage of and it's a good way of getting the residents outside for some fresh air, as well as the physical activity the gardening provides. Many of them don't see the point of just sitting outside for the sake of it, so this gives them something to do while they are there.”

To deliver the project Bupa has teamed up with Thrive, a national charity which researches and promotes the benefits of gardening for improving lives.

TV gardening personality Cleve West helps a resident at the launch of the campaign

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CARINGPEOPLE

Bette Freestone is older than many of the residents at the Leicester care home where she works, but has no plans to retire. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Why Bette’s still caring at almost 80

Bette Freestone

WHEN Bette decided to retire from Meadow’s Court care home a few years ago after 35 years, the residents said she would be back – and they were right.

Ten days later she was begging manager Maureen Cullen to allow her to return. Working to an elderly age runs in Bette’s family, her mother worked until she was 84, while one of her sisters is still working at the local Marks and Spencer at the age of 82.

Bette, who celebrates her 80th birthday this summer, has held a variety of positions at the home – including night carer and in the laundry – and currently works between 25 and 28 hours per week as housekeeper, cleaning bedrooms, helping serve food and taking the residents on trips out.

She said: “I love working with the elderly and when I left I missed them and the team of staff like you would miss your family. I get on well with them and understand them. I used to work with Maureen when she was a cleaner here, and she is a really good friend.

“Mind you if I need to be told off I am just like any other member of staff.”

Despite her age, Bette is still keen to keep learning, and recently she gained an NVQ level two in support services from Leicester College.

She said: “I’d be at the college every week if they let me. It keeps my mind going and keeps me up with the times. I’d love to be able to work a computer and get on Facebook one day. I would

definitely encourage anyone in a similar situation to myself. I would say go for it and don’t worry.”

The 62-bed home is one of several in the city owned by Hicare Limited, and Bette says the biggest difference she has seen is the increased number of residents with dementia.

“Years ago residents didn’t used to have Alzheimer’s or dementia as much as they do now,” she added.

“People are also thinking more about the food they eat, and I think the elderly are more independent and have more of a say in the running of the home.

“Years ago residents would move in here when they were 60-65, but now they are living in their own homes longer and moving into care at a much later age.”

Zero-rated home could face further action

Two chefs from the same care group are putting their culinary skills to the test after being shortlisted for the regional heat of a national cookery contest. Sanctuary Care’s Mark Ord, head chef at Wantage Nursing Home in Oxfordshire, pictured above, and Diane Bowers, assistant cook at Jubilee Court in Cambridgeshire, are through to the South East round of the National Association of Care Catering’s Care Cook of the Year competition. Entrants must create a main course and dessert for four people, which is suitable for service users in a care setting and costs no more than £5.20. The pair will go head to head with two other chefs in a regional cook off in Weybridge, with one person then being chosen to go to the July final in Birmingham.

INSPECTORS who rated a care home in Bristol as zero star have warned they will take further action if things do not improve.

The 76-bed Sunnymead Manor had a three-day inspection from CSCI which raised a catalogue of concerns – amid claims that residents appeared neglected and were sometimes left to sit in their own excrement.

In one case a relative told inspectors that, when they visited, one resident was often sat in soiled clothing – claiming the incontinence was caused by staff not responding to calls for help.

The report said: "People were unshaven, had dirty clothes with food on them and looked generally uncared for. People had odd socks or no socks or stockings on. When we pointed out concerns to staff, we were often given a reason, such as people being difficult to manage.

“This is not acceptable and improvements in this area must be made or further action will be taken

by us.”

Other areas of concern issued in the report included: I Staff using wheelchairs in an unsafe way when moving residents.

I Care plans did not provide enough information.

I Staff showed a lack of respect for those living at the home.

I Residents were being put at risk as medicine was being administered incorrectly.

The report did praise the home – which charges up to £560 a week – for acting swiftly to install bed rails and make beds safe for residents following an earlier random inspection in November.

A spokesman for Mimosa – which runs Sunnymead Manor – said: “We actively seek and welcome feedback from residents, their families and other stakeholders and we continue to work closely with all these key parties to ensure that we provide the highest possible levels of care at all times.”

Homes urged to be switched on Advertiser’s announcement CARE homes have been warned that if they don’t act now, they will lose their TV signals when the digital switchover takes place.

The process of turning off the UK's analogue TV signal and replacing it with a digital signal has already started and in some areas, ‘old-style’ TVs have already been switched off.

If operators haven’t replaced them or bought a set top box, residents are without their favourite programmes.

Most areas of the UK will be switched over to digital by the end of the year.

Dan Brown, director of TV and Video Direct told Caring UK: “It’s very

important for care homes to act quickly and prepare themselves for the switch over.

“If not, they will find their sets are simply switched off and as the TV is the focal point in many lounges, it could be disastrous.”

Dan said the easiest option for operators is to purchase a new TV and that extra channels will benefit residents.

He added: “Most TVs in care homes are quite outdated anyway so the switch over is a good reason to upgrade.

“And with 40 extra channels, residents will have a much bigger viewing choice.”

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CARINGNEWS

Inquiry launched after eight deaths AN INQUIRY has been launched at a Southern Cross care home where half of the residents died in the space of just two weeks.

Eight residents at the Crown Nursing Home in Oxfordshire died of chest-related illnesses between January 9 and 25 and now CSCI are investigating.

A spokesman for Southern Cross said it has been alleged that the deaths were down to a faulty heating system – but refuted the claims it was connected to the heating being off for ten days over Christmas.

He said: “Temporary back-up heaters were immediately made available to the home and at no time did temperatures fall below the recommended level.

“There is an emergency plan in place for all home, which includes a supply of backup heating being stored at central points.

The heaters were supplied to the home from a central depot and were in place just over two hours after the heating went down.

Social services were informed of the incident and a monitoring officer visited the home, who was satisfied with the temperature and the heating arrangements in place.”

The spokesman added that the most likely cause of the deaths was old age, as the average age of each resident was 93.

A spokesperson from CSCI added: “Our inspectors have been into the home and are having continuing discussions with the management. We are unable to go into more details at present but we are monitoring the standards of care at the home while considering what further action we may need to take.”

Parliamentary motion filed for urgent probe into care home provider

By Mary Ferguson A PARLIAMENTARY motion has been filed to demand an urgent investigation into the standards of care by one of the UK’s biggest care home providers.

John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington, has asked the government to launch an independent investigation into Southern Cross – which operates 730 homes – following a string of allegations and convictions.

He said: “The scale of concern and allegations that have been made by relatives warrants government action, firstly to identify the truth of these concerns and then if they stand up and are substantiated to consider an action plan from government to tackle them.”

He told Caring UK that over the last two years, he has been meeting with relatives of care home clients in his constituency who have repeatedly complained about how their family are treated.

John McDonnell His appeal to Parliament – which has been tabled as an Early Day Motion – has already won the support of 20 other MPs who have signed the request.

The document, which was submitted to government in February, states the MPs are ‘extremely alarmed’ at the allegations of neglect and outlines concerns about: I The death of a 97-year-old woman after allegedly being left

without heating at one of their homes.

I Southern Cross being fined £80,000 and being ordered to pay £120,000 costs in January, after an 82 year old resident fell to her death.

I Prosecutions of Southern Cross on health and safety grounds.

I Allegations that because of poor standards of care some local authorities have suspended placements.

Mr McDonnell added: “People have been coming to me in floods of tears because they are worried about their relatives.

“There have been too many examples where improvements have been promised and haven’t been delivered and these are quite serious concerns about a company that is the dominant care provider in some areas.”

Southern Cross have confirmed they are in the process of arranging a meeting with the MP and have refused to comment until it has taken place.

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CARINGNEWS

Home pay deals will be decided on performance Jessie Paisley plants a tree in her husband’s memory

Football legend’s widow opens dementia unit THE WIDOW of Liverpool football legend Bob Paisley has opened a dementia unit in his memory at Arncliffe Court nursing and residential home Jessie cut the ribbon and planted a tree at the home where Bob was a resident for several years.

Manager Janet Nixon said: “We’ve made every effort to ensure that the makeover has achieved the perfect finish and to give our residents a

wonderful new home.

“We are extremely proud of the unit and we are honoured that it will bear the name of such a great man, Bob Paisley.”

Among the host of features at the unit are ‘memory triggers’ to help stimulate residents’ recollections, including vibrant colours, pictures, memory boxes, themed rooms and their own sensory garden.

CARE homes in Norfolk are to be given performance-related pay deals based on the quality of care they offer – with the worst performers receiving no rise this year.

The county council is trialling a system which will replace the acrossthe-board inflation increases with a system linking to the ratings awarded

by CSCI. Based on the number of people referred by the authority, a one-star per cent ‘adequate’ home will receive one per cent or £4 extra a week, a two-star ‘good’ home two per cent or £8 a week and a three-star ‘excellent’ home three per cent or £12 a week.

Norfolk Independent Care chairman Dennis Bacon told Caring UK the proposals were long overdue and that he expects other councils to follow Norfolk’s lead.

He said: “Rewarding homes that are performing well while not rewarding those that aren't performing at the same level is long overdue and something I have been pushing for for a while.

“The way I see it is that if I have a

large team of staff that I want to reward then I am not going to give everyone the same, because why would I pay someone who doesn’t really have a future in the business the same as someone who works really hard.”

The county council is also setting aside a £150,000 fund – which the worst performers can bid for a slice of to help pay for improvements, and the authority will also backdate the award if CSCI later amends an incorrect rating.

He added: “There are some innocent people who for no fault of their own get caught up in a poor rating home, and they deserve help, support and a share of this pot.

“But there are also homes up and down the country that are failing and won’t get their act together, and they shouldn’t be rewarded until they do.”

The fees only apply to care packages under £1,000 - with those providing help costing more than that expected to negotiate a separate deal.

Former jockey Richard Dunwoody opened a 54-bed extension to a care home in Cambridge at a champagne reception. The dementia unit was named Oaklands by local schoolchildren, and adjoins the Hilton Park care centre. General manager Sharlene Van Tonder said: “We are delighted to be able to open this new care home. We hope that it will prove very welcome to the local community as there is currently a lack of specialist dementia care facilities in the area.”

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CARINGNEWS

Competition may lead to council closures

By Dominic Musgrave COUNCIL-run care homes in Derby could be forced to close as they can’t compete with the high standards set by independent operators.

A care village in Sway has become the unlikely training venue for a group of performing dogs.

The Cara Dog Training Team are using the courtyard of The Shelbourne care home in Sway to prepare for a busy summer of shows and fetes, honing their training skills to music routines.

Training coordinator Linda Chilcott said: “The dog demonstrations at the weekend

have been really popular, and our residents have enjoyed watching them from their suites. Now that these are happening on a regular basis they are looking forward to them as part of our activities programme.”

Principal Chrissy Gough also visits the facility every week with her own dog Crunchie, a 16-month-old labrador, who is particularly popular with the dementia residents.

Resource pack launched for operators A NEW resource pack has been launched to help care home operators to make their case for adequate funding to their local authority.

ECCA’s Campaign for Care aims to give residential care providers practical tools to make their case for improved funding.

Chief executive Martin Green said: “We have had several years of below inflation rate increases and the residential care system is in financial difficulty.

“Unless we are given a fair price for our quality services there will be many people who will not receive care in the future.”

A new report has outlined plans for the city’s care offering, which claims in just one year there will be 68 empty beds in council-run homes because of decreasing demand.

It suggests the council should close them and instead convert two into specialist dementia centres at a cost of approximately £2.21m per home, and one into a home to provide short-term care for people when they come out of hospital.

The others should be looked at to see if they could be replaced with extra-care complexes.

The report said: “Council care homes are becoming increasingly under-occupied as the demand for residential care falls because they cannot compete with the accommodation standards of

many independent sector providers.

“There is, however, a great demand for extra care housing which enables people to live with a high degree of independence in a secure environment.

“In addition there is an increasing demand for specialist dementia care facilities.”

The report also recommends that the council works in partnership with independent care homes to improve dementia care for older people as there is currently no strategic approach in place.

Coun Ruth Skelton, cabinet member for adult services and health, told Caring UK that the report sets out the direction the council needs to go in.

She said: “Older people’s needs and expectations are changing and we need to keep up with that.

I believe that this strategy of ‘new homes for old’ will mean we can better serve the people of Derby well into the future.”

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CARINGSPECIAL REPORT

The facts How the new grading and fee system works...

Care homes have been graded from one to four, with one being awarded to the best and four the worst.

I A grade one residential home will receive £436.80 per week per bed, a residential home offering dementia £441.95, a nursing home £436.80 and a nursing home offering dementia £459.46.

I A grade two residential home will receive £431.65, a residential home offering dementia £437.26, a nursing home £431.65 and a nursing home offering dementia £452.39.

I A grade three residential home will receive £419.08, a residential home offering dementia £424.52, a nursing home £419.08 and a nursing home offering dementia £439.21.

I A grade four residential home will receive £419.08, a residential home offering dementia £424.52, a nursing home £419.08 and a nursing home offering dementia £439.21.

Operators forced to ask for bank loans CARE homes that are crippled by lack of placements are being forced to ask banks for loans to try to save their businesses.

Keith Gray, chairman of Care Northumberland, said some will soon be forced out of business if the argument over fees is not resolved.

He said: “I know of a 17-bed home that is down to just five residents, and I don’t think they will be able to survive for much longer.

“There is also a 28-bed home which is less than 50 per cent occupancy, but all our members who haven’t signed up are suffering.

“Our members are damned if they do and damned if they don’t, and whichever way they go they could be out of business. I know of five or six who are having to go and see their bank manager, who could turn around and say that’s it.

“We mention all of the time to the trust that this contract is not sustainable, but they have never really answered that. This isn’t about the providers wanting to set the price. We want someone independent to come in and do the figures that reflect the true cost of care.”

Care home operators in Northumberland are set to launch a legal challenge against the care trust amid a long-running row over fees. In a Caring UK special investigation, healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave looks at the implications it could have for the industry.

Home operators set for legal challenge against care trust THE row in Northumberland has been bubbling for months – and now it’s crunch time.

Care homes who claim they have been crippled by the new rules are mounting a legal challege and are calling for a judicial review to force the care trust’s hand.

The row is centred around a new contract the trust has introduced instead of using the national pricing formula, the trust now pays out based on its own grading system and cost assessments.

When some care home owners rebelled against the new contract and refused to sign, the care trust responded by refusing to send new residents their way.

Despite both parties meeting an independent mediator last September, an agreement has not been reached and the two sides are at stand-off.

The opposing care homes have pulled together to create a dossier of case studies, which alleges people are being either refused permission to move into the home of their choice and in some cases are stuck in hospital beds.

Mark McArdle, managing director of Helen McArdle care homes, has been one of the key players in the call for the judicial review.

He said: “The hard work has been done and notice has been served to the trust of our plans. We have suggested a meeting with the trust in the hope that they might be shaken by this.

“We have spent a lot of time gaining

Daljit Lally, executive director of care for Northumberland Care Trust evidence, and there has been a lot more than we would have liked. The whole thing has taken a lot of time, effort and heartache and we hope it will lead to some meaningful negotiations, because that is something that has not happened yet as far as I know.”

The group’s biggest complaints surround duplication with the CSCI assessments, and the fact that some operators claim they were not allowed to see the terms and conditions of the contract before

signing the agreement.

Daljit Lally, executive director of care for Northumberland Care Trust, confirmed that just 32 care homes have agreed to the new contract – representing over 40 per cent of beds across the county. Most are individual operators.

She said the trust has done all it can to agree a new contract. She added: “We’ve been working with care home providers over the past 18 months to agree a new contract introducing new quality measures. Without making quality standards part of the new contracts – we can’t guarantee consistent quality.

“Making quality standards part of the new contracts will allow us to ensure that consistent quality is provided – and the new contracts will pay care homes achieving the best quality standards the highest fees.”

She said the trust’s fees are amongst the highest in the region, and that the new contract represents a 27 per cent increase over the past three years.

“The care home providers who have not agreed to these offers are seeking another three-year deal which would give them another 15 per cent increase on top of annual inflation increases.

“As part of the county council’s budget setting process, through our current contract offer, we have sought to protect funding for care homes, and have planned funding for care homes and have planned for inflation increases for the next year.”

Suitability of inspectors questioned by action group THE ACTION group at the centre of the row has questioned the suitability of the people carrying out the inspections that decide their ratings.

commissioning the services so therefore have a right to come and see what they are buying from us first hand.

The group claims that while CSCI rated 92 per cent of the area’s homes as being either excellent or good, the trust rated 50 per cent in the top two grades.

“What I am unhappy with is the way they are grading us because there seems to be a lot of duplication with the way CSCI inspect us. I would also question the suitability of the people inspecting the home and what they are grading us on.”

Mark McArdle, managing director of the Helen McArdle Care Group, said he has no problem with the trust inspecting his home, but he is unhappy with them grading him.

He said: “The trust are

Trust executive director of adult care Daljit Lally insists the officers visiting the homes are evaluating and not inspecting.

She said: “All evaluation visits are carried out by two suitably experienced council officers – who also received additional training before they started their visits.

“It’s important to note, and we have repeatedly reminded care home providers, that these visits are not inspections. Inspection is a regulatory duty carried out by CSCI. “Local evaluations are a standard part of commissioning performance monitoring – indeed local people would expect that we visit local providers to be assured that quality is

being maintained.”

Mark believes his new £4m facility, Acomb Court - which received the highest grade one rating from the trust - would be full had it not been for the stand-off.

“We have been open more than a year and yet are only half full,” he added.

“Fortunately we have four other care homes out of the area which are doing well so for the moment we can prop it up because we need to be at 70 per cent full to break even.”

15

CARINGSPECIAL REPORT

Healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave gauges reaction to the plans from care homes.

Mixed reaction to new contracts from operators AN independent care home owner from Hexham vows to only sign the new contract as a last resort.

Dave Murray, who runs Kings Cottage, was given the lowest possible grade (four) from the trust, despite having a two-star good rating from CSCI. He said: “The new contract they sent really doesn’t appear to be worth the paper it is written on. It doesn’t appear to have had any legal or common sense review.

“It’s made life extremely difficult because 40 per cent of our 25 beds are empty. It’s just a case of keeping in touch with the bank manager, but they are taking a longer term view and realise this will get sorted one way or another.”

Another care home manager says her father – who owns the home – signed the new contract because he couldn’t be bothered to fight it.

Linda Steele, who runs Grovewood House in Alnwick, said she was not happy with the trust officers who visited the home, which got a grade two rating.

“I know my father doesn’t regret

signing the contract, but I wasn’t happy because we had only just had our CSCI inspection. I felt the people who came from the trust were not trained to do the job properly, and were totally different to the inspectors from CSCI. “One of the things that came out from them concerned the daily activities that we hold for the residents. They said we should have had a monthly diary in place saying what we did every day. With all the paperwork we have to do nowadays that is the least of my worries.”

Linda said that the argument has had a knock-on effect on her business. She added: “The families are wanting mum or dad to go into a particular home but are not allowed because of the dispute, and don’t want them to come to our home instead.”

Janet Cresswell, manager of The Old Vicarage, says the home was upgraded from a grade three to a grade two on appeal, and has one empty bed.

She said: “We told them that we

were happy to accept new referrals based on the old contract, but they refused this.

“We have just had a new lady move in. Her family stipulated they wanted her to move in here but the trust said she wasn’t allowed so they changed and are now using direct payments.

“I’ll be pleased when this is all over and hope it is resolved quickly because we are only a small home and cannot afford any empty beds.”

Wellburn care homes managing director Simon Beckett has three homes affected by the new contract.

He said: “The trust keep saying that 40 per cent of all beds in the area have signed the new contract, but that doesn’t mean they are happy. Ten per cent of them have come from a large provider.

“Basing the fees on the CSCI grades, like other councils are now doing, would not be perfect but it would be better than what we have got at the moment because it is from an independent group.”

ECCA chief calls for intervention THE head of a leading industry association has called upon the Department of Health to step into the row between care home operators and Northumberland Care Trust.

Martin Green, chief executive of ECCA told Caring UK that it is their duty to end the disagreement as quickly as possible.

He said: “The Department of Health has the power to end this, and if they don’t do anything about it then what are they getting paid to do?

“If they don’t act quickly then I can see an increasing number of local authorities replicating what is happening in Northumberland and grabbing the role of regulator as they try to reduce costs.”

Martin has written a letter in a local newspaper calling on local residents to replicate what the trust is doing to care providers.

He added: “I wrote a letter advising residents in Northumberland telling them that when they get their council tax bill they should get back in touch and say that they cannot pay the full amount but only a certain percentage in these difficult times.

“That is what the trust is doing to care providers, and by the time they have paid the staff to inspect the care homes and the court fees to fight this they might as well have given the homes the money and ended the argument.”

16

CARINGHOMECALL

A family run care home has become the first in the North West to offer a new, holistic approach to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Louise Cordell reports.

Hugs not drugs are the key GORSEY Clough has adopted the Specialised Early Care for Alzheimer’s programme, which aims to provide residents with minimal medication and more tailored care.

The manager of the Tottington based home, Collette Conway, is a registered mental nurse and has over 15 years’ experience in the care home environment.

She has now undergone special training and is working on passing this on to other members of staff.

She said: “I have always been a strong believer in hugs not drugs, so for years we have been re-assessing residents’ medication when they come to us and adjusting it to the lowest levels possible.

“I am not saying that there is no place for medication, because there is – but we should be trying harder to

find the correct balance.”

Eight of the home’s residents who are suffering from dementia are now being fully assessed for the programme, which involves looking at their medical history as well as talking to family members to gather as much personal information as possible.

Collette added: “Special care is needed for dementia patients because, as they do not have good short term memory, they are living their life in the past.

“But they have what we call ‘green’ or positive memories and ‘red’ or negative memories – so we try to enforce the green memories as much as possible.

“For example, if somebody had worked in the weaving trade earlier in life and now likes to reorganise

and fold the tablecloths in the home then we would encourage them to do that rather than restricting them – they are not doing any harm and it makes them feel calmer and happier.

“Others might believe that they are on a cruise ship rather than in a care home and ask the staff where the captain is – rather than correcting them, we would just tell them that he is busy navigating the boat.

“They are happier and more contented living in their positive memories, so we go along with that rather than trying to orient them to

the here and now, which would only cause distress.”

The aim now is to streamline the assessment process so that suitable new residents coming into the home can be brought into the scheme as quickly as possible.

Collette added: “It is not a quick fix and it needs to be worked at but I am hopeful that we will pull it off.

“People with dementia have been treated like second class citizens for too long and now the rest of the world needs to change its attitude towards their care in order to help them live more happily.”

Theatrical staff keep residents entertained STAFF at Gorsey Clough have formed their own theatre group to keep residents entertained.

Nine members of staff started up the Clougher Bluffers four years ago with a range of musical shows, and have now become so popular they are taking the performances on the road to other care homes in the area.

Collette said: “We had always done a lot of singing and dancing at the home, and had a very popular karaoke machine, so this was just taking it to the next level.

“The residents love it, sing along with all the numbers and even join us up on stage if they get the chance – as soon as one show has finished they are asking us when we are going to do the next one.”

Shows include ‘Theatre Through the Ages’, a selection of songs from the war years, ‘Globe Trekking’, with

music from different countries, ‘Old Time Music Hall’ and the staff’s own comedy version of Cinderella.

Residents’ relatives also come along to the performances, which take place two or three times a year, and always comment on the positive effects of the entertainment.

Collette added: “We started taking the shows to other places because it had been so successful for us and the residents had enjoyed it so much.

“The new homes were impressed because it is often difficult to get dementia patients to sit down and watch something, but they are always completely engaged.

“I think the thought that we put into each performance, and the fact that we have experience with the residents shows through, because we know what will appeal to them and how to provide it.”

CARINGNEWS

Rising wage bill is forcing home to close

By Dominic Musgrave A CARE home owner in Scotland is having to close down after her wage bill rocketed from £120,000-a-year to £200,000.

Susan Nichol, who has run Moor Cottage in Ross-shire for almost 14 years, said an unannounced Care Commission inspection demanded she increased her staffing levels to improve the quality of care.

When the wage bill rocketed because she had to add several extra staff to the team of 14, she appealed to social services for help – but was refused. Now, a worker has been allocated to the care home to help the residents find alternative accommodation.

She said: “The commission, who I have found to be supportive throughout, said that I had to increase my staff greatly to comply with their requirements, but it is a very small home and I cannot afford it.

“I went to social services and asked them if they could help me, but they told me no. It is a very sad situation for everybody, but more importantly it means that the residents are being left to find a new home.”

She told Caring UK that one of the most serious complaints was that staff were hired without proper Disclosure Scotland checks being carried out to ensure they did not have criminal records.

Other demands involved dietary, health and welfare needs.

She revealed that the situation has put her off running her own business again, and that two prospective purchasers made an approach for the home, but have been put off after hearing of the staffing schedule.

She said: “I don’t ever want to be an employer again. I thought I had a buyer for the home, but as soon as they saw the increased costs they walked away. I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future.”

A spokesman for the Care Commission said: “Our priority at all times is the safety and welfare of care users.

“We have been making regular visits to the home to monitor it.

“At the moment we are satisfied the care home is being properly managed and that the appropriate steps are being taken to safeguard residents during a potentially difficult time.”

Mayor Genevieve Hibbs with manager Friday Eborieme

Mayor opens dementia unit A DEMENTIA unit at a care home in Hounslow has been opened by Mayor Genevieve Hibbs.

One of the main features of the new facility at Cloisters is a sensory room, equipped with light boxes, special effects projectors, a mirror ball, fibre optic tubes and soothing music.

Complementary therapies will also be offered within the room, which has been designed to calm and relax restless residents.

Manager Friday Eborieme said: “We decided to open this new dementia

service after holding discussions with the local primary care trusts and social services departments. We discovered that there is a genuine need for more patient-centred dementia services both nationally and locally.

“Our aim is to enable those with dementia to live as normal and independent a life as possible here.”

The new unit at the Alpha facility also features memory boxes outside all rooms, three dimensional signs, rummage boxes and reminiscence boards.

17

18

CARINGNEWS

Giant musical instruments installed in the grounds of two UK care homes are taking music therapy to a whole new level. Mary Ferguson reports.

Instruments strike a chord HUGE drum kits and two-metre high tubular bells paint an unusual picture next to the landscaped flower beds in the grounds of Chalfont Lodge in Buckinghamshire.

But the oversized instruments are helping residents interact through music and have inspired the outdoor installations at other Barchester-operated care homes in the country.

Stuart Wood, Barchester’s head music therapist, said: “We actually came across the instruments by accident, when we were looking into ways for residents to get more physical activity.

“They have proved hugely popular and have so many benefits, plus they can be enjoyed by everyone.

“If a resident isn’t able to actually play, they can still enjoy the sounds and atmosphere that the instruments create.”

Stuart said that if a resident can hold a small implement like a knife and fork they should be able to hold a beater for the chimes, while small hand movements are used for the drums.

“Music is a big part of our lives at Chalfont Lodge and many of the activities and therapy we provide incorporate it in some way.

“One of the residents here has already said that when his grandson visits he has now got somewhere to take him and they can enjoy making music together.”

Other instruments, supplied by Freenotes and Wicksteed Playscapes, have been installed at Wood Grange in Lincolnshire.

Residents are enjoying a giant xylophone, which is accessible to wheelchair users, and a set of drums, as part of an ongoing emphasis on outdoor, adult play equipment.

“The instruments can be used in different ways, either independently of staff – for example when relatives visit – or when staff are walking a resident around the grounds.

“There are also scheduled sessions organised by myself or the activities coordinator, where groups are taken down to the instruments. Those who are more physically dependent can just enjoy the atmosphere and being

Stuart Wood

Residents at Chalfont Lodge with the giant drum kit

outside while others make the music.”

Stuart said that because the instruments are attractive, they provide a pretty focal point when installed in a large amount of space.

But homes with limited grounds can still benefit as smaller instruments can be fixed to walls.

He added: “The reception to the installations has been fantastic and the challenge now is to equip staff with the skills to help residents get the most out of them.”

20

CARINGNEWS

Sarah bids to train staff in conversation

By Mary Ferguson

Residents at a Bristol care home were visited by animals from the city’s zoo. The visit to Riversway nursing home was part of the Zoo to You programme, which gives people the opportunity to come face to face and learn more about the natural world. Outreach volunteer Andy Wakefield took along with him giant African land snails, tarantulas, Madagascar hissing cockroaches and a corn snake.

CARE homes underestimate the benefits of talking to residents and staff are not skilled enough to listen, it has been claimed.

Sarah Reed, who has launched a series of workshops to train care workers in conversation skills, said: “The spiritual, emotional and intellectual care of people is not prioritised enough in care homes, because the day-to-day environment doesn’t allow much time for conversation. Without question, carers should receive listening training from the outset.”

Sarah’s listening workshops are currently being trialled in Wimbledonbased Queen’s Court, operated by Barchester. They aim to train care staff to have effective conversations with elderly residents, enabling them to maximise the benefits of reminiscence therapy by encouraging them to talk about their memories.

Using inhibitors like ear plugs, goggles and weighted armbands, the aim is for staff to experience what it feels like for an old person trying to be heard.

At the same time, Sarah is delivering interactive workshops by inviting children into care homes to sit with staff and residents and encourage the elderly to talk about their memories. She has launched a pack of cards, Many Happy Returns, that aim to trigger memories and claims reminiscence is one of the best forms of therapy.

She added “The kids are initially a bit awkward around the residents but once they start talking to them about their memories and realise they were once young themselves, conversation flows freely. In a care home setting, memory reminiscence is a great way for the staff to get to know the residents. And undoubtedly, the better they know them, the better they will be able to care for them.”

Sarah has teamed up with the charity Independent Age to conduct a piece of research into the benefits of reminisence therapy and the effects of the listening workshops. The research will be carried out within the charity’s three care homes and the results will be delivered at the National Care Homes conference in Birmingham in June.

21

Green home shipped in from Austria

By Dominic Musgrave THE UK’s more environmentally friendly care home is going to be built in Austria and shipped back to the UK on the back of a lorry.

Recycled water collected and stored from a planted roof will be used for the toilets, laundry and fire sprinkler system, with hot water coming from solar panels.

A wind turbine will generate the majority of the reduced energy required on the site, with highly insulated walls and triple glazed windows keeping the rooms warm and draught-free.

The wooden building will be an extension to Suffolk-based Lound Hall nursing home and will have 17 bedrooms, including a ten-bed dementia unit creating 21 new jobs Owner Christopher Christou said: “I wanted to build something which wasn’t just a run of the mill building and that was pretty special and good for the environment.

“The architect, who we had worked with before on another project, had already done something similar and when he introduced me to the idea I knew it was what I wanted.”

The extension is thought to become

the first in the UK to be built to Passivhaus standards – strict regulations that require a high level of insulation and air-tight construction, combined with a low energy heat recovery ventilation system. It is expected to save 85 per cent on heating consumption compared to a typical extension.

Justin Bere, of bere:architects, who have designed the home, said it is a concept that other care homes should consider.

He said: “They are quick and easy to build, and we would expect it to be ready to be brought over here approximately three or four months after we have sent the finished specifications over to them.

“Going into a care home is not always a happy occasion for an elderly person, and they are often stuffy, warm places to live.

“We are creating a really healthy environment with a lot of fresh air that we hope will be a place where people would look forward to living.”

Justin plans to run a series of seminars for interested UK manufacturers alongside the building, which is expected to be opened next spring.

A typical Passivahaus with the grass roof.

22

CARINGPROPERTY

A care facility which was originally built as the Singer (sewing machines) family home has been sold by DC Care for an undisclosed sum. Praesmohr House in Aberdeenshire is a detached property which retains many original features. The established business has been operated by the vendors since 1988, and they have decided to sell due to retirement.

A recently opened New Forest care village has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. The Shelbourne at Sway, which opened its doors last September, is in the final three in the best care village category at the annual Pinders design awards.

By getting this far, the facility has won £500 for its chosen charity, Save the Children, and they will find out if they have won at an awards ceremony at Lord’s cricket ground next month.

Jane Barker with Earlplace’s Tim Malby and Lawrence Grove

Home to go on hotel site WORK has begun a new £7m care home for older people on the site of the former Abbacourt Hotel in Leamington Spa. The new home will retain two facades of the former hotel and will feature a range of modern facilities including communal lounges, hair salon, dining rooms and gardens.

MHA will lease and operate the 50 en-suite bedroom complex, which is being created by local

property developer Earlplace.

Jane Barker, director of strategic partnerships at MHA, said: “Our existing care home, also on the Kenilworth Road, has been in operation since 1951. Residents and staff will move only a couple of hundred yards to the new building when it is complete in January 2010. We had been looking for a new site in town for several years until Earlplace created this opportunity.”

24

CARINGPROPERTY Philip Hall, newly appointed director of healthcare for Jones Lang LaSalle, talks to property expert Anita Allen about rising fee incomes, capital values being driven down and how the care home business remains a good place to be in difficult times.

Why it’s still a good place to be in UK first for Powys tough times The care home in Powys

concept care home THE UK’s first concept care home which is inspired by boutique hotels has been opened in Powys by Barchester.

The Lodge, which has been built in the grounds of The Rhallt care home on the outskirts of Welshpool, is based on the boutique hotel concept, and aims to offer ‘superior’ care for the nine residents living there.

Managing director Tim Hammond told Caring UK that the new home will offer high quality care but on a smaller scale.

He said: “The Lodge has been inspired by the success and popularity of boutique hotels. They are a great example of using the space that is available to maximum effect, without losing any quality.

“We recognised that people have different preferences for care homes, and the boutique model helps us to cater to this need.”

The bedrooms at the home are larger than the average size, and are

decorated and furnished to the highest standard with large en suite walk-in shower rooms.

The Rhallt’s general manager Nick Oulton said he believes it is a concept which will grow over the next few years as elderly people look for more choice.

He added: “The new building is more exclusive than the care home and it costs slightly more to live there. I can see more of them appearing in forthcoming years. I know it is something that Barchester are looking to do more of, and with more care and retirement villages being built, I can see it as another option for people in future.

“It is not suitable for everyone, and some people prefer to live in the large community of a traditional care home. But it is the residents’ choice, and we show people around when they come and visit so they can decide whether they would prefer to live in a more homely and exclusive facility.”

Purchase completed in ten weeks DC Care has helped Aitch Care Homes (London) Ltd complete the purchase of Newton House in just 10

weeks.

The seven-bed facility is due to be formally opened in April.

MANY care home owners have experienced contradictory pressures over the past 12 months.

On the one hand business is good, with rising fee income, steady occupancy levels and rising levels of profitability, particularly as interest rates have fallen.

On the other, owners are told that the value of their care home has fallen along with other forms of residential and commercial property.

Rising unemployment only serves to increase the pool of available labour. Constraints on public spending and a moribund housing market may constrain future rises in fee income, but the effects of a recession on the sector are likely to be marginal, particularly when compared to other sectors such as car manufacturing.

Just as in the last recession, the care home business remains a good place to be in difficult times.

Of course, the sector is not immune from broader market conditions, particularly from the lack of debt funding and from tighter lending parameters.

It is these latter factors that have helped to drive down capital values.

When greater debt availability returns, this is unlikely to be matched with a return to the very favourable lending parameters that existed pre-2008.

Consequently, we are unlikely to see a return to the days prior to the ‘credit crunch’ which saw values rise independently of their trading

performance.

Banks are giving much greater weight to the historic and current trading performance of a business when determining the size and term of any loan.

They are also giving much less weight to any trading potential which has yet to be realised. The result is that well-managed and well performing businesses offering proven cash flow are easier to finance than stand alone developments and under-performing assets.

We are therefore likely to see a greater spread of individual values between top quality/top performing assets and problem cases than was the case historically.

Prior to the ‘credit crunch’ OpcoPropco was the principal driver of consolidation and value in the corporate sector.

This is no longer the case with healthcare investment yields at their present levels.

We are unlikely to see a return in the short term to the time when ‘added value’ was achieved through this type of financial engineering.

However, the healthcare market has a brighter future than most.

With interest rates close to zero and people’s savings taking a battering, the healthcare sector may yet prove to be a haven to investors looking for steady returns backed in part by government revenues.

I Phil was speaking to Anita Allen, property specialist at DC Care.

Charity director opens new £1.2m care home extension THE director of a leading dementia research charity has officially opened a new £1.2m extension at a Hertfordshire care home.

Dr Marie Janson, director of development for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, cut the ribbon on the Kingfisher unit at the Halcyon Days residential home in Graveley.

Features at the facility, which will provide an extra 24 residential and

dementia care places, include colourcoded rooms in primary colours to help people with the condition recognise them easier.

Owners Gold Care Homes are opening another new 69 bed facility in the county later this year which will also cater for dementia care.

Pictured: Dr Marie Janson cuts the ribbon to open the new extension at Halcyon Days residential home.

Firm recruits redundant shop staff Exclusive by Dominic Musgrave A HOME care company is so desperate for workers it is recruiting redundant staff from Woolworths and Wedgewood, Caring UK can reveal.

Care UK branch managers have been instructed to contact former managers at the closed stores to make sure all employees that lost their jobs are aware of the career opportunities in home care.

Care UK managing director Tony Vockins said the company actively promotes the recruitment of carers, but a crisis in numbers has forced them to be more innovative.

He said: “We have been leading an initiative to encourage more people to consider a career in caring, including providing information to companies such as Woolworths, Wedgewood and other companies seeking to help former employees to find new work following economic redundancy.

“This is a great opportunity for former employees at these companies who may not have considered working in the social care sector, to look into a career with Care UK. “Potential employees can be confident that we will give them the training that they need to provide a high

standard of care to the people who they will look after.”

The bold move follows the news that Hertfordshire County Council axed its contract with the company, saying it failed to provide sufficient service to its users.

Tony admits the problems were down to recruiting new carers for Hertfordshire.

He added: “We experienced real and specific problems in recruiting new carers in the past, and this resulted in us being unable to meet the high standards that we set ourselves, and that the people we care for have the right to expect.

“These problems were in no way unique to Care UK; other care providers have experienced similar issues in recruiting staff.”

The Bishop's Stortford and Sawbridgeworth contracts will now be taken over by Stortford based company Care By Us with the remaining contracts being taken over

by Sage Care.

I What do you think? Send your comments to Dominic Musgrave, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS or email dm@whpl.net

Tony Vockins

Homecarenews

27

Multi-lingual carers sought by provider

By Mary Ferguson A LONDON home care provider is sharpening its services by employing staff who can speak the top nine languages in the borough.

Islington Council is also aiming to meet the religious needs of the ethnic communities it serves by ensuring its contractors employ a diverse workforce.

The team will include carers who between them are fluent in the most popular languages in the area, including Greek, Turkish, Somali, Bengali and Kurdish.

Andrew Gawthorpe, senior commissioning manager for older adults at Islington Council, said particular cultures have their own practices – for example washing hands before meal preparation – so work is being done to make carers aware of these needs.

He said: “We have individual ethnic pockets in the borough and Greek Cypriot elders for example, are one of them. Historically, there haven’t been enough male carers and for cultural reasons, many of these service users

tend to request a male carer who is also Greek Cypriot.

“In the past we have had to approach other companies outside the borough when there has been a particular language or religious need but by developing an effective local workforce, it’s much more efficient.”

Andrew added that as part of the tendering process for new care providers, they were required to show that they target particular ethnic areas to develop that local workforce.

The emphasis on a diverse care team is part of a redesign of home care services in Islington that have earned the council an ‘excellent’ rating from CSCI. The development of a re-ablement service is helping to reduce the length of time a service user needs care and the introduction of a call monitoring system has helped to reduce complaints about carers turning up late.

Andrew added: “We are a lot clearer now about what we want to see delivered and the need for a greater flexibility when it comes to our home care services.”

Company shortlisted for national award RETIREMENT Villages has been shortlisted for a national award recognising its outstanding contribution to the healthcare industry.

The national company – which runs a dozen age-exclusive villages – has beaten off stiff competition to secure a place in the final of the Health Investor Awards.

Chief executive Jon Gooding said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for such a presti-

gious award. It is an endorsement for Retirement Villages, not just as a property provider, but as a company which takes its ongoing responsibility towards the care provision for residents and the wider community very seriously.”

Retirement Villages is competing in the residential and domiciliary care category, and the winner will be announced at a ceremony at the beginning of June.

Sarah Burgess

Try-before-you-buy village A CARE village company is offering a try before you buy scheme to entice more users out of care homes and into the village lifestyle.

The offer has been created by Retirement Villages – clients get the first night for free, and if they wish to stay for a second have to pay a small charge.

Sales and marketing director Sarah Burgess said: “We’re aware not everyone is completely familiar with the concept of our type of lifestyle villages. The best way to explain it is to give people the opportunity to live it.

“We encourage them to eat at our restaurant with one of our residents to talk through things and get a real feel for what the lifestyle is like. It’s a

lot better than a salesperson sitting with them, because we can sell it to them but cannot paint the full picture.”

Those staying at the village are also able to use the communal facilities and join in with any activities and classes that may be taking place.

She said the offer has proved particularly popular with women who may have been recently widowed, and people who would have to downsize from a large home, possibly where they have brought up their family.

“You wouldn’t buy a car before sitting in it would you? I describe it to people as being given the opportunity to ‘touch and feel’ it for themselves.”

28

CARINGLETTERS

Would gay people think kite-mark is inappropriate?

Editor’s comment

KEN WATERHOUSE, managing director, The Shelbourne at Sway Re: Gay-friendly kite-mark I read, with interest, your lead article in the March issue, about the possibility of introducing of a gayfriendly kite-mark for care homes and the comments made by Des Kelly. As managing director of The Shelbourne at Sway, a senior living community in the New Forest, I feel I am well-placed to comment on this idea.

While I entirely understand that we must show we are sensitive to providing services to people from the gay community as well as the heterosexual community, I cannot

ON the surface a gay-friendly ‘kitemark’ scheme being introduced to care homes seems like a good idea.

But I cannot help but feel that this would open up a whole new can of worms which currently don’t need opening at a time of seemingly endless changes for the care sector.

Surely homes have a duty to care for a person whatever their sexuality – this is the 21st century after all.

As the ageing population in UK continues to grow, it would be more beneficial if the associations concentrated their efforts on working with CSCI and the forthcoming Care Quality Commission to ensure that the quality of care on offer is of the highest possible standard.

And whatever a person’s sexuality is should never be an issue in this.

Because a person is gay doesn’t mean their needs and requirements any different.

JOY EMERY, manager of Fieldgate Nursing Home, Hampshire WHEN I read your March article I could not help feeling sorry for people that need looking after by another person. Has Des Kelly of the Care Forum gone completely mad?

He is missing the point which so many social care inspectors miss.

The point is not about what the home says it provides or by the

In association with

Gay-friendly kite-mark is suggested

comply with then operators need to that. care providers “But it’s quite hard on ark’ scheme ts to disclose their A GAY-FRIENDLY ‘kite-m to have to ask residen in care homes to be that some even may it should be introduced and y e sexualit ing to everyon That’s show they are welcom ts are gay but not ‘out’. been residen has it y, ction of a regardless of their sexualit why we support the introdu to show homes claimed. kite-mark that enables of The Care ve executi chief Des Kelly, they are gay-friendly. that an official ways – both it Forum, told Caring UK have “Care homes can’t rs open to the council is to mark would enable operato show they if the requirements of ts to nities they gay and lesbian residen of demonstrate equal opportu are sensitive to the needs with that.” comply to need homosexual clients. that withdrew of interest to Meanwhile, a council He said: “It’s a real area when There have been funding for a care home us at The Care Forum. residents about that homes that operators refused to ask suggestions in the past ned its ng services to their sexuality has overtur were sensitive to providi should nity . decision people from the gay commu rk in Brighton had its kite-ma of Homes kind Pilgrim some City be able to have to recognise

by Brighton and Hove able cut are they funding shows – that to ask residents that being Council when it refused the different requirements example, asking them to For to fill in a questionnaire gay friendly may bring. bisexual or may choose not state if they were gay, just as elderly women been a by now has given g ‘unsure’. Fundin to be have personal care convinced ts may have reinstated, after the home all male carer, gay residen to Doing that would councillors they are open different preferences. sexuality. into the open.” residents, regardless of bring some issues out about the gay funding from the I What do you think When homes rely on Send your they should friendly kite mark idea? council, Des believes their equal n, Caring UK, 47 expect to have to follow y procedures. views to Mary Ferguso y, S70 2AS. opportunities and diversit council is Church Street, Barnsle the “If the requirements of I See Page 32 opportunities to demonstrate equal

n

Exclusive by Mary Ferguso

does it smack of the “Blacks Welcome” signs in B&B windows in the 1950s?

amount of ‘kite marks’ visible, nor what the client labels themselves within a society, but whether the client's holistic needs are met.

Therefore the best way of discovering whether or not the independent carer or home complies with their client's citizens rights is to talk to the client and/or their next of kin.

On the other hand I could be missing the point. Is Des Kelly suggesting that a person’s carer needs

JOHN HUDSON, matron of Benedict House, Kent Raymond Simmons

Raymond’s gift for his carers STAFF at a Kent care home received a surprise cash gift left to them by a former resident.

Raymond Simmons left £171 each to those who cared for him at Abbeyfield Kent Society’s Greensted home in Maidstone.

Manager Sue Imms said: “He was a single man and was always very appreciative of the standard of care he received at Greensted, and this was his way of saying thank you. He wanted to make sure that every member of staff who had worked at Greensted during the time he was a resident benefited, even those who had left for other jobs.”

Raymond died of cancer at the home Kelly has given her Television presenter Lorraine tip line where on December 19 2007 ent support to a new independ abuse. at the age of 92. of residents can report cases Full story, Page 15

I Caring UK March issue

‘Sexuality must not become a separate issue’ MARGARET KIRKHAM, manager of Rock Cottage, Stoke on Trent RE: ‘gay-friendly kite-mark is suggested’ I have been a registered manager of a care home with nursing for nine years and I am happy to say that in that time, we have welcomed residents of all nationalities regardless of their beliefs or sexuality.

Surely as providers of social care for very vulnerable individuals we

to know whether the client/s are going to be friendly with them or is the kite mark to reassure a prospective client that all the staff are gay and friendly?

Sorry but I could not help demonstrating how easily ‘kite marks’ can be misinterpreted and if a kite mark is to be enforced the women rights movement will insist on one, every church will insist on one, and so on.

‘It would be better to show the Investor in People sign’

no.154 • £4.75

incorporating for the care sector

Ken Waterhouse

How easily kite-marks can be misinterpreted

March 2009

ne The Number One magazi

help but feel that the whole idea is patronising and yet another example of over-zealous political correctness.

Surely by now, our society should be able to assume that the health care sector is blind to people’s creed, colour or sexuality.

As professionals, we care for the person and look at their needs. This would include support as a result of their sexuality irrespective of whether they are heterosexual or gay. Good care planning and getting to know your residents is key to providing the best care and emotional and spiritual support.

Furthermore, I cannot help but wonder if gay people might feel that a kite-mark is highly inappropriate –

already practice a non-judgemental attitude to our clients?

Sexuality must not become a separate issue in my view as the person entering a care facility should be viewed holistically. Many people are quite rightly very private about their sexual preferences.

I personally feel that if we are all adhering to best practice there is no need to separate any part of an individual's care.

RE: ‘gay-friendly kite-mark is suggested’ I am a gay male, matron of a nursing home and I feel this is a bad idea on a couple of accounts.

It would say that as we have gay residents here our staff are made aware of this and are trained accordingly, so gay residents would feel different to their fellow residents within the home.

There are still some people who would then feel it would be acceptable to treat a gay man differently to the gentleman in the

next room and I feel this would cause segregation of the individual.

Secondly, if a home is governed by the laws of the land and is inspected

by CSCI then it is already bound to accept people regardless of colour, race or sexuality.

Surely it would be better to show the Investor in People sign or just to say we believe in equality and diversity and follow the basic human rights law? This in itself is enough to show that we are caring individuals who run these homes on the basis of delivering quality care to the resident and meeting their specific physical care needs – regardless of any social differences they may have.

All care givers must promote equality and diversity at all times SUE MACE, The Regard Partnership A CARE home should not ever discriminate with a view to a prospective resident’s sexuality and any suggestion that this happens in these modern times is in my opinion absurd.

A care home is a place of safety where all residents are treated with dignity, respect and privacy no matter what there sexual orientation, colour, race, religion and cultural background may be.

The company I work for has excellent policies to cover gender specific care, personal care and sexuality and personal relationships as well as an equal opportunities policy stating that it is a disciplinary offense to discriminate against anyone because of their sexual orientation.

All care givers must promote equality and diversity at all times, we do not need a ‘gay friendly kite mark’ badge to prove that we do it.

If you would like to comment on a Caring UK story or give your views on an industry issue then email our healthcare editor at dm@whpl.net or write to Dominic Musgrave, Caring UK newsroom, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. You can fax your letters through on 01226 734705

30

CARINGNEWS

The director of one of the industry's biggest training providers has gone from care assistant to successful businesswoman – with some help from a 'secret millionaire' along the way.

Dominic Musgrave reports.

Rachael goes from carer to top businesswoman WHEN Rachael Fletcher was beaten up by a resident on her first day as a carer, she considered turning her back on the industry for good.

But seven years later, she runs a business with an annual turnover of £1m and is responsible for delivering training to many of the major care groups nationwide.

She said: “I thought I was going for an interview at a care home near where I lived in Sheffield, but when I got there the manager threw me a uniform and asked me if I could start that night, which I did with no training whatsoever.

“I was trying to get a woman out of bed and washed when she attacked me, scratching my face.

Nobody told me she had dementia.

I ended up catching all sorts of things while I worked there.”

Following a year working in accident and emergency she decided she wanted to do something different, and armed with just a Yellow Pages and plenty

of ambition she spotted a business opportunity delivering training to care home staff.

“After a few months doing some freelance work I had built up a lot of contacts, and after finding what training care homes needed I decided to go to managers and tell them that I could deliver their courses.

“I spent a lot of time getting the phone put down on me at first, but then I visited a home in Barnsley where the staff of more than 100 had not had any training for five years.

“I put together a training programme for them on a tight budget. I didn’t realise that homes were part of large groups but ended up doing the whole lot from Newcastle to Bristol.”

Rachael realised that to expand the business would require an investor and mentor, and after some persuasion Emma Harrison, chairman of A4e and star of Channel Four’s ‘Secret Millionaire’

Care workers are being offered free tickets for an award winning one-woman show about the sector which has received rave reviews. Eleanor Bennet combines her role as a care assistant with being the only actor in 'Off her Trolley', which won 'best performance’ and ‘best play’ at the Act Provocateur solo festival and was nominated for the Amnesty International freedom of expression award. She also wrote and produced the show which is a blend of stand up, character and song which focuses on residential care.

Burke calls for introduction of a new care duty A NEW care duty should be introduced to help those who urgently need to move into a care home but cannot afford to pay.

Counsel and Care chief executive Stephen Burke told Caring UK that a tax set at 2.5 per cent on estates valued between £25,000 and £312,000 could raise at least £1.7b a year to bridge the care funding gap.

The proposal comes after new figures have shown that more than 60,000 older people pay for a place in a care home every year by selling their own home.

He said: “What we are suggesting

makes sense because we already have a system for collection, and it would keep track with demographic changes and increased personal wealth.

“It would be much fairer if better care was funded through a care duty on people’s estates, with a small percentage paying for care. Rather than losing the family home, people would pay a bit more through inheritance tax.

“The care duty could top up current public spending or be ring-fenced and used as part of a new social insurance scheme to pay for care.”

agreed to do it.

She added: “I knew that A4e had been given millions of pounds of Government funding to upskill people in different sectors. I knew all the training I did I could get funding for but nobody from A4e would speak to me. A friend spotted Emma on TV and gave me her email address. She agreed to meet me and I managed to persuade her that my new company, MedEx Training had a future.”

The company now has 10 staff in its head office in Sheffield, and nationally around 180 trainers.

Rachael Fletcher

Six things you may not know about ... Rachael Fletcher I Her first job was at Burger King I She applied for the forthcoming series of BBC One’s The Apprentice, but was on holiday when the interviews took place

I Her business idol is Sir Alan Sugar I Her hobbies are reading and boxing I Her favourite holiday destination is The Maldives I Her favourite food is Chinese

Care home groups should look at all options before cutting training budgets CARE home groups should look at alternative ways to save money rather than cutting training budgets, the head of an award-winning provider has claimed.

Douglas Webb, chief executive of Cornwall Care, told Caring UK that training, marketing and travel costs are usually the first budgets to be cut in a financial crisis.

But he says operators should look at all of their options because potential residents realise there is a link between training and the quality of care being provided.

He said: “I have a view whereby when there is extreme financial trouble, like we are having at the moment, that a good company can use it as a way of making headway, and a good team of skilled staff is imperative to that. In cutting funding for its training, what a provider is saying is that they are not too interested in the quality of their care.

“By standing still and riding it out a good company can stay ahead of its competitors who are perhaps looking at training as a way of saving money.”

Cornwall Care run their own training schemes, with all staff expected to be at NVQ level two standard and the company’s own dementia care qualification within a year. Douglas added: “The National Minimum Standards in 2005 said that 50 per cent of staff should have the level two standard, which we don’t think is good enough.

“If you took your car to the garage and the manager told you that only 50 per cent of the people working there were qualified you would be concerned, and you would want those that were to fix yours. It is the same for care, and if the staff cannot reach those qualifications within a year then there is either something wrong with our business or the individual.”

Home receives employer pledge award A PORT Talbot care home has become the third in Wales to receive the employer pledge award.

Deputy minister for skills John Griffiths visited Plas-Cwm-Carw care centre to present the award given in recognition of the home’s dedication

to ensuring that all staff have the key skills required in literacy and numeracy. The award aims to encourage employers to make an active commitment to improving the reading, writing and maths skills of their workforce.

CARINGTRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

An award-winning dementia care specialist says more should be done to raise awareness of the disease. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Award-winning dementia care specialist in Government call BRENDA Coetzee won the excellence in dementia care and mental health prize at last year’s Wales Care Awards.

In the wake of the recent National Dementia Strategy, she is calling on the Government to spend more on training to improve the way dementia sufferers are treated in care homes.

She added: “Staff should be really well trained and have a good knowledge of what the disease is, how it is different to normal nursing and how best they should treat a person with the disease who a lot of the time cannot express themselves properly. I learn something every day.

“If a member of staff is not trained in all of these things there is no way they will be able to give the resident the dignity they deserve. Some people with the disease require one to one care because they cannot cope in a group. People are individu-

als and everyone’s treatment is different.”

She said more information about the disease should be made available, and that it should not take a celebrity speaking out to bring it to people’s attention.

“Society should be made more aware of what dementia is, and I find it sad that it takes somebody famous such as John Suchet to bring it to light.

“If people knew more about what dementia is they would be more prepared for what to expect when either a member of their family or friend gets the disease. I always try and make time for relatives because it is heart-breaking for them to see their loved one in this way.

“A lady I spoke to summed it up best for me when she said that as far as she was concerned her mother died five years ago when she got dementia, and the only reason that she comes and

visits her is because she feels it is her duty to do so.”

But overall she praised the general standard of care in homes in the UK compared to her home country South Africa, where she moved from six years ago.

“I don’t like to knock my native land but it is nowhere near as forward thinking when it comes to dementia,” she said. “The care over there is a lot of years behind what it is here. I think it is because they have a lot of other medical problems that are much bigger so don’t give it that much attention.

“I moved over to Wales because I wanted to see how care was different in another country, and in particular wanted to work with people with dementia. I saw things over in South Africa that could have been done so differently but I couldn’t do anything about.”

Brenda Coetzee

An independent care group has scooped three prizes at the excellence in business training awards. Cornwall Care education and practice development business manager Bridget Cooney picked up the individual achievement, while the group took the outstanding commitment to training prize. The company was one of the first organisations in the country to design and implement an accredited dementia care course, and spends more than £750,000 on staff training every year. The annual ceremony was held at the Headland Hotel in Newquay, and judges included members of the Confederation of British Industries.

Free training seminars and business advice about how to deal with the huge changes facing the care sector drew employers and managers to the annual Sussex and Surrey Showcase For Social Care.

There was standing room only at many of the seminars featuring speakers from the Department of Health, Association of

Directors of Adult Social Services, Social Care Institute for Excellence, Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), UK Border Agency Fraud Unit and Skills for Care. The Showcase theme of Social Care – The Future attracted a record number of visitors including employers, staff, training providers, and care professionals from across Surrey and Sussex.

‘No excuse not to invest in training’ NEW funding announced in January for small to medium enterprises means there is no excuse not to invest in training for your organisation. It is a well known fact that training your staff is beneficial.

Advantages include staff feeling appreciated in the workplace and therefore increased staff retention.

Not to mention the reduction in

minor mistakes that significantly cuts wasted management time spent dealing with such errors.

Care Training East Midlands can visit your workplace to conduct a no obligation workforce development plan, tailored to your training needs across all areas of your care service.

We can even submit training plans in support of CSCI applications.

31

32

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Company designs and manufactures specialist products AKW MediCare are the leading suppliers of showering, kitchen and daily living products for the elderly and less able.

With over 20 years’ experience in the special needs market we design and manufacture products specifically with the end user in mind.

Working with occupational therapists and health care professionals, AKW create products which are safe and allow routine tasks to become less challenging.

An innovative choice of showering solutions is available to suit rooms of all shapes and sizes. Superior strength and design add support to the many benefits on offer of the extensive range.

Shower seats, grab rails and accessories are also widely available to provide extra confidence and assistance.

Many of these products are also available in white or contrasting blue to aid the visually impaired.

AKW has also designed two ranges to help make the kitchen more accessible to people with mobility restrictions.

Enquiries: Telephone 01905 823297 or visit www.akw-medicare.co.uk

‘Excellent’ Armstrong Laundry for Crest House WHEN the hardworking laundry equipment at Crest House, the Hindhead care home, needed to be replaced, manager Tom Feury carried out a thorough market appraisal.

“We knew what sort of equipment we were looking for and the kind of support we need. We decided on a free standing Primus 16 kg washer extractor from Armstrong Commercial Laundry Systems. It is proving to be excellent – extremely reliable.”

Crest House, part of the Care Homes of Distinction group, has 60 residents and the laundry handles everything including kitchen textiles, curtains and chair covers.

Laundry Manager Lesley Lucas said: “The new machine is lovely. I particularly like the control and flexibility it gives me, such as the option to include a pre-wash or not.”

For further information contact Armstrong Commercial Laundry Systems, on 01635 263410, email enquiries@armstrong-laundry.co.uk or visit the website www.armstrong-laundry.co.uk.

Dementia sufferers can maintain independence through NRS PEOPLE suffering with dementia can get help in maintaining independence through Nottingham Rehab Supplies’ new partnership with prestigious ceramic manufacturers Wade.

NRS believes its distribution of the Dignity by Wade Range will help thousands of users preserve their dignity and grace.

Designed over a 14-month period, after consultations with Professor June Andrews from the Dementia Services Development Centre at Stirling University, the five-strong collection is specifically crafted to make daily eating routines hassle free for users.

Wade Ceramics designed the range after observing the problems dementia sufferers, and those with Parkinson’s disease face. Due to infirmness, the cups and teapots have been crafted with double handles for stability, the cutlery is much larger for added grip, bowls are deep set with wide rims to prevent spillage and plates are sloped to aid control, making them ideal for people who have a weakness down one side of their body after having a stroke.

Details from www.nrs-uk.co.uk or ring 0845 121 8111, e-mail customerservice@nrs-uk.co.uk.

Building a better future - student work placement schemes INTERNATIONAL Student Advisors 4U (ISA) is pleased to provide students to nursing, residential and domiciliary care organisations. Those involved in ISA have extensive experience in providing students to the UK enabling them to achieve qualifications in chosen fields, whilst working within a full time placement Unique courses for caregivers, midwives, under board nurses, registered nurses and other allied medical courses, which allow students to have paid employment and study at a University in the United Kingdom If you feel you can offer vocational work placements for students please contact Tracey or Janet.

Offices in the UK, Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore.

International Student Advisors, call 01245 226625/226064 or visit www.internationalstudentadvisors.com

Easyflush makes life easy for arthritis sufferer SOMETIMES quite a simple update or replacement in the bathroom can make a real difference. This was the case with Mrs. Cousins, a lady in her nineties who lives in South West London.

She suffers badly from arthritis and found operating the flush button on the WC extremely painful.

Her downstairs loo has now been fitted with the Easyflush ‘no hands’ system developed by Cistermiser. She can operate the dual flush system at the wave of a hand; the hand being passed in front of the sensor for a half flush or held in front for a second or more to obtain a full flush.

Easyflush is a WRAS approved, hygienic and userfriendly system that has proved very popular where less able or elderly people are involved.

The Easyflush can save up to 75 per cent of water normally consumed in a WC and because it is hands-free is also hygienic.

Information from 0118 9691611, email info@cistermiser.co.uk or visit www.cistermiser.co.uk.

Versaclean and Versacare - the choice is yours NUMATIC are well known for their professional nononsense vacuum cleaners and floor maintenance machines.

But many do not realise they also make a range of janitorial and service trolleys under the Versaclean and Versacare banners.

From a choice of mop types and matching presses, through a selection of trolley sizes and add-on modules, it is possible to specify a unit to suit your needs.

This year has seen improvements to the Nukeeper range of housekeeping trolleys - all based on the hi-mobility AT chassis (with heavy duty 200mm soft ride castors and all-round bump protection).

There is a choice of single or twin cabinets with either retractable hideaway covers or lockable doors. An alternative low range model caters for smaller establishments.

The collection and separation of waste is easy with the NuSax trolley range; while soiled linen is no problem using NuBags.

Enquiries: Telephone 01460 68600 or email: sales@numatic.co.uk

Tarkett fills the gap at Glasgow Dental Hospital MORE than 500m2 of Tarkett linoleum flooring has been installed at Glasgow Dental Hospital as part of a major refurbishment of the clinic.

The hospital is also a school for approximately 400 undergraduate students, as well as providing postgraduate research opportunities and taught programmes.

Armitage Associates were commissioned to alter the layout of the main clinic to create an open plan space that would streamline working practices, whilst creating a bright, warm atmosphere for patients.

It was also important to create a relaxed environment, particularly for the children who attend the clinic.

Lena Armitage said: “Tarkett’s Veneto XF was specified because it is an environmentally friendly product which is extremely durable and resilient. It also comes in a wide choice of colours, and we’re very pleased with the overall finish of the floor in the new clinic.”

Enquiries: Telephone 01622 854040 or visit www.tarkett-commercial.com

Enhance your conservatory, dining, community and reception areas SEATING and tables to enhance the conservatory, dining, community and reception areas within a new facility for older and vulnerable people are central to a contract just awarded to Knightsbridge Furniture.

The West Dunbartonshire-based Cordale Housing Association extra care facility is situated in Renton, 30km north west of Glasgow.

For the conservatory, chairs and twin settees from the Knightsbridge Hawaii range were specified. Exuding a distinctly relaxed and colourful feel, Hawaii is based upon a strong lattice-work frame in a natural cane finish.

Key features for the elderly and infirm include a supportive high back to provide optimum head support and wide, sturdy arms to facilitate independent rising.

In the communal lounge areas, the sleek curves of Knightsbridge Melrose chairs in high back and wing-style configurations are complemented by Malham coffee tables, with Melrose club chairs and Balerno coffee tables in a natural wood finish.

Telephone 01274 731900 or visit www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

33

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

New legislation expected for immigrant workers NEW rules for immigrants are expected to prevent skilled workers from outside the European economic area (EEA) from working in the UK. This is likely to cause further disruption to a sector already facing the burden of dealing with the highest workforce turnover rate of all care sectors at 24.9 per cent.

Miele is accepted into institute MIELE Professional has been accepted as a corporate member of the British Institute of Cleaning Science.

The institute, which has its headquarters in Northampton, is the largest independent professional and educational body within the cleaning industry.

Founded in 1961, its members include local authorities, contract cleaners, manufacturers, suppliers, trainers and cleaning operatives themselves. Membership currently stands at almost 5,000 individual and corporate members and its reach is global.

Of particular focus for this membership will be Miele’s latest washer extractor which is aimed specifically at the contract cleaning market, the PW 5064.

With a maximum load size of 6.5 kg, this machine has specialised programmes for washing all manner of textiles from mopheads, cloths, and curtains to towels and bedding.

It is suitable for small buildings as well as multiple installations at larger contract cleaning sites.

to keep you legally compliant and effectively manage your business.

How will your domiciliary care business manage the new legislation? Do you know the best ways to attract and retain quality staff and remain legally compliant?

Croner Domiciliary Care Standards: A Management Guide keeps you updated on forthcoming legislation, helping you implement policies and procedures

Specifically designed for domiciliary care providers, your subscription covers all 27 National Minimum Standards plus provides you with invaluable management guidance.

Market leader in wireless communication AID Call Ltd is a market leader in wireless communication for the healthcare industry.

The company offers a wide range of products including nurse call, staff attack and DECT communication systems, designed specifically to meet the needs of NHS Trusts, private hospitals, care groups, sheltered accommodation and care homes.

Aid Call provides a professional and technical sales team experienced in radio based technology solutions, as well as installation and support engineers available throughout the UK. The company provides a 12-month warranty on all products and offer ongoing maintenance plans if required. Customers benefit from a telephone helpline allowing access to a fully trained advisor.

Company takes lead with price freeze WHILST other manufacturers are putting up their prices, Gainsborough is taking the lead yet again.

The company has announced a price freeze on current prices throughout 2009.

A spokesman said: “We are passing on

to you the savings being made in our state of the art factory Taking inflation into account the price freeze amounts to a price reduction of around 3.5 per cent in real terms – a saving of between £120£140 per bath.”

Company becomes leading provider PRIMARY Care Training was founded in 1999 to address the absence of professional and accessible training courses for the care sector in the UK. It has grown steadily to become a leading provider of service-user and employer led training with a wide portfolio of resources. The company has a portfolio of courses run in venues across the UK – and they can be customised. A spokesman said: “We don’t believe in recruiting generic trainers – you’ll find that our trainers add up-to-date information including changes in legislation, case studies and specific personal experience to deliver our courses.”

Taking pain out of tracking garments EXPOLINK’S new garment identification solution takes the pain out of identifying and tracking your residents’ garments.

Using a hand-held reader, Retriever can quickly identify the owner and room number of each item of clothing by scanning a small and discrete smart button attached to each garment.

This powerful yet simple solution gives residents complete peace of mind that their clothes are protected and safely returned after laundry.

Simple software provides an inventory list of items owned by the resident.

Menu proves a hit

Donna Templeman with lady mayoress Elaine Garland

Clos-o-Mat, the UK’s leading supplier of toileting aids UPDATES to the Social Care Insitute for Excellence’s Dignity in Care Practice Guide 09 are being answered by the Clos-o-Mat, the UK’s leading supplier of toileting aids.

The Practice Guide highlights the difference factors such as hygiene, including toileting and continence needs, can make in retaining and enhancing dignity and selfrespect.

The Clos-o-Mat bidet toilet looks like a conventional WC, but incorporates an integral douche and drier which eliminate the need to wipe clean after toileting.

The Clos-o-Mat Palma toilet, the only bidet toilet developed specifically for the less able, is just part of the Total Hygiene range, which includes both fixed-height and height adjustable toilets, toilet lifters, height adjustable wash basins and height adjustable changing tables.

The company is the UK’s leading supplier of toileting aids for the disabled, with over 30,000 bidet toilets alone installed across the country to date.

Information from 0161 969 1199/ freefone 0800 374076 or email info@clos-o-mat.com

A HULL care home has been recognised for its nutritious and varied menu for the fifth year by the council.

Sunningdale Court chef Donna Templeman was presented with a Heartbeat Award by the Mayor for her achievements.

The award is presented to establishments which are committed to offering a greater and more healthy choice to customers.

Donna said: “Both the kitchen team and I are very proud that our hard work has been acknowledged.

“It is satisfying to know that our service users are being given a fully balanced diet, which they enjoy immensely.”

An environmental officer recommended the home for the award, and a nutrition expert then visited to inspect the menus and check them for nutritional content.

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.

34

CARINGCLASSIFIED AND PRODUCT NEWS

Call for more technology cash MORE money should be spent on new technology to help older people live in their home, it has been claimed.

New research by charity Counsel and Care and provider Tunstall has revealed that for every pound spent on telecare, five could be saved on expensive hospital and residential care.

A Wigan care home has undergone a major refurbishment at one its units. The 25 bedrooms at Westwood House – Westwood Lodge’s nursing and care centre in Wigan – have been redecorated, while furniture in the lounges and dining rooms have also been updated. This investment is part of an ongoing programme to raise living standards of older

people in Meridian’s residential and nursing care centres.

Manager Maria Mather said: “Residents and relatives are getting very excited about the upgrade as it takes shape. A good environment always helps to enrich the lives of the residents, and also makes the home a nicer place to work for the staff.”

Its release comes shortly before the government publishes a green paper on the funding of care for the ageing population.

Counsel and Care chief executive Stephen Burke said: “Helping older people live longer in their own home and improving safety and security are key aims.

“If by using telecare, we can make this happen and make better use of public funding, then it’s a win win for everyone.

“But we need to ensure that future investment in telecare is substantial and well planned across the country.”

Evidence from Scotland, independently evaluated by York University – has shown that telecare in people’s

Radiator covers

Residents and staff at Wickmeads residential home in Christchurch held a surprise party for retiring manager Maureen Anderson. In the last 30 years she has worked at many of the former Dorset county council residential homes, which Care South now manage, including Draper House, The Fearnes and Dorset House, before settling at Wickmeads. Care South Richard Hawes, director of care services, and chief executive Susan Willoughby present Maureen Anderson with a bouquet of flowers.

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Care Alarms

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homes can reduce the number of days needed in hospital stays and delay entry to residential care as well as saving on home checks and visits.

Furniture