Caring UK (December 09)

December 2009

incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

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Owner wins fight to get Tessy back

By Dominic Musgrave A SCOTTISH care home owner is celebrating after one of her carers was allowed to return after being stranded in India for over a year.

Senior care officer Tessy Jose joined the staff at Cooriedoon Care Home on the Isle of Arran in April 2006 on a student placement.

Sandra Butler then fought for two years for her to be granted a full work permit, and two weeks after receiving it last July she went home to Kerala for a holiday, but could not get back into the country.

She told Caring UK that the UK Border Agency doubted whether she was a nurse and the Home Office said she had ‘outstayed her welcome’.

Sandra added: “Because we are on a small island we struggle to get the required number of staff for the home, so I started getting people from India and the Philippines to work here.

“We fought to get full permits for both Tessy and another carer Rodalyne, and they went back to their native countries to get their visas stamped. Rodalyne came back three days later no problem, but when Tessy tried to get back into the

country she wasn’t allowed. We have been fighting for the last 15 months to get her back. She was told that she had outstayed her welcome in the country, but she couldn’t leave because the Home Office had her passport.”

Cooriedoon has a staff of 28 and has employed nurses from abroad for over six years. They currently have seven from India, two from Hungary, two from Lithuania and one from the Phillipines.

Sandra added: “The staff we employ from overseas are a huge part of the team here, and it was a huge injustice not allowing Tessy back in.

“I knew Tessy was right for our home the moment she walked in after I first picked her up from the ferry and she walked into the lounges and put her hands on the residents’ faces.

“The whole scenario affected my health and people kept telling me to walk away. But I remember my father saying to me years ago that if you are in the right then you should fight for it, but if you are in the wrong then recognise it and walk away. I have used that for all of my professional life.”

Readers’ voices to be heard on CQC

A new care home opening in Greater Manchester has been named after boxer Ricky Hatton.

Hatton Grange in Hyde is the latest facility to be built by Ideal Care Homes following the recent unveiling at a site in Sheffield, and will be officially opened by the former world champion.

The 70-bed home will offer both residential and dementia care services. Picture: Big Pictures

ONE of the leading figures at the new regulator has given the green light to a meeting with Caring UK readers in the New Year.

Cynthia Bower, chief executive of the CQC, has agreed to meet with a selection of home operators who are frustrated with the service they receive after Caring UK healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave approached the National Care Association for help.

Chairman Nadra Ahmed said: “We are delighted to have been able to facilitate the meeting with Cynthia in the New Year to consider some of the thoughts that care home operators have about the inspectorate.”

Caring UK has been pressing for the meeting since the summer after its newsdesk was inundated with calls and emails from concerned owners and managers about some of the regulator’s practices.

More in next month’s issue.

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CARINGNEWS

Piper Bill to be honoured by French with life-sized statue A RESIDENT at a Devon care home who piped his regiment ashore at Normandy on D-Day is being honoured by the French.

Bill Millin, who lives at Palm Court Nursing Home in Dawlish, is to have a life-sized statue erected in his honour close to the spot where, 65 years ago, he played the bagpipes as allied troops launched their assault to free Nazi-occupied Europe.

The 86-year-old, who has lived at the home for the last six years, is to be immortalised in bronze, complete with pipes and kilt, by the people of Colleville Montgomery, which he helped to liberate in 1944.

Commonly known as Piper Bill, he was personal piper to Lord Lovat, commander of 1 Special Service Brigade, and his actions were portrayed in the 1962 film The Longest Day. Home manager Nigel Morris told

Caring UK that a party of people behind the statue are bringing a model to show Bill at a ceremony at Dawlish Town Council.

He added: “Bill is a leading figure associated with World War II, particularly to the French, who have decided to create this lasting full size tribute to him.

“If things go to plan they hope to unveil the statue on June 6 next year, which will be the 66th anniversary of D-Day, and hopefully Bill and a small party will go over there to see it.”

Over the years he also had a pipe tune written in his name and been presented with a Citizen of Honour award by the French community, while the holes at the golf course at Port en Bessins are named after wartime characters and the 18th is known as Piper Bill Millin.

Nigel added: “The Germans didn’t kill him because they thought he was

Work has started on the £4m development in Wrexham, which is due for

completion next year and is set to create more than 100 jobs.

The centre, which is being built by Pendine Park care organisation at their main site on the outskirts of the town, and will be called Bodlondeb (place of

Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Sales Manager: Jackie Brook Tel: 01226 734479 Email: jb@whpl.net National Sales Executives: Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734333 Email: mandye@caring-uk.co.uk Fax: 01226 734477 Rebecca Hazell Tel: 01226 734 685 Email: rh@whpl.net

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

Editorial

Bill Millin mad, and Bill will tell you that himself. He has had a stroke but his speech is ok, and he is always good for a story. He is known throughout the town and still goes out every day on his electric wheelchair to work at the local museum.”

Centre takes inspiration from owner’s grandmother A NEW centre of excellence for people with dementia has taken inspiration from the proprietor’s grandmother, who suffered with the condition.

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising

contentment) – the name of owner Mario Kreft’s grandmother’s home in Rhyl. The home will look after 64 people with dementia who need day care, respite care or residential services, and will be managed by Ann Chapman.

Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 Reporters: Christina Eccles Mary Ferguson Louise Cordell 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

A resident using the Technogym equipment

Gym equipment brings drop in falls at home

By Dominic Musgrave THE number of falls at one Merseyside care home has dropped by more than 20 per cent since the installation of gym equipment.

Ann McCann has run Redholme in Liverpool for the past 13 years, and installed eight pieces of Technogym equipment 18 months ago after being asked by the city council to pilot it for a new scheme.

She told Caring UK that the falls that do occur are less serious, and that she has also noticed a massive improvement in her residents who have dementia.

She added: “We have 10 staff who are trained to use the equipment, including the maintenance guy and chef, and at any one time we have two staff members in the fitness area with the residents.

“We have found that if a resident is feeling agitated and restless then a five minute walk to the gym and a session using the equipment helps to calm them down.

“A short workout can also help them if they are having problems with their eating or sleeping, and

relatives of those people who use the home’s day centre say they have also noticed an improvement.”

The gym is one of a number of unusual activities that take place at the home, and Ann believes that the home is the first in the country to have a drama therapist visit twice a week.

She added: “Andrea works with small groups of 10 people over a 12-week period, and like a play she gives the programme a beginning, middle and end.

“We have done two so far, and the latest one featured the residents talking about how they got here and what they did with their lives, but ended with them dying in a fire and a resident reading their obituaries, which was a little unusual.

“I seem to come up with these new ideas for activities when I cannot sleep around three in the morning.

“I want to keep the interest their and the residents active, and it sells the home because relatives are asking more and more about what we do here for the residents.”

A short workout can help residents with eating or sleeping problems.

CARINGNEWS

Campaigning owner taking legal action

By Dominic Musgrave THE owner of a North Somerset care home is leading a campaign for more funding by taking legal action against his local council.

In the September issue of Caring UK we ran a story on Gordon Butcher, leader of the local care association and owner of Lyndhurst Park Care Home, who said that all 18 three-star and two-star homes in the region have been taken off a list that is given to potential residents and their families after they refused to accept a new fees offer.

The scheme would have seen an ‘excellent’ home receive 4.6 per cent more, a ‘good’ one 3.6 per cent and an ‘adequate’ facility one per cent, but instead the homes have opted to trigger a clause in the contract and take the process to arbitration.

Gordon told Caring UK it is a massive ‘do or die’ situation for the council, accusing them of time-delaying tactics.

He added: “On legal advice we have notified North Somerset Council that we are initiating the procedure ourselves and have written to the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

“We have attempted to work with the local authority on this process in the hope that an incorporated letter could have been presented, but further delay was deemed as unacceptable.

“I placed on the table to the council that if they decided to use the Laing

and Buisson model and agreed to the figures it crunched out then we would agree to them paying the cost over a three-year period with annual uplifts, but have received no response.”

He added that the council’s decision to ‘blacklist’ the 18 homes has had no effect on homes in Weston, but has had an impact further north of the county.

“The social workers in the Clevedon area seem to be toeing the council line,” Gordon said.

“And with 90 per cent of the homes in the dispute they are adopting a distasteful policy.

“We have evidence of families being told that they have to place in homes 10-15 miles away. Placing the elderly outside of the immediate locality for some will mean them being ostracised from their peer group.

“When you are very sick or dying such a policy is morally disgraceful.”

But a spokesman the council denied these claims, adding: “Since April this year 19 of the 33 placements in the Clevedon area were within the group of homes currently in dispute with us.

“We still apply client choice and are not aware of any complaints. We do not agree that people are having to look outside the Clevedon area for places.”

An arbitration hearing is headed by an independent mediator panel, which settles disputes between parties.

Book club welcomes author

Author Deborah Moggach joins Edwina Currie and Nightingale residents at the weekly book club.

DEBORAH Moggach was the latest well-known author to visit a London care home’s book club.

She discussed the latest of her 16 novels, These Foolish Things, with residents at Nightingale, the plot of which unfolds in a residential care home for British people living in Bangalore.

The weekly book club has been running for more than 10 years, and is chaired by former health minister Edwina Currie.

The average age of the group of female readers is 89.

Previous authors who have discussed their work include: Ruth Rendell, PD James, Joanne Harris and Gloria Hunniford.

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CARINGNEWS

Residents showcase their skills CARE home residents in Wales have showcased their talents and skills at a special celebration.

The Tapestry of Life event at the Margam Orangery near Neath was arranged by the Activity Organiser Forum, and featured more than 250 residents from approximately 15 homes.

There were several categories of competition entries, ranging from arts, crafts, embroidery and collages to recitations, vocal performances and a harmonica performer.

There were also performances by professional musician Richard Harris and pupils from local comprehensive and junior schools.

Rachel Kemp, one of the event’s organisers and manager of College Fields Nursing Home in Barry, told Caring UK that they hope to make the event an annual one.

She added: “The aim of the day was to show care homes in a positive light, and for people to see that there are lots of talented residents living in them. They can still do things that they could do years ago, and that having some form of disability doesn’t mean that you cannot have a life. We hope to make the event an annual one on the calendar, and it would be nice if we could extend it to other parts of Wales.”

Pen pal scheme bids to stamp out loneliness A NEW pen pal scheme has been set up in care homes across Gloucestershire to help combat the feeling of loneliness.

The ‘Plume Project’ was the brainchild of Anita Miles, who coordinates all of the people who plan, arrange and deliver activities in care homes and day centres in the county.

She told Caring UK that if people in care homes start writing letters to people living in their local area, it could help bring communities closer together and dispel some of people’s fears about going into care.

Anita added: “People can still feel lonely surrounded by other people in a care home, particularly if they don’t get many visits by family, and the risk of feeling isolated is even greater for older people living alone.

“It can make such a difference finding a genuine letter from a ‘friend’ among the bills and junk mail. It can be a lifeline for someone who is vulnerable.

“It doesn’t matter at all if the pen pals never meet. If someone in a care home wants to get involved

but can’t write, their activity coordinator can help.”

Gloucestershire Rural Community Council helped her to reach people in the community initially, with 80 people now being matched to pen pals. Anita is now planning to extend the project, and is looking to involve people who receive a care package in their own homes.

She added: “As well as fostering new friendships, the ‘Plume Project’ could also offer practical benefits.

“It will give care homes the opportunity to make contact with and provide some support to people in the community who may eventually take up residence there.

“For example, the home could offer a hearing aid check, assisted bath or simply the opportunity to join in with an activity; all of which could help allay someone’s fears about going into care.”

I Do you run a similar pen pal scheme in your area? If so let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.

Anita Miles

Opinion sought on interim policy on assisted suicide CARE managers across England and Wales are being asked to give their views on the interim policy on assisted suicide.

Director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer QC, the author of the report, has published the factors he takes into account when deciding whether or not to allow prosecutions for assisted suicide.

Keir, who leads the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “I am keen for as many people as possible to take part in this debate, including care managers throughout England and Wales.

“I recognise how sensitive this

area of law is and I respect the fact that there are many people who hold strong views on assisted suicide. I want to hear those views and that is why I have launched a public consultation.

By considering as many opinions as possible, I can produce a final policy which is true to both the law and public feeling."

Assisting suicide has been a criminal offence in the UK for nearly 50 years, and Keir said his policy did nothing to change that.

He added: “There are also no guarantees against prosecution and it is my job to ensure that the most vulnerable people are

protected while at the same time giving enough information to people who want to be able to make informed decisions about what actions they may choose to take.

“I also want to make it perfectly clear that this policy does not, in any way, permit euthanasia.

“The taking of life by another person is murder or manslaughter – which are among the most serious criminal offences.”

Anyone who wishes to view the policy and complete the consultation document can visit www.cps.gov.uk and closing date for responses is December 16.

Keir Starmer

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CARINGNEWS

Resident Ivy Reynolds holds one of the home's chickens

Francis Smith with one of the pigs

A care home which boasts its own mini-farm has received the highest possible rating from the inspectorate. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Staff praised for rating rise HEFFLE Court in East Sussex has made the unusual step up from adequate to excellent in the space of just 12 months.

The 32-bed dementia nursing home, which has been owned by Caring Homes for the last couple of years, is managed by Sue Burke.

She told Caring UK that the dramatic improvement is all down to the hard work and determination of her staff to create a home-from-home atmosphere.

Sue added: “The staff here are so enthusiastic and work very hard.

We couldn’t have the animals that we keep here if the staff weren’t committed because they all do it voluntarily in their own time.

“Unlike many other care homes the staff on our units don’t wear uniforms, we don’t have staff toilets or cups and we share everything.

We work as if it is the residents’ home and we are coming into it, so if it is good enough for them then it is good enough for us.

“We sit down together to eat at mealtimes and a lot of our activities are occupational based, such as making lunch and tea,

washing and drying up, so it is about them keeping their home clean and tidy as they would like it.”

As well as the farm, which has a pig pen and rescued animals such as goats, hens, guinea pigs and ducks, the home’s grounds also have three themed beach huts.

Sue said the activities are part of the home’s aim to treat the dementia as a part of who the resident is.

She added: “The town of Heathfield is surrounded by farms, and many of our residents have links with them, which is why we decided to create an area here for them to feed the animals and collect the eggs.

“The beach huts are brightly coloured to attract the residents to them, and they are furnished with a variety of memorabilia that can be used as tools for reminiscence.

“One has a seaside theme, another is for the ladies and is full of handbags and shoes, while the male one is 1940s-based and has war goods, model ships, cars and aeroplanes and fishing tackle in.”

Self-sufficiency is in sight ...

HEFFLE Court is well on its way to becoming self-sufficient by next summer, according to the home’s manager Sue Burke told Caring UK that the staff and residents have been working hard planting fruit and vegetables to be used in the kitchen, and predicts a huge saving in the food bills.

She added: “The residents love gardening and they are involved with everything from choosing what they would like to plant at

the garden centre to the actual planting. It gives them a real sense of achievement.

“Our chef and gardener have put together a plan to keep us sustained with goods next year, and we are confident that we will be self-sufficient.

“On average we would spend around £700-a-month on vegetables, so thanks to the support of the residents we are going to save thousands of pounds.”

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CARINGNEWS

Surrey couple go green for dementia facility venture

By Mary Ferguson THE owners of a Surrey care home plan to go green for their latest venture.

Geoff and Marilyn Hoare have received planning permission to build a sustainable dementia facility at Huntington House.

The couple, who have run the home in Hindhead for the last 30 years, will build two self-contained 14-bed households with ancillary and shared facilities. They will also feature a living roof made up of sedum plants, natural cross ventilation and timber cladding among other selected materials from sustainable sources.

Geoff told Caring UK that the idea was put to them by representatives from Pozzoni, the architectural practice who have designed the units.

He added: “The fact that we are in an area of outstanding beauty created a challenge in itself for the planners, and them approving the design was by no means a certainty and we had to prove that we were absolutely categorically filling a need.

“The idea for a ‘green’ roof came from a throwaway comment that we picked up on because there are green roofs and green roofs.

An artist’s impression of the new development extended several times, and it now “But we really liked the idea of has 37 bedrooms and is registered for creating a building using sustainable 41. materials, and the natural slope of Geoff said creating a specialist the grounds has helped us to create dementia unit on the site was a what we consider to be an almost natural progression for the business, unique design, and has enabled us to which once complete is expected to almost sink the building.” create approximately 40 new jobs.

Marilyn bought the original He added: “The next step for us was Victorian building as a derelict shell always going to be dementia because in 1977, having owned another care of demand, and the fact that we have home in the village previously. She had a number of people here that converted the house into a nursing have developed the condition and home, opening up the following year have had to move out to alternative for 13 residents. accommodation.

Since then the building has been

“One of the key factors of the plan from a dementia point of view was that we wanted everybody on the ground floor, so that they can open their door, go for a walk around the site and still be on the ground floor and not stranded.

“It will cost a bit more to build than a more traditional development, but we expect to save quite a lot of money on the running costs, though we haven’t got to the stage of putting together any figures yet.”

No date has yet been set for the completion of the building.

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CARINGNEWS

Vetting scheme warning CARE home managers are being warned that they face criminal charges if they hire staff without checking whether they pose a risk to vulnerable people.

Under the first phase of the Vetting and Barring Scheme, local authorities, schools, hospitals and charities have a statutory duty to inform the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) of any individuals they believe are acting in an inappropriate way, or may be putting vulnerable adults at risk. Employment Law Advisory Services consultant Giles Ridgeway told Caring UK that barred individuals also face imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000 if they work with vulnerable groups.

She added: “The introduction of this legislation is designed to protect children and vulnerable adults under the care of others, and it is vital that employers working in care homes take the correct steps to ensure their residents are not at risk.

“Given the hefty consequences for failing to put the correct measures in place, it is crucial that employers ensure they take all possible steps to comply with the new legislation. It really is a case of seeking advice as soon as possible to make sure that adequate checks are happening.”

Helen rewarded for improving lives

By Dominic Musgrave

my parents, and it is nice to reminisce with them.”

AN activities co-ordinator who nearly died 15 years ago after suffering from septicaemia following a kidney and pancreas transplant has won a top award.

Helen Harries, who works at Cherry Tree Care Home in Caldicot, scooped the Promoting Fulfilled Lives category at the Wales Care Awards, two months after winning a similar prize at Hallmark Healthcare’s own ceremony.

The 45-year-old diabetes sufferer, who has worked at the home for the past 12 years, told Caring UK that she is passionate about improving the lives of the elderly.

She added: “Nine weeks after I left hospital my mum died, and a few weeks after that my dad did too. I was a single mum at the time and was very close to my parents.

“I was an administrator for an insurance company at the time and didn’t enjoy my job so decided to quit. My then partner, now husband, said I should go to the job centre to see if there was anything out there, which I did, and saw the job for a care assistant at Cherry Tree.

Helen was seemingly a natural choice for the activities role at the home when it became available as she used to stay behind after her shift had finished and play games or watch videos with the residents.

She added: “I now get paid to do the most simplest of things. The other day I took a lady who wasn’t feeling very well her breakfast in bed and we sat and chatted while watching Jeremy Kyle and drinking tea.

“As I left she told me what a fun time she had had. Each morning I get in before I am supposed to and sit with the residents for hours and we talk about what is happening on the newspapers or the magazines.

Helen Harries “I had never stepped in the place before but thought I would give it a go, and have found that it is lovely to give someone help and assistance, and get that loving back. My family has lived in the village since I was three so a lot of the residents knew

“I put up a weekly activities rota but we rarely stick to it because there is always something different cropping up.”

Other activities she organises at the home include quizzes, entertainers including the local choir and theatre group, weekly pet therapy visits, art classes and visits from the local schools and groups.

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CARINGNEWS Left: an artist at work and, right: a school pupil reading to a resident

Home is community centred THE owner of a Bromsgrove care home is working hard to improve links with the local community.

Residents at Burcot Grange are visiting a local school each week during term time, listening to the pupils read and learning more about each other’s lives.

Owner Mark Bales, who converted the former hospital with his wife into the care home 16 years ago, told Caring UK he is always searching for new ways of getting involved with the local community.

He added: “I am always looking to linking Burcot Grange with clubs, societies and organisations from the local community, and some hold meetings at the home which enables our residents to attend if they wish.

“This breaks down the barriers and moves away from the stigmas that a lot of people still have about elderly because they do have a lot to bring to the party. It also enables the people who come into the home to see what we are all about.

“The residents also go out and get involved with things like coffee mornings at the local church. The latest idea we have come up with involves the local school, and so far it has proved to be really successful.”

A range of classes are held for the residents as well, with the twice weekly computer classes proving to be particularly popular.

“Using the emails, webcams and Skype is great for communication,” Mark added. “We have some resi-

dents that simply check the computer for their bridge scores, while others keep in touch with their families and grandchildren at university.

“We also encourage the relatives to come into the home as much as possible, and are looking at ways of making their time with the residents a positive and fruitful one.”

Mark has used his prior experiences as a hotel operator to create a country house surrounding for the 40 residents, and says he is currently looking at his options for expanding the business.

He added: “We have always believed that what we have here is quite unique because for the past six years we have also run several independent living units, which at

the time made us quite ahead of the game.

“The staff have helped us to create what we have here, and if we had operated more than one site we could easily have lost that uniqueness because other people may not have done it as well.

“We originally wanted to create a home which retained a lot of the Victorian elegance, and so we have lots of panelling and throughout the winter months there is always an open log fire on the go, which I bet not many homes can boast.

“The hotel atmosphere carries on with the food that we serve, and we always offer a variety of choice at mealtimes to suit all tastes. We try to source as much of the food locally as possible.”

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CARINGPEOPLE

A Warwickshire care home took a party of its residents on holiday to Blackpool this summer.

Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Award-winning Jo takes residents on seaside holiday Above: Resident Brian Lunt mows the lawn.

Left: Debbie Bessley with resident Edith Richards

SIXTEEN residents at Sebright House dementia care home in Leamington Spa, their partners and carers visited the Lancashire seaside town for a long weekend.

The 40 beds at the facility, which caters for people with advanced stages of the condition, have all been purchased by the local PCT, and have a no restrictions policy for residents’ relatives and friends.

And manager Jo Shuker, who scooped two prizes at the West Midlands regional event of the Great British Care Awards, told Caring UK that she is now planning for a party to go to Spain next year.

She added: “Dementia is the most devastating thing that anybody can have, because it doesn’t just destroy the person’s life but also everyone around them.

“We aim to try and cushion it and make life as bearable an experience as we possibly can, and that is why we organised the trip to Blackpool, where we stayed in specially converted caravans.

“I don’t think the residents’ partners ever imagined they would spend another night with their partner, never mind a holiday.”

The home runs a variety of activities to keep the residents active, despite their condition, including a kitchenette where residents can peel potatoes and beach huts in the garden full of memorabilia to remind

them of happy holidays.

Jo, who has run the home for the past four years, says she is always coming up with new ideas.

“I have done a lot of courses associated with dementia, but quite often I come up with them myself,” she added.

“A lot of people with the condition feel they are no longer any good at anything and suffer with depression.

“The idea of the huts is to help them recall happy times, and give them that feeling of well-being and happiness.”

As well as being named dementia carer of the year, Jo also won the care home nutrition prize, and says that is a crucial part of the day for the residents.

“People tend not to recognise the signs of malnourishment and dehydration in people, but we give them it in a variety of ways to suit the individual, and if it has to be pureed then we make sure it looks like is should do as much as possible.

“We audit our nutrition every three months and try to get the residents to get outside in the fresh air when we can because this encourages hunger to come.”

Marie Woodcock was named care home worker at the same awards ceremony. Both were nominated in the categories by relatives of the residents.

Expansion will create over 150 new jobs AN East Anglia care group is defying the financial climate and is planning a major expansion plan over the next few months to meet growing demand.

Healthcare Homes has increased the number of dementia beds at several of its sites, including the creation of specialist 21, 22 and 24 bed units at Bilney Hall in Dereham, Hillcroft House in Stowmarket and Claremont Lodge in Great Yarmouth.

Another nine beds have been added to Meadow House in Swaffham, while plans are also in place for another eight at Fornham House near Bury St Edmunds.

Chief executive Richard Clough told Caring UK that applications are also in the pipeline to extend a further seven of the group’s homes, as well as the creation of a

40-bed dementia facility in the grounds of The Manor House in Swaffham.

He added: “The extensions are part of our programme to provide extra care facilities throughout our properties.

“They will allow us to offer that service to a larger number of people throughout the region, as well as creating more than 150 new jobs altogether once they are all complete.

“Plans for the future include us moving west because all of our current sites are based in the east.

We would also like to expand our domiciliary care services.

“We have seven branches across East Anglia, but would like to take that up to 10 in the near future.”

CARINGNEWS

A care group operator has major plans to develop his homes in the near future. Dominic Musgrave spoke to Surinder Khurana about them and his worries about the sector.

Surinder swaps IT job for care home business WHEN Surinder Khurana retired from his job as an IT professional there was no chance of him slowing down.

Instead of relaxing in his later years he decided to build up the care home business that he ran with his wife Avi, and the couple now have nine homes spread across three counties.

One of his three purpose-built homes is Cloverdale in Laceby in North East Lincolnshire, and he also owns homes in West Yorkshire and central Lincolnshire.

He told Caring UK that he is very much involved with the day-today running of the homes, but is worried by the way different councils operate.

Surinder added: “We have senior management teams working across the homes, but we are still very closely involved with the homes and take a professional interest in them.

“We are well aware of all of the policies and the way they work, but our frustration is at the inconsistency of local councils, especially in the way they are trying to use the star ratings when it comes to paying fees.

“We find the inspection process very subjective, and it depends very much on how the inspector feels on the day, but this can affect the future of your livelihood.”

But, despite his frustrations, Surinder says he still plans extensive development work at several of his homes.

He added: “We won’t go to any more than nine homes because I feel we have the right infrastructure in place to run the homes we have successfully, and expanding to more would take us away from the small family business that we have now.

“What we do plan to do now is add to the homes that we have, and we have plans in place to add 12 more beds to Bradley House in Grimsby because there is a great need for EMI in the area.

“Plans are also in place for 12 units at our other Grimsby home New Grove House, which we expect to start next year, and we want to add six more rooms to Holly House in Scunthorpe.”

Surinder employs more than 320 staff across the homes, which cater for more than 350 residents.

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CARINGCARE AWARDS

North West winners FORMER ‘That’s Life’ presenter Adrian Mills was the guest host of the inaugural Great North West Care Award gala dinner at Old Trafford football ground.

The regional event forms part of the Great British Care Awards, which celebrate excellence across the care sector, with the aim of promoting best practice within both home care and care home sectors.

The winners from the five regional awards will be invited to attend next year’s national events for either sectors at the prestigious London’s Guildhall, in May and June.

The awards have received support from across the social care sector, including the Department of Health, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Ceretas, ECCA, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and Action on Elder Abuse.

They also support The Maggie’s Centre charity, which has sites across the country supporting people whose lives have been impacted upon by cancer.

The winners were: Care Employer (more than 250 employees) – Community Integrated Care, Widnes; care employer award (less than 250) – Laura Grasby (Crossroads Care, Ribble Valley); care home worker – Julie Dry (Regency Health Care, Bootle); home care worker – Nora Yates (Goldsborough Home Care,

Former That’s Life presenter Adrian Mills presents the Great North West Care Awards with sponsors and organisers Mike Padgham and Lisa Carr.

Stockport); care newcomer – Emily Woodward (Allied Healthcare); care home register manager – Lorraine Hart (Pearlcare, Preston); home care registered manager – Tracey Gilmore (Anchor Care, Manchester); dignity in care – Sue Rush and Karen Cooke (Halton Borough Council, Adult Services and Community); dementia carer – Karen Michael (Stocks Hall care homes, Skelmersdale); care team award – Sharon Edwards and team (Haven Care, Heswall); care home activity organiser – Lorraine Prescott (Stocks Hall, St. Helens); care trainer – Pam Stopforth and Carolyn Goble (PSS, Liverpool); care innovator – Sue Arnold (Southern Cross, Chorlton); outstanding contribution to social care – Lorraine Hart (Pearlcare, Preston).

Television personality Hardeep Sing Kohli presents the homecare worker of a specialist service award to Jane Childs.

TV pair present Great North awards HARDEEP Sing Kohli from the BBC’s One Show and Look North’s Harry Gration presented the Great North Care Awards at the National Railway Museum in York.

The ceremony, which attracted more than 700 guests, was the fourth in a series of events which form part of the Great British Care Awards.

These will conclude next year with specialist ceremonies for both the homecare and care home sectors at the Guildhall in London. Two new categories were added to this year’s ceremony – the putting people first award and the carer’s award.

Winners were: Care employer –Farina Tayub (Caremark, Leeds); care home worker – Christina Dobson (Henshaws College); homecare worker – Susan Mc Gowan (Continued Care from Oakville); care newcomer – Stephanie Bate (Barchester Healthcare); care home registered manager – Yvonne Clark (Westwood Care Home); homecare registered manager – Alison Lockyer (North Yorkshire County Council); homecare worker of a specialist service – Jane Childs (Allied Healthcare); care home nutrition – Andrew Watmuff (Champion House); dignity in care – Jo Warnes (Mental health Service Improvement Group, Bradford Council).

Continued on Page 17

CARINGCARE AWARDS

Continued from Page 16 Dementia care – Denise Raper (Alzheimer’s Society, Scarborough); care team – Thompson Court, Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council; care home activity organiser – Tracey Howlett (East Riding of Yorkshire Council); ancillary worker – Sylvia Wilson and Debbie Philippo (Woodlands Resource and Respite Care Centre); putting people first – Doncaster Council personalisation team; care trainer – Yvonne Tomlinson (Domus Healthcare Group); care innovator – Debbie Von Malachowskie (The Wilf Ward Family Trust); outstanding contribution – Caroline Keaskin (Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council).

The winners of the Great North Care Awards celebrate their successes

17

18

CARINGNEWS

Government pressure to blame – NCA chairman PRESSURE on local authorities by central Government is to blame for a lack of referrals to care homes, it has been claimed.

Nadra Ahmed, chairman of the National Care Association, says operators are beginning to see the effects of the target to local authorities to drop the number of placements it makes by two per cent annually.

She added: “Care home owners are beginning to feel the pinch of this reduction, which is simply being done to save money. Local authorities are trying to squeeze the private sector as much as they can, and this is all about meeting targets rather than the needs of the end user.”

She said that one way in which operators could increase their income is by offering some of their services to the local community.

“The care home can be the hub,” Nadra added. “One way in which it can do this is by catering for the needs of some of the more vulnerable people in the community. It isn’t just about meals on wheels. They could offer gardening or laundry or put up signs when the hairdresser comes in offering their services.

“It is all about how you get people coming into your home. It not only brings in a bit of money, but also makes that person aware of your service when the time comes for them to look at going into one themselves.”

Care home operators are being left with an increasing number of empty beds due to a lack of referrals from their local authority. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Widespread worry over council referral decline SINCE our report on the front page of the November issue ‘Referral drop forces owners to make cuts’, Caring UK has been inundated with calls and emails from owners worried about the future.

The story featured Ann Wilson, who has run Avalon in Southport for the last five years, and is having to make a series of cutbacks at her 20-bed home because she has not had a referral from her local council for months.

Owners nationwide are telling us they may have difficulties in the future because they have had several empty beds for months.

Tim O’Carroll, director of Ravenscroft Nursing Home in Yelverton, Devon, said: “There is

definitely a marked decline in council-funded clients.

“Local district nurses have confirmed that our home is not the only one, and quite a few local homes have vacancies which they would not normally expect.

“There definitely appears to either be a lack of funding available or a changing of criteria for entitlement.”

Frank Bennett, owner of Benthorn Lodge care home in Wellingborough, said it is a similar situation in Northamptonshire. He added: “ We have not had a referral from our county council for nearly two years, and we have just had our CQC inspection which rated us as ‘good’.

“We too have had to make cuts to remain viable, but we have not

compromised with our quality of care or training. It seems that county councils do not value this any more.”

And Mary Watters, who runs the three-star Calderthwaite residential home in Cumbria, said she has had to cut back on trips out for the residents at the six-bed home.

She added: “We have had a room spare since April, and we have had another one coming up because the lady died and we have been using it as respite for a few weeks.

“We cannot cut back on the staff any further, and instead we don’t go out as much as we used to on trips, but I won’t cut back on the care or the quality of food because it is most important to keep the residents healthy and happy.”

‘I will not allow my residents to go without’ SUSAN GODDARD, owner, Mardon House care home, Teignmouth I HAVE worked in the care sector for 35 years as a care assistant, senior and manager. This year after many years of working hard I managed to purchase my own home.

I have had to spend a lot of money refurbishing and replacing systems to make the home fit for older people, whom I care very much about.

All of a sudden I have three empty rooms. I live in Devon and providers in this area are aware that referrals and placements are not being made.

There have been a lot of rumours around this lack of referrals, and I am afraid that if they are trying to keep people at home due to lack of money

to place them in care homes, or trying to fill their own beds first, then this will only lead to vulnerable people being placed at risk by the people who should be helping to safeguard them.

Providers are struggling to meet standards due to poor funding, and many will need to make cut backs I am sure, but I certainly will not allow my residents to go without.

‘Massive drop in referrals’ MICHAEL PARMENTER, Aveley Lodge Residential Home, Colchester IN the last 12 months I have noticed a massive drop in referrals coming from social services, to the point where we no longer receive any at all. These used to be our main source of new residents, but now we only take in privately-funded individuals from our local area.

While this helps with controlling our room rates as we are not tied into social service price controls, it does however increase the pressure when rooms become empty.

I have also had situations where Essex Social Services have interfered with current residents and tried to change their funding over to their payment scheme, which would take

room rates out of my control.

This has led to massive problems, and one situation where a resident moved from my home to another all due to funding.

The conduct of local authorities continues to show the lack of respect for smaller individual residential care homes as we cannot take people at the local funding rate, where our competitors’ homes built by larger national firms can capitalise on the economies of scale.

I’m sure large homes have their plus points, but the feedback I receive on a regular basis are that individuals prefer smaller more personal ones. These will sadly become a thing of the past if the Government continues with its current approach to care of the elderly.

Bupa first

Pot luck system

REHANA ALI, registered manager, Lady Spencer House, Dunstable

Name and address supplied

OUR local council is central Bedfordshire, who have a block contract with Bupa, which means all referrals go to them first and families are not given a choice.

We have not had referrals for a long time, and when we do they always seem to be respite, with 90 per cent just queries.

When we speak to social workers about the lack of referrals they all say the same thing, that they have to go to Bupa first, with funding having to be approved. They will not approve funding for a non-contract bed, unless they have no other choice and Bupa do not have an empty one available.

WE had no referrals for nearly two months in the summer, and we are in a similar predicament now. We are also a small home.

It does seem odd, especially at this time of year when there is a supposed shortage of beds. The system is difficult for prospective clients because they are just given a list and told to get on with it. This system is therefore based on pot luck. It also does not help that the overheads are increasing. Let's hope that it picks up soon.

20

CARINGRETIREMENT VILLAGES

A newly-opened £27m care village on the site of a former railway station has been heavily influenced by similar ones in Australia. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

£27m village influenced

by Australian facility THE blueprint for the Russets specialist dementia care facility at the Sandford Station retirement village come from representatives from owner St Monica Trust’s visits to Perth.

And the 71-bed dementia specialist home in North Somerset, which is split into five bungalows and opened in March, is now managed by Rejane LeGrange, who moved from the award-winning development in Australia.

Head of care Zara Ross told Caring UK that Rejane was heavily involved during the design process of the new site.

She added: “We searched around the world to find the best examples of how people with dementia are treated, before finding this particular site in Australia which was much more developed than what we offer

‘We searched around the world to find the best examples of how people with dementia are treated, before finding this particular site in Australia ’ people with the condition in this country.

“Over there people are free to roam around rather than being put in a room on the end of a corridor which you often find in a traditional care home here.

“Rejane came back with us to work on the plans, which we also had to tailor to the cultural and climate differences in the UK. She also designed a Dementia Passport training programme for the staff which looks at all aspects of daily

living.”

The bungalows are built around a large garden space, and the complex is designed as a home with no long corridors. Each building has a private entrance hall, quiet room, communal kitchen where residents are free to help prepare food if they wish, two dining areas and two sitting areas, each with a fireplace.

They have been decorated using visual cues to help residents identify their surroundings, while the care provided is also different from the

norm, with no traditional work rotas and night staff dressing in dressing gowns and slippers to comfort the residents.

Zara added: “We hope that The Russets will improve the lives of those living their greatly.

“A quarter of the rooms have been reserved by the local authority, and we currently have two of the bungalows full and are working on filling the third.

“People living here are encouraged to go out into the garden and explore as much as possible, and in the middle of it we have a clubhouse which is a flexible building that can be used for church services, group activities or for visiting relatives.”

Planning permission has also been secured to build a 25-bed nursing home next to the bungalows in the near future.

Listed buildings are transformed THE first residents have moved into the new apartments at the retirement village, which has 108 one, two and three-bedroom homes available to be purchased in a variety of ways.

Numerous listed buildings that formed part of the former railway station, including the ticket office, station master’s house and waiting room have been transformed into a restaurant, gym and swimming pool.

Zara added: “The buildings that were on the original site gave us a number of challenges, but it has been interesting to see them become new facilities as part of the retirement village.

“The apartments provide accommodation for older people, many of whom have care needs that we cater for with our own domiciliary service. Part of the design involves 48 of them built in a street scene with a glass roof on. Everyone has their own front door so it has created something of a little community, and once it is full we envisage all sorts of activities taking place in there.”

More than 20 of the apartments were sold form the plans, and another 20 have been allocated to North Somerset Council.

21

CARINGRETIREMENT VILLAGES

The first retirement village to be built in Oxfordshire is attracting people from across the country.

Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Village people come from far and wide RICHMOND Villages’ flagship £60m development in the hamlet of Letcombe Regis will open next spring, with 23 homes already sold off-plan.

The site offers a variety of accommodation for the over 55s, including assisted living starting at £240,000 for a one-bed apartment, independent living at £295,000 for a one-bed apartment and a care home which will also include two dementia wings.

And director Paddy Brice told Caring UK they have had interest from across the UK, which has presented a challenge for the marketing department.

He added: “We have been surprised where people have come from, and people moving in here when we open have come from as far north as Yorkshire and as far south as Dorset.

“This makes marketing a real challenge. We are always in the local news to build up awareness of the site, but it can be difficult to get out to the rest of the country.

“The website is also a vital tool for us, and within a few days of us doing a leaflet drop to areas within a 90mile radius of the site we had 50 hits and took more than 20 phone calls.”

Facilities include a restaurant, wellness spa, shop and a lawn which can be used for either croquet or bowls.

The addition of the two new dementia wings into the develop-

A lounge in one of the apartments

ment was a late one, and Paddy added that they have worked closely with sister company Barchester Healthcare to get them right.

“The addition of the dementia facilities to the care home gives us a better balance of product to sell, and we have used our links with Barchester to take advantage of their expertise and support system when it comes to training and recruitment.

“We have our head of dementia care already in place, and she has been to other villages to see how they work. We want all of our staff to be flexible to avoid any dependence on agencies.

“When the site is fully open we expect to have around 100 staff working here. We hope to have the heads of department in place by the end of the year, and then have a recruitment fair planned for January.”

The Richmond Villages development in Letcombe Regis

Working hard to integrate into community THE management of Richmond has worked hard to make the residents of the nearby hamlet feel involved with the development.

Although the original plan met with some resistance, Paddy said that the development will be of benefit to them in the long run.

He added: “We have tried to involve the local residents as much as possi-

ble, but naturally with any development of this size the locals were worried, particularly about the ducks living on the brook.

“It was in a state of disrepair so we have rebuilt the lake, which without the development simply wouldn’t have happened.

“As part of the village we have also created a nature reserve, which will

be maintained by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.”

Local groups and the church also use one of the completed buildings on the site for meetings, and a ‘meet your neighbours’ event is planned where people moving on to the site will be able to learn about what they can take part in.

22

CARINGNEWS

Charles recruits staff at speed interview days

By Dominic Musgrave

Dot Carter’s relatives present the bench to business development assistant Tracey York

Dot’s family says thanks with special donation RELATIVES of an elderly lady who died earlier this year at a Bromsgrove care home have thanked staff with a special donation.

Valerie Rowland and her sister Diane Nicholson presented Tutnall Hall Care Home with a bench in memory of their late aunt, Dot Carter, who died in July aged 94.

Gwen Cruickshank, the home’s administrator, said everyone at the

home was really appreciative of the donation.

She added: “Dot was well-loved by staff and residents and we were all very sad when she passed away earlier this year.

“We are very grateful to her relatives for donating the lovely teak bench with a brass plaque commemorating Dot’s life, and we all think it will be a fitting tribute to a lovely lady.”

Lodge makes it six for Fremantle CAREY Lodge has become the sixth Fremantle Trust care home to be awarded a five-star rating for its food hygiene and meals.

The Scores on the Doors scheme is run by Aylesbury Vale District Council in association with the Government’s Food Standards Agency.

Home manager said the award was

a compliment to head chef Jackie Thomas and her staff.

She added: “The kitchen staff work very hard to ensure that our food hygiene standards are tip top and that our residents receive well prepared, well balanced, appetising meals which they have had a choice in selecting.”

A SCOTTISH manager came up with a novel way of recruiting a team of staff to work in a new unit at his care home.

The idea was the brainchild of Charles Holland, who runs Bupa’s Arran View in Saltcoats in Ayrshire, and he held two speed recruitment days involving staff, residents and their relatives.

Ten tables were laid out, with the interviewees having four minutes at each table before a whistle blew and they moved on.

Charles told Caring UK that as a result of the two sessions, five day carers, three night carers and two bank carers were appointed.

He added: “We try to involve the residents and relatives in everything we do at the home, and I felt that the best way for us to recruit the team we needed on the new unit was to hold two half-day speed recruitment sessions.

“I carried out the formal interview with all of the candidates, before the potential recruits then had to sell themselves, convince the residents and relatives why they should be employed to care for them. At the end of the day we all got together and discussed the merits or not of each candidate, and made a joint decision as to who we were going to employ.”

Due to its success, recruitment speed dating has become the home’s recruitment process when recruiting numerous people.

Charles added: “After the day we sent out a questionnaire and the feedback we received from those

Charles Holland involved was really positive.

“The residents said it made them feel important and that their opinions were being taken into account, while the relatives also approved and felt it was good to know that it showed we really care about their relations.

“Once the staff got over the initial shock because I didn’t tell them beforehand what we were doing, they also thought it was a really useful exercise and that it was good we made a joint decision.”

Charles said the only thing he would change about the day was that he would warn the applicants what he was going to do before they turned up for the interviews.

I Have you or would you consider something like this when recruiting a new team of staff? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.

Fitness crucial at new village

By Christina Eccles

Former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips has invited people to take ‘Time Out for a Cuppa’ to raise funds for everyone caring and coping with dementia. The For Dementia event, which aims to raise money for Admiral Nurses, takes place on February 1.

RESIDENTS at a newly-opened retirement village in West Yorkshire are being given the opportunity stay in shape.

Operator Audley has employed the services of a personal trainer and fitness instructor at its Clevedon site near Ilkley, which was opened at the end of September by Angela Rippon.

Services at the village, which has 98 one and two bedroom apartments, include a health and wellbeing centre complete with swimming pool, fully equipped gym and studio.

Alyson Pickett told Caring UK that the aqua aerobic and pilates classes she runs are designed specifically for elderly people.

Alyson added: “The pilates classes specifically help with things like back, hip and knee care as well as neck and shoulder problems and recovery from injury as part of rehab.

“It can also help with joint stiffness and improve things like mobility, flexibility and balance. These are problems that can often affect the over 50s.

“With aqua aerobic classes we look at a range of other things like increasing body tone and increasing body co-ordination. But

The health and wellbeing centre has a swimming pool, fully-equipped gym and studio with both classes we also make sure that they are fun and relevant for the people taking part.”

The residents are taught in small classes of no more than nine to ensure that they are customer focussed, and Alyson said they are particularly good for helping with arthritis, osteoporosis and knee and hip replacements.

She added: “Fitness is crucial for the over 50s if they wish to maintain a high quality of life. If they wish to walk, keep active and enjoy their social and leisure time they need strong bones, and these classes encourage that.”

23

CARINGNEWS

Innovative products launched at Care Show EDIBLE gardens, gym equipment suitable for care homes and a touch screen handsfree home phone were some of the innovative products launched at the Care Show in Birmingham.

Almost 2,500 people attended the two-day event, which also brought together approximately 150 organisations Speakers in the seminar sessions included CQC chair Baroness Young, as well as representatives from several of the sector’s associations including NCA and ECCA chief executives Sheila Scott and Martin

Green.

As well as the always popular NACC live nutrition kitchen and dementia seminars, the show also saw its first entire care home roomset with Hawk Care’s care pod, complete with fitted furniture, en suite wet room, foursection electrically operated nursing bed, individual room heating and comfort cooling, nurse call system, overhead hoist system from bedroom to en suite, under carpet pressure mats and anti-bacterial finish to all surfaces.

The stand is already re-booked for the Bournemouth show in March.

Increasing demand prompts nursing home extension Hendra House owner Vince Burmingham and care manager Melanie Bowen receive their award from Citation Plc accounts manager Damian Wasey, who sponsored the event.

Residential home adds to collection of awards

By Dominic Musgrave A LUDLOW residential home added another award to its impressive collection that it has already picked up this year.

Hendra House collected the Central England best small home honour at the awards ceremony held at the Care Show in Birmingham.

Owner Vince Burmingham told Caring UK that he puts the success of the 23-bed home down to his staff.

He added: “The award recognises all the hard work the staff have put in.

“What we've become now is a result of continuing to build on our good reputation over the years.”

The home has already been named employer of the year and West Midlands' employer of the year, as well as receiving an employee highly

“The award recognises all the hard work the staff have put in. What we've become now is a result of continuing to build on our good reputation over the years” commended award in the National Apprentice Awards.

It was also voted care business of the year in the Shropshire Care Awards and has retained its threestar rating from the CQC, gaining excellent ratings across all seven of its key outcomes.

A NEW extension has opened at a Norfolk nursing home in response to increasing demand.

The 26-bed building at Walcot Hall in Diss will have bigger rooms, which combined with refurbishment of the existing building, will increase the registration up to 45.

Sue Doherty, registered manager at the Saxlingham Hall Nursing Home Ltd facility, told Caring UK that six new members of staff have been recruited for the nursing home, and she experts more to join once it is fully open.

She added: “Since the current owners purchased the home fourand-a-half years ago, it has always been part of their plans to build an extension. There is a real need for extra beds as there is no other nursing home in the locality, and these new rooms are all en suite, some with wetrooms, with those on the ground floor having French windows that open out into the gardens. Once the extension is open we will refurbish the original building to bring the rooms up to the standard of the new building.”

24

CARINGNEWS

Older people showcase their talents A 100-year-old pianist, a 93-year-old accordionist and an 88-year-old dancing the waltz were among the acts performing in their local Bupa Wants Talent shows.

The shows were organised to mark UK Older People’s Day, a national day of events that celebrates later life and the huge contribution that older people make to society.

Bupa’s community affairs consultant Siobhan Drane said: “It’s not often that older people get the opportunity to be centre stage, but we’ve proved that it’s never too late to perform and show that you have real star quality.”

More than 500 older people showcased their skills and talents in care homes, from singing and dancing through to flower arranging and playing the spoons.

The winners of each local show were presented with a special award.

Helping promote the event was veteran comedian Bernie Clifton, a star of the stage and TV, who has been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years.

Couple win six-year fight for extension

By Dominic Musgrave THE owners of a Devon care home are celebrating the opening of a new extension after six years of fighting the local council for planning permission.

Beryl and Bill Jago have added the seven-bedroom one-storey facility to Rosehill Rest Home in Bideford, which they have run since 1988.

Beryl told Caring UK that they have wanted to increase the size of the home for many years, but have failed to gain planning permission due to a beech tree in a next door neighbour’s garden.

She added: “The planning department has always argued that we would damage the roots of the tree because some of them would have been on our side, but we had plans in place to put up a protective screen anyway. We have kept going back to them, and have had to change the plans for the extension from the original ones on several occasions.

“There were times when I thought that I could no longer be bothered with it, but it then became the principle because we are trying to provide a much-needed service for

Beryl and Bill Jago with Oliver Johnson of Christie Finance the community.”

Funding was secured for the extension, which took a year to build and has increased the number of residents to 17, through Christie Finance, and Beryl says that all of the fighting has been worthwhile.

She added: “The last time we were knocked back I decided I had had enough, and we got a property agent to come and value the home for us to sell. After we had showed him around he gave us a price but said he could tell that we didn’t really want to sell it, and that if we kept going he would find the funding for the

extension.

“I’m so glad we did because we are delighted with it. We have also landscaped the gardens and have added a new entrance porch, bathroom and a conservatory for the residents to sit in and look out over the fields, as well as a new entrance porch. The extension has been built so that the next owner could build another level on top if they wish, but we now plan to run the home for the next five years and then retire.”

Beryl’s two daughters and granddaughters also work at the home, which has 13 staff in total.

25

Healthcare hotspot report reveals best opportunities BUCKINGHAMSHIRE is England’s leading development area for the healthcare sector, a new report has claimed.

The Knight Frank Healthcare Hotspots model, which was developed three years ago, aims to identify where the best opportunities and prospects in the healthcare sector may be located.

It uses eight selected criteria incorporating economic, demographic and healthcare specific commercial factors, while a key focus is the anticipated growth in demand.

Julian Evans, head of healthcare, told Caring UK that the sector is to some extent ‘recession proof’, and that healthcare valuations have held up better than those of other property sectors.

He added: “Buyer attention is predominantly focused on prime locations which Knight Frank’s 2009 healthcare hotspot rankings (2008 ranking in brackets) 1 (10) Buckinghamshire 2 (4) Warwickshire 3 (1) Cambridgeshire 4 (7) Berkshire 5 (3) Northamptonshire

now appear extremely good value while more marginal locations, which previously would have attracted interest, are less sought after.

“Nonetheless, the sector has not been immune to the wider downturn.

Although primary stock has been resilient, values on secondary and tertiary care homes have softened while the availability of debt is an issue for healthcare as it is for all commercial property, placing constraints on development. A number of high street clearing banks are still financing healthcare development, but there are fewer active in the market.

Available terms are far more stringent.”

The hotspot table is dominated by the South and Midlands, with Greater Manchester the first area outside of the two regions at number 12, rising 25 6 (7) Oxfordshire 7 (24) Nottinghamshire 8=(2) Leicestershire 8=(6) Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 10 (13) Shropshire 11 (9) Devon 12 (37) Greater Manchester

Arthur Staggs, who received the Legion d’Honneur in recognition of his work as a secret agent in German occupied France, meets the Duke of Kent as he officially opens Meadowcroft.

Royal visitor opens £4.6m development THE Duke of Kent has officially opened a new £4.6m state-of-the-art care facility in Oxfordshire.

He spoke with staff and residents at The Orders of St John Care Trust’s run Meadowcroft in Thame, which will provide a variety of care for 71 residents, including an 11-bed dementia unit.

Trust chief executive Nigel Reed said: “This new development is part of an ambitious programme to develop facilities that meet the current

and future requirements for the care of older people and I’m sure that Meadowcroft will be a great asset to the local community.”

The new home replaced the original 40 year-old building and was built in two phases to allow the 40 residents of the original facility to watch progress while it was being built next door. Once they had moved into phase one of the new development, the old home was demolished to allow construction of phase two.

places from its 2008 ranking.

Nottinghamshire also climbed sharply from 24th to seventh.

At the other end Merseyside maintained its bottom spot for the third consecutive year, which the report claims is due to a combination of the lowest bed values, making it less attractive for development, and comparatively poor expectations both demographically and economically Greater London remained the most expensive place to pay for healthcare accommodation, according to the study, attracting the highest bed value of the 45 counties assessed. This, combined with having the second highest land values (after the West Midlands), resulted in London being only 29th place in the table.

Caring UK Commerce section brings you all the latest property, business and training news every month.

In this issue: I Company branches out with new home page 26

I Care firm uses local expertise for home project page 28

I Couple create specialist dementia care facility page 28

26

CARINGCOMMERCE

Pear Tree Care Ltd owner Lynn McGregor with Hazeldene manager Tina Foster and Leigh Atkinson from Nat West

Avery Healthcare has extended its portfolio with the opening of two new care homes in Peterborough and Chippenham.

Rebecca Temperton has been appointed manager of Avery House in Yaxley which offers 86 beds in hotel style accommodation with full en suite and

showers in every room.

Elaine Andrews has been appointed manager of Cepen Lodge, which has 63 rooms, again all fully en suite. Both homes feature residential and dementia care. More than 100 jobs will be created

by Christmas at Avery House and more than 70 at Cepen Lodge.

Company gets the go-ahead for care home on pub site LNT Construction has been granted planning permission

by Derby council to build a new care home on the site of an existing pub.

The Leeds-based company purchased the site earlier this year subject to planning permission

being granted, and building work on the 61-bed facility is set to start in the near future.

The two-storey home will provide 31 beds for dementia care and 30 for residential, and will also offer fully landscaped sensory gardens, a courtyard and a hairdressing salon.

A family business has acquired its second care home on the south coast. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Company branches out with new home PEAR Tree Care Ltd, run by husband and wife Lynn and Allan McGregor, was added Hazeldene Residential Care Home in Gosport to its portfolio.

The company, which was formed five years ago and also involves Lynn’s parents Stephen and Gillian Bryden as silent partners, purchased its other home Pear Tree Lodge in Hayling Island in 2005, and has extended it from its original 23 beds to 31.

Allan, a former regional director for a logistics company, told Caring UK that the company aims to provide the best quality care possible.

He added: “We took a very tired home in Pear Tree Lodge and brought it up to date. It is currently two stars, but we feel that the only reason it is not three is that we don’t have the history yet.

“We have built a business model over the years that we feel works very well for what we wanted to get out of the business. But it is not just about being a business and we feel we have a moral obligation to provide the best quality care possible to our residents.

“The key to our success has been the staff, and the manager

Maria Abolins leads her team very well and that has put us in a good position to expand the group.”

The group now plans to extend Pear Tee Lodge further with the addition of two more bedrooms, and has also got a refurbishment programme in place for its newest acquisition, which was bought with funding from NatWest.

Allan added: “Hazeldene was a very good 26-bed home when we purchased it, but we are putting in place a refurbishment and upgrade plan as we speak, which will add seven more bedrooms.

“We looked at many homes from the south coast up to the Midlands before settling on Hazeldene. What attracted us most to it was the good location, warm atmosphere, a good, caring team of staff and happy residents who are wonderful characters.”

Once complete, Allan and Lynn, a former finance director who look after the day-to-day running of the business, plan to add a third site to their portfolio.

He added: “We expect the development programme to last for most of 2010, but once they are finished we will start looking to purchase a third home of between 25 and 35 beds, close to the others on the south coast.”

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Care firm uses local expertise for home project

Couple convert empty building into specialist dementia care facility

YEOVIL mayor Wes Read laid the final roof tile at a ‘topping out ceremony’ to signal the next stage of construction of Hendford Care Home with Nursing.

Phase one of the Aurora Care development, which has been funded by RBS, is due for completion in January, with further care-related buildings being constructed on the site following completion of the first nursing home.

Aurora managing director Michael Lawson told Caring UK that the development will create 100 jobs once complete.

He added: “It was important for us to utilise a local contractor and consultant and we are delighted with how the project is progressing.”

Hendford will offer 40 beds for nursing, palliative and dementia care to the town and south Somerset’s elderly, with 24-hour registered nursing staffing.

It has been designed and project managed by local chartered building surveyor Alan Young, and constructed by local building contractors R G Spiller Limited.

A HUSBAND and wife team have opened one of Wales’ first specialist dementia care facilities.

Glamorgan Care, run by Mike and Jennifer Aplin, have opened their first home after converting a Grade II listed building which had stood empty for 18 months.

Dan-y-Graig in Porthcawl, caters for 48 residents in four selfcontained units, and has created 45 jobs.

Mike, who has been in the care home business for the past 20 years and was a partner in another care home in the area for 11, told Caring UK that the home already has a waiting list.

He added: “The home cares for people with varying degrees of dementia, and because it is separated into four units we can house our residents with people who are on a similar level as them.

“We looked at many homes before settling on Dan-y-Graig, but none really matched our requirements. We wanted somewhere that was easy to convert in its own large grounds and that was safe and well away

Glamorgan Care’s Mike Alpin (right) with Graeme Tipple from RBS. from a main road.

“Research also suggests that people who have dementia should not be cared for in large groups, so we created smaller units. The units all have en-suite bedrooms, a small kitchenette, lounge, dining area and quiet areas.”

Mike and his wife Jennifer, a former social worker, purchased

the home on a 20-year lease through RBS, which included more than £90,000 of funding from the Government-backed EFG Scheme.

It aims to provide necessary finance for profitable businesses to help them through the economic climate, and the government guarantees 75 per cent of any loans made.

The couple plan to extend the home in the near future with the development of a dementia nursing wing.

Mike added: “We have already seen since opening the home that there is a high demand for places, and that will only grow in the future.

“We are now looking at ways of increasing our numbers at the home, and one idea we are looking into is building a dementia nursing wing at the home. After that the plan is to acquire another home.

“The care sector is buoyant at the moment, and it would appear the banks are looking at it favourably, so if we found the right site in the right area we would look at going the business further.”

Why real choice is vital HOMECARE charges should be reviewed as a matter of priority as part of an overhaul of domiciliary services to make them more personalised and responsive to users' needs, it has been claimed.

The Counsel and Care report, The Future of Homecare: Responding to older people's needs, launched with professional body Ceretas, said older people were facing increasing charges for care without getting the quality of service they needed.

It welcomed the government's pledge to provide free personal care at home for people with critical care needs from October 2010, but said it would be important that people with lower level needs were not excluded from access to care that could prevent them developing critical needs

in future.

Caroline Bernard, policy and communications manager at the charity and the paper’s author, said: “Older people with care needs who wish to remain in their own homes must be offered a real choice today. While we welcome the current Government's plans to address the homecare needs of those deemed to be critical, there is still concern about how homecare can become part of the prevention agenda mooted in the current green paper. There needs to be a mature conversation about how we can address the needs of all older people receiving care at home, rather than taking a piecemeal approach.”

The study, which was informed by a roundtable discussion involving 22 sector representatives, echoed previ-

ous concerns about the quality of commissioning, including the practice of councils contracting with organisations to provide 15-minute appointments to service users.

It said there was no consensus on what constituted good commissioning, with tensions between costs and outcomes for users, and urged councils to “put quality and safety before funding” and commission more services jointly with the NHS. The report also welcomed the CareFirst scheme to create 50,000 apprenticeships in social care for unemployed young people, announced in the 2009 Budget, but warned this should not be used to push people into employment but to develop a more highly skilled and enthusiastic workforce.

Caroline Bernard

‘It’s fantastic to have that striving for excellence recognised’

Camilla Miles and team receive their award from Steve Scott.

LIVE-IN care agency Corinium Care has won a regional trophy in the National Training Awards.

The South West judges praised the company’s entry as “outstanding” and “a model of good practice”.

Managing director Camilla Miles received the trophy for Providing Education and Training in a category open to all sectors of industry from ITV presenter Steve Scott.

She said: “Training is a fundamental part of our culture at Corinium Care. A high percentage of care agencies don’t offer training.

But we consider it vital.

“It’s fantastic to have that striving for excellence recognised.”

The awards were organised on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) by UK Skills, and honour those who have made an outstanding contribution and commitment to training in the workplace.

30

CARINGHOMECARE

Team to decide if privatisation is working

By Dominic Musgrave

Care services minister Phil Hope

Dignity training for all providers

By Louise Cordell ALL homecare and care home providers in Britain are to get dignity training following the launch of a report which revealed the plight of many elderly people.

The project is part of the campaign led for the Government by wellknown television presenter Sir Michael Parkinson, who has recruited more than 10,000 ‘champions’ in the drive to improve the quality of care nationwide.

Care services minister Phil Hope said: “We must also ensure care staff at all levels are trained and equipped to deliver dignity in care. That is why we are making training materials available to every care home and every home care provider in the country.

“It's inspiring that over the past three years we over 10,000 people have signed up to become Dignity Champions to promote more respectful care across the country.

They have made a huge contribution to bringing dignity up the agenda in care homes and hospitals across the

country.”

The Royal College of Physicians release two in-depth studies of continence care of elderly residents in hospitals and nursing homes.

It said the residents were not always treated with dignity or able to use toilet facilities when needed.

The detailed interviews and observations of some 43 elderly people found their calls for help to get to the toilet were often ignored.

They would then find themselves left for long periods sitting on commodes.

Researchers from Kent University also said that residents were not always cleaned.

Jackie Morris, of the British Geriatrics Society, which backed the campaign, added: “It is unacceptable for older people not to receive dignified continence care.

“We have produced a set of standards and decision aids aimed at helping healthcare professionals to ensure patients and residents in long-term care have their toileting needs met with privacy and dignity.”

A TEAM of councillors are to investigate whether the privatisation of homecare services in Bath is working or not.

Bath and North East Somerset Council brought in five firms and charities to run home care services last year.

Its Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel is to carry out a review of the system – amid claims that politicians are “constantly” hearing complaints.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson, who is leading the review team, told Caring UK that the aim is to investigate whether the service providers are meeting their contracted conditions, and are giving the best possible service for clients.

She added: “Councillors like myself constantly hear from elderly people for whom the new system is not working.

“I want to know if this is just a

problem peculiar to rural areas, if these are isolated cases and if all five providers are operating to the same standards across Bath and North East Somerset. We also want to hear of examples of good practice, so that these can be taken as the norm.”

The panel, made up of a cross-party group of seven local councillors, has been monitoring the issue since the appointment of the outside bodies – Agincare B&NES Ltd, Caresouth, Way Ahead, Carewatch, and Somerset Care.

Earlier this year, feedback from the public suggested there were concerns about whether the services are meeting the needs of users and now a steering group made up of three councillors has been established.

The review will focus on the care provided by staff that go to the service user's own home to help with personal care and domestic tasks, including waking people up and providing 24-hour care.

High street optician offers home eye testing service SPECSAVERS has launched Scotland’s first home eye testing service to be offered by a national high street chain.

The new domiciliary eyecare service, Specsavers at Home, is being launched by the company’s Glasgow Trongate and Highlands and Islands division.

It will operate around Scotland to provide the housebound and those in

residential care with a full eye examination in their own home using the latest testing equipment.

Dave Quigley, store director at Glasgow Specsavers said: “The success of last year’s pilot ensured the viability of the initiative on a permanent basis. The elderly are more at risk of certain eye conditions and poorer vision, so it is vitally important they receive the right care.”

Care provider extends operations DOMICILIARY care provider Caremark has extended its operations by launching in Stockport and Cheshire. The company now has around 50 offices operating across the UK and Ireland.

Managing director of Caremark

Stockport Naz Asgar said: “We have had a great deal of help from the local authorities during these early stages, understanding local need and support networks in order to be able to provide quality services to a wide range of clients from the outset.”

Company acquires business in £18m deal

By Mary Ferguson BUY and build specialist Sovereign Capital has acquired one of the largest domiciliary care businesses in the UK in an £18m deal.

Operating from 13 sites across the UK, including 11 offices in the south east, London Care Plc provides more than 30,000 hours of personal support

per week people in their own homes, mainly under contract to local authorities and primary care trusts.

as chairman and Mark Harrison as finance director.

The company employs 1,500 staff, including 1,400 care workers.

Sovereign partner Dominic Dalli said: “We have known and followed London Care since 2005 and witnessed strong growth in the business.

Sovereign is bolstering the management team, led by Angelo Rombo as managing director, with the appointment of Robbie Burns

“Revenues have increased to over £20m, driven by the increasing demand for high quality home care,

as both a personal preference for end users enabling many to remain in their own homes for longer, while offering value for money to local authorities.”

Sovereign have committed total funding of £25 million to London Care, with a £7.5m funding package from Lloyds Banking Group enabling the transaction to take place.

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CARINGNEWS

New shower ‘a true innovation TRITON’S new Safeguard Care Pumped thermostatic electric shower bridges the gap between providing BEAB Care accredited showering safety and limited water pressure.

A true innovation for low pressure installations in private housing through to healthcare and social housing adaptations, where accreditations are essential, Triton has worked with BEAB to actively create the first BEAB Care safety mark for the pumped shower sector – setting the benchmark for the industry.

Additionally, the Safeguard Care Pumped has a two-year guarantee and carries the sought-after RNIB endorsement for inclusive design, ease of use and overall safety.

Incorporating Triton’s innovative ‘three stage thermostatic control system’ with its own built-in pump, it is able to deliver thermostatic temperature control in compliance with the BEAB care standard. The Safeguard Care Pumped also overcomes the problem of poor mains water pressure as it is connected to the cold water cistern with as little as 75mm head of water.

Other important features for this market include a large start/stop button for easy accessibility even when the user is seated, a clearly labelled temperature lever with raised numbers and large text, colour-contrasting moving parts to help identify the different features.

These include audible bleeps when the start/stop button is pushed, plus an ergonomic showerhead with three finger-grips, and a long riser rail and hose to accommodate those with limited dexterity.

A Bristol nursing home has more reasons than most to celebrate United Nations’ international day of the older person.

Several residents at Riversway were born overseas, and members of staff and care team come from 15 different

countries.

Director of operations Helen Enticott said: “We decided to make it a special day of celebration for both residents and our loyal staff by displaying the flags of participating nations, serving tasty snacks from around the world

and encouraging people to wear their national dress.”

Jamaican-born resident Babs Ennis is pictured with staff Nissy Josephs, Ola Awoegbami, Angel Glover, Dinny Matthews, Elaine Home and operations director Helen Enticott.

Detergent company launches new product THE South West’s largest independent industrial detergent company has launched a new product which it says will revolutionise the industry and deliver significant cost and energy savings to customers.

National Westchem, which has been operating for more than 20

years, has launched Laundry Max industrial detergent which, unlike rival products, will remove stains at 30 degrees centigrade.

The innovation saves energy and money and, after rigorous testing, has been shown to kill germs that cause MRSA and C DIFF (Clostridium Difficile).

Independent laboratory tests have also demonstrated that the Laundry Max system can save clients up to 35 per cent on electricity, 25 per cent on water, 10 per cent on labour costs and 20 per cent on re-wash costs, compared to standard laundry process costs.

New concept aims to make life easier

A four-legged friend was the centre of attention when he paid a special visit to an Ullenhall care home.

Star the donkey, from the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust, received a warm greeting when he dropped in to Mockley Manor Care Home.

Residents got to say hello to him as he

walked around the home’s lounges, and he also visited some of the bedrooms to greet those residents who are less mobile.

Activities co-ordinator Kerry Hant said: “All the residents had been looking forward to seeing the donkey and it was so lovely to see their faces light up when

he walked into the lounges and bedrooms.

“Star was a real star and we hope to see him again as part of the activities we plan for the residents.”

Picture: Star the donkey meets resident Stephen Wardropper

CO-OPERATIVE Xest launched in April into the aids for daily living market.

The new home shopping concept offers a range of products that make life easier and help people to live more mobile and independent lives.

Co-operative Xest aim to position themselves as the sector’s market leading brand, and to have an unbeaten reputation for innovation, quality value and customer care.

After extensive research, they discovered that the experience of shopping for living aids can be tough.

Managing director Andrea Dipple said: “We wanted our website to be easy, accessible and inspirational.

“We aim to provide practical and innovative solutions to improve quality of life for home users and health professionals across the UK.”

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Care provider rewarded for quality service MANAGER Julie Hilton (centre) and staff of Community Home Care Services in Darlaston, West Midlands proudly display their four-star Interface Quality Assurance Accreditation certificate presented to them by High Peak Care Management Ltd for providing a dignified and caring domiciliary care service.

Enquiries: Email info@highpeakcon.co.uk or visit www.highpeakcon.co.uk

Girbau UK displays its latest equipment COMMERCIAL and industrial laundry equipment manufacturer Girbau UK displayed its range of energy efficient washers, dryers and LaundrOzone ozone washing system at the Care Show.

The latest 6 series is available in seven models, with capacities ranging from 9kg to 122kg. They provide excellent washing while using less water, energy and detergent.

The 9kg model (HS-6008) has already been named the most energy-efficient in its class by US body Energy Star. Tests showed that the washer uses far less water and electricity than the machines of other manufacturers.

Girbau’s latest tumble dryers are also designed to deliver energy efficiency, high productivity, quick drying and low maintenance, with load capacities from 13.5kg up to 70kg.

The advanced new LaundrOzone ozone laundry system helps laundries to further slash energy bills and ensure verified disinfection.

Enquiries: Telephone 0844 391 0395 or visit www.girbau.co.uk

Compact mobility from new B400 powered wheelchair THE B400 is the latest addition to Otto Bock Healthcare’s already wide range of high quality power chairs. Compactly designed for ease of inside use, with a width of only 58cm, means that the user can negotiate the narrowest of halls. The B400 is also robustly built and, with the power generated by the 73Ah Gel Batteries, has a range of 35 kilometres under normal conditions.

With a top speed of 7.2 kph and a turning circle of 80cm, this is a powerful yet manoeuvrable chair. Despite a surprisingly reasonable and affordable price, the B400 offers a number of attractive features fitted as standard that are more often included in the ‘optional extras’ list in power chair brochures.

For example the reclining and fully folding backrest enables users to transport the chair with ease, combined with a tension adjustable backrest for comfort and positioning.

It also boasts a lap strap, a single battery cover, mud guards to protect against splashing in wet weather or when ‘off-roading’ and powerful electric lights fixed under the arm rests.

Enquiries: Visit www.ottobock.co.uk

Minimising noise with Gerflor GERFLOR offers a comprehensive range of acoustic vinyl flooring products which combine acoustic sound insulation properties of up to 19dB. They also have high levels of comfort, hygiene, performance and aesthetics, and as an integral part of any building design, the products are suitable for sectors as diverse as hospitals and retail outlets.

Within the Taralay range of multilayered flooring, Taralay Premium Comfort yields a 16dB sound insulation rating, Taralay Uni Comfort 17dB, Taralay Impression Comfort 18dB and Taralay Initial Comfort an impressive 19dB. All the products are treated with Sanosol®, an antibacterial and fungicidal treatment, and incorporate Protecsol® surface treatment which eliminates the need for polish for the flooring’s full life.

Offering sound insulation of 18dB, Nera Comfort Wood is another acoustic multilayer low maintenance flooring with Sanasol® protection. The printed wood design is protected by a transparent wood grain embossing wear layer treated with a polyurethane treatment (PUR) to facilitate ease of maintenance.

Enquiries: Telephone 0870 2647 581 or visit www.gerflor.co.uk

Simple solutions

Company backs Meals on Wheels Week

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.

COUNTRY Home Foods backed Meals on Wheels Week in a bid to raise awareness of malnutrition in the elderly and how the issue can be addressed.

Industry figures show that 27 per cent of the elderly aged between 65 and 79 living at home are at significant risk of malnutrition, and this figure increases to 34 per cent for those aged up 80 years.

Additional statistics estimate that five per cent of elderly people who are living in their own homes cannot cook a main meal, with one in 12 receiving community meals and one in four home help.

Company chairman Karl-Eberhard Schneider added: “Malnutrition in the elderly is a serious issue which we are helping to combat through our flexible complete meal service.

“Reacting to this obvious need in the elderly we have new food ranges which better meet our clients’ nutritional needs and with home delivery the elderly who struggle with mobility have no worries of getting to the shops.”

Enquiries: Telephone 0800 1384 620 or visit www.countryhomefoods.co.uk

Company launches new medication tabard

To gain exposure for your product news contact:

01226 734479

THE Uniform and Leisurewear company launched its new medication tabard at the Care Show in Birmingham.

The tabard is essential when dispensing medicines to prevent interruption and mistakes being made. It is available in red, white, navy, black and bottle and printed front and back in a colour of your choice for ease of observation.

The medication tabard is featured in the new brochure the company has just launched dedicated to the care sector. It features tunics, dresses, shirts and blouses, chefs wear, maintenance wear and a range of Crocs work shoes as well as a full range of accessories.

The company also specialises in embroidery, enabling your garments to be personalised with your bespoke logo if required.

Enquiries: Telephone 01524 388355 or visit www.ualonline.co.uk

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34

CARINGCLASSIFIED AND NEWS

Appointments

Awards ceremony LORD Lieutenant of Wiltshire John Bush presented NVQ awards to staff from Ridgeway House care home at a ceremony at Trowbridge Town Hall.

Marion Grist, training manager for the Wiltshire area of the Order of St John Care Trust, said: “It is important to recognise the achievement of our staff in gaining their qualifications.”

Signs

SANCTUARY Care has appointed new managers at three of its homes.

Wendy Lawther has taken over at the state-of-the-art Hatfield Nursing and Residential Home in Hertfordshire, Michelle Webster at Don Thompson House in Essex and Cheryl McShane at Meadows House in London.

Ella with her daughter Joy Jay.

Furniture

Home manager helps Ella celebrate in style A BRISTOL care home manager arranged for one of her residents to celebrate her 100th birthday in style.

Ann Aubrey, who runs The Gables in Hanham, asked Ella Mirzen if she had any wishes for her birthday a couple of months before her big day.

And she said that she had always dreamt of riding around the village where she had lived for 75 years like the queen.

Ann, who has managed the home for seven years, told Caring UK that Ella is the third centenarian the

To advertise please call 01226 734479

home has had in recent years.

She added: “A couple of months beforehand we always ask the resident if there is anything they would like to do that they have not done before as a special treat.

“Providing it is not something expensive like a cruise on the QEII we will always to arrange it for them. When Ella said she wanted to ride around the village waving like the queen we thought it would be something that we could arrange.”

Radiator covers

Uniforms

Clothing protectors

Care Alarms