Caring UK (October 09

October 2009

incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

no.161 • £4.75 In association with

Residents are being forced away – claim

By Dominic Musgrave A NORTHUMBERLAND care home is set to close and its residents are being forced away from the area by county councillors, it has been claimed.

Greenholme in Haltwhistle may be left with almost 30 staff with nobody to care for because residents are being moved out at an alarming rate.

Of the nine elderly people living at the home at the start of a consultation period into the county’s day centre closures in July, more than half have been moved to alternative accommodation in the area, including the town’s oldest resident who is 102 years old.

David Ratcliff, clerk of the town council, told Caring UK that plans were announced at the end of last year for the creation of an extra care scheme on the existing site of Greenholme, but that has still not been approved.

He added: “People are naturally less likely to commit to a facility if its future is being questioned because they don’t want to move in for six months and then be told that it is going to change or be closed, and subsequently shunted to another site out of the town.

“It is very easy for the council to say

that there are not enough people moving into the home, but it is a situation of their own making.

“The council understands that changes need to be made at Greenholme, but is seeking reassurances from the county council about what is happening at the moment, and the future of elderly care provision in the town.”

A spokesperson for the county council said that the numbers of referrals and residents in Greenholme have been falling for a number of years, and that it is something they have been monitoring.

He added: “Recent assessments of residents' needs which were the result of advice from NHS professionals showed that some residents at the home now required nursing care, which the home is not able or registered to provide, and some were through personal choice.

“We have an obligation to the service users to provide the right care and support to meet individual needs.”

For a special report on the future of care homes turn to Page 12 I Have you noticed a drop in referrals to your care home, and are you worried about the future? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

Care group calls for fees action

Eighties pop icon and reality television star David Van Day was the guest of honour at a barbecue at an Essex care home. David, a former member of pop duo Dollar and star of last year’s I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and his fiancé, journalist Sue Moxley, made a return visit to Chadwell House in Romford, which is for residents with dementia.Chris Gammons, manager at the Sanctuary Care home, said: “The residents thought he was brilliant. Many of them remembered him from his days in Dollar so they were over the moon to actually meet him.”

THE future growth and success of independent care in North Yorkshire is under threat due to the fees providers are paid, an influential group has warned.

And the Independent Care Group say that unless action is taken to give independent care providers a fairer price for care, standards are likely to suffer.

Chair Mike Padgham said the fees care commissioners could afford to pay providers did not reflect how much it cost those providers to give the care. He added: “Local authorities and primary care trusts are facing financial pressures themselves and the Government should be ensuring that social care is properly funded.

“The likely outcome is a lack of investment in care homes and home care services, the complete closure of some businesses and a fall in the number of new providers setting up. The people most likely to suffer in the middle of this situation are the older and vulnerable residents that we are all working to provide comfort, dignity and care for.”

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CARINGNEWS

OFT probes retirement village ‘exit fee’ terms THE Office of Fair Trading is investigating the fairness and clarity of contract terms provided for ‘exit fees’ by retirement villages.

The agency has issued formal written notices to 26 companies, voicing its concerns over fees charged when residents sell or rent their properties, which it says may breach the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations.

The OFT is also seeking information and views about the terms from residents, consumer groups and other interested parties. Once all parties have provided their input they will then decide how to proceed.

Keith Cockell, managing director of English Care Villages and regular columnist in Caring UK, said it would be disastrous for the future of the industry if the OFT enforced a change.

He added: “We should be encouraging as many people as possible to come into the assisted living market to meet the demographic timebomb and prevent it from exploding.

“It is a model that has been accepted and invested in by banks, and the investigation is looking into nothing new. You come across it all of the time from much more mature retirement village countries such as Australia, New Zealand and America.

“If the investigation were to find against the retirement village developers

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Sales Manager: Jackie Brook National Sales Executives: Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734333 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 Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407

Keith Cockell then they would lose the ability to invest in all of the leisure activities and services that makes such a property an attractive proposition, because the money has to come from somewhere.

“What you would be left with is only people who are at the bitter end of life who are seeking an alternative to a nursing home, rather than what we are trying to achieve, which is a high quality of life for retiring people in advance of needing care.”

The investigation follows voluntary undertakings secured from UK retire-

ment apartments builder McCarthy and Stone to remove an exit fee charging consumers one per cent of the sale price when a property is sold.

OFT senior director of consumer protection Heather Clayton said: “This investigation is motivated by the need to ensure that terms and conditions are clear and fair, particularly in this sector where customers are potentially vulnerable. We know there are concerns and will consider all responses and evidence from interested parties on these issues.”

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

Shropshire day centre plan would bring jobs Dreams do come true ... with a little help from Lesley

By Claire Lodge A DUMFRIES care home manager has turned fairy godmother to make her residents’ dreams come true.

Last year Lesley McLean from Cargenholm organised a limousine for some of the residents as a treat, but she says she has now come up with a new idea to find out their ambitions. She added: “I have got a ‘wishing well folder’ where I have asked residents to jot down what their greatest wish would be, and then I try to make it come true.

“Sometimes it’s difficult when they’re asking to win the lottery and own a bungalow, but when they say they’d like to visit the seaside then that’s what we do.”

Her latest treat saw Lesley arrange for a pink Hummer to take Dolly Holden for a ride around the town with her friends.

The group listened and sang to Daniel O’Donnell songs, and a special rendition of Happy Birthday was also given.

Lesley added: “Normally Dolly hardly ever leaves her room because she is so shy, and when I originally asked her what she wanted for her birthday she said she didn’t want anything.

“But when she saw the Hummer outside she was over the moon. She had champagne with her friends and even sang a song on the karaoke.

We’re always trying to give the residents what they wish for.”

FIFTEEN jobs could be created at a family-run Shropshire nursing home after plans for one of the UK’s first dementia day care centres at the site were unveiled.

Marches Care Ltd, which owns the Uplands Nursing Home in Shrewsbury, has submitted plans to Shropshire Council for the specialist facility on land adjacent to the existing 80-bedroom nursing home.

The company’s managing director Mandy Thorn told Caring UK that the new centre would enable carers to go to work while leaving their loved ones at the site during the day.

She added: “Talking to the families of people with dementia who use our services, one of the things they told us was that it was they wanted to keep them at home but found it difficult to work as well.

“After a lot of research we found that there were very few day services out there for people with dementia where they can go between the hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

“We must have been on to something because we received more than 100 enquiries within 24 hours of a planning application story appearing in our local newspaper.”

The new facility would include a sensory room, arts and crafts area, assisted working kitchen and even a garage with car for users to pretend they are driving.

Mandy added: “A lot of the ideas we have for the centre came from the families. It may be a shot in the dark but it is one that we have well researched, and we know that there is very little like this elsewhere in the country. It will also enable the person with the dementia to live in their own homes longer. There is a tendency to move people into care homes once they have the condition, but this way they can keep their house and come to us when they need to, be it a day a week or five.”

Mandy, who took over the business when her parents retired several years ago, says there are also plans to expand further over the next five years. She added: “We are a family company that is right at the heart of the community and I firmly believe that there is a role out there for businesses like ours.

“We don’t want to grow massively but we plan to have three homes in the area in the next few years.”

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Awards search almost complete

By Louise Cordell THE search to find the winners of this year’s regional Great British Care Awards is almost complete.

Entries have being invited from categories representing all areas of the social care sector from within the Midlands and the North of England, and the awards, which Caring UK are one of the main sponsors of, take place at a variety of prestigious venues in October and November.

The five regional gala awards evenings will consist of a champagne reception and gourmet dinner, followed by the awards presentation with a celebrity presenter and dancing into the night.

The winners from all the regional awards will then be invited to attend the national events for either the homecare or care homes sectors at London’s Guildhall in June 2010.

Event organiser Mike Padgham said that talks are already ongoing to extend the awards to nine regions next year.

He added: “The Great British Care Awards are a celebration of excellence across the care sector.

“They promote best practice and pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within

The finalists at last year’s awards ceremony in York their field.

Care Employer Award; The Care “Interest in the awards has grown Home Worker Award; The Home fast across the country, and we Care Worker Award; The Care have had a very healthy number of Newcomer Award; The Care Home Registered Manager Award; The entries.”

Home Care Registered Manager The deadline has passed for Award; The Home Care Worker of a nominations for all but one of the Specialist Service Award; The Care five events, but there is still a short Home Nutrition Award; The period of time available to enter if Dignity in Care Award; The you live or work in the North East Dementia Care Award; The Care of the country.

Team Award; The Care Home There are a total of 18 awards Activity Organiser; The Putting categories available for nominaPeople First/Personalisation tion, which represent all areas of Award; The Ancillary Worker the care sector, and they are: The

Award; the Care Trainer Award; The Care Innovator Award; The Carers Award and the Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award.

People can nominate themselves, a colleague or a company and must accompany their nomination with an account of around 300 words saying why they are worthy winners of an award.

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

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CARINGNEWS

A new care home opening this autumn will be Helen Haigh’s first venture into the industry as owner. Dominic Musgrave spoke to her about the challenge.

‘Wonderful opportunity’ for couple WHEN Magnolia House in Pleasley, North Nottinghamshire, was offered to Helen and her husband David at the beginning of the year it was one that was too good to turn down.

David works for LNT Construction, the Leeds-based company that was building the 40-bed home on the site of the former New England Inn. Helen, who has worked in care for many years and will actively run the home, told Caring UK that they were both excited when it became available.

She added: “When we were offered the home we saw it as a wonderful opportunity, and when we visited the site it really sold itself to us.

“It marks 20 years in the making for LNT, and they have taken all of the best bits of previous builds that they have done and put them in here.

“Although it is purpose-built we don’t want it to feel clinical in any way, and want to create a family feel here and a homely environment.

“We want the relatives of the residents to feel at home here too, and will be inviting the people who live in the nearby elderly bungalows to come and join us when we have entertainment and activities on.”

Sylvia Daly will manage the facility, and Helen said she is hoping to recruit people from the surrounding area for the 30 jobs that it will create.

She added: “The hardest challenge for us was finding a good manager, and thankfully I think we have got one in Sylvia.

“I also think we have put together a good team of staff, but the proof will only come when we open in a few months’ time.

“Registering the home with the commission is also a challenge in itself because of all of the paperwork.

“It is good because they have excellent standards so everything has to be in place, but because we are starting from scratch and are not part of a larger care group, there is a lot to do.”

The home is decorated with old pictures of Mansfield and the surrounding area to act as talking points, while the residents’ rooms come complete with wetroom type en suites, flat screen televisions and mini fridges.

Helen added: “We want to get things right here, but as part of that we know we will get things wrong along the way.

“And if we are successful here then one day we may consider another care home – I never say never.”

Helen Haigh and Sylvia Daly at the new home

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CARINGNEWS

Owners warned over data protection firms

Thelma McDonald celebrates with son David McDonald and daughters Irene Thornhill and Catherine Murphy

‘This is Your Life’ celebration STAFF at a Wales care home held a special ‘This is Your Life’ ceremony to celebrate the lives of one of its couples.

Thelma and Tom McDonald, both 80, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at Bryn Celyn last September and, although Tom passed away earlier this year, staff at the home wanted to celebrate the couple’s life.

The event was the brainchild of activities co-ordinator Mark Chandler, who put together a DVD

and slideshow of pictures of the couple thanks to donations from their families.

He said: “The event for Thelma and Tom is just the first in a series of functions that we plan to hold over the next few months to recognise and celebrate the lives and achievements of our residents.

“The home has been buzzing over the last two months while we have been preparing everything, but Thelma had no idea it was going to take place.”

CARE home owners have been warned to be on their guard against companies offering a data protection registration service.

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, all businesses who process personal data such as care plans electronically, whether they keep them on the computer or not must be registered.

This takes a five-minute phone call, and costs £35.

But a concerned Cambridgeshire care home owner, who asked not to be named, contacted Caring UK saying she had received a threatening letter which wanted to charge her £155 if she paid by cheque or £135 by postal order.

She added: “I had no idea that I had to register my home because nobody had ever mentioned this to me before. I received a similar letter a while ago but just threw it in the bin because it arrived just before I was going on holiday. But when the second letter came through the post I felt a bit scared.

“I’m sure there are a lot of people will just pay it and think nothing of it,

but my home is only small and £155 is a lot of money to me.”

Anyone who receives such a letter is advised to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Mike Cooke, non-notification manager, added: “I would expect most care homes will be required to register under the Act because they are keeping personal data such as care plans, health issue and medication records on file.

“This does not, however, include things like staff records and company accounts and invoices.

“We do hear of a lot of companies offering their services to businesses, but if they are charging any more than £35 I would advise people to disregard it and not to pay the fee.

“If anybody is unsure about anything like this I would advise them to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office or visit the website.”

I Have you received a letter like this?

If so let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

£140k contract awarded to provide social inclusion activities HOUSING 21 has been awarded a £140,000 contract with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to provide social inclusion and activities services for people with dementia and Korsakoff’s syndrome.

The ground-breaking two-year scheme will support individuals with low to moderate dementia or Korsakoff’s so they can be meaningfully occupied in activities of their choice.

These could include leisure, education, volunteering and physical exercise, some of which may take place in their own home.

Lee Sims, national dementia operations manager for Housing 21, said: “The philosophy of the service

is one of relationship-centred care.

We are creating the links that will help service users maintain their involvement with the social and individual networks that are important to them.”

Individuals will also be supported to access services which are targeted at older people generally, such as luncheon clubs, and to access therapeutic interventions, such as group cognitive stimulation therapy or creative therapies.

Four activities support workers will support around 32 service users at any one time and will handle an annual caseload of around 200 people.

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CARINGNEWS

Under-threat complex turns things around

By Dominic Musgrave

Harry Patch

Harry remembered with pride and fondness THE head of a care home where the oldest man in Europe lived before his recent death has paid tribute to him.

Harry Patch, who was 111, became known as the ‘Last Fighting Tommy’ of the First World War, and lived at Somerset Care’s Fletcher House for 12 years.

Chief executive Andrew Larpent told Caring UK that the company will remember him with pride and

fondness.

He added: “We are honoured to have known Harry as a dear friend and we share a great sense of pride in having been able to support him for all these years.

“We will miss his lively sense of humour, his humility and his dignity. He is a wonderful example and inspiration to us all of how old age can be a period of richness and fulfilment.”

A SCOTTISH care complex that was once threatened with closure has received a glowing report from the inspectorate.

Independent charity Abbeyfield, the owners of Ballachulish in South Lochaber, were warned that the home would be deregistered due to poor staffing issues four years ago but a new board of trustees and management has brought about a dramatic change of fortunes.

So much so that a report in a national newspaper earlier in the year ranked the home in the top 25 in the country.

Manager Wilma Allan told Caring UK that the glowing Care Commission Scotland report has rounded off a busy year for the home, which has been extended to accommodate the extra places required following the closure of a nearby hospital.

She added: “We were happy with grades we received following our previous inspection in February, but to get six ‘excellent’ and two ‘very good’ grades this time around is quite an achievement, and reward for the hard work of everybody involved.

“They are also the result of the dedication of staff, the support of clients and their families and the

successful partnerships that we have formed with the Highland Council and NHS Highland.

“This support and these partnerships has allowed us to provide services to the wider community. We now not only run residential and nursing care services but also day care services, care at home services, housing support and a daily lunch club.”

Wilma puts the home’s successful turnaround down to a good staff team and training, and says the challenge now is to maintain the standards for future inspections.

She added: “Having the right staff is crucial for any home, and that along with giving them a lot of training are the two main reasons for the change.

“We received a lot of grant money from the Scottish Executive to help pay for the courses, and continue to do so, and over the years have worked with the residents, their families and the commission to run the home how they want it.

“If you are delivering what everybody wants then you should sail through the inspection, but we will continue to work hard and make sure the home is of the highest standard.”

Ballachulish is totally reliant on financing itself through fundraising, donations and bequests.

Record applications received A CHARITY has revealed that it has received a record number of applications for positions at its four care homes.

Jewish Care says that quarterly recruitment drives usually generate between 100 and 200 responses and enquiries to advertisements, but this year this it has grown massively, with 1,908 enquiries to the recruitment line.

Director of HR Diane Blausten said

140 people were asked to attend an assessment day for the 43 vacancies for residential care workers, residential support workers and team leaders.

She added: “We have been inundated with enquiries and have received some very high calibre applications. We hope that our care homes will benefit from the experience and skills that the applicants have to offer.”

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CARINGTORBAY SPECIAL REPORT Care home operators are worried that the Government’s policy of keeping elderly people in the community may force them out of business. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Report sparks huge response SINCE our report in the August issue ‘Policy is threat to care homes claims Forum’, Caring UK has been inundated with calls and emails from owners worried about the future.

The story featured Graham Greenaway, one of the founders of The Torbay Forum for Quality Care, who said the region is facing a ‘potential crisis’ because care homes will not be able to attract enough residents to survive. Owners nationwide have told the newsdesk that they are noticing a drop in the number of referrals, and are worried about what will happen to the elderly if homes are forced out of business.

Sam Shaw, manager of a care home in Paignton, fears the smaller homes will close and that larger ones will not be able to provide personcentred care. She said: “Up until last year we had a waiting list due to our high standards and person centred care. But we have now had seven empty beds for more than eight months, and have very few referrals made, despite being rated ‘good’ by CSCI in 2007.

“I am most definitely all for people

remaining at home as long as they are able, but do wonder whether people’s feelings of loneliness have been taken into account, especially the loneliness that comes with dementia.”

Carole Irving, director of Beachlands Care Ltd, which owns two care homes in East Sussex, said her group is suffering because social workers have been told they must keep the elderly at home with a ‘package’. She added: “Unfortunately this does not give the elderly 24 hour care, nor does it help with the loneliness of being on their own.

“We have recently had a lady stay with us for three weeks. She came into the home in a very sad state, with her head hung low, not eating or drinking or taking care of herself properly, although she had a ‘package’. However, after three weeks she was a totally different lady, and the family and social worker could not believe it. Nevertheless, it was suggested that she should go home with a further ‘package’, but only two weeks later she is back to not eating, drinking or caring for herself.”

Readers’ letters

‘Not listening to what the individual wants to do’ Pam Gammons, Farringford Care Home, Lincolnshire I TOTALLY agree with Graham in your August article ‘Policy is threat to care homes claims Forum’.

I manage a residential home in North East Lincolnshire where we have the pleasure of having Care Trust Plus, dealing with adult services.

They have been told they have to reduce the amount of placements in residential homes and keep more in their own homes with a care package.

This is wonderful if the person wants to stay at home, and more importantly is able to stay at home.

Sadly, the authorities do not take into consideration what that elderly person is supposed to do between visits.

And having been an assistant

manager with a domiciliary agency, I know that some staff will make these visits as short as they can get away with.

These are one of our most vulnerable age group, yet the powers that be are quite happy leaving them unattended during the night hours when, speaking from experience, should they require attention will not want to bother anyone at that time of night so will, for example, lay where they have fallen until a more reasonable hour.

The authorities are also not listening to what the individual wants to do.

Some of them are so lonely and want to go into residential care, but unless they are on death’s door, or severely demented, do not stand a chance unless they have their own source of funding.

Worries over adequate back-up Geraldine Thorp, registered manager, Wexford House, Worthing IN response to your August article ‘Policy is threat to care homes claims Forum’, it worries me that more of the elderly are being encouraged to stay in their own homes all over the country, and in a lot of cases without adequate back-up.

By the time they come to us they have reached very advanced years and are quite often very frail. I do feel that many homes will close because of this, and as we already

have a shortage of dementia places, this can only add to the problem with an increasingly ageing population.

Nobody wants people who are still capable of living in the community to go in to care homes, but they must have their needs adequately met at home. And in the case of relatives looking after them, adequate support, which often doesn't happen. Nevertheless there must still be enough care homes, both large and small, to offer the choice of how elderly people want their needs to be met in their advanced years.

‘Care in the community is not working’ Catrina Clark, manager, St Raphael’s Care Home, St Albans OVER the last five years we have realised that new residents are older, less mobile, more frail and instead of building wonderful relationships with these people over a period of years, because of the above reasons we are lucky if they are with us for months never mind years.

I have a well trained, dedicated team of staff and we rarely have anyone leave, but what good is all this hard work and dedication when rooms are staying empty for longer and longer periods due to the Government’s policy?

In my opinion care in the community is not working, and I am

always being told of elderly people being helped to get up in the mornings at 11am and then being helped back to bed at 4pm.

This is not the carer’s fault as they have so many people to see to, and not all of them can be got up at 8am and put to bed at 8pm. All of those in between appear to spend most of their time waiting in bed or wondering if they will spend even a couple of hours out of it.

The comments regarding the need for good care homes and well trained staff no longer being available when the Government realises their mistake is so very true. None of us can afford to keep operating with empty beds for long periods and therefore will close.

Editor’s comment I DON’T think anybody would disagree that elderly people should be kept in their own homes for as long as possible, providing it is safe to do so and that is what the individual wants.

Technology has become so advanced in recent years that there is seemingly a piece of equipment to deal with almost anything, but this should not substitute hands-on care.

At any time, but particularly in the current financial climate, the last thing care home operators want is empty beds and the referrals from the local commissioner to dry up.

Councils seemingly spend half of their time trying to cut costs, but no matter how advanced technology gets, there will always be a need for care homes, and reducing referrals is a very short-term view to take.

In the long term where do the elderly go if a town’s care homes are forced to close?

And what about all of the staff that would lose their jobs?

Once homes are gone they are gone, and surely it will cost a lot more money to get them reopened again than it would to look after the existing operators now.

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CARINGNEWS

Angry traders slam five-storey care home plan

By Dominic Musgrave

A summer fair featuring candy floss and belly dancers entertained visitors and residents at a Canford Healthcare home. Mayor of Eastbourne Greg Szanto opened the event at Pentlow Nursing Home, which also included old fashioned fairground stalls, a coconut shy, a clown, a juggler and a living statue provided by students from Sussex Downs College.

Top rating for Coventry care home THE Aylesford intermediate care home in Hillfields, Coventry, has received the highest possible rating from the CQC. Its recent inspection report said it provided excellent health and

personal care, having a safe and comfortable environment that is well maintained and staff that are well trained and helpful.

The home is registered for 25.

PLANS for a five-storey care home in the middle of a Somerset town have been criticised by angry traders.

The proposed 70-bed care home in Bridgwater's Eastover district has come under fire from the town’s Chamber of Commerce – despite the applicants saying it will create up to 30 jobs.

Chamber chairman Steve Leah told Caring UK that it goes against Bridgwater Vision, a document launched recently by the Bridgwater Challenge team, which pinpointed the area for future shops and residential development.

Mr Leahy, who owns a business opposite the site, said: “It is totally the wrong place to put a care home because it will take up one of the prime retail locations. As part of the Bridgwater Challenge project, we have spent more than £380,000 on redesigning the town, and one of the key things they identified was that this was the start of the retail area. We want retail to return to the town and putting a care home there goes totally against the grain of this project.”

But Colliers CRE, agents for the developers DC Homes and Investments, insisted the care home plans would, if approved, fit into the document.

Marcus Plaw, associate director in the company's planning department, said the development would include two new ground retail units – possibly including a hairdressers and restaurant. He added: “Our client recognises that the quality of the environment at Eastover has been in decline for some time – reflected in the appearance of the area which is not helped by the number of vacant shops and other units. The proposed development is an opportunity to support the town centre by adding to its diversity. The introduction of a care home that is easily accessible to shops and other services is seen as a real move to enhancing the area’s appearance and profile.

“The proposal will also secure employment in the town.

“Whilst no operator has been confirmed for the care home as yet, it is expected that the development as a whole will create around 30 new jobs.”

CARINGPEOPLE

A Burton carer who has worked her way up to senior management has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Nominated Vicki can’t imagine doing anything else VICKI Harris joined Bridge Court Care Home when she left school at the age of 16, and has been nominated for the ‘Patients’ Choice – Quality and Excellence’ Award, organised by South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust.

She told Caring UK that she originally wanted to work with children, but cannot imagine doing anything else now.

Vicki added: “I left college with an NVQ Level 2 and I went on to complete my Level 3 and I’m working towards Level 4 in Senior Management.

“I didn’t think I would still be there all these years later, but I work with such a friendly group which makes what is a difficult job a lot easier. I hope to become a manager one day, but if it ever happens I will be very much a hands-on boss because I like being around people.”

“I find working with the elderly a very rewarding job and it’s the kind of job in which you can really see you’re making a difference to people’s lives. I hope to be treated the same way as they are when I get to their age.”

Vicki was nominated for the award by her manager, and says she was surprised when she found out.

She added: “I was pleasantly surprised when I found out I’d been nominated. It is always nice to be recognised for your work.

“The hardest part of my job is having to work with people that you know are dying. You are always told not to get too attached to the residents, but it is

‘I find working with the elderly a very rewarding job and it’s the kind of job in which you can really see you’re making a difference to people’s lives. I hope to be treated the same way as they are when I get to their age’ very difficult not to.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes in care over the years, but probably the biggest is that people are living longer and are coming to us a lot frailer, although we are getting younger people coming to us also.

“The care on offer is also getting better, and we spend a lot more time talking to the residents and doing activities with them than we used to.”

South Staffordshire PCT launched the Patients’ Choice – Quality and Excellence Awards in April and received nearly 100 nominations from patients and the public in the county who had identified quality of care and excellence of service and wanted to recognise this by nominating staff, carers and members of the public who have contributed to health and social care locally.

A panel of judges consisting of five independent representatives selected the shortlist in the six categories.

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CARINGNEWS

Refurbished nursing home re-launched A NURSING home in Blackwell has undergone a complete refurbishment and re-launched itself as a specialist dementia unit.

Amberleigh Manor care home – formally Pendean – has had its corridors painted showing famous landmarks and old fashioned streets to help the residents remember their past. The dining room has also been decorated into a 1940s style room.

Marketing officer Sandra Hill said the refurbishment was important in making the residents feel as comfortable and as happy as possible.

She added: “The corridors were a traditional magnolia colour and it was very bland. We wanted something that would really bring the past back again for the residents so we got an artist to come in and he turned the corridor into a painting of an old fashioned street showing things like old style lamp posts. We also have a 1950s dining room and the living room shows film stars of the 1940s. We think it’s important that people have reminders of the past.”

The home also held a gala day which raised £450 for the residents’ fund, which featured Shirland Brass Band and Chesterfield Male Voice Choir.

Interest blossoms in home vegetable patch RESIDENTS at a Bournemouth dementia care home have been enjoying home grown fruit, vegetables and herbs.

The idea for the vegetable patch was suggested at one of Adamscourt manager Beverly Mcnulty’s monthly residents’ meetings, and a raised bed was subsequently created in part of the grounds.

She told Caring UK that they have been enjoying a variety of produce including tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumber and rhubarb.

Beverly added: “We had a lukewarm response to the idea at first from some residents, but once it was up and running they have all shown a massive interest in it.

“The staff have noticed a massive change in the residents, and it is getting them outside more, even if it is just to water the vegetables or the flowers that they have now moved on to.

“It gives them such a sense of achievement, and they are already talking with our handyman/gardener about what they want to grow next year. He is clearing another plot because they want to start growing potatoes as well.”

Beverly says that more residents are also getting involved with other

activities around the home, including cooking and going out for walks, due to the confidence they have gained from the vegetables.

She added: “We used to hold a cookery activity for the residents, but no one was really interested because the usual cook is so good.

“But because they have grown the produce themselves, more residents are getting involved, and we have four who have helped out and made tomato tartlets.

“Because the home is in such a nice area we also take residents out for walks, and more have shown an interest in that too. They have achieved something in the garden so think why can’t we do that as well?”

The running of the home is also discussed at the monthly meetings, with residents encouraged to have their say on what food they would like to see on the menus and what activities they would like to partake in.

17

CARINGNEWS

Party thanks for fundraiser Sheila Cath Pierce and, pictured right, the home.

Project boosts home atmosphere THE manager of a Wrexham care home says she has noticed a massive change in the atmosphere since it embarked on a personal history project with the residents.

Cath Pierce, who runs Plas Bod Llwyd, told Caring UK that the staff now spend more time chatting with residents on a regular basis to get to know them as individuals.

She added: “The atmosphere at the home has improved greatly.

The staff always looked busy before, but there is now a slower pace and they don’t fell so rushed off their feet.

“The residents feel the benefit also because they are receiving better care that is being more efficiently delivered.

“A number of residents, particularly those with short term memory loss, were constantly calling the

carers because they like the reassurances of the staff around them, but it is noticeable that they haven’t been pressing their pendants as much since we started the scheme.”

Between 10 and 15 minutes was originally set aside each week for the staff to speak with the 25 residents at the Clwyd Alyn Housing Association home, 13 of whom have diagnosed dementia or significant short-term memory problems.

But due to a lack of time they now take place while the staff are completing domestic tasks such as taking them a drink or helping to dress them.

The results of thes e conversations are recorded in evidence books, which Cath plans to turn into ‘This is Your Life’ style folders next year.

She said: “At one of the conversations one of our residents was able to speak for the first time about the trauma of losing her father in the Gresford pit disaster when she was just 12 years old, and how her mother then had to take on extra jobs to make ends meet for the family. We also found out that another gentleman was a former student at the Royal College of Music, and we have bought a keyboard that he entertains the residents on every Thursday afternoon. Neither resident had ever mentioned this before we started the project.”

Nine relatives of residents also took part in the project, and the findings have been included in a report published by the Care Council for Wales, benchmarking good practice in caring for older people.

STAFF and residents at a Scarborough care home held a party to thank a local member of the community who has raised more than £2,000 in a variety of ways.

Sheila Hopkins, who has helped buy a large-screen television and put money towards a minibus for the residents of the Dunollie care home, was presented with a framed certificate and flowers at the celebration, which featured a buffet tea and karaoke session.

The home’s activities manager Sally Jones said: “Sheila has been a really important part of the home’s success.

She’s helped buy the residents a big screen television for the lounge which they absolutely love and it makes her happy too, she really enjoys spending time with the residents so it’s good all round.”

Sheila, who has raised money by holding tombolas and stalls in the town centre, will now take a step back from fundraising after doctors told her she must take it easy, but Sally says she will continue to have an involvement at the home.

She added: “Sheila is under doctor’s orders to take it easy from now on but she’ll still be coming in to see us and speak to the residents. We’ll miss her and all the fundraising she’s done for the home. We couldn’t have done it without her.”

18

CARINGNEWS We continue to be inundated with calls from disgruntled care home owners regarding the CQC’s inspections process.

And, despite several requests, the inspectorate has so far been reticent when we have suggested the possibility of a senior

figure meeting a handful of operators.

A lot of the topics being mentioned are similar – inconsistencies and inaccuracies in reports – but we will continue to publish stories and comments because we feel it is an important topic which the inspectorate

should start to take notice of.

A small selection of the comments and letters that we have received are below, and if you wish to add your support then please call our healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave on 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

CQC: Have your say ...

David and Mila Exon, Southfields House Care Home, Eastbourne AS joint care home owners and joint registered managers of a small 16 bedded home, my wife and I entirely agree that the star rating system and indeed the quality of inspections needs fundamental changing.

The problem with inspectors is that their opinions appear to be very subjective and seem to depend upon their personal (often idiosyncratic) views rather than specific factual standards. This means that ratings can vary from inspector to inspector and also from one part of the country to another.

Veronica Freeman, owner, Avon House Rest Home, West Sussex CERTAINLY the system could do with changes, especially in making requirements the same throughout the country. There are discrepancies in many areas . I also feel strongly about how inspectors who come into vulnerable peoples' presence present themselves.

Orange and purple hair and fish

net stockings are not the sort of sight that normally confronts the elderly. Top that up with an aggressive manner, and I wonder why that is not abuse of the elderly.

As a proprietor of nine homes across three counties, I see all these inconsistencies in the application of star ratings.

Janet Clarke, owner, Hilltop House Care Home, Twyford

Marie Murray, owner, Beamish Residential Home, Chester-le-Street

AT our last inspection in November we were marked down to one star, despite all but one of the seven categories being rated as ‘good’.

I thoroughly agree that the system needs to change. We have had a vacancy now for months, which is no doubt connected to our, in my eyes, unfair marking down. I was going to retire this year and sell up, but I cannot until we get these issues sorted out.

Surinder Khurana, director, Dryband One Ltd LIKE many other home owners I would like to express my disgust at the consistency and applications of star ratings. I don’t think they reflect care or the quality of care; all they do is reflect the views of one of the inspectors on how they felt on the day.

THINGS definitely need to change and inspections should focus more on caring and not paperwork like they do at the moment. I have a team of staff who are wonderful carers but not the best at paperwork, but if they wanted to be a secretary then they would go and do that type of job. The families are happy, the residents are happy and well cared for and the home is clean, which are the most important things.

Naeem Ahmad, manager/ proprietor, Qumran Rest Home, Newquay I AM concerned with the way the CQC is taking this rating system. I do agree that homes should be rated, and that this should be the basis of how much homes should

be paid. However, I do not agree that the inspector’s discretion is supplemented by a 'matrix' that feeds the rating of the home.

Much of the home environment data is garnered on a qualitative, not quantitative basis, therefore to use a quantitative tool seems rather odd, if not inappropriate.

Karen Cartwright, area manager of three dementia homes, West Midlands WE are appealing against our 'adequate' rating with CQC which we were given this year. Having read a considerable number of inspection reports for those homes deemed as 'good', it is quite clear that inconsistency between inspectors is occuring, and what may be deemed as inadequate/adequate by one inspector may seen to be good or adequate by another.

We do everything that they ask and then they move the goal post of good and excellent a little further away from us, yet other homes, who are considerably poorer than ours after reading their inspection reports, have been given a ‘good’.

Mario Kreft

Best-selling author Minette Walters opened a specialist new facility at Dorset County Hospital for elderly dementia patients. The unit, the first of its kind in a South West Acute Hospital Trust, will offer a supportive environment for patients at risk of dementia as they receive medical treatment for other health conditions. Expert support will be available for dementia sufferers at the new facility, and staff will be on hand to offer reminiscence therapy, memorabilia and other effective treatments.

Apprenticeship success for company A CARE home company’s commitment to providing apprenticeships has proved successful according to figures.

The numbers show that 81.8 per cent of Barchester apprentices completed their course in 2008/09, compared to a national average of 65.7 per cent.

The company was recently invited to

attend the launch of the National Apprenticeships Scheme as an example of best practice.

Director of learning and development Terry Tucker said: “These numbers reflect the time and effort we have put in to the training and development of our apprentices.”

Call for providers to unite A LEADING Wales care organisation has urged more independent care providers to join them for the cost of just a daily cuppa.

Care Forum Wales has launched a major recruitment drive saying that for just 82p a day operators can benefit from its expertise and influence, and will help the association to strengthen its hand in shaping the future of the industry in the country.

And chief executive Mario Kreft told Caring UK that he believes the growing economic clout of the care sector will help to lead Wales out of recession.

He added: “We already have fantastic penetration in Wales with 500 members on our books – ranging from small operations, people in the voluntary and private sectors, to the household names of large nursing homes, the large groups.

“We believe that even more independent providers want to be engaged in the process of moving standards and securing a fair deal for the sector.

“It is in everybody’s interests that we all work together for the greater good – by engaging the majority of providers in the process.”

20

CARINGCARE SHOW

First-hand news and guidance on offer at Care Show London

By Dominic Musgrave Linda Hutchinson

Ozone washing system on show GIRBAU UK will show its latest range of energy efficient washers, dryers and LaundrOzone ozone washing system on stand F13 at the Birmingham Care Show.

Girbau’s most energy efficient washers ever, the latest six series is available in seven models, with capacities ranging from 9kg to 122kg.

Girbau 6 series washers provide excellent washing, while using less water, less energy and less detergent.

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

The 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

THE new Care Show London brings an opportunity for care home owners and managers to glean first hand news and receive guidance on one of the hotly debated topics currently facing the sector – The Funding of Long Term Care.

Keynote speaker will be Graham Duffy, long term care manager of Partnership, the UK’s leading provider of care fees payment plans.

He will discuss the various funding options available, and the challenges surrounding the lack of current awareness of those options.

Graham said: “We are delighted to be on the Care Show platform. Care home owners and managers can play a key role in the funding process, and it is certainly to their benefit to ensure their residents receive sound financial advice.”

Guest speakers also include Dr Linda Hutchinson, director of registration at the CQC, who will

provide an update on the work of the commission, and Jane Farleigh, director of the UK Border Agency, who will discuss immigration law and the care sector.

Steve Turek, assistant commissioner of the Fire Safety Regulation, London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority, will look at fire safety issues in care homes.

A “Fairer Fee Forum” will be presented by Kashif Majeed, principal solicitor at Aston Brooks, while a panel debate, chaired by Nadra Ahmed, chairperson of the National Care Association, will address the future of care of older people – The Government Strategy and The Demographic Challenge.

The Care Show London will take place at Olympia on October 7 and 8, and will be co-located with three other shows which are relevant to care home operators.

They are: Energy Solutions Expo, M&E (the building services event), and Total Workplace Management.

Home operator opens door to Dorgard FAST-GROWING Hallmark Healthcare, owners of 24 high quality residential care homes and nursing homes across England and Wales, are the latest care home operator to install wireless Dorgard fire door retainers.

Dorgard is the simplest most costeffective way of legally holding open fire doors safely in any position, automatically releasing them should the fire alarm sound. It can be fitted in minutes, with no wiring required.

With over 300,000 Dorgards installed across the UK, the range is recognised as the accepted solution to the illegally wedged open fire door problem in any environment, complying fully with all relevant British standards and EU directives.

Come and meet Fireco on stand

E21at The Care Show Birmingham on November 3 and 4.

Enquiries: Telephone 0845 241 7474 or visit www.firecoltd.com

22

CARINGECCA CONFERENCE ‘Personalisation arouses high expectations, but truly responding to people’s individual and personal needs, aspirations and wants will require a significant shift in the way the system works. It’s a great challenge, but it’s also a goal worth striving for. This year’s Conference will help to provide a roadmap to achieving that goal.’

Martin Green, ECCA chief executive

Norman Lamb

Jeff Jerome

Ideas and advice on how best to deliver personalised care DESPITE the Government’s promise to maintain health spending in full until the next election, the news is that budgets will be cut.

This means care providers will have to think still more creatively about how best to deliver the personalised care that current Government strategy demands.

This year’s ECCA conference at the Bloomsbury Holiday Inn, London, on November 12, will offer ideas and advice on how this can be achieved in a time of economic downturn and general belt–tightening.

Under the title ‘Up Close and Personal’, a strong line-up of influential speakers from politics, commissioning and care provision will give their perspective on Personalisation and the best routes to implementation.

Martin Green, ECCA chief executive, said: “Personalisation arouses high expectations, but truly responding to people’s individual and personal needs, aspirations and wants will require a significant shift in the way the system works.

“It’s a great challenge, but it’s also a goal worth striving for.

“This year’s Conference will help to provide a roadmap to achieving that goal.

“The ECCA Conference is an ideal opportunity for care providers to hear the views of key figures in policy and practice on Personalisation. It will also allow them to ask those basic questions to which answers are not always forthcoming.

“For example, what will it cost and

where will the resources to fund it come from?”

The keynote speech will come from Norman Lamb MP, Liberal Democrat shadow health secretary.

He will be followed by Jeff Jerome, national director for social care transformation at the Department of Health, who will speak on what Personalisation means for commissioners.

Rounding off the plenary session, and presenting the provider prospective from his own hands-on experience at the highest level, will be Ted Smith, chief executive of Craegmoor Healthcare and a member of the ECCA board.

Martin added: “There is also a challenge for commissioners to adapt their practices and understand that a one size fits all approach to funding is not always realistic.

“It’s all very well to talk about giving people greater control over the services they use, but commissioners must work closely with care providers to agree the resources needed to deliver this control.

“The presence of Jeff Jerome on the podium will allow delegates to debate this aspect of Personalisation.”

The afternoon programme will feature two seminar sessions in which practical advice and help will be offered on a range of business and care-related topics.

The conference will also feature an exhibition of products and services from leading sector suppliers.

25

A third of South West care homes see decline in profits

By Mary Ferguson CARE homes in the South West are facing a funding crisis at a time when the region’s large and growing elderly population is also under financial threat, it has been claimed.

Results of a survey carried out by south east accountancy firm Bishop Fleming have found that two-thirds of home owners fear their occupancy levels and fee rates are under threat, with more than a third reporting that their profits have declined in the past year.

Head of specialist care Tim Godfrey told Caring UK that few people realise that the care sector is a major driver of the region’s employment and economy.

He added: “Right now, that sector is under intense financial pressure, and a number of very real threats.

“These threats do not just affect the viability of the region’s care homes; the Government’s policy of enabling elderly people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible is now threatened by dramatic increases in home care costs.

“Central to this is the fact that most care homes are receiving less than

£400 per week from the public sector for full residential care. Only 13 per cent of the region’s care home owners are charging less than £400 per week for their self-funding residents.”

Tim went on to say that a combination of frozen local authority fees, new demands to meet increased regulatory standards, and the effect of Government’s focus on ‘care in the community’, are combining to make small care homes especially vulnerable.

He added: “This is a tragedy – and not just for those care home owners.

Many of those smaller homes provide wonderful living environments for their residents and excellent care.

“At a time when banks are reluctant to lend, these small homes – most of which were created by converting large old houses – are struggling to meet the new regulations and increasing customer demands that are so much easier for new-build developments.”

He is now calling on the Government to recognise the region as a special case as it is a chosen location for a large proportion of the country’s elderly population.

Go-ahead given for flagship development

By Christina Eccles A FLAGSHIP development which will include a state-of-the-art care home, extra care apartments and community doctors’ facility is to be built in Lincolnshire.

The Orders of St John Care Trust, the UK’s second largest non-profit care home provider, has received planning permission for what will be their first development in the county, where its operations first began in 1991.

The new Resource Centre is to be built on the site of the charity’s Fosse House home in Lincoln, which offers 42 care beds, and the three-storey development will consist of 90 care beds, 40 extra care units, a community health centre, pharmacy and specialist facilities for dementia care.

Lincolnshire county director Martin Greener said: “It will greatly improve the range of care options available to

older people living in the historic city of Lincoln, offering high quality care in a premium setting.

“This is the Trust’s first development in Lincolnshire, the county where our operations first began, and the new Lincoln care facility will become the county’s flagship home.”

The charity consulted with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust during the planning stages, and as a result special features for bats to live and breed will be considered in the building design.

The project is the latest in the charity’s redevelopment programme across all four of its operating counties.

Six new care facilities in Oxfordshire and two in Wiltshire have already opened, while in Gloucestershire the first two new homes in an agreed £50m estates strategy will be opened early next year.

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

In this issue: I Banks still willing to write cheques page 26

I New company offers learning service page 27

I Business signs up for Skills Pledge page 28

I £9m project first of its kind in Cumbria Tim Godfrey

page 28

26

CARINGCOMMERCE

Care group launches consultancy service

By Mary Ferguson A CARE group has launched a consultancy service aimed at helping care homes and investors with a variety of solutions for a range of management dilemmas.

Avery Management Services is aimed at owners looking to exit or retire the industry wanting to avoid selling in the current economic turmoil as well as those thinking about repositioning their homes due to a downturn in demand for existing care provision It will also be able to provide advice to banks and landlords as well as potential investors considering entering the care sector.

The company will be managed by Marius Feeney, who has 18 years’ experience in the sector at management level.

He said: “This is an entirely bespoke and confidential service for those in the industry who may not have the time or the skills that we in Avery can bring.

“Home owners and managers face a variety of problems today and we can use our experience to help resolve them.”

The process starts with a three-day assessment using industry sector standards, and if a client is happy then a variety of packages are available.

The company’s managing director John Strowbridge added: “The care sector is changing fast with new pressures on home owners and managers.

“We know our model works well and are immensely proud of our own achievements, of being a company consistently delivering successful new care homes across England.

“We believe operators will appreciate the benefit of being offered an alternative or different perspective on their business, injecting new ideas and a fresh approach.”

Banks still willing to write cheques in tougher times

By Neil Heppenstall, Lloyds TSB THERE has been much in the media lately about the Chancellor urging the big banks to lend more money to the business community.

As a result, many companies in the healthcare sector are understandably asking the question "How can we get access to money?"

For all the talk of green shoots, there is no doubt that many businesses in the sector and right across Britain still face some turbulent times. But banks are still willing to write cheques in tougher times as well as good, and there are still opportunities for ambitious, well-run firms.

One such company is Rushcliffe Care, headquartered in Loughborough, which is one of the largest independently owned healthcare companies in England.

It currently operates 26 homes, and employs over 1,000 staff.

Chief executive of Rushcliffe Care, Surjit Rai, broadened the company’s approach to provide a range of services from highintensity specialist care to assisted living and traditional nursing home provision. Rushcliffe Care needed to review its funding to sustain its growth strategy, and undertake a programme of renovation and rebuilding of existing properties in order to maintain its high standards of specialist care.

Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets was able to put together a £50m competitive funding package for the full amount needed to fulfil the organisation’s ambitious plans.

The bank also bought in its Financial Markets team to provide interest rate risk management and enabled the company to borrow at a very competitive rate. As a result, Rushcliffe Care decided to move its entire banking relationship to Lloyds TSB. So how can your business secure the funding and support it needs to stay successful in these difficult

By Neil Heppenstall, Lloyds TSB times? Drawing on our experience of working with companies in healthcare, here is some straightforward practical advice that can help your business secure the funding it needs: Banks are looking for well-run businesses with a clear strategic direction. Before committing to lending, banks want to take time to get to know the management team and develop a real understanding of what you are trying to achieve and how you intend to get there. As a result, they can offer the best financial package.

Both bank and business need to develop and maintain a close working relationship.

It may sound simple, but it is essential that companies communicate with their banks regularly and this becomes even more important in challenging times. It is important for banks to understand the important issues and challenges their customers face, so that they can support businesses as trusted advisors.

Firms that can demonstrate a prudent management of costs and working capital are likely to succeed.

As well as knowing that companies have a good understanding of their working

capital position and cost structure, banks are keen to see that management teams are able to take considered but decisive action.

Finally, the attitude and skills of the management are allimportant. Management teams should have a breadth and depth of experience with clearly defined responsibilities, including nonexecutive directors challenging the board’s decisions.

What’s more, good leaders learn from their experiences. It’s no surprise that those companies led by management teams who have survived previous downturns are the best prepared for these current times. These are also likely to be the people and businesses who will eventually lead the UK out of the current recession.

There will come a point when people will start looking to the recovery and it will be the companies taking advantage of the opportunities available now, and positioning themselves for future growth, that will perform well in the future.

Around 60 per cent of the companies that emerge as leaders from a recession are not the leaders going into it.

Companies need to be clear about what they want to achieve and have a solid business plan in place setting out how they are going to get there.

Firms need to consider their own strengths and weaknesses, predict likely obstacles and the resources needed: all of which your bank can help you do.

Great relationships are the basis on which successful businesses are built, and the one with your bank is no different. We want to help our care sector customers thrive, not just survive, in every economic climate: after all, the long-term success of our business depends on yours too.

I Neil is the relationship director at Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets.

DC Care has completed the sale of Cartref Care Home in Widnes on behalf of Mr and Mrs Bradshaw. The detached property, which is registered for 24, was acquired by Mr Kawol for an undisclosed sum.

27

CARINGCOMMERCE

Aiming to keep residents thinking A NEW company has been launched which aims to provide educational and learning services to elderly people who live in care homes.

Melissa March launched the notfor-profit charity Learning for the Fourth Age (L4A) last year, and is currently working with approximately 150 residents per week, mainly in the Leicester and Leeds areas.

The company, which has received funding from the Department of Health, uses volunteers from universities and other organisations to acts as mentors who help people to follow up existing interests or develop new ones.

Melissa, who came up with idea after spending time visiting her grandparents in care, told Caring UK that they have had a wide variety of requests from residents, everything from personal histories to learning to work a computer or mobile phone.

She added: “There seems to be an idea that once a person hits 65 they no longer wish to learn, but research shows that learning in the later stages of life can boost confidence, give residents a more positive outlook on life and delay the onset of dementia.

“We believe that if you don’t use it you lose it and want people in care homes to keep their brains active

A crafternoon session at Headingley Hall care home in Leeds rather than just sitting around watching television.

“The work we do with residents is one-to-one, and what we find is that giving them that control back is hugely empowering for them and changes their mindset from being somebody who is cared for to being an individual once again.”

Arts and crafts and music are the most popular activities that elderly residents want to try, according to Melissa, but some have more unusual ambitions.

She added: “Somebody said they would like to try karate but, despite

a lot of trying, I’m afraid we were unable to arrange this.

“We have, however, had a lady in her 90s who picked up a clarinet for the first time, and another who was keen to learn more about the Dead Sea Scrolls, so we arranged for someone to help them with that.”

The sessions are informally arranged to suit the residents, with most lasting between 40 minutes and an hour each week.

“Care homes are a bit hesitant about letting us in at first, but once they hear about what we can offer

Melissa March many sign up for the year. Our results speak for themselves.

“There are also benefits for the students who sign up to volunteer because, not only do they have quite a lot of spare time, but it looks good on their CVs for the future.”

28

CARINGCOMMERCE

£9m care village ‘first of its kind in Cumbria’

By Dominic Musgrave

Mike Padgham receives the Skills Pledge certificate from Heather Marsland from Government office.

Business signs up to Skills Pledge A SCARBOROUGH care business has made a public pledge to give its staff the best training opportunities.

TwentyFour7 Care Services has signed up to the Skills Pledge, a national initiative aimed at improving the skills of the country’s workforce The company’s managing director Mike Padgham signed up to the pledge, a Learning and Skills Council initiative which commits employers to ensuring their staff have the right skills to offer the best services.

He said: “A well-trained, motivated and properly developed team of staff is central to our operation. Only by

having that can we offer our clients a high standard of care based on continuous improvement and development.

“As we head into a period of unprecedented growth in demand for social care now, more than ever before, a strong, flexible workforce, able to adapt and innovate to meet changing circumstances will be vital.

“The current economic downturn has focused the attention of everyone on ensuring that our businesses are run as effectively and efficiently as possible. Again, equipping our staff properly is an important part of that process.”

WORK is underway to build a £9m care village for older people in Carlisle, the first of its kind in Cumbria.

Due for completion in 2011, the Heysham Extra Care Village will combine blocks of 40 flats and 20 bungalows, largely aged at the over 50s.

People will be able to buy, part-buy or let specially-adapted properties, with care and support provided to residents as and when they need it.

Spearheading the developments, which will be named Heysham Gardens and Heysham Meadows, are Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council, NHS Cumbria and developers Eden Housing Association.

Joan Johnstone, chairwoman of Eden Housing Association, said: “We are all very excited to see the physical work begin.

“It is two years since Eden Housing Association first became involved in the project.

“We believe firmly that people should be entitled to live their lives as independently as possible, with their own front door and discreet care services available when needed.

This scheme aims to deliver just that.”

Over half of the funding – £4.7m –

Independent mortgage broker Christie Finance has assisted Rylan Lopez and Russell Halliday of Fieldbay Limited in the refinancing of their care home business.

The Swansea based company has operated Tan-Yr-Allt House, registered for 19, and Pen-Y-Bont Court,registered for 42 for the past five years.

came from a successful application to the Department of Health.

It is one of only 25 extra care housing schemes in the UK to get a share of its £80m budget.

Eddie Martin, county council cabinet member responsible for adult social care, said: “The start of construction work is an important step in a journey which in two years’ time will give greater choice for older people in north Cumbria to live independent lives, while at the same time receiving the care and support they need.

“Heysham Gardens and Heysham Meadows will be a benchmark facility, with the county council providing an on-site home care team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I’m confident it will be a shining example of how partnership working can deliver choice, control and independence.”

The scheme will incorporate many environmental features, energy sources and sustainable materials.

The site will also have speciallydesigned communal facilities and aims to serve as a real community hub.

The homes have been designed as so-called ‘lifetime homes’ which allow them to be easily adapted to reflect the current or changing needs of the occupier.

DFE Commercial has arranged a funding package to assist in the purchase of Palissy House on the Isle of Wight.

The home, which is registered for 24, is a substantial building sat in a little under half an acre, and the new owners already have an existing care facility on the island.

DC Care has completed the disposal of Four Winds Residential Care Home in Kent on behalf of Quercus Healthcare Property Partnership. The facility is registered for 35 service users in a large two storey building, and was purchased by Dr Sunday Isiakpere for an undisclosed sum.

30

CARINGCOMMERCE ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Axis prides itself on realistic valuations AXIS has been successfully valuing businesses for 14 years and has recently produced its 2,500th valuation report for a company.

The value of a business has long been a point of contention in all industries; however in the current economic climate obtaining a true and realistic valuation for a healthcare business has never been more critical.

Ensuring a confidential approach, knowledge and experience of your sector, and understanding the different views from a purchaser and seller are all key aspects to obtaining an accurate valuation.

Axis prides themselves on being realistic with valuations and as experts in the healthcare sector, have over 14 years’ experience of valuing companies in this industry. One thing they strive to achieve is the successful sale of a company and by being rational and basing their valuations on current market conditions, they give you as a seller, and themselves, the best possible chance of achieving this. Valuations are a matter of opinion, and can only ever really be based on the last sale and current market conditions. Axis are at the forefront of healthcare sales and are confident in their knowledge and understanding of the industry and how local authorities work.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to producing a realistic figure for a business, as senior valuer

Mark Barham explains: “When I gather the information on a care business to prepare a report, I always prefer to meet business owners face to face.

“This then gives me a better understanding of their company, and an appreciation for the hard work that has been put into that company by the owners.

“This approach has ensured I have empathy with them and have a good understanding of how sensitive the process is going to be for them. To obtain a value I take into account the management structure, the current CQC rating, stability of the company, how long it has been established, and how revenue is secured by the current owners. There are many more factors which affect the value which I will explain fully with potential clients.”

Appointments are mainly held at a mutual meeting point away from the office, and often at Axis’ premises in Bury St Edmunds. Confidentiality is high on the priority list for Axis, and ensuring staff and competitors are not aware of any possible sale is of paramount importance.

Axis are currently managing a

number of care businesses for sale with a total company worth in excess of £15million, the majority of which have offers agreed or are having meetings with serious interests with offers being negotiated.

This amount looks set to increase over the next few months, with new instructions and eight sales planned to complete in October alone, which is an outstanding amount of positive sales in a climate that at times can feel a little depressing for most people. The sector is extremely buoyant and lucrative and Axis believes this will remain so over the next 12 months.

As with most important decisions in your life, when you are looking to sell your care business it is always worth approaching a specialist in your sector who has a track record of success. Axis often work with clients

for a number years on an exit strategy before a potential seller is ready to put the business up for sale, and assist vendors in targeting the business and expectations to get the best possible price in a sale.

Chairman Richard Haden-Scott said: “We would rather have business owners instruct us when they are ready and have prepared themselves to sell. This can be an emotional process that can often leave owners finding it difficult to let go.

“We will work through this with an individual throughout the whole process, even if someone contacts us three years or so before they are fully committed to a sale.”

To receive a free, no obligation valuation, please contact the Healthcare Team at Axis and they would be delighted to hear from you to go through the next step.

CARINGNEWS

Continued support and service is guaranteed from Lotus Advertiser’s announcement

hours.

AS A customer of Lotus Care Technology you can be assured of continued support and service.

We are happy to assist with any queries, and our experienced engineers will ensure your repairs are dealt with promptly.

Access to our 24-hour engineers’ hotline is open to all annual service contract customers and even customers who are out of warranty and do not have a service contract can contact our office during working

At Lotus we offer annual service and maintenance contracts, spares and compatible equipment for all makes of nursecall systems not just our own, our electrical engineers are fully qualified and experienced in a whole range of monitoring systems, so you can have continued peace of mind after your warranty has expired.

We have trained and experienced engineers throughout the UK and would be pleased to offer a competitive service quotation.

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32

CARINGNEWS

Minibus stolen from care home

By Mary Ferguson A SURREY care home has had to cancel days out for residents after its minibus was stolen.

The 16-seater vehicle, which was adapted to take two wheelchairs, was stolen from the driveway of the Rose Home in Banstead.

The R-reg Mercedes Sprint was bought by the home with a legacy from a former resident.

Charity chairman Mike Stevens said: “For the time being, we shall have to stop all of the weekly outings and at least four other special days out have had to be cancelled.”

Dave says he’s sorry ...

FARTHINGS care home owners Dave and June Ashall, featured in the September issue of the magazine, suggested that their former business partners may have had financial

problems which prevented them from purchasing the care home.

Mr Ashall would like to apologise for any distress this may have caused.

Council lifts care transfer suspension

By Dominic Musgrave A SUSPENSION of the transfer of elderly and disabled home care to two private firms in Southampton has been lifted by the council.

The city council stopped new placements with Care UK four months ago because of concerns over staffing levels and the quality of care they were providing.

But they say the firm, and a second unnamed provider, are now performing to a “good standard” and expects them to meet their contracted level of care.

They were awarded contracts to provide domiciliary care services as part of changes last November, which saw the number of agencies used reduced from 19 to five to cut costs.

Councillor Ivan White, cabinet member for adult social care and health, said many residents were concerned about having new carers at the time.

He added: “During this period there was an added problem of two local care agencies that the city council could not use fully because of their capacity and queries regarding quality.

“Whilst there maybe further individual issues to be managed given the thousands of care hours being provided across the city, we are confident these will be dealt with professionally by the relevant provider, with council staff becoming involved if necessary.

“The council is confident that the care providers have shown the ability to manage customer complaints and other issues appropriately.

“The council very much regrets any difficulties that were experienced by some people.

“However, the council has been very rigorous in making sure that the people, who use personal home care services, firstly get good quality and friendly care which is properly monitored and is good value for money."

Mike Osborne, Care UK’s regional operations director for community care, added: “We have worked closely with the council to resolve matters and are delighted that we have been able to restore confidence in our services.

“We are now looking forward to continuing to deliver the high quality service that Care UK prides itself on providing.”

Jeremy Browne MP officially opened Somerset Care at Home’s new Taunton office.

More than 3,700 hours of care are managed every week from the office, and service users who benefit from the care, as well as some of the staff who deliver it, were among those who joined the celebration. The group’s chief executive Andrew Larpent said: “The service is growing, and our new location reflects our commitment to providing care and support to vulnerable people in the area.”

Picture: Jeremy Browne MP unveils a plaque with area manager Helen Rex and chief executive Andrew Larpent

New telephone healthcare programme widens its services A NEW telephone healthcare programme is widening its services to offer one-to-one support and advice to elderly patients registered with a NHS Birmingham East and North GP. People aged 65 or over who would like more help with a range of health conditions can now take advantage of Birmingham OwnHealth.

The service provides healthcare advice and support to members, who work with their designated care manager over the telephone to help manage their condition.

It has now been extended to cover

the over 65s who have had an unplanned hospital admission in the last year, nutritional issues, incontinence, depression or anxiety issues, visual impairment or are on four or more medications.

Elderly people who lack a social support network, are housebound or have poor mobility or a history of falls may also join.

They are also eligible if they are receiving an attendance allowance or are unable to perform daily activities such as washing, dressing or making a meal.

34

CARINGHOMECARE

Bid to cut number of falls

By Dominic Musgrave AN initiative has been launched which aims to reduce the number of falls by older people in Edinburgh.

The £120,000 Telecare Falls Project will see around 300 people in the Scottish capital benefiting from the new service over the next 12 months.

People at risk, who have had a fall, are given a falls detector which alerts a mobile housing support team who will respond 24/7.

The project aims to build confidence and reduce the fear of further falls, providing reassurance that, should the worst happen, help is always close at hand.

Councillor Paul Edie, health and social care convener for City of

Edinburgh Council, told Caring UK that falls at home can seriously affect people’s lives.

He said: “It can shake their confidence and leave them lonely and isolated. They become worried about leaving their home for routine trips to the shops or even moving too far from the safety of a particular room. If we can rebuild their self-belief then they can literally rebuild their lives and grasp back their independence.

“Our Live Well In Later Life strategy is all about helping people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Falls are a major reason for people going into long term care and addressing this issue is a priority for both the City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian.”

Under the new scheme, anyone who attends accident and emergency or visits their GP following a fall will receive an assessment for the service through this new project.

Lisa Stewart, falls co-ordinator for the Edinburgh Community Health Partnership, added: “Telecare equipment plays an important part of falls prevention. Falls are not an inevitable part of getting older and many falls can be prevented by using simple techniques such as learning how to improve your balance and staying mobile.”

The effectiveness of the project will be evaluated during the 12 months both for the success of the telecare equipment and the impact the service has on people’s quality of life.

Paul Edie

New retirement village receives crime prevention scheme award

By Mary Ferguson

A carer uses the new hand-held device

FUTURE residents at a new retirement village near Wantage will be able to sleep easy in the knowledge that it has received a Secured by Design award.

The scheme focuses on crime prevention at the design, layout and construction stages of homes and commercial premises, and promotes the use of security standards for a wide range of applications and products.

Paddy Brice, Richmond Villages managing director, said: “The team here was determined to provide the best quality environment for residents and staff, and safety and security was at the forefront of our planning.

“We are delighted that this has been officially recognised, and we hope that this endorsement helps to offer our residents complete peace of mind.”

The sales and marketing suite at the new development is now open and properties are available for purchase. Visitors can view the show homes, which showcase the different types of accommodation and care available at the village.

The first residents will be able to move in from February 2010.

Facilities will include a restaurant, café, IT room and library, craft rooms, a bowling green, and a wellness spa with a swimming pool.

A care home will also be located at the heart of the village to provide 24-hour nursing care.

Device replaces Five years, five offices, 50 jobs paper timesheets HOME carers in Gloucestershire have ditched the traditional paper timesheets for recording visits in favour of a new hand-held device.

Community STEPs home support workers used to receive a weekly paper rota and use a paper timesheet, which is signed by the home support worker and the person they care for, who also has to remember at the end of each week how long their carer has been with them.

The new hand-held device will securely store the information and sent it electronically, with the person receiving the visit asked to sign directly on to the device at each visit.

If that person is unable to sign, a family member, friend or representative can do so, or the home support worker can sign once their client has seen and agreed the details.

The county council’s systems trainer Susie Goroll said: “As well as simplifying things for people who have a Community STEPS carer visit them, this new system will allow easy updates of the daily tasks for the home support worker.

“The device will also automatically alert the office if a visit is late or missed, making lone working safer, reduce the amount of paper we use and save on postage costs.”

Home support workers will start using the new device in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the North Cotswolds. It will then be rolled out to the rest of the Community STEPs teams in Gloucestershire.

A HOMECARE provider has celebrated its fifth birthday by opening five new offices and creating around 50 new jobs.

that the company hopes to recruit between 17 and 20 new franchisees during the next 12 months.

The new franchises will take the number Bluebird Care runs up to 60, making the company, which was set up by husband and wife Paul and Lisa Tarsey, the UK’s fastest growing provider of care at home.

He added: “We are delighted with the speed by which we have grown and, despite this, we have never let the quality of our service slip. I think this is reflected in the growing public demand for our services.

The five new offices are set to open in Ealing, Bradford, Ardingly in West Sussex, Slough/Gerrard’s Cross and Dublin North East.

“We view people as individuals – customers with choices, rather than patients. We place our emphasis on value for money, professionalism and good old-fashioned service.”

Managing director Paul Tarsey told Caring UK

Company recruits redundant staff

By Louise Cordell A HOME CARE company has recruited redundant staff from JCB, Creda and Wedgewood.

Care UK was recruiting for staff in the Stoke area, and in less than a week received more than 75 enquiries, with more than a third coming from men.

Training manager Melanie Gething said most of the jobs they were advertising were for carers, however there were also other opportunities varying from administration to

facilities management and IT to outdoor adventure activities.

He added: “Coming from a job working in the pottery industry, I really understood the anxiety that so many local people felt when the pottery closed and so many jobs were lost.

“This is why I was so pleased to tell people about the great opportunities available when you work in the caring profession, and particularly working for a national employer like Care UK.”

36

CARINGRETIREMENT VILLAGES

An entrepreneur has used a trip Down Under as the inspiration for many of the characteristics for his first care home. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Crazy golf, ducks and doves planned for Michael’s village A CRAZY golf course and children’s play area are just some of the ideas that Michael Chittenden plans to incorporate into the nursing village that he is currently constructing.

Set in five hectares of Essex countryside, the first phase of Silversprings, the 64-bed care home, is due to open at the end of October, and will specialise in nursing care.

Michael told Caring UK that he wants to make the experience of visiting the site more appealing for residents’ families and friends.

He added: “Residents will like to watch their grandchildren playing outside, and so a central part of the village’s look and feel will be the landscaping of the grounds.

“As well as a vegetable garden and large sensory garden, I also plan to have animals such as ducks on the lake and chickens and doves around the estate to provide animal therapy.

“Nature walks around the grounds that are also suitable for wheelchair users have also been planned for the designs.”

Michael says he got his ideas from visiting several sites in Australia, where they have a different outlook on moving into care.

He added: “I always had an interest in the care market, and when I visited I saw no reason why I couldn’t replicate some of the things that they do in Australia over here.

“They have a lot more space than we have in this country, but I want the experience of moving into the home to be a positive one, rather than people feel like they are being forced into it.

“On the site I am also looking at building a clubhouse in future, which will hold pottery and other arts classes. This will be away from the main building and will provide the residents with a trip to a new environment because I don’t want people sitting around for days.”

Michael has more than 20 years’ experience of working in property investment and development, and the funding for the development has been provided by Barclays Commercial Bank.

He says he will transfer some of his ideas from running hostels and a hotel into the care home.

One of those will include having a shop with a concierge service for both residents and their relatives.

He added: “Moving into the care sector was a natural progression for me from running hotels, and I want to provide a personal touch in everything we do.

“Although we are restricted a bit by medical requirements, there is nothing stopping us from having high quality sheets and covers on the beds, cutlery and crockery in the dining rooms and televisions around the home with more than the five channels. Eight out of 10 residents may not notice any difference, but that doesn’t mean that all won’t. I also want to offer several choices at mealtimes, which we don’t have to do and may create more waste, but it is something that I want to provide.”

The second phase of the development will see the creation of a specialist dementia unit, as well as apartments for people who wish to retain their independence.

Above: Michael at the site of his new village and, left, a picture of the village

37

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Company launches catalogue Hotels offer specialist accommodation for all ECONO-MED has become the preferred supplier to many thousands of leading medical and beauty professions throughout the UK over the past 12 years, gaining a reputation for high quality products and providing a first class service.

The same is now offered with the launch of the Econo-care catalogue, designed specifically with the requirements of the care home in mind.

With a dedicated management team, the market is continually being researched to ensure the products offered are relevant, comprehensive, of high quality and

competitively priced.

Together with a 364-page colour catalogue, the website also facilitates product reviews and customers can complete their orders quickly and efficiently online.

Econo-care is committed to offering a fast and efficient service, enabling customers to purchase from one reliable source.

Whether an order is placed online or on the telephone, delivery will be free of charge nationwide, with no minimum order value, and delivered to you within 48 hours (next day delivery option available).

Company celebrates 35th year with new dispensers METSA Tissue is celebrating its 35th anniversary with the launch of two ranges of contemporary washroom dispensers.

Available in white finish or stylish silver metallic, the Metsa Katrin dispensers are designed for the growing number of more discerning and image conscious premises.

The contemporary designs and choice of finishes blend perfectly with any combination of washroom colours and textures.

Both ranges are made of long lasting, high quality ABS so they can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Metsa Tissue Ltd director Mark Dewick said: “There are three major issues concerning washroom dispenser design – the environment, durability in busy washrooms and their ability to look good in any location. We have achieved all three and I am confident that the new dispensers will be very popular.”

Both finishes will be available on 19 different Katrin washroom product dispensers – traditional and centre feed hand towels, air freshener, toilet tissue, liquid soap, foam soap, hygiene bins and hygiene bag holders.

Enquiries: Telephone 0208 332 2842 or visit www.katrin.com

Total approach to extra care THE ability for housing providers to cost-effectively create homes that can be equipped to adapt with residents’ changing requirements into supported and extra care housing is being simplified with a new concept from Total Hygiene.

One of the main issues affecting residents as they age is that of mobility, and the reliance on carers to undertake even basic personal hygiene such as going to the toilet – something we all do, on average seven times a day.

Total Hygiene has developed its innovative Complete Bathroom Collection, which enables specifiers to single-source the design, specification, installation and commissioning of an adaptable bathroom.

The range encompasses grab rails through toilet lifters and hoists to height adjustable baths and Closo-Mat automatic ‘wash and dry’ toilets, so enabling the user to bathe or toilet with optimum dignity, independence and hygiene, minimising the reliance on or requirement of a carer.

Enquiries: Telephone 0161 969 1199.

Standing ovation for new Xeno wheelchair ONE of the major frustrations of sitting in a wheelchair is that you spend most of your life on a lower level than other people, psychologically and practically.

Otto Bock, a company whose principle aim is to harness technology to improve the lifestyles of people, has addressed this long standing problem by designing the Xeno powered wheelchair, a chair that allows the user to adopt a standing position quickly and simply.

With body support in all the right places plus padded support straps (normally at chest level and just below the knees but this can be adjusted for individual needs) the user can feel secure and comfortable in a natural standing mode and can even travel while upright.

The medical advantages are also considerable, for the ability to change position so radically aids circulation, respiration, digestion and exercises under-used joint.

It also utilises a Single Servo system, giving direct steering to the caster wheels: compact yet offering exceptional manoeuvrability even indoors.

Enquiries: Telephone 01784 744900.

THE Bond Hotel Group aims to offer affordable value holidays for people with special needs and their carers.

Although in principle we cater for people with disabilities (i.e. 40 disabled, 60 carers), this creates a lively and fantastic atmosphere, thus not giving the impression of a totally disabled hotel.

The Bond Hotel Blackpool is an award winning fully accessible site which provides accommodation for all. The majority of the 65 en suite bedrooms are fully adapted and suitable for wheelchair users and people

with special needs, and with wheel in shower rooms, electric raiser beds, hoists and ground floor rooms every need can be catered for.

The Bond Hotel St Annes has 26 bedrooms, most with en suites, and offers an up market alternative to the Blackpool site, with designer suites and bedrooms, most with disabled access with large walk in showers along with hi-tech overhead tracking hoists.

There is also a hydrotherapy pool which is free of charge to all residents.

Safelincs launches range of extinguishers SAFELINCS Ltd has launched a range of fire extinguishers.

The company is always working towards bringing the best products to their customers at the best prices, and their range of fire extinguishers comes with a 10-year warranty unlike many other companies, who offer five.

The extinguishers are manufactured with BAFE approval using a ‘semi-shell’ construction, which means that they have only one joining weld.

This type of manufacture decreases the risk of corrosion due to the lack of cross welds and minimum weld length.

The Safelincs range excels in performance testing and the single body weld creates a stronger construction, which results in a higher crush and burst test.

In addition, the range has a strengthened head design to ensure that the extinguishers always arrive undamaged.

The Safelincs 10-year warranty range is only available from www.safelincs.co.uk or by calling 0800 612 2946.

Improve facilities for residents and optimise staff time GOING to the toilet is something we all do every day, and up to eight times a day.

The handling issues of helping a resident go to the toilet takes up significant staff time, puts them at risk of infection or injury and you compensation claims, and impinges on residents’ feeling of independence and dignity.

Total Hygiene, the UK’s leader in toilet solutions for the elderly and disabled, has an innovative solution.

Installing an Aerolet toilet lift, whether fixed in ‘dedicated’ en-suites, in the main communal WC, or a mobile option which can be moved to wherever it is needed, not only addresses handling issues but has intangible benefits in improved state of mind for residents and carers alike.

Fully-functioning Aerolets will be on Total Hygiene’s stand at the Care Show to enable carers and management to see at first hand how it works Enquiries: Telephone 0161 969 1199.

Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems.

The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition.

With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur.

Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple...

The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone.

Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.

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CARINGCLASSIFIED AND NEWS Radiator covers

Care Alarms

Ironing systems

Hygiene

Uniforms

Transport

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