Caring UK Weekly - October 7 2020

Issue 28 07.10.20

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

Initiative set to recognise care workers A NEW initiative dedicated to recognising the work and value of the social care sector has been launched.

Supported by four founding patrons – the CareTech Foundation, Hallmark Foundation, Sekoia and Majesticare Luxury Care Homes – Championing Social Care will act as an umbrella organisation to the Care Sector Fundraising Ball and recent social media campaign #SparkleforSocialCare.

It will also encompass the Care Home Open Day, which is set to relaunch in 2021, and in January a new virtual event ‘Care Sector’s got Talent!’, which is dedicated to showcasing the amazing talents of the social care sector.

Chairman Avnish Goyal, CEO of Hallmark Care Homes, said: “This year has seen the UK’s social care workforce give more personally and professionally than we, as a nation, could ever have imagined.

“It’s what’s driven us to provide fellow leaders and operators with a powerful vehicle to shine a light on the incredible value social care is to our society.

“Core to the work of the initiative is continuing to fundraise for sector-relevant charitable causes and to build on the achievements of our Care Sector Fundraising

Ball which has raised some £350,000 in the first two years alone.”

The new charitable initiative, which will be hosted by the CareTech Foundation, has attracted significant support from across the sector, with 26 social care leaders already having agreed to become ambassadors to promote its work.

At the heart of this new initiative is their vision to “Shine a light on the incredible value of the social care sector to society and those who live and work within it.”

Vice-chairman Jonathan Freeman, CEO of the CareTech Foundation, added: “Throughout the pandemic and beyond, we want to ensure a wider public understanding, appreciation and respect continues for the 1.6 million people across the social care sector.

“I am proud to be part of what feels an important new development for the sector and one which I hope will gain huge support from fellow operators and the nation.”

There are several ways organisations can support Championing for Social Care from displaying a “Proud to Support” digital badge to engaging via social media using #ChampioningSocialCare and #SparkleforSocialCare

Walk raises money for good cause

Colleagues at HC-One’s Kirkwood Court care home in Newcastle upon Tyne hosted a coffee morning bake off competition to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

With families not being able to visit due to coronavirus restrictions, wellbeing coordinators, Sarah Strawbridge and Lauren Proctor were not able to put on the usual coffee morning, but by using their initiatives, they were able to keep the coffee morning fun by hosting a staff bake off. Colleagues from the home were all tasked to bake the most beautiful cake and donate money to join, with residents being the judge of the winners.

A BIG THANK YOU

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

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

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THE team at Sunrise of Bassett has taken part in a ‘Memory Walk’ to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The team at the care home secured almost £350 in sponsorship before embarking on a 10-mile walk that lasted half a day.

Team members included Kim Harding, Julie McDonnell, Assia Begum, Malgorzata Sokolska, Ines Morais and her husband Victor and Nicola Lewin and her husband Richard.

This was the first Memory Walk the Sunrise of Bassett team has done, and they plan on getting involved again next year.

Assia Begum, community relations associate at Sunrise of Bassett, said: “I was so impressed by the amount of support from various team members, which made the event even more enjoyable, and I hope to make this a tradition for Sunrise of Bassett to participate every year.

“We have a dedicated Memory Care Neighbourhood for Residents that are living with dementia. The care and activities that our team provides here are remarkable and I wanted to reach members of the community that live with dementia who may need additional support.

“We are already in touch with the Alzheimer’s Society and we donate as regularly as we can.

The Memory Walk was a great way to get both team members and families involved to raise awareness.”

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FREE T ATTEON D THE line-up of speakers has been revealed for the third in a series of online webinars hosted by Caring UK

THE PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF CARE EXCELLENCE EVENT TAKES PLACE ON WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER, 10:30AM-12:00PM The free event will feature national speakers and exhibitors.

They are aimed at proprietors, managers, financial directors, individuals working within purchasing departments, matrons and senior nursing staff of care homes, nursing homes, dual registered homes, retirement villages, ancillary care organisations and domiciliary care agencies who work in the independent elderly care sector.

Kicking it off will be Vic Rayner, executive director of the National Care Forum, with a national update.

She will be followed by Scott Sherriden, founder and director of The Care Hub and his presentation ‘How to source, attract and hire and retain permanent care workers in a Covid-19 crisis’.

Following Scott will be Melanie Weatherley chair of the Lincolnshire Care Association, with her presentation ‘Covid-19 – the story so far’, while Neil Grant, Partner and senior lawyer at Gordons Partnership LLP Solicitors, will round off the morning with ‘CQC Regulatory Update – Key issues for providers over the next six months’.

There will a chance at the end for delegates to question the speakers.

Event director Judith Halkerston said: “We are really excited to be presenting our latest in the series of Caring UK webinars. Our regional care conferences have been delivering information and networking opportunities to key decision makers in the care sector for 20 years and we are delighted to unveil this exciting new addition to the brand.”

“As we have all had to adapt and change the way we live and work, it seemed the perfect time to launch our online webinars which allow us to continue to present professional and informative events with national speakers and exhibitors.

Moving forward, we are committed to extending our online programme to run alongside our popular and successful live conferences.”

“We hope that as many of you as possible will join us and that these online events will prove just as invaluable as our conferences and will allow busy delegates to benefit from them.”

A national update – Vic Rayner, Executive Director-National Care Forum How to source, attract and hire and retain permanent care workers in a Covid-19 crisis – Scott Sherriden, Founder & Director- The Care Hub Covid-19 – the story so far – Melanie Weatherley, Chair of Lincolnshire Care Association CQC Regulatory Update – Key issues for providers over the next six months – Neil Grant, Partner and Senior Lawyer-Gordons Partnership LLP Solicitors Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

To find out more call Tony Barry on 01226 7634605 or Bev Green on 01226 734288.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Celebrities set to contribute to celebration A VIRTUAL event to celebrate social care in Surrey will include messages of support from various celebrities who are keen to vocalise their recognition of thanks for the work the sector has been doing throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey Michael More-Molyneux is the first high profile voice to be announced – with more to follow as the date draws closer.

Taking place online via Zoom on November 20, the event will be hosted by the Surrey Care Association, which is looking to mark and applaud the work that adult social care workers have undertaken during the crisis – having done away with its annual awards to focus on a celebration instead.

Erica Lockhart, CEO of the Surrey Care Association, said: “We’ve experienced an incredibly tough time in recent months but, as a sector, we’ve also done an incredible job – working hard to keep residents safe in the face of tremendously challenging circumstances.

“Now though, we’re wanting to forget about the trials and tribulations and instead celebrate what we’ve achieved. This is what the event is all about – showcasing the very best of social care in Surrey.”

Alongside the celebrity voices, the Surrey Care Association is also asking providers and carers to submit videos that demonstrate how teams or individuals have kept themselves and those they care for entertained during the extremely challenging time – with the idea being to create a collage of positive, vibrant videos, showcasing the best of the sector.

Having received a flood of entries, the deadline for submissions has been extended until October 16 –

Platinum status for group allowing more time for people to contribute.

Not limited to professional carers, the event is open to anyone who operates in a care capacity, so if they care for a loved one, or have a loved one in receipt of care either at a care home or via homecare then they are also welcome to submit a video.

The collated videos will then be broken down into multiple categories which will be highlighted during the event and cover: n Best PPE dress up n Inventive Lockdown Programme for residents/service users n Family lockdown catch up n Staff dance and music n Creative cooking n Recognising teams n Memories Erica added: “We’ve had some brilliant videos submitted so far, but we’re still welcoming more as we approach the date of the event.

“We’ve also had many celebrities and VIPs indicate their eagerness to participate – with HM LordLieutenant of Surrey Michael MoreMolyneux being one of the first to come forward and add his voice in appreciation – so we’re hoping for a really fantastic event which will serve to help carers throughout Surrey feel recognised and valued.”

TEAM members and residents across TLC Care are celebrating after the elderly care provider was awarded Platinum status by the prestigious and internationally recognised Investors in People accreditation group.

Platinum is the highest accreditation possible and is held by only two per cent of the 8,000 UK companies that apply.

To receive this award, firms must prove that they invest in employees at all levels of the business and enshrine the company’s values in every aspect of its work.

TLC Care provides nursing, residential and dementia care for more than 450 residents across London, Cambridge, Surrey and Hertfordshire.

Chief executive Paavan Popat said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised as one of the UK’s top employers by Investors in People.

“TLC Care has worked incredibly hard to make sure our team members have the resources and opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally.

“We know that our teams work in

care because they want to improve the lives of our residents, and we consider it our duty and privilege to make sure their efforts are rewarded.

“I would particularly like to thank our chief operating officer Lorna Badrick for her outstanding work over the past year, during an incredibly challenging time for the care sector and for our team. She has led our journey to make sure everyone at TLC Care has a career they can progress in and be proud of.

“I hope this accreditation will encourage more people to work in social care and show that it is a highly skilled and rewarding career.”

Assessors praised the company for making sure that everyone – from the home managers to chefs and housekeepers – is empowered to perform at their best and is supported to continually develop according to their own capabilities.

TLC Care is the only care provider in the UK to have achieved the Platinum accreditation – an achievement made all the more impressive considering its team, like so many in the care sector, were on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic response.

Students given warm send-off RESIDENTS at Broomgrove Care Home in Sheffield lined up to say goodbye to four young staff who have landed places at university.

The employees, who have cared for residents throughout lockdown, are all pursuing further education within the healthcare industry.

Their send-off, which was scaled down because of Covid, was no less emotional, with residents presenting cards, gifts and messages of good will for their future.

The four leavers were Lucy Greetham who’s going on to study nursing at Sheffield Hallam University; Charlotte Widlake who’s studying nursing at Sheffield Hallam University; Sam Livingstone who’s studying nursing at the University of Sheffield and Rehna Naqvi who’s studying midwifery at Edge Hill University.

Manager Donna Pierpoint said: “If anything this year’s send-off was

all the more emotional as closer bonds have been formed because of lockdown.

“But residents are so keen for the young people to do well in their careers and were very determined to give them a good send off. It was a lovely event.”

Many of the students won’t be leaving altogether – some will continue to work at Broomgrove Nursing Home and do ‘bank’ shifts in between their studies.

Margaret House Residential and Dementia Care Home in Royston has been recognised by Hertfordshire Care Providers Association and the Hertfordshire Care Awards for the outstanding achievements made this year during the Covid-19 pandemic. HCPA presented them with a special plaque to display at the home. Proprietor Thomas Kelly said: “We are delighted to receive this award from HCPA. Our whole staff team, who are always fantastic, have risen to the challenges that Covid has presented and my wife and I are so proud of our amazing team and the way that they have, and continue to, support our residents and each other during this time”. Staff and residents made sure that they celebrated properly by holding their own socially distanced ceremony in the home’s garden.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Operator celebrates Black History Month ANCHOR Hanover, England’s largest non-for-profit provider of care and housing for older people, is marking Black History Month by celebrating accomplishments of colleagues and residents and honouring the contributions of Black Britons across history.

The celebrations form a part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to diversity and reducing barriers to progression for Black, Asian and ethnic minority colleagues.

Jane Ashcroft CBE, Anchor Hanover chief executive, said: “We have been working hard to identify ways in which we, as an organisation, can support our BAME colleagues and provide a welcoming and understanding environment for both colleagues and residents.

“We are unequivocally committed to strengthening our equality, diversity and inclusion practices and are working closely with the BAME Network to find ways to support BAME colleagues’ day-to-day work and career progression.”

The month will see Anchor Hanover celebrating colleagues who are actively involved in activities promoting cultural understanding and diversity.

One of them is Pauline Codjoe, a location manager at Woodside Square in North London, who was born in Ghana.

Outside of her role at Anchor Hanover, Pauline does a lot of community engagement work with the National Council of Ghanaian Unions, organising seminars, helping young people learn about their cultural history and liaising with both the UK and Ghanaian governments on policy-related issues.

Pauline Codjoe, location manager at Woodside Square in North London (left) and Mona Clement Edwards, a resident at Anchor’s Rose court care home in Southwark.

She’s also involved with various active member of her local church, as organisations working to tackle well as a volunteer at a local primary issues in the wider community, such school, where she mentored the afteras human trafficking and domestic school club. violence, and is passionate about To bring Black History Month to giving young people from minority life for residents, Anchor Hanover ethnic backgrounds the best start in has developed a dedicated resource life. pack for its care homes and housing Black History Month is also an locations, which will be shared across opportunity to recognise the rich the country. history of Anchor Hanover residents, From timelines with key dates from such as Mona Clement Edwards, black history of Britain, to recipe who lives at Anchor’s Rose court care books, the famous Martin Luther home in Southwark.

King, Jr.’s I have a dream speech, Mona was born in Grenada and group discussion guides and themed lived in Trinidad working as a primary quizzes, the pack will support school teacher, before arriving in meaningful activity and celebrate Southampton in November 1957 in Black History Month through a range pursuit of her dream of becoming a of different activities. nurse.

This year’s celebrations reflect the She trained at a hospital in North wider organisational priority and an London, and spent years juggling her ongoing commitment to diversity and career as a nurse and raising her five inclusion. children. She later switched careers to Last year, Anchor Hanover launched become a telegraphist. a trial leadership programme for In retirement, Mona devoted her Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic time to raising her grandchildren, colleagues, focused on soft skills was a registered childminder and an development.

During the programme, participants partnered with senior managers to take part in reverse mentoring to foster deeper understanding of experiences and challenges faced by people from BAME communities.

The initiative also involves Jane Ashcroft. Her mentor is Teagan Robinson,internal recruiter and co-chair of Anchor Hanover’s BAME Network.

This supports colleagues and consults on a range of policy decisions across the business to ensure they reflect the experiences of BAME communities.

Teagan said: “It’s so important that organisations celebrate Black History Month and use this opportunity to raise awareness of Black history and culture – for many people, it can be a first step to embrace and celebrate diversity and difference all year round.

“With the current landscape, it’s vital that we’re having open and honest conversations about diversity and inclusion. A lot has been achieved at Anchor Hanover already, and it’s great that we continue in our commitment to understanding and creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues.”

Last year, Anchor Hanover also appointed Ruth Petzold as its equality, diversity and inclusion manager to ensure a permanent, strategic focus on the issue.

Senior management have been attending EDI training sessions focused on unconscious bias and white privilege and a new leadership programme is about to launch, which will include sessions addressing the specific issues faced by BAME communities.

Home organises painted pebble Last call for entries into treasure hunt for community decorating competition

HOME Close nursing home in Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire has been enjoying a treasure hunt with a difference as part of its resident’s activities programme.

The residents at the home, which provides a range of high quality residential and nursing care for up to 72 people, enjoyed decorating an array of pebbles in lovely bright shades which, once painted, were placed in secret spots in and around Fulbourn by members of staff.

The team has then encouraged families to find as many as possible, take and share photos of the finds, and then re-hide them for others to spot.

Elena Alexe, regional director for Home Close, said: “The painted pebbles project has been a wonderful way for everyone to get creative in the home, as well as keep residents connected with the Fulbourn community while the Covid restrictions continue to be in place.

“The team has already received photos of several boys and girls who have been delighted to find our colourful pebbles, and we hope these finds give people a smile when they find them.

“Everyone loves to see photos of the pebbles being discovered – it really gives residents a smile – and so we encourage people to continue looking

pladis, the global snacking company behind some of the UK’s most loved and iconic brands including McVitie’s and Jacob’s, has issued a last call for entries into its McVitie’s Tasties biscuit decorating competition in partnership with the National Activities Providers Association.

Together, pladis UK&I and NAPA are on a quest to find the nation’s best decorated biscuit ahead of the closing date of October 30.

Care homes across the country have been challenged to get creative and make a biscuit masterpiece built on a memory.

The best creation will be crowned champion and rewarded with a special afternoon tea package worth up to £1,000 for the care home and

Youngster Josh Hall with one of the pebbles that he found. for and sharing any finds on our Facebook page so we can show our residents.”

its residents.

Scott Snell, vice president sales, UK & Ireland, pladis, said: “Since launching the competition we’ve seen some wonderfully creative entries from care homes across the country.

“We hope creating entries will bring a smile and provoke some happy memories among residents.

“The competition is simple to enter; homes just need to choose a theme, decorate their biscuit and share a photo with us along with a short message about why the theme was chosen.“ Care homes should submit their entry on email to belinda@ williamurray.co.uk. The winner will be announced week commencing November 2.

Castle View retirement village in Windsor raised £400 at its Macmillan coffee morning, which included an innovative and Covidsafe ‘drive-thru’. “Despite the difficult times we live in currently, we welcomed a good number of people to join us for coffee, cake and company,” said village manager Lisa Fisher. “And our socially safe ‘drive-thru’ option proved to be a fun and innovative addition to the usual coffee morning formula.”

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CARINGWEEKLY

Loughborough care home is a regional winner LOUGHBOROUGH care home Woodthorpe Lodge has been crowned the South Midlands regional winner of Ideal Carehomes’ annual ‘Gardens in Bloom’ competition.

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

General manager Preet Hundal said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be crowned the regional South Midlands winner.

“All of the credit must go to our amazing residents who embraced the competition with such gusto.

“We are extremely grateful to have had such overwhelming support from our residents’ families and our staff team that generously donated to our kitchen inspired flowerbed.

“It really has been a labour of love and we are so glad to see the judges were as thrilled with our garden creation as we are.’

Woodthorpe Lodge residents and staff joined forces to introduce a new ‘birds kitchen’ themed garden masterpiece.

The team and residents decided on the theme during their monthly residents’ meeting, in which residents were able to put forward ideas for things they would like to be included in the final design.

Residents wanted to create a space to relax and birdwatch, therefore the Woodthorpe Woodwork Club set to work to create birdhouses and other bird feeding stations to encourage some ‘fly in’ visits.

Musical celebration begins

Resident Margaret Hubbard paints a new birdhouse.

Keeping on the wildlife theme, residents painted large stones with ladybird and hedgehog designs to encourage other wildlife to their home.

Residents also wanted to pay homage to their many successful afternoon tea parties so created a quirky flowerbed display featuring brightly coloured flowers planted in teapots and teacups which were donated by the local community.

The garden area now features a raised herb garden which includes the residents’ favourite herbs such as Basil, Sage, Thyme and Rosemary.

Once fully grown the herbs will be given to the chef to garnish lunches and evening meals.

The home now enters the final round of the competition, whereby Ideal Carehomes panel of judges will visit all regional winners in four weeks’ time to decide upon a national victor.

Couple mark 70th anniversary A COUPLE living at Kingsgate care home in East Kilbride have celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary in style with fellow residents.

David and Anne Taylor, who are 93 and 91 respectively, enjoyed remembering their special day on with a cake and songs from their granddaughter, Susie.

Anne Marie McKeich, home manager, said: “David and Anne are a wonderful couple, they’re big characters here at Kingsgate.

“I’m pleased that they enjoyed their celebration and I look forward to helping them make more memories together in the future.”

The couple were both brought up in Glasgow, living in Dennistoun and Garthamlock before moving to East Kilbride.

They met through David’s cousin and liked each other right away and romance blossomed.

The wedding was a small, family affair, with David and Anne both wearing suits.

The wedding reception was held in Anne’s mother’s house, which

David and Anne Taylor was across the road from the church where they married.

They went on to have three children together.

David was in the Navy where he trained as an electrician and worked on plane engines and electrics.

He went on to work in Blochairn steelworks before moving to British Rail.

Anne was a tailor and enjoyed making gents’ suits, bridal gowns and special occasion dresses.

FROM Bananarama Bread to Bread Sheeran and The Rolling Scones, musical baking puns are on the menu in October as Playlist for Life launches a nationwide fundraising campaign to raise awareness of the power of music for people with dementia.

With regular coffee mornings unable to take place, the charity is encouraging people to connect through music (either virtually, socially distanced or with members of their own household) and raise funds for people living with dementia, while also supporting care homes to host fun music activities for their residents, in compliance with government guidance.

Playlist for Life was founded in 2013 by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson to ensure that everyone living with dementia has a playlist of personal music and that everyone who cares for them to know how to use it effectively.

The charity’s work is based on more than two decades of research showing that ‘personal music’ – the specific tunes attached to someone’s emotions that spark memories – can help those living with dementia by alleviating stress, managing symptoms and strengthening relationships with family members

and carers.

Originally planned for April this year, the Musical Tea campaign was put on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Now, the charity is encouraging people to connect through music in line with government guidelines.

Any funds raised by members of the public will help the Playlist for Life to continue to provide free resources and support to those affected by dementia.

Michelle Armstrong, interim executive director of the charity, said: “Taking part can be as simple as giving your gran a call and chatting about music and memories. It’s all about connecting with each other whilst raising awareness of the power music can have for someone living with dementia.

“Like all charities, our funding has been impacted by the pandemic, and this campaign will help us to continue supporting those who could most benefit.”

The first Musical Tea campaign took place last year on BBC Music Day, a UK wide celebration that brought more than 100 organisations working across the dementia field together with special broadcasts and programmes.

Nominate your heroes IT’S BEEN a year like no other with unprecedented challenges and demands.

But, as the saying goes when the going gets tough, the tough get going – and nowhere has that been more true than in the care sector.

Day after day, we have received news of selflessness, hard work and dedication up and down the country – carers who have made huge sacrifices to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.

The pages of our magazine and our weekly digital newsletters have told heartbreaking and heartwarming stories of unity against adversity; love and care conquering the biggest of battles.

In these circumstances, we were so disappointed that we couldn’t proceed with this year’s Caring UK Awards and decided that so many amazing things had gone on during the difficult months of lockdown and beyond, we still needed to recognise these wonderful individuals and teams.

That is why we recently launched the Caring UK 2020 Roll of Honour – this will appear in our January 2021 issue and will pay tribute to the lockdown heroes who have gone over and above in these most testing

of times.

We want to hear from you if you know someone who has gone above and beyond in 2020 to make a difference and help their residents and colleagues get through these harrowing times.

Please send your nomination to events@scriptmedia.co.uk and we will be featuring some of your stories in Caring UK magazine, and our weekly Caring UK digital newsletter.

Closing date for entries is Friday December 4.

There will be a place on our 2020 Roll of Honour for the most inspiring nominees and they will all receive a certificate to mark their achievements.

We can’t wait to read your stories...

Roll of

HONOUR 2020 C A R I N G U K M AG A Z I N E

Have you nominated your lockdown hero?

Nominate your lockdown hero who has gone over and above in these most testing of times in the Caring UK 2020 Roll of Honour.

We want to hear from you if you know someone who has gone above and beyond in 2020 to make a difference and help their residents and colleagues get through these harrowing times.

The Caring UK 2020 Roll of Honour will appear in our January 2021 issue.

Send your nomination to events@scriptmedia.co.uk and we will be featuring some of your stories in Caring UK magazine, and our weekly Caring UK digital newsletter.

Closing date for entries is Friday December 4.

We can’t wait to read your stories ‌ Sponsorship opportunities are also available by calling 01226 734 605

CARINGWEEKLY

Association leads celebration and thanks for frontline Meals on Wheels teams THE National Association of Care Catering has launched a social media campaign to celebrate the work of the frontline Meals on Wheels services across the country and to say a big thank you to everyone involved. #mealsonwheelsheroes gives Meals on Wheels teams up and down the country the recognition, praise and thanks they deserve as part of the Covid-19 frontline effort, and also for the vital lifeline they offer the elderly and vulnerable living independently in the community all year round.

Sue Cawthray, national chair, NACC, said: “The pandemic has highlighted a need that’s always been there.

“The elderly and vulnerable living independently in the community are at risk of malnutrition and social isolation.

“These issues existed long before Covid-19 became part of our everyday language, but they have been exacerbated and spotlighted by the pandemic. Talking to our members, the onset of lockdown brought about an increase in demand of up to 30 per cent.

“As it became difficult for care teams to visit clients or relatives to support their loved ones, the vital role Meals on Wheels services play in the community gained greater recognition.

Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC. “As well as delivering a daily nutritious meal, it also delivered important wellbeing checks and a friendly face to break the loneliness, which was intensified by lockdown.

“The value of the Meals on Wheels services in alleviating malnutrition and social isolation must not be underestimated and we’re determined to spread our recognition and thanks far and wide.

“We’ll be championing the #mealsonwheelsheroes campaign right up until Meals on Wheels Week 2020 and beyond to ensure the resurgence in awareness and respect

for the service continues.”

The Covid-19 pandemic meant the number of vulnerable people living in the community, confined to their own homes and reliant on others, increased significantly, almost overnight.

In response, an army of Meals on Wheels heroes stepped up to ensure demand for this essential lifeline was met.

From established meals on wheels services to the lunch clubs unable to welcome their guests and the closed pubs, restaurants and cafés that transferred their skill and facilities, to mention just a few, they’ve all worked tirelessly to deliver delicious, nutritious food to those in need.

They’ve also innovated to ensure those that are isolated benefit mentally and emotionally from a friendly smile, a wellbeing check and the simple pleasure of a chat – all within the social distancing guidelines.

The NACC is calling on everyone – from its members, industry colleagues, partners, associations and friends to local government, politicians, celebrities and the general public – to take to social media to publicly declare their support and gratitude for all Meals on Wheels heroes.

It’s asking everyone to post photographs of themselves with a special #mealsonwheelsheroes thank you message for all their followers to see, like, share and recreate.

It’s very simple to take part: n Have your photograph taken holding the special thank you poster (downloadable from the NACC website). There’s a choice of thanking the Meals on Wheels heroes or proudly showing you are a Meals on Wheels hero. n Post the image on all your social media platforms, ensuring the hashtags #mealsonwheelsheroes and #morethanjustameal are included and tagging in the NACC as follows: Twitter @NACCCaterCare, FaceBook TheNACCCaterCare, Instagram nacccatercare or LinkedIn thenacc.

Suggested wording for posts can also be found on the website.

The campaign will culminate with NACC Meals on Wheels Week 2020 between November 2 and 6. #mealsonwheelsheroes has already gained strong support from across the industry and beyond.

NACC executive officers and members, chairs of key associations (including TUCO, APSE, ASSIST, HCA and LACA), and even some highprofile personalities are backing the movement.

Launton Grange in Bicester.

First peek inside new home A NEW state-of-the-art care home in Bicester is getting set to open its doors for the first time in the next few weeks.

Launton Grange will be welcoming new residents very soon and will provide a safe and luxurious home for up to 66 older people, employing more than 50 team members once fully staffed.

Care provider Ideal Carehomes’ latest development has benefitted from a £10million investment, giving Launton Grange all the finishing touches you would expect from a luxurious new home.

The spacious en-suite bedrooms and latest care technology will allow the team to deliver person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible.

The well-appointed care home boasts large, open plan social areas and ultra-wide corridors which lend themselves well to current guidelines and is designed with residents in mind.

Residents will enjoy a range of facilities including a cinema room

featuring its own popcorn machine.

And the convenience store located on the first floor will enable residents to shop for essentials without leaving their doorstep.

The on-site beauty parlour will also be ready for residents to receive regular treatments such as haircuts, chiropody appointments, manicures and much more once this can safely be resumed.

The spacious landscaped gardens will become social hubs and continue to flourish with the help of green fingered residents attending regular gardening clubs in the relaxing botanical rooms.

Home manager Anne Measures said: ‘I am extremely excited to finally be in our beautiful home. Our future residents will benefit so much from our facilities and the full and varied activities programme organised by our dedicated activities co-ordinators.

“I am so proud to work with such a wonderful staff team and we can’t wait to welcome and support our first residents to live life to the full.

“Everything we do puts us at

the forefront of care and with the established Ideal Carehomes team and policies behind us too, we have all we need to ensure the continued wellbeing of our residents and staff.

“The new build allows us to be completely on top of infection control from the very start, and the large social spaces give us the means to social distance with ease.”

The newly appointed staff team will complete a thorough induction period prior to the home opening and be given access to industry leading training and development via Ideal Carehomes’ newly launched ‘Ideal Academy’.

The Launton Grange team has all the tools required to maintain the highest levels of infection control, and the Ideal Carehome’s ‘Fresh Living’ initiative will ensure that the importance of this is always in mind.

Anne and her team recently hosted exclusive preview days which provided an opportunity to explore the facilities by appointment only and learn more about the Launton Grange lifestyle.

Maria Porter has retired after 23 years working as a carer at HC-One’s Thamesfield care home in Henley-onThames, Oxfordshire. She is returning to her native Philippines with her husband to look after her father. Residents and colleagues joined together for a socially distanced farewell party and she was presented with a gift and some flowers. Home manager Lina Nela said: “I am very grateful for all the years of hard work and kindness that Maria has given to Thamesfield. We will all miss her.”

7

THE 2021

CARING

UK AWARDS Thursday 2nd December 2021,

THE ATHENA,LEICESTER We are extremely sad to bring you the news that we have taken the incredibly difficult decision to cancel this year’s Caring UK Awards.

All nominations for this year’s awards will be carried over to next year – and nominees will have the opportunity to update their nominations should they wish to ahead of the closing date.

Thank you for all your nominations and support and we look forward to celebrating your amazing feats in 2021. Thanks too to our sponsors for your continued loyalty and support.

N O M I N AT I O N S W I L L R E M A I N O P E N T H R O U G H O U T THE YEAR CLOSING ON AUGUST 31ST 2021

W W W. C A R I N G - U K . C O . U K S P O N S O R S H I P PA C K A G E S A R E AVA I L A B L E Call 01226 734605 or email tb@scriptmedia.co.uk for details For general enquiries call: 01226 734630 SPONSORED BY

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H

CARING UK AWA R D S 2 0 2 1

Care Home Division