Caring UK (July 09 Issue)

July 2009

incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector

no.158 • £4.75 In association with

‘Injury rise’ is defended by council

By Dominic Musgrave FIGURES showing that the number of injuries reported in Suffolk’s residential homes have almost trebled in the last three years have been defended.

The number of reported injuries in the County Council’s 16 residential care homes was 349 last year – up from 121 in 2006, but director for adults and community service Graham Gatehouse told Caring UK that it has clamped down on the reporting of incidents.

He added: “We are encouraging staff to report all incidents, however small they are, and it is very rare for there to be anything major. We think it is good practice to report every incident, which can include things like scratches or residents shouting at the carer.

“This new approach to reporting demands that everyone involved in an incident must report it, which means that a single incident can be reported two, three or more times by different people.”

Sidegate Lane in Ipswich – which mainly deals with dementia sufferers – had the most number of reported injuries totalling 123 from 2006 to April this year.

Ixworth Court – which provides care

for 22 frail elderly residents near Bury St Edmunds – has also seen a large increase with no injuries reported in 2006, two the following year and 53 last year. Of these, 29 were as a result of assaults. The total number of injuries as a result of assaults and violence rose from 33 in 2006 to 107 last year, which Graham put down to the type of resident living in the home.

He added: “There is a far greater concentration in our care homes now of people with special care needs. They are people most likely to be prone to slips or falls, or, in the case of dementia sufferers, often present challenging behaviour which can result in aggression towards staff.

“The increase in reporting is a positive sign that the new culture is working.

Members of staff are now highlighting the areas where they have encountered problems. Managers are now able to target resources on appropriate training, for instance in helping staff to calm down residents with challenging behaviour.”

Are you reporting more cases of abuse in your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or by emailing dm@whpl.net

Caring UK continues meeting call to CQC

Actress Joanna Lumley has given her support to a new cookbook aimed at carers. The book ‘The Carers Cookbook’ by Angela Hamlin from Draycott Nursing and Care, is a collaboration of 28 day recipes, with three different recipes for each day. Joanna, star of Absolutely Fabulous, who has been in the spotlight recently over the Gurkhas’ settlement rights, has written the foreword for the new publication.

CARING UK has continued to press the Care Quality Commission for a meeting with home operators who are frustrated with the service they receive.

But sadly, despite several requests, nobody from the regulator has agreed to explain some of their practices and listen to some of the concerns of owners and managers.

Editor Dominic Musgrave said: “We are continuing to receive calls and emails from operators telling us of their experiences and frustrations when dealing with CQC. “We think that it is vital that a senior representative of the regulator agrees to a meeting and listens to some of the concerns they have.

Sadly nobody has agreed to this so far, despite us asking the question on behalf of the operators on numerous occasions.”

Special report, Page 16

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Pods could be the way for homes of the future

By Dominic Musgrave THE care home of the future could be built in half of the time and at a fraction of the costs of more traditional methods.

Dominic M’Benga, director of Hawk Offsite Solutions, a sister company launched by established Yorkshire firm Hawk Care, says they can build a new home out of ‘pods’ a lot quicker and cheaper than they are currently.

Dominic told Caring UK that the company, which officially launches later this year, is now marketing the Roompods to the industry after they have been a success in the hotel and student accommodation sectors.

He added: “The pods are built in our factory and are delivered on to the site complete – even the bed is made and the pictures are attached to the wall.

“The two main advantages of this kind of build are that they around a third cheaper to build, and operators can get residents living in them a lot quicker as they take up to half of the time to build than traditional methods.

“Hotels have been doing this for a long time, and from a health and safety perspective they are a lot safer because they are built in a controlled environment.

They also take a lot less workmen to put together than you would find on a normal site, and there is no need for a skip

www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Sales Manager: Jackie Brook National Sales Executive: Mandy Edwards Rachel Collins Tel: 01226 734333 Fax: 01226 734477

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

Editorial Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407

A care home built from pods in Chelmsford because all of the wet trades have already been done in the factory.”

The pods, which have already been used to build two care homes in Essex, come complete with fixtures and fittings and include bathroom, kitchen and living facilities which are craned into place and stacked side by side or one on top of the other, up to four storeys high. They are then bolted together and, because they are made of recycled steel, are much stronger than when they were first launched and made from timber.

Dominic added: “We have spoken to a

few architects, who were very sceptical at first, but once they saw what we are trying to do they were taken aback.

“We have also taken the idea to a few banks, who are very excited because they can see several plans that they have had to put on hold because of financial issues back to life because it is a lot cheaper method. We hope that the new way of building will open a lot of doors to a number of developers.”

Would you like to work in a care home like this? Let us know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

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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Warning from owner after first court case

By Dominic Musgrave A CARE home owner found guilty in the first court case brought by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has warned others that the new regulator is ‘more persistent’ than its predecessor Lloyd Tredell, director of Greentree Enterprises, made the comments after his firm was found guilty of failing to make arrangements for the recording, handling, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines at its Clarendon House home in Coventry.

The company was fined £1,666 and ordered to pay court costs of £600 at the city’s magistrates court, after the CQC took action after Greentree failed to correct problems first identified by CSCI in July 2008.

He said: “We hold our hands up and admit that we did not react quick enough to their deadlines, but some things were not brought to our attention as quickly as they should have been by the home’s managers.

“In the past, CSCI were happy to see that you were working towards their recommendations, but with the CQC there seems to be a change of attitude which is much more formal.

“We didn’t expect the case to go to court given that we were putting things right. I can only assume that they were wanting to make an example of us.”

The problems were first highlighted

by CSCI in July last year, and staff found there were still issues on visits to the home in October 2008 and January and March 2009.

However, two days before the hearing, CQC inspectors carried out an unannounced inspection at the home, and found the previous problems had been rectified.

Lloyd added: “The positive to come out of this is that we now have a strict auditing system in place which is carried out by the senior carers on

Andrea Gordon, regional director for CQC in the West Midlands, said: "The result of this case sends out a clear message to those providing care services, that if regulations are not followed and the correct standards are not maintained we will take robust action.

"CQC inspected this home two days before the court hearing and was satisfied that the home responsible had put systems in place to guard against this happening again.

"But making sure people receive the best care is CQC's priority and service providers and people who use services alike should be assured that we will act when we find this is not happening.” shift. Once this has finished the deputy manager will audit the medication straight afterwards, and if something has been overlooked then we are still within the medication window and are still able to administer the medication.

“The CQC are 100 per cent happy with the new procedures we have put in place at all of our homes, and the city council has said that it is one of the best in the area.”

Operator is invited to take part in focus group CARING Homes has been invited by the Department of Health to take part in the government’s focus group to define the National Dementia Strategy.

Rose Magowan, the group’s newly appointed head of dementia care, and Shaun Morrissy, manager of the purpose-built home Ferfoot Care Home in Wiltshire, will represent the company at the meetings which aim to improve the standard, provision and quality of dementia care services in UK care

homes.

Rose said: “We feel very privileged to be asked to attend.

We were invited following the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) ‘Excellent’ inspection report of Ferfoot, where we scored highly for our attention to sustained and high quality dementia services.”

Caring Homes has implemented a complete dementia programme designed to deliver high-quality staff training and optimum care for dementia residents inappropriate, dedicated settings.

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Home’s hoping for sun after installation A LINCOLNSHIRE care home has more reasons than most to hope for a good summer after recently installing solar panels.

The Kensington Care Home in Immingham has become the first in the region to have them installed, which work by storing energy from the sun in power cells that can then be used to power electrical equipment or heat water.

And marketing manager Sandra Hill told Caring UK that the panels will save the home thousands of pounds on their energy bills.

She added: “The home’s proprietors are heavily into saving the environment, and the first part of this is to have the solar panels installed.

“Prior to them going up we did a few calculations and have worked out they will save us a great deal of money, probably between 25 and 30 per cent on our energy bills, which would work out between £7,000 and £8,000 annually.

“With the cost of energy always increasing that is a massive saving

and we think all care home owners should be going this way.”

The next stage of the home’s bid to go green is the planting of a large vegetable patch in the grounds for the chef to use in the kitchen.

Sandra added: “We have a lot of fruit trees in the grounds so the residents regularly are given apples, pears and plums to eat, so we thought we would take it a step further and grow all our own organic vegetables.

“The aim is that within the next three years we would like to be totally self sufficient when it comes to vegetables. This will not only save the home money, but will also ensure the residents are receiving the best quality and organic food.

“We will inviting and encouraging the residents to help with the planting should they wish to. We already have a secure courtyard garden for the residents to do their bit, so this will be another alternative to that.”

Residents welcome donkey ...

Residents at a Manchester care home were visited by a donkey from a local sanctuary.

The visit to Briarmead by ‘Molly’ from the local branch of the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust coincided with National Donkey Week, and visits are seen as a way of providing therapy.

The home’s activities co-ordinator Shona Scott said: “The residents adored Molly when she came to visit. We took photographs of all of the residents with her so that they can remember her visit.”

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Residents realise their rugby dream FOUR avid rugby fans from an Ammanford care home realised their dream to see the Scarlets play live after their care home manager played fairy godmother.

Selwyn Jones, Ogwyn Jones, Islwyn Bowen and Gerald Thomas from Cartref Annwyl Fan care home enjoyed a day out to see the Llanelli Scarlets play the Glasgow Warriors thanks to a gift from home manager Adele Williams. She said: “Where possible we like to help our residents fulfill dreams or ambitions so when Castell Hwyll gave us some tickets to see the Llanelli Scarlets at the new stadium we immediately thought of Selwyn, Ogwyn, Iswlwyn and Gerald.”

Looking to loops RETIREMENT village provider Audley is to install hearing loops in all its new sites.

Permanent induction loops will be put in many new communal areas and club facilities and are to be supplemented with portable systems.

Audley CEO Nick Sanderson said: “Deafness of any degree can be extremely isolating, irrespective of age. We are keen to help any of our owners overcome this issue as far as possible so they can take advantage of all the facilities and social opportunities.”

Residents forced to find new homes amid closures A CARE group has been forced to close two of its care homes due to financial pressures.

Brunelcare’s Beverley Cottage on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront will close in July and Cowlin House in the Clifton area of Bristol in September, forcing 26 residents to find alternative accommodation.

The charity’s chief executive Helen Joy told Caring UK the homes were being closed for several reasons, including problems attracting new residents.

She added: "This is due to several factors that include the local competition in the Clifton and Burnham-on-Sea areas and national and local initiatives to enable older people to remain living in their own home for longer.

“Both homes are experiencing difficulty in securing the required fee levels from residents, needed to cover the costs of running the homes.

Both of the buildings also require a significant amount of expenditure to bring them up to modern day standards.”

"Although, as a charity, Brunelcare has the funds in place to support areas of the organisation which fail to cover their costs for a limited period – as has been the case with Cowlin House and Beverley Cottage for some years – it is of the upmost

Beverley Cottage at Burnham-On-Sea importance that we use our resources wisely to ensure we continue to provide the highest standards of care, housing and support to all the older people we serve across the South West.”

Helen said that the decision to close the homes was taken by the board of trustees after “extensive evaluation and consultation with staff, residents and families”.

She added: “The well-being of the residents is of paramount importance and Brunelcare will work closely with residents, their families and social workers to ensure the most suitable alternative accommodation is found.

“We will be working closely with the 49 staff involved to ensure similar positions are made available within the organisation, wherever appropriate.

“The closure of Cowlin House and Beverly Cottage has been a difficult decision to reach and one that was not made easily or without regret.”

She added that all people living in the homes could move to other Brunelcare homes or to a new sheltered housing scheme, Waverley Gardens, which is due to open in the Bishopsworth area of the city in September.

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Wrestling wish comes true for Margaret

Cut in medication makes dramatic difference

A WREXHAM care home resident had her dream of seeing a live wrestling match come true after her home manager arranged for her to go to meet a local team.

Margaret Dunton, 79, from Hallmark Healthcare’s Ashleigh Court, has always been an avid fan of the sport, but had never made it to a live match.

Her key worker, Christine Vernon, made the arrangements for Margaret to attend the local event at Llay British Legion which was organised by local group Basix Wrestling.

Christine accompanied Margaret and even arranged for her to go backstage to meet some of the wrestlers, where they presented her with a large bouquet of flowers along with signed pictures and photographs.

Home manager Sarah Morris said: “We endeavour to help all of our residents to fulfil their dreams and ambitions so when the opportunity cropped up to take Margaret to see the wrestling we jumped at it.�

A DERBYSHIRE dementia care home manager says she has noticed a dramatic difference in many of her residents after reducing the use of psychotropic drugs by almost twothirds.

When Ashcroft care home manager Linda Hodgkinson did an audit of her residents' medication at the beginning of last year she was shocked to find that 92 per cent were taking drugs to help their dementia.

But a little over a year later that figure has been reduced to just 24 per cent of her 38 residents, thanks to the hard work of her staff and the cooperation of local GPS and psychiatrists.

She told Caring UK that both the staff and relatives have noticed major improvement in the residents at the Chesterfield home, though it did cause a few problems at first.

She added: "A lot of the people that are referred here come directly from the local hospital and are on a high dosage of the drugs.

"But after a lot of work we have managed to reduce that, and the residents are a lot more alert and engaged, and some who did not want to eat and drink before have now started to do so and have put on weight.

"We have also found that residents have become more mobile, which

Merton council WE have been asked to point out that a critical scrutiny report was made into some care homes that Merton council commissions care from and not that it manages.

has caused us to revisit other areas because of the risk of falls. Residents have suddenly got out of their chairs, which has surprised staff at first, but now we are aware of that we can deal with it."

The home was recognised as an accredited provider of specialist dementia care services as part of the Positively Enriching and Enhancing Residents' Lives (PEARL) scheme last summer, and Linda says she hopes to

reduce the number of residents using the drug even further in future.

She added that the home is now using doll therapy among other things as an alternative to medication.

"We have increased the number of social activities within the home since doing this, and have increased the co-ordinator's number of hours here.

Doll therapy soothes residents THE home says it is now using doll therapy for its residents as a way of promoting the feeling of well-being for some people who appeared agitated and unsettled.

Doll therapy involves residents being given a doll to look after as if it were a real baby. Research suggests that the doll brings back happy memories of when they were parents.

Linda added: "A number of our residents are benefitting from doll therapy, particularly one who had sleeping difficulties, but after being introduced to the idea by chance she is now totally engaged and her general well-being has been enhanced greatly.

"Some male residents also seem to

feel better when a doll is close by.

One talks to it and washes her face, and we found out recently that he and his wife possibly had a child who died at a young baby, and this has brought about positive feelings."

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Gladys Clarke is older than many of the residents at Fairby Grange Residential Home in Hartley Kent, but says that she plans to continue working until she is 90. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Why care assistant Gladys is still such an asset at 85 AFTER retiring at the age of 65 the former BT clerical assistant soon became bored and pursued a career in the care sector.

And she hasn’t looked back since, working at various homes in the area and even being appointed the manager of a small one at the age of 69.

She now works permanently for 12 hours a week as a care assistant, but can do anything between 30 and 40 hours on a regular basis.

Gladys told Caring UK that she still enjoys her job and has no plans to retire just yet.

She added: “I just don’t feel my age, and I am very lucky that I have not been affected by my health in any way. I live right opposite the home and love working here, both during the days and at nights. I do everything that the other carers do including bathing the residents and generally looking after them.

“I still like learning things as well as part of the mandatory training.

It keeps my brain active, and some of the residents tell me that I do things better than some of the younger ones do.

“I get on well with all of the staff and residents. Some of them like to chat with me about the old days and what they did when they were younger. Once I start talking to some of them I cannot get away.”

The home’s manager Christine Brent said all homes should consider employing person of Gladys’ age as they have a lot in common with the residents.

She added: “Gladys is very reliable, very thorough and is well liked by everybody at the home.

She is always willing to help out and can do some things better than the other staff because she is immaculate.

“It is very beneficial having someone of Gladys’ age in the home because the residents can talk to her about what they got up to in the 1940s and she can relate

Gladys has a laugh with a resident back to the way things were then.”

The home celebrated Gladys’ 85th

birthday at the beginning of the year with a surprise party.

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Dementia unit drafts in bus stop and pub

By Mary Ferguson Resident Alma Thomas with her daughter Lillian and home manager Eileen Coyle-Jones.

Alma enjoys trip on London Eye A SWANSEA care home resident fulfilled a longheld ambition when she travelled to London for a trip on the London Eye. Alma Thomas, 88, a resident at the Southern Cross owned Peniel Green care home, was accompanied by daughter Lillian and home manager Eileen Coyle-Jones for a VIP champagne flight on the famous landmark.

Other highlights of the trip included an overnight hotel stay, an Italian supper and a trip to Harrods, where Alma indulged another of her

passions by purchasing a thimble from the world-renowned store.

Eileen said: “Our philosophy is to help our residents to lead fulfilling lives. Just because someone is elderly and living in a care setting does not mean that they do not have dreams and we were delighted to help Alma achieve one of hers. We all had a wonderful trip and it was heart-warming to witness Alma’s excitement as we soared above London and spotted all the famous sights.”

A FAKE bus stop, an indoor garden and a pub form part of the transformation at one Middlesbrough care home's dementia unit.

Cleveland View Care Centre, which is owned

by Bond Care, is piloting a new programme to help to meet the needs of the 30 residents with the condition.

Other facilities that have been installed at the home include an old-style cinema which plays the classic silver screen movies and has the traditional velvet curtains, a hairdresser's and a music room.

The home's manager Odette Crawford told Caring UK that if the programme, which is a mixture of schemes used in Europe, proves to be a success, the group plan to roll it out to its other homes.

She added: “We have tried to personalise the care and have looked at different themes for the unit. Some homes have tried bits of this, but I think we are the first in the North East at least to have done it as a pilot “So far it has proved popular with the residents. We have put a bench by the fake bus stop because people with dementia some times say they want to get away or go home.

“Waiting for a bus seems to reduce their anxiety, and after a few minutes they have forgotten why they were there and move on to something else.

“The ‘Coach and Horses’ as we have called it traditionally decorated and, thought it is not licensed, residents and their families can have a

drink in there. We are also hosting quiz nights and various different games evenings in the bar area.”

The indoor sensory garden comes complete with artificial turf and a variety of pets including rabbit and budgerigar for the residents to look after with the help of the staff.

All of the bedrooms now have their own individually painted doors decorated with pictures and other artefacts to remind the residents of they younger days.

Odette added: “They all have their own knockers like doors used to have years ago.

Painting the doors in bright colours helps the residents to recognise whose is whose home.

“The atmosphere on the unit has changed totally and is a lot calmer than it was before.

“The feedback we have received from families and health professionals has all been excellent.

We have regular meetings with the residents, and if parts of it doesn't work then we will look to change it.”

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Computer provides link to family and friends RESIDENTS at a Warrington care home are keeping in touch with friends and family all over the world thanks to the introduction of a new computer in the activities room.

Activities co-ordinator Helen Littler raised the money required to purchase the kit through a variety of fundraising events after several residents at Meadowview Care Home said they would like to learn how to use one.

This means the residents can now email their friends and family as far afield as Australia, Canada and America, with several also having

Facebook accounts and keeping online blogs.

Home manager Jennie Blackledge said the new computer has changed the atmosphere at the home, which has 41 elderly frail residents.

She added: “We didn’t expect the residents to say they’d like to have a go at learning to work a computer when we asked them what sort of new activities they would like.

“They now do all sorts of different things on it, including designing their own calendars and greeting cards for the various fairs that we hold at the home, as well as writing, designing

and printing a home newsletter and playing with the web camera.

“The whole atmosphere at the home has been changed by this.

When prospective new residents come and visit their home a lot of them used to ask if they were allowed to bring mobile phones in to ring their family and friends. Now we can tell them that they can email them and keep in touch with them that way as well, even if they have never used a computer before.”

The home now plans to raise money for a minibus to take the residents on outings.

A resident writes his blog at the computer

Esther judges cake contest at open day ESTHER Rantzen was the guest of honour at an open day at Colten Care’s new Kingfishers care home in New Milton.

During her visit she toured the new facility and judged a cake competition, where five in-house chefs prepared a variety of celebratory cakes. It was won by Amberwood House’s Lorna Bryers’ fruit cake, and she was presented with a bottle of champagne and gift vouchers for her efforts.

Esther said: “As a cruise junkie myself, I can confidently say, this is like a cruise on dry land. It has luxury bedrooms and bathrooms, wonderful food and lots of activities to keep everyone occupied and happy.

“It is the jewel in the already bejewelled crown of Colten Care and a wonderful adjunct to health provision in this country.”

Pictured: Esther Rantzen chats to a resident during the open day.

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Editor’s comment I COULD not help but spot the irony in a press release that I received from the CQC regarding a new charter it is launching called Voices into Action.

The commission says the charter aims to involve people in its work as the regulatory body, and intends to make sure that the providers and commissioners of care ask for the views of the people they are caring for and respond to what they say.

While I could not agree more with this, it seems a rather ironic statement given the number of phone calls the Caring UK newsdesk has received from angry operators about inspections.

The common grievance from all of the people we have spoken to, is that the inspectors seem to focus more on the fabric of a building and if a file is up to date, rather than whether the residents and their relatives are happy with the care they are receiving.

The residents are what makes a care home what it is, and while it is important whether the surroundings they live in are nicely decorated, this should never be forgotten.

Care home operators are demanding more consistency from the Care Quality Commission and want to know how the service is going to change in future.

Dominic Musgrave reports

Call for industry to stand up against ‘bully boys’ SINCE our report last issue, Caring UK has again been inundated with calls and emails from frustrated owners demanding answers to a variety of issues from the Care Quality Commission.

As well as continuing complaints about inconsistencies and inaccuracies in inspection reports and star ratings, managers have also being telling us about long delays in receiving reports, which can lead to lost income due to empty beds.

And owners have told our newsdesk of the poor attitudes of some inspectors, who they say should concentrate on the care the residents receive rather than to the fabric of the buildings.

John Evans, who took over a home in London last August, said CQC must “alter their approach and must

involve other visiting professionals, families and residents”.

He added: “How on earth do we get through to these people that if they bothered to ask families, residents, social workers, external professions with whom we work, then they would get a much clearer picture of the quality of care being delivered.

“What I cannot tolerate is the attitude – Saturday prior to the recent Bank Holiday the inspector arrived at the home to be greeted by my deputy manager. Her greeting to my deputy was “I came at this time because I knew John would not be around,” which begs the question how supportive and helpful are attitudes like this and comments like this supposed to be? To visit homes once every six months or less does not give anywhere near a true picture

Report ‘rings true for us’ BEV WATTON, care home manager, Devon I felt compelled to write having just read an article in the June issue of Caring UK. The article, “out of date” website could be costing owner business, certainly rings true for us.

We had our inspection on December 11 and did not receive our draft report until May 21. That was a total of 23 weeks, or almost six months.

Originally, we thought that with the Christmas break, and then new year, perhaps we shouldn’t be too impatient, but when we still hadn’t received our report by late February, I thought I would give the inspector a ring, just to make sure there wasn’t a problem, or that it hadn’t got lost in the post.

The inspector informed me that with the change over from CSCI to CQC, they had a new IT system and there were lots of problems to iron out. Would they accept that from us if we didn't return our AQAA on time? I think not.

When we still hadn’t heard anything by the beginning of April, I thought I would

give them a ring again, as by now, I was beginning to take it personally.

We had previously had a one star ‘adequate’ (which we thought was unfair), and were looking forward to seeing all our hard work rewarded with a better rating, so this felt like it was going on forever.

When I rang the inspector, she told me I needed to be patient and that she promised that the report was in progress, not to worry, we had done well, and that we would definitely receive it by the end of April at the latest. She also asked me not to ring again, instead, she would ring me when she had posted it. That long awaited phone call finally came on May 12, and we were told it was on its way. At last.

According to tradition, CQC allow us 28 days to respond to the decision, and following that they will eventually update the website.

So, although we finally have it in writing, that we are at last a two-star ‘good’ home, we will not see the rating on the website change until seven months after this rating was given. If we cannot see it, then neither can anybody else.

of events, but only supplies a tick box type of report.”

And Derek Luckhurst, chairman of domiciliary care provider Agincare Group Ltd and owner/partner in four care homes in Weymouth, said his businesses have also encountered problems with the regulator.

He added: “I entirely share the frustration other providers are experiencing in the industry in regard to the inconsistency and, in some cases, downright prejudice and unfairness operated by the CQC. “In my view it is about time that the industry collaborated in standing up to what has evolved into a system operated by ‘bully boys’.

“If there is anything that I or my organisation can do to help Caring UK stand up for our rights please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

‘Some inspectors are deviating from the regulations’

GLENN HURD, N o r A rc h s p o k e s m a n

MANY of our members have suffered similar experiences with the regulators in the Northamptonshire area. Some inspectors are deviating from the regulations and appear to be taking their own personal view on what rating a care home should have.

One or two members have also been downgraded from a good star rating to a poor due to an admin error, regardless of the care provision that has been given. Is this proportionate?

We have been lobbying our local MPs for some time now on this subject. We believe if they have to have a rating system it should be similar to the Scottish one where a home is rated over six categories.

Due to the nature of the

business it is very hard to reflect an accurate banding for a care home as a whole, this is without the added burden of Inspectors deviating from the guidance and regulations that they are given.

One begins to wonder what, if any, training inspectors have undertaken to carry out their roles properly? Are inspectors actually fit for purpose?

Phil Hope is one of our regional MPs but so far we have been unable to get him to comment personally on this subject.

NorArch have been trying to set up a series of quarterly meetings with our local regulation manager, to among other things air our members grievances. But following the first one in January this year the next meeting was cancelled and we have been chasing ever since to arrange the next.

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Joyce baking her carrot cake

Homes’ cook book served up RESIDENTS and staff from a care group’s homes have launched a new cook book.

Cornwall Care’s ‘Recipes From My Life by Beattie and Friends’ includes 18 recipes, and all of the group’s homes held their own tea party to celebrate the launch, complete with cakes baked from the recipes in the book.

Three thousand copies of the book have been printed and will be sold for £3.00 each, with all of the money raised from the sales going towards the homes’ amenities fund, which supports the Active Life Project, providing activities, equipment and treats for all clients.

The company’s chief executive Douglas Webb said: “Some of my fondest memories are of my gran baking cakes. I hope that this book

will rekindle those feelings amongst people as well as inspire them to bake some delicious cakes themselves.

“People from across our network of homes have contributed towards this book and it is our intention that they will benefit from the sales of the book. All of the money from every sale will be reinvested into our homes’ amenities fund which will allow each home to offer more activities to our clients.”

The book, which was designed in partnership with Sarah Talbot from DesignStudio in Truro, includes Beattie’s upside down toffee pudding, Kath’s boiled fruit cake, Joan’s blackcurrant pie and Joyce’s carrot cake.

The book is on sale in each of the homes and from Cornwall Care’s main office in Truro.

CARINGNEWS

Armchair sessions rolled out after proving a favourite WEEKLY armchair exercise sessions have proved so popular with residents at a South London sheltered housing scheme that they have been extended.

Roshni House in Tooting, run by ASRA Greater London Housing Association, has joined with the Wandsworth Primary Care Trust to run the classes on Tuesday mornings.

And the original 10-week course, which is run by its fitness specialist Florence Banes Bennett, has been extended after becoming a favourite with the residents.

Scheme manager Rekha Tank said: “The classes have proved really popular at Roshni House. We have up to 15 residents taking part every week.

“The chair based exercises help the residents to deal with medical conditions like arthritis and diabetes, improve circulation and mobility, and are easy enough for anyone to have a go at.

“Residents have lots of fun and real-

ly look forward to the class.”

The class is running in conjunction with the home’s own healthy eating sessions, which encourage residents to try new recipes and swap sugary, salty and fatty foods for fresh fruit and vegetables.

19

20

CARINGLAUNDRY

Acquisition allows company to expand range in North West WILSON Electrics has acquired a Manchester commercial laundry service business which will give the company the opportunity to expand its range in the North West.

The company, which has traded as an independent supplier of commercial laundry and Dishwashing equipment since 1987, believe in supplying marketleading products, which not only offer the best quality and long term value for money, but also efficiency savings for water and energy consumption.

As an independent supplier and partner dealer for all of the major manufacturers including Miele, Electrolux, Huebsch and Girbau, they are able to offer a full portfolio of machines, which, after an initial consultation with the customer, they can tailor the equipment supplied to the specific requirements of the business to ensure that the customer gets the most out of their investment.

The entire range of products is available to purchase, or on an all inclusive maintenance package.

New addition to dryer range THE new Huebsch 55 tumble dryer is an important extension to the range of energy efficient Axial flow dryers.

It has a drum volume of 491 litres (55 lb), yet at 902 mm (35.5�) it is narrower than the 528 litre (50 lb) model. This makes it possible for many organisations to have the services of a bigger dryer despite space restrictions and, in particular, narrow doorways.

Axial airflow means the drying air is forced through the load from the back of the machine which has sealed cylinder rims so that the air does not escape through the door.

This is much more efficient than the vertical airflow pattern that very substantial energy savings are made

– as much as 50 per cent in comparison with earlier models.

This can make the replacement of older machines an economical proposition even when they are still working.

Enquiries: 01635 263410 or email enquiries@armstrong-laundry.co.uk

21

Supplier is appointed sole UK distributor for award-winning range COMMERCIAL laundry equipment, chemicals and services supplier JTM Service Ltd celebrates 25 years in business this year.

The company is focused on supplying environmentally responsible products and services which provide energy savings for its customers, and its professional, reliable and cost effective approach makes it a popular choice for many organisations in the care sector.

Always looking to provide new and innovative products to its customers, JTM has recently been appointed the sole UK distributor of the award-winning Aquados Pro laundry and dishwash range.

Aquados is the first UK manufac-

tured laundry detergent to be awarded the European Eco Label, assuring users that the product is the greenest, most environmentally responsible on the market.

The product is also approved by the Vegan Society, dermatologically tested and has just been awarded a Green Living Award by Good Housekeeping magazine.

As well as being a leading partner of the renowned Miele Professional range, JTM Service has recently taken on the Girbau range of commercial washing machines which have the ‘Energy Star’ accreditation and are WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved.

22

CARINGRETIREMENT VILLAGES

Richmond Villages founder Keith Cockell, who now runs his own consultancy firm English Care Villages, looks at the different models of care village being built in the UK, and the different terminology being used to describe them.

Different terminology leads to dilemma ...

GIVEN that future care villages will be targeted at the ‘Baby Boomers’ I thought I would use an analogy that everyone would understand.

In my time a Hoover was the generic name given to any kind of vacuum cleaner. This all changed when the Dyson came along.

The Dyson was bag-less and a funky design, it quickly established itself as a replacement for the generic Hoover, at the same time this prompted other manufactures to reinforce their own brand and the merits of their design.

We are in the same dilemma with care villages. We need to describe the different products and establish strong well known brands that become known for what they are.

In America, Australia and New Zealand the terminology is a ‘Continuing Care Retirement Community’ which does not exactly roll off the tongue, but has come about because the Americans have a love of wordy descriptions.

In England we use ‘Care Village’ to describe any development that has some form of care provision. Even a large care home with a small number of flats or bungalows alongside will be called this.

Over the next few years brands will emerge like the Dyson which will be understood by the market place for what they deliver, but in the meanwhile the generic name does nothing to describe what is on offer.

The break-point in the concept comes when the operator also provides an onsite registered care home, a principle which has divided emerging operators.

The only consistent, well known operator that provides a registered care home is Richmond Villages, but another well-known brand name Retirement Villages is now incorporating one within their new developments.

Audley do not provide one within their retirement concept, relying upon the provision of domiciliary care delivered by their own registered agency instead.

To have or not to have a registered care home within a care village illustrates the great divide between operators. The operator trying to manage the different business activities can end up with being a Jack of all trades and master of none.

Branding needs to be established

Keith Cockell

OVER the next few years each operator will establish with the public what they have on offer and just like Dyson, a brand which is known for its benefits.

At the present time in this country you could categorise the industry into retirement properties which provide a setting for older people to live in but may not provide any care services; care villages where you would find a commitment to provide domiciliary

care which may also include the provision of nursing care to high dependency residents living in their own homes and continuing care retirement communities which will provide not only domiciliary care delivered into people’s own homes but the additional choice of an onsite care home which complements the needs of the villagers themselves and the community at large.

‘Every single component must be well designed and well delivered’ THE marketing and management of a registered care home providing nursing care requires a focused and dedicated management team that is not distracted by the glamour and marketing activities in connection with the wider care village.

As with any business that is to be successful, every single component must be well designed and well

delivered. The care village puts a number of demands on its management, from the provision of hotel services including leisure facilities to the marketing of the properties for sale or rent.

It is not the diversity of management resources that defines the decision to provide a registered care home or not, it is simply the emotional perception of

future purchasers and the sometimes deeply held views of senior management.

I remember discussing the concept with a leading figure in the industry some years back when he offered me a piece of advice. His advice was to choose a good quality location and build a care village on one side of the town then find another site on the far

side of town for a nursing home.

I think this told me more about the person, the quality of care he was providing and his consideration of older people more than anything else. Having said this, this sentiment remains strong in many organisations and only privately will they admit that they believe an onsite registered care home blights the sale of properties.

25

Property, finance, insurance, training & recruitment

Further purchases ahead THE new owners of a Lancashire care home says that it plans further purchases in the North West.

John Kershaw will head the organisation that will run Carr Hall in Nelson, while his parents Andy and Maureen will take on maintenance and consultancy roles respectively.

He told Caring UK that the family have spent the last three years looking for a suitable site before finally settling on Carr Hall.

He added: “We looked at numerous homes across the North West before settling on this one last year. It is in a beautiful setting, and has really good staff and room for improvement.

“Unlike a lot of other industries, the care sector will not really be affected by the credit crunch. There will always be elderly people, so a care home shouldn’t really fail if it is run properly.

“The credit crunch didn’t bother us one little bit. The only problem we found was when we were trying to borrow the money from the banks, because a lot of them didn’t want to lend. We hoped to be in by last September, but the whole process was slowed down by various problems.”

The Kershaws, who have owned care facilities in the region before, now plan an extensive refurbishment of the home, which is registered for 23 elderly and dementia residents and currently has one spare bed.

John added: “It was in a bit of a bad state when we bought it, so we are

In this issue: £11m home to become flagship - page 26 Homes become luxury living spaces - page 29 Regulator launches consultation - page 30

The Kershaws with Mark Moody from Christie Finance, and Neil Thomson from Christie and Co planning to redecorate, replace all carpets and get the gardens up and running so the residents can get outside more.

“We also want to put a 10-bed extension on the home in the near future, and would estimate that all of this work will cost in the region of £450,000.

“Once the extension is complete we will then start looking to buy another home in the area.”

The home was sold by Christie + Co, whose sister company Christie Finance also provided the funding to purchase the business.

Ian Wilkie and Nigel Newton Taylor

Pair believe the time is right A NEW company specialising in sales, acquisitions, research and valuations has been set up, despite the current economic crisis.

Ian Wilkie and Nigel Newton Taylor, who have worked together for the past 10 years, believe that the times is right to launch Healthcare Property Consultants Limited, which focuses solely on the care sector and takes an individual approach to its clients’ requirements. Ian said that the challenging times call for a different approach appropriate to the new

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

economic climate, geared towards a changing landscape in the sector.

He added: “The world has changed.

Instead of a headlong rush to buy and sell, our clients understand the benefits of a more considered, thoughtful approach, and that it takes experience to deliver that.

There is so much more at stake than just money when dealing with businesses in the care sector, and it is apparent to us that the approach of advisors should take that into account.”

Agreement set to drive up standards in caring professions - page 31

26

CARINGCOMMERCE

£11m home to become flagship A NEW £11m care home being built in the south east will become the flagship of the group behind it, it has been claimed.

Kew House in Wimbledon will be Hallmark Healthcare's first venture into the region, and will combine three types of care – personalised residential and nursing, and dementia care.

The company's commissioning manager Bashir Jamal told Caring UK that it will create approximately 80 jobs when it opens in August.

He added: “Catering for all types of care means that once a resident moves in here they will never have to move to another if their condition deteriorates, which is known to increase the risk of mortality.

“The home is superior to anything the group has built in the past, and will offer three different types of accommodation including suites which will have hotel-type facilities including a mini bar should the resident wish.

“Some will have their own patio garden areas, while other rooms on the second floor will have balconies.”

Other recreational facilities on site will include a complementary therapy and treatment room, cinema, hair and beauty salon with cafe, family events room and a music room.

Bashir added: “The only reason many elderly people can not get to the cinema is because they are too frail, or they do not have somebody to take them.

Mayor of Wimbledon Martin Wheldon, with Hallmark managing director Avnish Goyal and business development director “The residents will be able to request what films they would like to watch, while we see the music rooms as somewhere where residents can go if they want to listen to a particular type of music or play an instrument should they wish.

“All of the bedrooms will have their own cable network and internet points, and there will also be an assisted kitchen area where people can come and recuperate and gain the confidence to move back to their own home after a stay with us.”

Bashir added that there are no plans to build a further home in the area at the moment, but that he does expect further developments in the future.

Mary Andrews has been appointed the new manager of Brendoncare’s Park Road residential and nursing home for older people in Winchester.

Mary is a registered nurse who brings a wealth of experience at senior management level, having worked within the NHS, private sector hospitals and care homes in Scotland and England.

She said: “I was attracted to Brendoncare largely because of its commitment to person-centred care and its strong reputation.

“Park Road is a respected care centre with excellent resources and the quality of care being delivered by the staff is very high. I am delighted to have inherited such an impressive and dedicated team.”

Design based on theory THE dementia care unit at Kew House has been designed based on the Visual Cliffing theory.

Bashir said he has spent two years studying the research, which aims to reduce the risk of any accidents such as falls.

He added: “There will be no patterns or colours that can cause confusion for people with dementia in the unit.

“Patterned walls and carpets can be mistaken for objects by people with the condition, as can the shadows that can be created with the use of blinds, so we won't be using any of those

either.”

Bedroom doors will be painted in bright colours to help the residents recognise which is theirs, and memory boxes will be used to jog people’s memory.

Bashir added: “If a relative tells us that a person was in the RAF in the war and really recognises spitfires then we will put a photo in there to help.

“Inside the bedrooms we are going to place the beds opposite the en suite and the door will be a different colour to help the resident recognise where it is.”

Bridgnorth home extension will create thirty new jobs THIRTY jobs will be created with the building of a 31-bed extension on a care home in Bridgnorth.

Coverage Care has agreed with Shropshire Council to buy Innage Grange, and a planning application has been approved to build the extension to the home, which currently provides care for 52 elderly people.

Chief executive of Coverage Care, David Coull said: “We hope to complete the purchase of Innage Grange this month, with a planning application already approved to extend the home to provide 31

additional beds which will be available for new residents by November 2010.

“By working closely with Shropshire Council and the Bridgnorth Older People’s Welfare Association, we are keen to create a sustainable residential care home with 83 beds which, when complete, will provide a wider range of care services for the local community.”

The company has operated the home, which was opened by the Duchess of York in 1991, for the past 12 years.

Dealing with confidential healthcare sector sales for 14 years Advertiser’s announcement

AXIS has been at the heart of confidential business-to-business sales within the healthcare sector for 14 years, with 82 business appraisals carried out so far this year alone, of which offers received were in excess of £12million.

With more than 300 qualified interests being registered, this is an outstanding 58% increase from this time last year.

With that comes a knowledge and

experience, managing and assisting that level of interest, putting Axis Brokers firmly into the healthcare specialist category. A number of sales over the years have defined Axis in the market, with recent ones including a multi-branch agency based in Kent and a two branch domiciliary care agency covering Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Axis will sell your business to a purchaser who is either in the same industry or often investor backed.

They will source a purchaser for you

through various means of marketing and set up a number of meetings with potential qualified buyers.

The purpose of this is very much to gain an element of trust, should a deal come to fruition. Often this is something not expressed enough by an agent, but must be seen as the backbone of a deal. Once an offer is received Axis will negotiate the terms and overall consideration to achieve the best possible amount and deal structure on your behalf.

They will also liaise with you all the

way to ensure when you agree a deal it is exactly what you are happy to walk away with. Axis will provide a personalised service throughout the duration through to completion, and the relationship of client and broker can sometimes last some months.

Emotional and professional support is offered from the offset, and your initial enquiry will be dealt with in the most sensitive and confidential manner, with full understanding that you may have spent years building up your care business.

29

CARINGCOMMERCE

Couple transform homes into luxury living spaces A CARE group has completed an extensive refurbishment of its two Surrey homes, transferring them into luxury 'hotel' type living spaces.

Husband and wife Nick and Sarah Bruce, who have run Nightingale Retirement Care Ltd since 1986, have spent the last year modernising Nettlestead in Bromley and Prior's Mead in Reigate.

The homes, which between them cater for 42 residents, now feature conservatories and modernised communal areas, with bedrooms how having up-to-date bathrooms installed as well direct dial telephones, internet access and satellite television access.

Nick told Caring UK that the aim of the extensive refurbishment was to create up-market facilities that were nothing like the 'institutionalised' feel of some care homes.

He added: "We are very pleased with the results, and everybody that has visited the home has commented on how much they feel like country houses.

"We are both very much against the institution type of homes, which is a trap that a lot of places fall into.

"We want our homes to be places where people want to be rather than somewhere that people have to be."

The new kitchens and laundry

rooms have also been modernised thanks to the funding package from the Royal Bank of Scotland, but Nick said there are no plans at the moment to extend the group beyond the two homes and domiciliary care business.

He added: “We fell into the industry many years ago and went into partnership through a friend and his mother, who we split from and went and did our own thing.

“We have no plans to expand at the moment because we want to be small enough to offer personal care, unlike some larger PLC care groups where you are just another number in a 70 or more bed home.

“By staying small we try to create the family atmosphere – we know what people like and we give them what they want – rather than them fitting around us.”

The homes has also revamped its activities programme, as well as updating the food on offer to residents.

Nick added: “Mealtimes are an important part of the day for all residents, and we have looked at how we do things.

“We want to make it a special event so offer the residents a glass of sherry before lunch and wine with meals, should the residents want it.”

Clients should be advised on Lasting Power of Attorney says legal expert CARE home managers should advise clients to have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place to properly protect their future, a legal expert has warned.

Charlotte Cooper, of Lancashirebased solicitors Napthens, told Caring UK that she is aware of occasions where contracts have been signed by relatives of individuals entering a care home, who have little legal authority to do so as they are not next of kin.

She said: “Changes to the UK’s population statistics mean that more people are living longer, but suffering from debilitating conditions like dementia which come with old age.

“LPAs are a key way for dealing with property, personal affairs and welfare in the event a person is no longer able to make decisions for themselves, and an ideal way to ensure a person’s affairs are properly managed should something happen to them.

“Care homes have very good methods in place to prevent any legal complications in the future, but it is a good idea to recommend a Lasting Power of Attorney where suitable, at an early stage.”

Charlotte says that she always recommends that the best way to secure the comfortable future of those going into care is to have a Lasting Power of

Charlotte Cooper Attorney drawn up at an early stage as a safeguard.

These are documents which allow a person to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf, regarding a number of topics including personal welfare.

An LPA also allow a next of kin to give a care home instructions in relation to any health decisions on behalf of the resident.

Nightingales owners Nick and Sarah Bruce with David Osborne, senior healthcare manager of RBS and Margaret Wilson, a resident at Nettlestead retirement home.

A married couple who live together at Nettlestead celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a party at the home. Jim Williams, 90, and his wife Irene, 84, have been living at Nettlestead since last year, and put the success of their marriage down to “good old fashioned give and take”.

30

CARINGCOMMERCE

Jobs saved in Wakefield acquisition SOUTHERN Cross has saved the future of 60 jobs with the acquisition of Carr Gate Care Centre in Wakefield.

The home provides nursing care for older adults and also specialises in caring for people with dementia related illness. Carr Gate is the first of six homes which Southern Cross will be acquiring from the Britannia Group over the next few weeks, and the company plans a full refurbishment programme. Group development manager Richard Smith said: “We’re pleased to be strengthening the portfolio once again with the addition of the Britannia homes. Our priority now is to improve the existing accommodation and facilities to ensure we can provide the best possible service for our residents.”

Residents move in A NEW extra care scheme in Merton has welcomed its first residents.

Housing 21’s Pantiles House, which has a mix of 33 one and two-bedroom flats, will combine independent living with 24-hour care service if required. The majority will be available for rent, with 10 for people who wish to buy a share in the leasehold.

The apartments have a secure door entry system with individual intercom and an emergency call system.

Regulator launches consultation ahead of new legal standards

By Dominic Musgrave THE care regulator has launched a consultation on guidance outlining what health and adult social care services will need to do to meet new legally enforceable registration standards.

From April 2010, the Care Quality Commission will begin to put in place the first registration system covering all health and adult social care services in England, whether they are public or independent.

And it has released guidance on what services must do to meet the 29 registration requirements set by the government.

These set essential common quality standards across the care sector and will replace the current standards in place for health and adult social care services.

Chief executive Cynthia Bower said the introduction of registration for all providers of health and social care was a “fundamental change” to the way quality of care would be safeguarded.

She added: “This is a big change to the way health and adult social care services are regulated and how we drive improvement in services. People have a right to expect a certain standard of care,

Cynthia Bower regardless of whether they are receiving health or adult social services and regardless of whether it is in the public or independent sector.

“Registration will make sure that health and adult social care providers across the country are

meeting essential common quality standards. It will make the system fairer, more transparent, and make it easier for people to compare providers.

“The registration standards and our guidance on what providers need to do to meet them are legally enforceable.”

The guidance focuses on what constitutes a positive outcome for a person receiving care and what services should be doing to achieve that outcome. It will be used to decide whether a service should be registered, whether it should maintain registration and whether further action is needed.

The commission is asking for feedback on whether the guidance appropriately reflects the registration requirements and if it reflects what should rightly be expected of a safe, quality health or adult social care service.

It has tough new powers to deal with providers that do not meet the new standards and the guidance, including imposing conditions on registration, fines and in extreme cases, cancellation of registration. Services have to register to be legally allowed to operate.

Consultation on the Guidance for Registration closes on 24 August.

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CARINGCOMMERCE

University agreement set to drive up standards in caring professions A GROUND breaking agreement between a care organisation and a university has been reached to drive up standards in the health and caring professions.

According to Glyndwr University, they were particularly keen to hook up with Wrexham-based Pendine Park because they have a track record for innovation and excellence.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build on the informal links that have developed between them in recent years.

It will enable health and social care students to go on placements to the home, with staff from the care organisation going in the opposite direction to study.

Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft said it was an important and memorable day.

He added: “The Memorandum of Understanding is the culmination of many discussions and I am delighted we have a formal structure to move forward and we are looking forward to working closely with Glyndwr University in future.

“We strive for high standards and this arrangement will help to sustain

and improve our practice in future.

“It gives us an opportunity for us to share our resources to the best effect for people who are learning, whether it’s in social care or nursing.

“This initiative is very much about building quality into the system for the future, it’s about trying to raise the awareness about how important the caring professions are and I hope this is going to be a very important step in that journey.”

The memorandum is believed to be the first formal agreement of its type in Wales.

Professor Kate Sullivan, a pro vice chancellor at the university, added: “For us at the university, it is important to work with partners in practice – the real world of practice is extremely important for our students.

“We also know of the value of Pendine Park and the excellence that is there – and how important it is for us to be linked into an organisation with such a reputation.”

“Pendine Park are very keen on innovation and they strive for excellence in everything they do and that has been recognised nationally in the awards that they have won.”

Professor Michael Scott, vice chancellor of Glyndwr University and Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

Discount offer for elderly who have helped others ELDERLY people who are struggling to cover the cost of their retirement after devoting their lives to good causes are being offered a 25 per cent discount by a retirement home provider.

Nightingales Retirement Care, which runs two boutique homes in Reigate and Bromley, has announced the scheme as a way of giving something back to the community.

The company’s co-owner Nick Bruce said: “Nightingales cares for clients on a private basis and we don’t ordinarily offer discounts.

“But there are some people who dedicate their lives to helping others – maybe they raised thousands of pounds for charity, or spent many hours caring for a loved one.

Sometimes those people sacrifice their own needs in the process.”

There are two bursaries on offer – one at Nettlestead in Bromley and one at Priors Mead in Reigate.

Non-subsidised places at the homes start from £625 per week.

With the bursary, this would drop to £468.75 – a saving of £8,125 per year.

Second buy for homecare firm

By Dominic Musgrave A NEW Yorkshire homecare company has made its second purchase in its first year with the acquisition of an Oldham-based firm.

Leeds-based Domus Healthcare Group has bought Helpful Hands, the second largest provider of homecare in the town and the surrounding areas.

Employing over 70 people and delivering in excess of 2,000 hours of care per week, the acquisition of Helpful Hands will double the size of the Domus Group and chief executive Noel Baden-Thomas told Caring UK that further purchases are expected within the next six months.

He added: “Our priority is to improve the levels of investment in people and training and to ensure consistently high standards of care for all our customers.

“Helpful Hands has got a great reputation for delivering good quality care in the Oldham area and employs some fantastic people. We will be retaining all of the existing staff and want to continue to improve upon the high standards that the company already holds.”

The purchase, for an undisclosed sum, was funded through existing shareholders and follows Domus’s purchase of Hessle-based Advanced

Noel BadenThomas, Andrea Jetton – chief executive and operations director of Domus Healthcare respectively, with Susan and Ian Turner, owners of Helpful Hands, the second largest provider of homecare in Oldham and the surrounding areas.

Care (East Yorkshire) last summer.

Both businesses specialise in providing a range of personal and domestic care services, helping people in such areas as washing, eating, dressing, meal preparation and household chores.

Increased levels of investment in key areas such as IT and care worker training have already seen Domus Healthcare East Riding (formerly Advanced Care) improve from an “adequate” to “good” rating in less than six months under Domus own-

ership, according to the Care Quality Commission.

As the former commercial director at Careforce, Noel helped transform the business into one of the country’s largest homecare companies.

He established Domus last July with a view to creating a regional healthcare company renowned for its high quality standards and entrepreneurial approach.

Noel added: “The homecare market is going through similar changes to what the care home sector did a

few years ago. It is currently very fragmented with some excellent providers who do a fantastic job.

“However, there are also many small, local organisations who, for a variety of reasons, are struggling to meet the high new standards and levels of investment required today.

“I want to keep the company regional rather than national, because I believe that that is the best way to maintain the high standards of care. If you get to big you can lose that focus.”

Home celebrates being sixth of the best

Mayor opens Bluebird Care branch

A NURSING home is celebrating after it became the sixth in a group’s portfolio to be awarded a three-star ‘excellent’ rating by inspectors.

NEWLY-elected mayor of Fareham Ruth Godrich officially opened Bluebird Care’s new branch which will create up to 50 jobs when fully functional.

Ten posts, both office and caring, have already been created, with an additional 40 expected over the coming months.

Somerset Care’s Popham Court in Wellington was awarded the highest rating, and has been given a certifi-

cate to display to mark their achievement.

Manager Hazel Jones said: “This achievement is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the excellent staff team who continually strive to provide the very best quality of care for residents.”

Managing director Paul Tarsey said: “We were repeatedly receiving requests for care from the Fareham area but it was just too far to travel from Petersfield, so it was a natural progression to open an office covering not only Fareham and Gosport, but also north of that towards Winchester.”

HOMECARENEWS

34

A domiciliary care agency has teamed up with a High Street pharmacist to offer practical help to customers requiring prescription drugs at home.

Care managers from Bluebird Care are working with Boots to ensure their clients are safely using their medication at home using specially designed blister packs and pill dispensers.

Extra devices are also available to help the partially sighted and visually impaired, including a credit card-style design with pre-recorded information.

Bluebird managing director Paul Tarsey said: “It is often confusing and difficult for people to get the help they need and the support in place to enable them to stay at home.

“We are working alongside Boots to help people through that maze, whether that is organising care at home or help with their medication.”

Council makes home care changes A SCOTTISH council has introduced new contracts and work patterns for home carers.

The changes by the Borders Council are designed to improve the consistency and quality of care for an increasing number of older people who need support to remain at home.

The changes include a contract for a regular weekly payment for an agreed number of hours. Staff are now on shift patterns, enabling the service to be delivered over seven days a week, from 7am to 11pm to meet the growing demand for more complex care.

Director of social work Andrew Lowe told Caring UK that the home carers have also been split into local teams, which means the need for

relief cover is reduced as holidays and sick leave are covered by other members. He added: “Before the changes took effect, we contacted everyone using the home care service to explain the new arrangements and offered an opportunity to meet any new carers. We have asked people using the service to bear with us over the next few weeks while the changes take place. The new service aims to provide improved consistency of carers and meet the increasing demands of tomorrow.”

The majority of care will be provided by the core team, which the council hopes will improve the consistency of care.

Award success for Debbie DEBBIE Thacker was named homecare worker of the year at the annual Ceretas awards which aim to promote best practice and raise the profile of the sector.

Television presenter Ruby Wax hosted the event, at which Somerset Care’s Debbie scooped the homecare worker for the south west and overall prizes.

Sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, the event at the Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, London, is backed by the Department of Health, and received nominations and support from all corners of the sector.

Other winners: Homecare worker North East – Margaret Hughes (Gateshead Council); North West – Vanessa Lowe (Home Instead Senior Care); London – Mohammed Mirzaei (Sevacare); South East – Gwen

Sharpin (Meritum Independent Living); Midlands – Maureen Evans (Radis Group); Wales – Sonya O’Connell (Bridgend County Council); Newcomer – Becky Crayston (Housing 21); Coordinator – Donna Stacey (Careforce Group); Specialist service – Allan Salles (Sweet Tree); Registered manager – Kim Philpot Brighton and Hove City Council; Trainer – Amanda Pettitt (Active Assistance); Innovator – Suzanne Chapman (Goldsborough); Manager – Mary Fardon (Housing 21); IT Innovator – London Borough of Havering; Business of the Year – Beech Tree Total Care; UKHCA Dignity in Care - Somerset Care at Home’s initial response team; Social Care Personality of the Year – Julie Jones (chief executive of Social Care Institute for Excellence).

36

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Simple solutions

Abseiling Doris still relies on Aid Call

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.

Contact: 0800 074 3749.

CELEBRATING her 94th birthday has not stopped Doris Long from leading an active life – in fact she is a shining example of not letting older age hinder her ambitions.

And yet, as she plans to abseil for the 14th time in aid of charity, Doris of Hayling Island, Hampshire, says she still relies on her Aid Call alarm system, despite her adventurous nature.

Doris said: “Age is definitely no barrier to trying something new. I only got into abseiling at the age of 87 and I am having a tremendous amount of fun trying out different buildings and heights, but I do appreciate that I need support if I have an accident while at home.”

Doris invested in an Aid Call alarm when one of her friends received one. A touch of the button connects to a response centre, which is staffed by professionally trained operators 24 hours a day.

Enquiries: Telephone 0800 121 4920 or visit www.aidcall.co.uk/personalcare

NRS claims music is the medicine of the mind

SEATING and tables to enhance a new facility for older and vulnerable people are central to a contract awarded to Knightsbridge by the West Dunbartonshire-based Cordale Housing Association.

Designers Campbell and Morris Associates had two priorities when considering furniture for the Renton extra care facility – quality and durability – and worked with Cordale’s maintenance officer Colin Smith in selecting and specifying seating and tables from the Knightsbridge Care portfolio.

For the conservatory, chairs and twin settees from the Hawaii range were specified.

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

Further examples from the portfolio feature in the dining room, where Balerno tables team with Kilbride upright armchairs fitted with skids for maximum strength and manoeuvrability.

Enquiries: Telephone 01274 731900 or email enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM Rehab Supplies supports the theory that music therapy can help calm and stimulate some sufferers with dementia, and has introduced a range of products with that in mind.

The Percussion Music Pack features enough instruments for a group of 30 people, ranging from finger castanets and cymbals to chime bars with beaters. There are also individual items such as large plastic maracas and school hand bells.

The Ocean Drums product is also very soothing and relaxing, recreating the sounds of the sea while being visually stimulating at the same time, with beautifully illustrated full colour ocean scenes.

They are supplied with a soft headed mallet for use as a drum, but for those who have disabilities or severe dementia, a simple rotation movement will create the sound of the sea.

Music therapy resources are just some of the innovative new products featured in the latest issue of the company’s catalogue.

Enquiries: Telephone 0845 121 8111.

Knightsbridge Furniture in demand at extra care facility

Durability and design appeal crucial to Muckamore Abbey THE latest version of Fireco’s highly successful System X wireless fire safety system uses a Wi-Fi transmitter unit (TX), with a 1000m site specific range.

This is wired into the fire alarm panel or loop using fire rated cable to monitor the fire alarm panel as well as any linked devices.

In the event of a fire alarm or fault the System X Wi-Fi transmitter unit (TX) sends a radio signal to all linked fire safety devices to activate.

The System X range offers exceptional flexibility when managing a building's fire safety as it can be linked with up to 255 devices sited within range of a transmitter unit.

With the addition of this latest version of System X, Fireco are now the only manufacturer of fire door retainers that complies to all three categories of BS7273-4 Actuation of release mechanisms for doors.

Enquiries: Telephone 0845 241 7474.

Uniforms

Carehome management

37

CARINGCLASSIFIED AND NEWS

Care home blooming delighted with floral gift COUNCILLORS gave a care home a donation of £200 towards raised flower beds for the gardens.

Councillors Peter Robinson and Philip Fitzpatrick visited The Sycamores Care Centre in Newton, Hyde to present the cheque to budding gardener and resident James McGoldrick from the Newton Ward Fund at Tameside Council.

The donation came after after the home’s manager Lynn Davidson

MP opens care village

mentioned to Peter on a previous visit that she would like some raised flower beds to encourage residents to assist with gardening.

Lynn said: “It is very kind of the council. The addition of these flower beds will allow clients to maintain the gardens independently.

“Despite the rain lately a few residents have already been outside trimming back the flowers.”

Councillors Peter Robinson and Philip Fitzpatrick present the cheque to James McGoldrick and manager Lynn Davidson.

Business solutions

NORTH Warwickshire MP Mike O’Brien cut the ribbon to officially reopen a care village which was damaged by fire last summer.

As part of the rebuild programme, Richmond Coventry has developed a facility for adults living with a disability, in addition to the existing nursing home.

The site features a wide range of accommodation, including independent and assisted living apartments, convalescent care and facilities such as a restaurant, hairdressing salon, bowling green and guest suites for visitors.

Transport

Key replacement

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• 12 months MOT Class 5, and 12 months warranty.

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• All buses fitted with seatbelts and comply to seatbelt legislation.

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Care Alarms

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38

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Beauty of system is its simplicity CAREDOCS’ unique ability to automatically write care plans is an answer to prayers for anyone having to spend hours writing them either manually or using a template system.

And automatically writing care plans is only a small part of what this clever software can do.

There’s a lot more, and the beauty of the system is that it is ridiculously simple to use, helped enormously by the clear graphics and the absence of any computer type instructions.

CareDocs is ideal for staff who have always avoided computers because you seldom need to use the keyboard at all – just the mouse.

Firm teams up with pharmacy to promote home eye tests A COMPANY which offers elderly people living in their own home eye tests is hoping to raise awareness of its service with the help of a leading pharmacy.

Outside Clinic has teamed up with Lloyds, who will signpost its customers to the optometry services it provides, which will be available free of charge for people who cannot attend a High Street practice unaccompanied for a sight test.

The company’s group head of HR, marketing and media Lynda Oliver said that it was crucial that elderly people living in their own homes regularly have their eyes tested.

She added: “Marketing is key to us at the moment, which is why we have joined forces with Outside Clinic to showcase our services.

“Worrying research unveiled at the recent UK Vision conference said that between 2010 and 2020, the number of people in the UK adult population of sight loss due to AMD will have risen by 31 per cent, cataracts by 20 per cent, diabetic retinopathy by 16 per cent and glaucoma by 25 per cent.

“There are also four million people over the age of 60 in this country who are not having their eyes tested and we want to make these people aware that we are here to test them in their own homes.”

If you’ve got a story for Caring UK contact our healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave on 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

‘Knowledge Sets’ are created to help employers SKILLS for Care have created ‘Knowledge Sets’ to help employers, staff and trainers to be clear about what underpinning knowledge is necessary for care staff.

The medication one is designed to be used alongside the Common Induction Standards to provide specific, standardised knowledge and understanding to help care workers undertake their role and evidence continuous professional competence.

CIS-Assessment.co.uk has developed an assessment based on its successful online system and linked to the Set. The site is used by many local authorities and private/voluntary organisations to evidence workers’ knowledge, measure the effectiveness of training and help ensure that workers are competent, which has a direct impact on the quality of care.

The medication assessment covers: Legislation and medication.

Roles, responsibilities and boundaries.

Types of medicine and routes.

Safe practice in the administration of medicine.

UK manufacturer helps solve problems with steps and stairs STEPS and stairs are a major problem for residents and management in many care homes.

Lift maintenance and ageing, unreliable problem lifts are causing big headaches for already busy managers and owners.

Baronmead, a UK manufacturer, offer a product called the Stairmatic Mobile Stair Climber – the powerful battery powered solution to overcome stairs and steps around your home.

The Stairmatic, which is attendant

controlled, can lift people of up to 20 stone up and down stairs and also wheel them around the home just like a wheelchair.

One of the big advantages of it is in its flexibility. When not in use it can be stored away from the stairs so it does not block any part of the staircase.

It also works similar to a wheelchair on flat surfaces so you can transport a resident from downstairs to their bedside without any further transfers.

Cutting costs while still improving quality and service BADGEMASTER is inviting buyers to achieve the seemingly impossible: cut costs while improving quality and service.

By taking the company’s price challenge any name badge buyer can challenge Badgemaster to beat the current price they are paying.

It takes less than a minute to do the challenge and obtain a fixed price per badge quotation.

It is completely free, confidential and without obligation.

John Bancroft said: “Lower cost for a better product is what our Price Challenge is all about.

“We’re so confident that we offer unbeatable prices, product quality and delivery time, that customers transferring their supply to us will have nothing to pay if they don’t agree.”

Helping to find the right system for any environment LOTUS Care technology offers a wide variety of products including nursecall systems, door access, CCTV, fire alarm systems and intruder alarm systems and maintenance and servicing contracts to clients throughout the whole of the UK. With many years of experience to draw on, they can help find the right

system for any environment. Every home or business is different; most requirements differ from one to the next, so it is impossible to suggest that one type of monitoring system is best for all of those homes.

Lotus Care is not tied in to any one manufacturer, making them perfectly placed to find the best fit.