NHI News Summer 2014

NEWS NHI News published by: Nursing Homes Ireland, Unit A5, Centrepoint Business Park, Oak Road, Dublin 12.

Tel: 01 4292570 | Fax: 01 4291845 | E-mail: info@nhi.ie Visit us online: www.nhi.ie

SUM M E R

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SUMMER CELEBRATIONS! NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

RESPONDING TO CHANGE STUDY PRAISES PRIVATE NURSING HOMES

INTERGENERATIONAL DUBLIN RESIDENTS & STUDENTS WEEKLY INTERACTION

COMMENT

Positivity of nursing home life must be accessible in timely manner

Tadhg Daly, Chief Executive Officer, Nursing Homes Ireland “What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing,” C.S Lewis

Nursing homes are immensely positive ‘homes from home’ that are enabling the people living within them live happy and fulfilling lives. A myriad of elements are knitted together to create these positive living environments that bring happiness, joy, friendship, comfort, care and support to older persons. These elements include diverse nursing home teams with a broad mix of professionals that are working together to support and enhance the healthcare and living requirements of older people; engagement with other professionals to optimise residents wellbeing and support healthy living; and the nursing home itself, an appropriate environment for older persons who will live within it and call it ‘home’.

The wisdom of C.S. Lewis prevails. Many people’s perception of nursing home life is removed from reality. The bigger picture is that reflected in opening paragraph. Persons with direct experiences of nursing home care speak extremely positively in respect of it: the kind, caring, skilled staff; the day-to-day activities and celebrations; the friendships formed; the happiness and comfort of people living within nursing homes.

Persons without direct experiences of nursing home life are not ‘exposed’ to such realities and inaccurate perceptions can be formed.

NHI is focussed on portraying the reality of the positivity of nursing home life and changing misperceptions surrounding it.

This edition of NHI News focusses heavily upon the celebrations of Nursing Homes Week 2014. The fun, happiness, colour, glamour and innovation in this year’s celebrations are highlighted. Our celebrations built upon the success of the inaugural Nursing Homes Week 2013 event. Fantastic, imaginative celebrations were coupled with ‘traditional’ events and activities. The listing of ‘quirky’ celebrations hosted during the week defy misperceptions of nursing home life. Feedback from participating Members has been immensely positive. They see this national celebration as a focal point to celebrate and promote the positivity of nursing home life with residents, their relatives and friends, staff and wider communities. Coverage of the 2014 celebrations featured in national newspapers, on national broadcast media and extensively within regional newspapers. The Irish Independent ran two features on June 16th to coincide with Nursing Homes Week 2014. Both were penned by residents who informed nursing home life was enabling them to fulfil their lives. This is occurring on a daily basis within nursing homes and there are inspiring stories within our homes.

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I would encourage Members to be proactive in bringing these stories to the attention of NHI to feature in this newsletter and possibly further beyond.

NHI engagement with media is ongoing to promote nursing home care and celebrate the residents and staff living within nursing homes. Our annual Care Awards in November will again promote and highlight nationally and locally outstanding care provided within our sector.

Thank you to all who participated and supported Nursing Homes Week 2014. It was fantastic to see the array of celebrations. We are already looking forward to the 2015 celebrations, aiming to build upon the success of the previous two years.

FAIR DEAL CRISIS During Nursing Homes Week, NHI hosted an Oireachtas Open Day (18th June) at Leinster House. Over 50 TDs and Senators met with NHI representatives who informed of the growing crisis in respect of provision of residential care. They outlined recommended key actions to support the private and voluntary nursing home sector meet our ageing population’s increasing health and social care requirements. The NHI Members informed of present crisis in older person care – the extraordinary delays older persons are experiencing to access Fair Deal financial support.

Before its Summer recess, Minister Kathleen Lynch confirmed to Dáil Éireann three month waiting period for Fair Deal payment and sizeable numbers on the national placement list.

“As of 30 June (latest figures available) there were 1,465 people on the National Placement List for funding with average waiting times of 12 weeks,” she stated on 17th July. Minister Lynch’s reply confirms key findings emanating from NHI Member Fair Deal Survey conducted in the corresponding month. It brought to bear the crisis for older people and their families within our communities because of extraordinary delays in Fair Deal payment application approval. Almost half of the 122 nursing homes that participated in the survey stated waiting time for Fair Deal from application to payment was three months or beyond. Members informed the delays are leading to extended, unnecessary stays in acute, district and community hospitals and older persons are being unnecessarily admitted to such settings because they cannot avail of the specialist, continuous care provided by nursing homes. Members told NHI persons have passed away while awaiting Fair Deal financial support and advised of the financial and psychological distress financial approval is bringing to families (Read more about the survey in this newsletter).

The extraordinary delays are a real a crisis in older person care. Denying older persons timely access to their appropriate health and social care requirements flouts the rights of the older person and treats them in an undignified manner. The findings of our survey received national media coverage but we are very concerned the crisis is going under the radar because it is part of the larger health crisis.

We warned in advance of this crisis. In December, when Fair Deal budget 2014 was cut by €35 million, we stated it would have very serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of older persons and it would impact upon acute hospital services. This is evident from latest published (at time of writing) HSE May 2014 Performance report. It states: “There appears to be an upward trend in the number of delayed discharges from a

CONTENTS NEWS UPDATE News from Nursing Homes Ireland, the representative organisation for the private and voluntary nursing home sector. Read of an NHI Oireachtas Open Day, meetings with Minister for Older People Kathleen Lynch and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, the extent of gerontological nursing opportunities within our sector, the crisis in older person care arising from Fair Deal delays, appointment of NHI Project Officer to address nurse recruitment challenges.

READ ALL ABOUT US! Come Dine with Me is re-enacted in a Co Louth nursing home; two elderly sisters are united every week via Skype, Newpark celebrates its 10th anniversary, NHI Resident Achievement Award winner Tommy hosts second art exhibition, and orange is the colour of the day at a Co Westmeath nursing home. Read All About Us showcases events and activities taking place in NHI Member homes.

VIEWPOINT Research conducted by University of Limerick highlights private nursing homes are more responsive to implementing required changes by comparison with public counterparts and the Government must look at Fair Deal’s fee structure to address ongoing care requirements.

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014 Celebrations across the country in June marked Nursing Homes Week 2014. The events that brought residents, staff, families and wider communities together included a Mardi Gras themed World-Cup party, a Phantom of the Opera masked ball, mad hatters tea party, heritage & vintage day, and summer fashion show. The colour, fun and happiness of NHI’s national celebration of the positivity of nursing home care are depicted in a 12 page picture special.

DEMENTIA CARE People with dementia can be unintentionally harmed by the environment in which they live, so thoughtful improvements to established care homes and strategic informed design of new ones can greatly improve the experience of all who live and work there, writes Professor June Andrews, Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling.

Professor Andrews is coming to Dublin in November to speak at the NHI Annual Conference 2014.

BEST PRACTICE Every week during the school term, a number of students from a Dublin secondary school travel the short distance to their local nursing home to participate in a ‘reading circle’ programme with older people three generations removed. The Generations United movement in the United States and President Michael D Higgins are amongst those who have learned of the intergenerational programme.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY An NHI Education Day on medication management is forthcoming in September and November is a busy month with NHI’s Annual Conference and Care Awards.

consistent range of 583 in early 2014 to 671

by May 2014.” As of May 27th, 78.4% of delayed discharge persons were awaiting long-term residential care, the report informs. Our warnings were not isolated.

Age Action Ireland stated in December: “We are extremely concerned that the switch in some of the funding from nursing home supports to community supports which the HSE is planning will be insufficient to meet the needs of the sickest of older people who will be affected.”

A backdrop to this present crisis is that in respect of bed provision. BDO, CARDI and the ESRI projections for significant shortfall in bed numbers to meet care requirements of our ageing population are not being addressed. Two years ago the HSE warned of significant national deficit of nursing home beds come 2016 and areas – particularly Dublin and other urban centres – had undersupply of beds.

NHI has engaged constructively with Department of Health and in particular Minister Kathleen Lynch (formerly Minister for Older People but now Social Care – which will encompass Older People) in respect of crisis that is emerging. Speaking in Seanad Éireann 24th June Minister Lynch said: “I recently met representatives of Nursing Homes Ireland...Everyone agreed that there will be a deficit in the number of beds that will be necessary in the future.”

Nursing home care has a critical role to play in healthcare delivery and is key to a proper-functioning health service. The NHI commissioned BDO report Health’s Ageing Crisis: Time for Action has warned the Government cost savings and benefits to the Exchequer on an annualised basis in providing timely access to nursing home care are enormous – estimating a cost saving of €273m per annum.

NHI looks forward to forward to engaging with new Minister for Health Leo Varadkar to inform of the significant challenges and opportunities our sector presents.

Enabling persons who require nursing home care access it in a timely manner will play a lead role in addressing inefficiencies within health sector. It will help ensure these persons receive such care within the community, close to relatives and friends and at lowest level of complexity. The positivity of nursing home life and care will support older people lead happy and fulfilling their lives. We in NHI will continue to celebrate such positivity.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO

NHI ACKNOWLEDGES SUPPORT OF

Thanks to all supporters of NHI, many of whom are featured in this newsletter. Please note, NHI is not responsible for third party services advertised in this publication. Inclusion in this newsletter does not endorse, recommend or imply any approval of the suppliers listed in this publication.

NHI NEWS — 02

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Oireachtas open day informs of pressures in care of older persons NHI representatives from across the country met with TDs and Senators at an Oireachtas Open Day to highlight the serious and significant challenges facing the sector in care provision.

In an event that was part of Nursing Homes Week 2014, the series of meetings featured discussion on the growing crisis relating to providing long-term residential care for Ireland’s ageing population.

Regional representatives outlined recommended actions to support delivery of health and social care through the nursing home sector, emphasising considerable growth in healthcare requirement for an older population that is significantly growing. They advised of significant delays older persons are experiencing in accessing nursing home care because of cut to Fair Deal budget.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO, stated: “We once again called for a Department of Health led ‘Forum on Long-Term Residential Care’ to plan the ongoing and future residential care requirements of our ageing population. It is imperative we plan now to meet ongoing and significant challenges and issues that are arising. A key aspect of the Oireachtas briefing was to explain to TDs and Senators the severe implications of reducing the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair

Deal) annual budget by €107 million since 2012. Despite HSE warnings of a significant national deficit in nursing home beds by 2016 and under supply in urban centres, the resourcing to support people requiring nursing home care is illogically being cut.”

“As a result of its near monopoly position, the State, through the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) exerts significant control and influence over the rates currently paid for residential care in the private and voluntary sector. The reality is the State wishes to purchase care from the private and voluntary sector for an average fee that is up to 50% below that provided to public nursing homes. It is placing significant and undue pressure upon private and voluntary nursing homes providing care to over 21,000 people in our local communities.

Nursing home care is of critical importance to health and social care provision for Irish society. It is of critical importance policy stakeholders engage with our sector to ensure appropriate framework is in place to support care provision. The appropriate support framework will ensure persons fit for discharge from acute hospitals can access the care appropriate for their requirements and alleviate pressures in such settings,” added Daly.

Minister for Older People Kathleen Lynch pictured, second from right, at Oireachtas Open Day with NHI representatives, from left; James Speedy, Cloverlodge Nursing Home, Co Offaly; Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO; Catherine O’Connor, Bishopscourt Residential Care, Co Cork; Anne Fleck Byrne, Drakelands House, Co Kilkenny; Gearóid Brennan, Brookhaven Healthcare, Co. Kilkenny.

Meeting with Minister for Finance NHI representatives met with Minister for Finance Michael Noonan arising from publication of the NHI commissioned BDO report: Health’s Ageing Crisis: Time for Action – A Future Strategy for Ireland’s Long-Term Residential Care Sector.

At the meeting, the NHI representatives informed of the emerging crisis in respect of nursing home bed provision, informing of findings within the BDO report. NHI informed of the key role the private and voluntary nursing home sector is playing in respect of healthcare provision, employment facilitation and in

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supporting national and local economy. It outlined implications of inaction to support the sector to meet ongoing and growing requirement for nursing home care and to meet the care requirements of persons requiring the continuous care provided by nursing homes.

Minister Noonan was informed of recommendations within the BDO report and recommended actions in NHI’s Budget 2013 submission. Arising from meeting, an NHI commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers paper was submitted to Department of Finance to advance proposals to stimulate sector.

Minister Noonan, second from right, pictured following meeting with NHI representatives, from left, Anne Marie Moore, Beech Lodge Care Facility; Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO; Frances Neilan, Carrigoran House, NHI Board of Directors.

NHI welcomes Oireachtas Health Committee Report on End of Life & Palliative Care Nursing Homes Ireland has welcomed recommendations in Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children Report on End of Life and Palliative Care in Ireland, published 15th July.

The report is recommending development of a national strategy on palliative care, end of life care and bereavement. As part of the consultation process, NHI appeared before the Committee to advise re end of life care in nursing homes and also provided a detailed submission.

The report is recommending the development of a national strategy on palliative care, end of life care and bereavement.

With respect to “Access to Long Stay Facilities”, it makes the following recommendations: P Palliative care patients waiting to access beds under the

Fair Deal Scheme could be prioritised with the aim of enabling them to access residential care in a timely manner and thereby facilitate their final medical care in a more appropriate setting.

P In reviewing the current Fair Deal Scheme consideration

could be given to extending the definition of Long Term Residential Care Services, and the range of services covered by the Scheme.

P In reviewing the current Fair Deal Scheme an evidence-

based cost of care model could be used in assessing the real cost of residential nursing home care in Ireland.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO stated: “This important report can help inform and lead public debate surrounding care provision for persons dealing with palliative care, end-of-life care and bereavement.

NHI and our members particularly welcome the recommendations in respect of the nursing home sector, not least the recommendation of the consideration of an evidence-based cost of care model in assessing the real cost of nursing home care in Ireland. Prior to and since inception of the Fair Deal scheme, NHI has consistently recommended such a model to support older persons care and those providing such care.” He added: “Fair Deal must be resourced to meet significant growth in requirement for nursing home care and the recommended evidence-based cost of care model to support individuals care requirements would also be critical in such respect.”

NHI has also welcomed the recommendation nurse prescribers in nursing homes be allowed routine access to prescription pads.

“This recommendation recognises the critical role of the nurse prescriber within the nursing home setting,” Mr Daly added.

200+ gerontological nursing opportunities More than 200 nursing opportunities exist within the gerontological care sector and the number is expected to grow in the next six to 12 months, a survey by NHI revealed. The survey was conducted to coincide with Nursing Homes Week 2014.

A dedicated NHI website that will inform of nursing opportunities and promote employment in gerontological care is being developed to promote employment within sector.

117 private and voluntary nursing homes participated in the survey that was undertaken in March, revealing many of the specialist healthcare settings in our local communities require differing nursing disciplines to fulfil opportunities.

Key findings emanating from it were as follows: P

232 opportunities were presently available for nurses

P

241 opportunities were anticipated to become available in the forthcoming six to 12 months

P

86% of opportunities presently available were for registered general nurses

P

7.5% for Clinical Nurse Managers

P

4% for Directors of Nursing

P

2.5% for other nursing roles

P

94 nursing candidates within the surveyed homes were awaiting adaptation

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO stated: “Our sector is offering a sizable number of job opportunities throughout the country for graduate and experienced nurses. This is a highly regulated and professional sector to work within. Nurses require key skills, competencies and considerable expertise to meet particular health and social care requirements of older persons. Graduate and experienced nurses should be aware within our sector that there is strong emphasis on continuous professional development and further education.

Gerontological nurses employed within our sector are offered greater autonomy, responsibility and flexibility than those in the acute sector.

This is confirmed by the feedback emanating from nurses who have left the acute sector to work within gerontological care in the nursing home sector.”

Requirement for Forum reiterated in Dáil Éireann NHI’s push for a forum/working group to ensure appropriate planning and framework is in place to support the growing and continued requirement for nursing home care continues. It was raised again in Dáil Éireann by Deputy Ann Phelan, Labour, on 4th June. Deputy Phelan, who has since become a Minister of State, stated based on population projections by CARDI (Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland) and ESRI there will be “major growth” in number of persons requiring nursing home care. She asked then

Minister for Health James Reilly to ensure that a meaningful forum on long-term residential care, co-ordinated and led Department of Health is established “to discuss and plan the future of long-term residential care and the broader care requirements of our ageing society, bringing together all of the relevant stakeholders including NHI, State bodies, including his Department, the HSE, the NTPF, HIQA and representatives of older people, with clear terms of reference.

Minister of State Anne Phelan TD

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NHI UPDATES

NHI survey highlights crisis in older person care because of extraordinary Fair Deal delays The extent of care crisis in older person care because of inordinate delays in Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) release of financial support was outlined by an NHI survey published 9th July.

The survey of 122 private and voluntary nursing homes revealed a substantial crisis in the operation of Fair Deal, with older persons requiring the specialist and continuous care of nursing homes typically waiting beyond three months from application to funding drawdown. The survey revealed the inordinate delays are causing deterioration in older persons’ health and causing them and their relatives significant distress, worry and hardship.

It was conducted 3rd - 7th July and extracted information in respect of typical waiting times for Fair Deal applications and impact inordinate delays are having upon older persons awaiting financial support.

Key findings emanating from it were as follows: P 84.4% (103 nursing homes) were aware of a person/persons who had been Fair Deal approved but were awaiting the release of funding to support their care.

P

96 nursing homes stated collectively they were aware of 364 successful Fair Deal applicants awaiting financial support – an average of 3.8 persons per nursing home.

P

Asked to advise of typical waiting times for Fair Deal support from initial application to funding release, almost half – 48.1% (59 nursing homes) - said waiting time was three months (12 weeks) or beyond.

The survey participants, who were from counties across Ireland, advised: P

Inordinate delays in receiving Fair Deal financial support are leading to extended, unnecessary stays in acute, district and community hospitals.

P

Persons are being readmitted to acute hospitals because delay in Fair Deal financial support is resulting in them being unable to avail of the continuous, specialist care provided in nursing homes. Families cannot not provide the required care at home and older persons are consequently being readmitted to hospitals. Older persons and their families are aggrieved the delay in funding approval is limiting care options.

P

Persons have passed away while awaiting Fair Deal financial support.

P

Hospitals are coming under pressure because persons are availing of care within such settings due to inability to access nursing home care because of lengthy Fair Deal financial support delays.

P

The inordinate delays are causing stress, distress and bringing significant cost pressures to bear upon families. Families are grouping

together to pay for care. They are also trying to provide continuous care in a home setting while awaiting Fair Deal financial support to become available. Families are contacting nursing homes seeking to ascertain information re loved ones applications and asking if the process can be speeded up.

P

Nursing homes have beds available while nearby acute hospitals are under pressure due to older persons being delayed discharges because they are awaiting funding approval.

P

There is frustration at failure of health services to communicate reality of Fair Deal financial support delays.

P

A significant slowdown in the HSE assessment for persons applying for Fair Deal is being reported.

P

Pressures are being brought to bear upon nursing homes as they are ‘holding’ beds while prospective residents await Fair Deal approval.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO stated: “The findings emanating from our survey highlight severe pressures and distress being brought to bear upon older persons and their relatives because of the delay in release of funding for Fair Deal. Nursing homes have informed us relatives are under significant pressure trying to provide continuous specialist care to meet relatives complex healthcare requirements. Older persons are remaining within acute hospitals for extended periods unnecessarily and being admitted to such settings because their complex care requirements cannot be met at home. The consequences of delays in release of Fair Deal funding have serious implications for wider health service. Nursing home care is care in the community that is provided by dedicated, specialist healthcare teams and failure to access it in a timely manner leads to older persons availing of care within acute hospital settings that is not specific to their requirements.

It can lead to a deterioration in health.”

“The findings emanating from this survey outline there is a crisis in nursing home care that is going under the radar. When Fair Deal 2014 budget was significantly cut we warned it would have very serious consequences for health and wellbeing of older persons and increase pressures upon acute hospital services. Our fears are being realised. We again reiterate our call for Department of Health to bring stakeholders around the table to ensure we address and plan for the significant growth for long-term residential care that is escalating with increase in numbers growing older.”

The findings of the survey received national media coverage and key stakeholders, including Minister for Health and Minister for Older Persons, were informed of its findings.

Seanad Éireann debates requirement to plan for nursing home care A Seanad Éireann debate on Care of the Elderly took place 9th April arising from findings and recommendations within NHI commissioned BDO report Health’s Ageing Crisis: Time for Action – A Future Strategy for Ireland’s LongTerm Residential Care Sector.

Senator Marc MacSharry tabled a motion that called for “the immediate establishment of a Department of Health led forum to consider and develop appropriate policy relating to long term care of our older population, especially to prevent a crisis in nursing home capacity for the future”. Senator MacSharry called upon Seanad Éireann to note HSE National Operational Plan 2013 which states “there will be a significant national deficit of long-stay beds by 2016 based on the HSE’s target of 4% of older persons in long-stay care” and referred to Age Action warning that reduction in Fair Deal budget will affect the sickest of older people.

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Speaking at the debate, Minister for Older People Kathleen Lynch said: “I do not see difficulty with a forum…The policy in terms of older people must have stakeholder involvement.”

A number of Senators inputted to the debate.

Senator Jillian Van Turnhout stated she was aware of large numbers of people in hospital who are unable to access nursing home care and Senator Paschal Mooney referenced the motion informing for every 1,000 people who cannot access nursing home care the cost to the State is €273m per annum. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill stated: “Senator MacSharry is 100% correct to highlight this issue and to call for the Department to initiate and lead a forum to develop a policy in this area.”

An amended motion, tabled by Senator Colm Burke, was carried.

Senator Marc McSharry

Public consultation on HIQA review NHI appointment re nurse of Standards for residential care recruitment Nursing Homes Ireland is encouraging Director of Quality and Safety Improvement people within the nursing home sector and the wider public to input into the HIQA review of National Quality Standards for Nursing Homes public consultation process.

HIQA has commenced the nationwide public consultation to inform in respect of the Standards that are a revision of the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People that have been in effect since 2009.

NHI is represented on the HIQA Standards Advisory Working Group by Valerie Joy, Chair NHI's Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee, and Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO. As part of the review, in the last number of months HIQA undertook focus groups with residents, relatives and staff in eight nursing homes throughout the country that included a mix of public, private and voluntary nursing homes. NHI Members participated in focus groups and nursing home residents, staff and relatives of residents offered views in respect of care provision in the context of a discussion surrounding the revision of the National Quality Standards.

NHI Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee has reviewed the drafts brought forward to date and NHI has previously made two submissions. At launch of the revised Draft Standards 30th July, Marie Kehoe-O’Sullivan,

at HIQA stated: “The current standards are now five years old and nursing home care has moved on during this time. We have also learned a lot from five years of inspecting these centres and the new standards reflect where significant improvements have been made but also where further attention is needed.

“We know that staff and management in residential care want to provide the best care for their residents and these new standards will help them promote improvement in areas such as medication management, person-centred care, infection prevention and risk management.

“It must be noted however that only 1 of the 566 centres inspected by HIQA in 2013 resulted in enforcement procedures being taken. This is clear evidence of regulation working for the benefit of the people using these services.”

NHI’s Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee will consider the latest draft in the coming weeks with a view to making a further submission. Ongoing, NHI is affording Members opportunity to input into review of the Standards.

Read the Revised Standards and further in respect of the consultation process at www.hiqa.ie and www.nhi.ie. Closing date for receipt of submissions is 24th September.

NHI welcomes appointment of Minister Varadkar as New Minister for Health

NHI is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Gráinne Hanly to the post of Project Officer, Nurse Recruitment. The appointment of an NHI project officer/recruitment coordinator is a key action that was brought forward by NHI Working Group on Nurse Recruitment. The Working Group is focussed on workforce planning to address significant challenges in the recruitment of nurses within the sector. It has devised an action plan to address challenges and inform of opportunities in respect of nurse recruitment within NHI Member homes and to implement and evaluate the plan.

Gráinne has over twenty years’ experience in healthcare recruitment, management and HR. She began her recruitment career in the USA, where she worked for six years as an international nurse recruiter with O’GradyPeyton International.

Upon returning to Ireland in 1999, Gráinne played a lead role in the establishment of the healthcare division of The Marlborough Group, where she recruited international nurses for leading Dublin hospitals and care facilities. She has led nurse and doctor recruitment drives domestically and internationally and has 14 years experience with Centric Health in Human Resource Management, recruitment and senior management roles. Gráinne will work in conjunction with the NHI Nurse Recruitment Working Group and be based at NHI head office.

She will commence employment in September.

NHI has welcomed the appointment of Minister Leo Varadkar as Minister for Health. NHI stated it looks forward to engaging with the incoming Minister on the ongoing challenges and opportunities surrounding provision of care for our rapidly ageing population. It will continue to pursue the establishment of a forum to tackle the issue of older population’s healthcare requirements and the development of a strategy for the care of older persons. NHI has wished the Minister well in his post.

Minister Lynch commits to establishment of working group to develop strategy at meeting with NHI Minister Kathleen Lynch has committed to the establishment of a stakeholder working group to develop a formal strategy in respect of meeting the health and social care requirements of our ageing population. The commitment was delivered at meeting between Minister Lynch and NHI representatives Gearoid Brennan and Valerie Joy, NHI Directors, and Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO, at Leinster House on 11th July. Minister Lynch, who retains responsibility for Older People following the recent Ministerial

reshuffle, said the establishment of such a group would have to await publication of the Fair Deal review, which is due final quarter of present year.

At the meeting, the NHI delegation outlined its concerns regarding the absence of a strategy for residential care requirements for our ageing population and reiterated NHI call for establishment of a Forum on Long-Term Residential Care. Minister Lynch said she understood the challenges facing the sector and acknowledged a shortfall in beds to meet

nursing home care requirement is forthcoming.

The NHI delegation said the private and voluntary nursing home sector has a key role to play in the development of a formal strategy and this would present an opportunity for Government to leave a lasting legacy for care of our older persons. Such a strategy can put in place a sustainable plan that will address future demands and requirements for high quality-person centred care for older persons, the NHI representatives stated at meeting.

NHI NEWS — 06

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READ ALL ABOUT US! What activities are taking place in your home? How are residents fullling their lives? What celebrations are taking place? Read all about us! offers NHI Nursing Homes the opportunity to publicise the wide-ranging activities that are taking place in homes across the country. It provides an excellent opportunity to publicise nursing home life in the positive light it should be seen in and members are encouraged to make us aware of what is going on. You can send any articles or pictures of interest to michael@nhi.ie.

Come Dine with Me and a trip down South for Co Louth nursing home The popular TV show Come Dine with Me is re-enacted at Sunhill Nursing Home, Co Louth, on an annual basis over a number of nights

R

Resident Mary Byrne has been crowned Come Dine with Me 2014 Champion after residents each hosted a dining experience. “It was a fun competition which saw some wonderful chat, friendships being made and laughter over the four weeks,” Elaine Molony, Director of Nursing at the nursing home said. The idea for the competition was generated by Geraldine Murray, an activity coordinator at Sunhill. Last year residents from nearby Moorehall Lodge also participated and this year residents from St Ursula’s Nursing Home, Co Meath, joined in the Come Dine with Me experience.

“The standard was exceptionally high and it was extremely tight competition

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throughout the four weeks,” Elaine concluded.

Come Dine with Me was part of a busy recent schedule at the Co Louth Nursing Home, which embarked upon its first Summer holiday in June. Eight residents and seven staff travelled to Ballyhoura Forest Luxury Homes, nestled in the Ballyhoura Mountains, Co. Cork.

Templemore, Thurles and Mitchelstown were visited along the way.

During the holiday residents enjoyed a daytrip to Cobh, fine dining, card playing, film, and a visit to the Rock of Cashel. One resident, Pat Loftus, indulged in a spot of fishing.

Elaine said the weekend away “was thoroughly enjoyed by all” P

Mary Byrne, Come Dine with Me winner Pictured enjoying Come Dine with Me are, from left, Ann Hamilton, Mary Byrne, Gerry Campbell, Lauri Brazil Right: Sunhill resident Pat Loftus fishing off the pier in Cobh

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‘Skyping’ brings Reminiscence album nursing home and to support St Luke’s religious order sisters together It may not be as direct as a nun’s prayer to God, but Skype is serving one nun and her sister in County Limerick very well. Helen Mullane, resident of Beech Lodge Care Facility in Bruree, uses Skype to call her sister who has lived in an enclosed order for almost 65 years.

Born Nora Sheehan, Sister Mary Michael entered the Redemptoristine Order, known affectionately as the Red Nuns, when she was just 20 years old. It is so called due to their distinctive red habits.

“I felt God calling me, it was like any other vocation and I answered the call,” she commented. “Overall my life has been very happy here; sometimes there are some negatives but overall it is very happy. We all have a cross to bear. When I first came to the convent, we were not permitted to go out at all - only to the hospital or to the doctor if there was an emergency - but that has since changed. The rules have relaxed somewhat.”

They have been relaxed to the extent that Sr Mary Michael visited Beech Lodge last year accompanied by two sisters. The nuns’ day begins at 6.30am, and is spent in prayer and meditation, and working in the convent in Drumcondra, Dublin. All meals are eaten in silence, except for dinners on Thursdays, Sundays, feast days and other special days.

“It was only of late that we got permission to use Skype,” Sister Mary Michael explained. “It really is a wonderful thing.”

Helen, who is 87 and originally hails from Bruree, stated: “I love using Skype; thanks to the staff at Beech Lodge for helping me with it. It is a great way to keep in touch. I can’t go up and see her as much as I’d like but it is not easy for her to come to me so it is great to be able to have a chat with her. I tell her all of the local news. She loves to hear it.” P

St. Luke’s Home Foundation has launched Reminiscence, an album targeted raising up to €20,000 to support the delivery of therapy and activity programmes at the 128-bed home that specialises in alzheimer care.

The album features a selection of melodies by Lenore Welch McGahan, daughter of me a St Luke’s Home resident. Oonagh O’Driscoll, director of the St Luke’s Home Foundation, which is based in Co Cork, said: “Music has power—especially for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related Dementias. It can spark compelling outcomes even in the late stages of the disease. Lenore’s voice is majestic and beautiful and we are privileged that she has taken the time and effort to support us in this way. Her selection of wellknown and much loved melodies is certainly one that residents, and purchasers of the album, will enjoy.”

‘Reminiscence’, which was recorded and produced in the prestigious Windmill Lane Recording Studios, includes themes of love, memory and spirituality, all synonymous with Alzheimer’s disease. The album is available for €10 and you can contact St Luke’s Foundation at 021 4359444 P

Pictured at the CD launch are, from left, Oonagh O Driscoll, St Luke’s; Cllr Catherine Clancy, Lord Mayor of Cork; Lenore Welch Mc Gahon, St Luke’s relative & singer; David O Brien, St Luke’s, and Sinead Brady, Pepsico Ireland (album sponsor).

87-year old Helen communicating with her sister Sister Mary Michael via Skype

Broadband benefits in nursing home care on video

A

Co Dublin nursing home spent a day with a film crew recently. Ashford House Nursing Home are part of Eircom’s high-speed broadband promo and a film brought together by Eircom depicts residents using Information Technology and advises of the benefits of it in bringing people together within the nursing home and assisting with health therapy P View the video at www.eircomwholesale.ie

NHI NEWS — 10

READ ALL ABOUT US

10th anniversary celebrations at Newpark Care Centre Residents, their relatives, and staff at Newpark Care Centre, Co Dublin, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party. The north Dublin nursing home celebrated its anniversary in May and the party to mark the occasion took place 10th June.

The theme for the celebration was ‘Hands’. This was to represent the ‘hands’ that built and continue to build Newpark Care Centre, the ‘hands’ that have made it a happy home for its 72 residents, and the lifelong experience of residents’ ‘hands’. Entertainment was provided at the celebrations by popular band Tropical Storm and residents, their relatives and staff took to the dance floor. An abundance of tasty treats all went down a treat.

Residents enjoyed the comfort of shopping from their own home as stalls were set up to offer them wonderful items of clothing and footwear. This novel concept created a great buzz.

The evening was a great success - a reflection on the hard work and preparation that went into organising the celebrations.

Congratulations to all at Newpark Care Centre P

11 — NHI NEWS

READ ALL ABOUT US

Tommy continues to paint positive picture of nursing home life NHI Resident Achievement Award Winner Tommy Mulvaney has hosted his second solo art exhibition. Lord Mayor of Navan Councillor Francis Dean was amongst those in attendance for the exhibition that took place in April at Millbury Nursing Home, Co Meath - Tommy’s home. Lord Mayor Dean praised Tommy and Lucy Flynn Grillet, Person In Charge at Millbury, spoke glowingly about Tommy’s achievements since moving to Millbury. Friends and relations of Tommy joined staff and residents of the nursing home. It was a very successful evening and Tommy has commenced building up his portfolio of paintings again P

Right: Lord Mayor Dean and Tommy open the exhibition Below: A selection of Tommy’s works

Retreat Nursing Home Orange Day Retreat Nursing Home, Co Westmeath, participated in ‘Orange Day’ 1st May to raise funds for the Join Our Boys charity. The charity was established to support three children - Archie, George and Issac Naughton – who all have the muscular degenerative condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Retreat fundraised by hosting an afternoon tea party, with lots of music, singing and dancing. The charity is fundraising to build a specialised home that will cater for the boys’ needs P

Centenary celebration Swiss-born nursing home resident Erica Corcoran moved to Ireland at a very young age where she met her husband and reared a family. She recently enjoyed her 100th birthday celebrations at Cairnhill Nursing Home, Co Dublin. P

NHI NEWS — 12

VIEWPOINT

Study finds private nursing homes more responsive to change At NHI AGM 2014, Dr Gerald O’Nolan presented the results of a study conducted by University of Limerick titled Ownership and Efficiency in the Irish Nursing Home Industry: A Comparison of Public and Private Performance. The study posed a series of questions to examine whether public or private ownership matters in respect of quality and efficiency of the service being delivered in the nursing home sector. Dr O’Nolan provides an overview of the study and key results derived from it.

At the time of putting together Arising from recent publication of the dataset on nursing homes, there BDO report ‘Health’s Ageing Crisis: Time were 612 homes registered with HIQA. For Action, it is worth noting that For all of these homes we extracted 23 independent, academic researchers pieces of information, including: the not connected with any commercial age of the establishment, weekly Fair organization – arrived a similar Deal fee, number of residents, number conclusions to the report last year. of staff, level of staff qualifications and Their findings are positive news for the number of deficiencies recorded on the private nursing homes sector. each visit. We used deficiencies as a In academic work, there is an proxy for quality; that is, the more awareness of the potential for deficiencies recorded the lower the prejudice and that it is possible to quality. There are a number of academic design a project which will deliver the precedents for the use of deficiencies in result which best pleases the author. this way. We divided the data into three However, together with colleagues ownership types: public, private and who hold diverse opinions along the voluntary. Of these we looked at the age ideological divide, we analyse data of establishment. One dated from 1545, without fear or favour and let the three from the eighteenth century, 30 emerging facts speak for themselves. from the nineteenth century and oneSourcing data from official third of all nursing homes commenced Ireland is no easy job. The researcher business since the year 2000. Over half frequently comes up against lack of the private nursing homes were data, inconsistent data and the sheer established since 1997, the year that the unwillingness of the civil and public Finance Bill extended capital allowances service to allow access to the type of to nursing homes. information which is routinely Dr Gerald O’Nolan speaking at the NHI AGM in available in other countries to anyone Co Galway, April 2014.

ANALySIS OF CARE ‘DEFICIENCIES’ with an internet connection.

When I was researching for my When conducting a study on any topic, PhD I encountered this frequently in we start by looking at the existing relation to the health service. My studies were about comparisons literature on the subject and form a hypothesis to be tested. Much of between the public and private delivery of health services in Ireland. I the literature was from North America and Britain. It was difficult to conducted studies on hip replacements, cataract extractions, the escape the suspicion that there may be an adverse relationship proposed co-located hospitals, the National Treatment Purchase Fund between profit seeking motivation and care for older people. The and finally, nursing homes. I did a lot of training in quantitative evidence from the US, in particular, suggests that for-profit homes analysis at undergraduate level but when it came to unearthing the deliver a lower level of quality than public or charitable homes. This is workings of many of these subjects I found that there was no data and especially the case for those large chains owned by private equity so I had to travel around the country and interview surgeons, HSE companies. This may be driven by the fact that much of the merger and officials, politicians and health entrepreneurs, amongst others to get acquisition activity in the sector is achieved by debt financing and so the information I required. there is a need to deliver sufficient profits to make the repayments.

Those who need residential care are unlikely to be the most ANALySING NURSING HOMES vociferous of ‘consumers’ and therefore those who are choosing a nursing home for a relative would like to be re-assured that there is a The case of nursing homes was different and very refreshing. As a result of the good quality of service. Is this quality likely to be better if you pay more commencement of the current regime of inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) we now had live information for care or if there is a greater ratio of staff to residents or if the staff available via the internet. There on the HIQA website were detailed reports of have a greater level of qualification? We know that the public sector inspections of every nursing home in the country. Not only was every nursing nursing homes, in general, cost 30 per cent more for care provision by home included but most were inspected more than once, some up to seven comparison with private sector. We also know that there is a higher times. All we needed to do was to sit down and collate this information into ratio of staff to residents in the public sector and that there is a greater a data set and then apply some econometric analysis to it. Importantly, from number of staff with higher levels of nursing qualifications. Our data a statistical analysis point of view, this was not a sample of the population we tells us this and the literature suggests that we should have greater wished to analyse but the entire population of nursing homes. quality in the public sector.

15 — NHI NEWS

ADDRESSING CARE ‘DEFICIENCIES’ The reporting of a deficiency of itself is not a matter of concern as we expect that detailed inspections will routinely uncover issues/matters that need to be rectified. The main concern is that the management of the nursing home will react to the deficiency and remedy it without delay. Our findings have been presented at a number of academic conferences where the analysis was open to, and subjected to, scrutiny by experts in the area and we are happy that the results are a fair reflection of the reality in the industry. Public nursing homes in Ireland are more expensive than private, have more deficiencies, but more importantly, are much slower to react to the inspectors report than the private sector.

This is a surprising result in light of international evidence.

Those operating within the sector know that there are many reasons why this situation may have come about. Members of the public can be happy that the private nursing homes of Ireland are providing a quality service at a low price when compared to the public sector.

Inconvenient and sometimes traumatic as these inspections can be for individual nursing homes and their management, the findings of our research are an assurance that this level of quality can, and is, being delivered by private nursing homes.

Demographic changes in Ireland will mean that the demand for residential care will rise dramatically over the coming years. The public sector is clearly unable to deal with the standards required in the future. Therefore it is probably time for government to take another look at the fee structure under the Fair Deal scheme and create the incentives needed in the private sector to provide the level of capacity that will be required in residential care in the future.

STUDY KEY FINDINGS The key findings emanating from the study, which is yet to be published, were as follows: P

Private nursing homes are less expensive to operate

P

Good inspection regime means no trade-off between quality and price

P

Private Nursing Homes react to inspections faster

P

Public sector nursing homes do not react over time as swiftly as the private sector, and have a longer and larger list of deficiencies

P

The Increasing need for residential care is unlikely to be provided from the public sector. This need will be provided by the private sector

P

To avoid difficulties encountered in other countries we will have to balance the incentive to grow the sector with the need to ensure that quality and profitability are not adversely related.

Dr. Gerald O’Nolan is a lecturer at the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick. Dr O’Nolan’s presentation to NHI Members Seminar is available via the Members Section of the NHI website, www.nhi.ie

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NURSING WEEK

Host of celebrat positivity of nur

unday 15th June, the sun shone as residents of Ashford House Nursing Home, Co Dublin, celebrated and launched Nursing Homes Week 2014.

The Dún Laoghaire nursing home utilised its Bloomsday 2014 celebration to kick off a week of varied festivities to promote the positivity of nursing home life. NHI Members in communities across Ireland brought nursing home residents, their relatives and friends, staff and wider communities together for the national celebration that ran 16th – 22nd June. This year’s event built upon the success of the 2013 inaugural celebrations. Some of the more novel celebrations included: m A Mardi Gras themed World Cup party m A Phantom of the Opera themed masked ball m An X-Factor competition m A Casino day m A 1940’s themed celebration m Mad hatters tea parties m A visit to the Mansion House to meet the Lord Mayor of Dublin m A historical workshop looking at 800 years of fashion m A summer fashion show featuring resident’s modelling their own creations m Transformation of a chapel into a cinema m Intercultural & intergenerational events m A heritage and vintage day m Residents and school students teaming up for a sports day m A residents art exhibition

S

G HOMES K 2014

tions promote rsing home life

The more ‘traditional’ celebrations encompassed barbecues, tea and garden parties, song and dance, day trips, quizzes and competitions, reminiscence activities, baking, and pet farm visits.

A number of high profile personalities participated in the celebrations. They included singers Dickie Rock and Eleanor Shanley, sports personalities Ruby Walsh, Tracy Piggott, and Conor O’Dwyer, and RTE’s Paddy O’Gorman.

The Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Newstalk, and Today FM were amongst the media organisations to highlight Nursing Homes Week 2014 celebrations. The Mail on Sunday, Sunday Business Post and Journal.ie reported upon issues affecting care provision that were highlighted during the week. Regional news outlets also featured the celebrations taking place in their local nursing homes.

During the week – Wednesday 18th June, an Oireachtas Open Day saw NHI representatives meet over 50 TDs and Senators to brief them in respect of the significant challenges facing provision of nursing home care and the opportunities arising.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO comments: “Thank you to all who participated in Nursing Homes Week 2014 and made it the significant success it was. It was an outstanding celebration of the positivity of nursing home life and nursing home care. We are already looking forward to the 2014 celebration and building upon the success and momentum of the inaugural 2013 and subsequent 2014 national celebration. Nursing Homes Week provides an important opportunity to focus on the positivity of nursing home life and celebrate the excellent care provided by our Members in communities across Ireland.”

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

COUNTY CLARE

Carrigoran House, Newmarketon-Fergus

COUNTY DUBLIN Glenaulin Nursing Home, Chapelizod A Phantom of the Opera themed masked ball was amongst the celebrations. To prepare for the ball, residents watched the Phantom of the Opera, learned songs and made 80 masks.

A wonderful soprano and harpist opened the night with the beautiful song "The music of the night" which had everyone enthralled. Great food, drinks and a night of dance followed. Glenaulin’s new stained glass window, which was created by the residents during the Bealtaine celebration, was unveiled. A wonderful time was had by all.

Harvey Healthcare, Dún Laoghaire Residents, their relations and friends celebrated with afternoon cocktails!

Other activities included bingo, card games, Who wants to be a Millionaire, a sing-song, movie club, fun club, and fun exercise.

21 — NHI NEWS

COUNTY DUBLIN Holy Family Residence, Dublin 14 Celebrations commenced with an outing to Pearse Museum and St Enda’s Park, Rathfarnham. Then a Mad Hatters Garden Tea Party with live musicians entertained all and Irish classics such as Willie McBride and Spancil Hill were resoundingly sung. Tea, coffee, tasty deserts and chef’s famous pancakes provided tasty refreshments as the sun shone. Music was a common theme of celebration during the week. A Céilí brought jigs and reels to the nursing home with Come Back Paddy Reilly and Galway Bay proving particular favourites.

Traditional Irish dancers performed and waltzing brought residents and staff to their feet. The liveliness of the celebrations was tempered somewhat with baking activity on the Thursday that saw residents bake fantastic desert treats. The week concluded with a multicultural show and party. Dancers from Ireland, India, Nigeria, France and Brazil performed and Bollywood dancing also entertained all in attendance. The fantastic array of celebrations were enjoyed by all at Holy Family Residence.

Riverside Nursing Home, St Margaret’s Jingles of the ice-cream van brought back childhood memories.

NHI NEWS — 22

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

COUNTY DUBLIN Swords Nursing Home

Orwell House, Rathgar Celebratory activities included a Bloomsday talk, table quiz, afternoon tea party featuring 1940’s & 50’s music, and a visit to the Mansion House to meet then Dublin Lord Mayor Oisín Quinn.

St Joseph’s Nursing Home, Mount Sackville, Chapelizod A multicultural tea party with different speciality foods from all over the world and a Garden Party that had a host of prizes on offer were two of the stand-out events. Irish dancing was also a feature and great memories arose from Nursing Homes Week 2014 celebrations.

Cara Care Centre & TLC Santry The two North Dublin nursing homes ‘joined forces’ to host a Summer Fashion Show. Residents from both participated, wearing personalised and designed tshirts, hats, sunglasses and bags. Arts and crafts classes with the residents focussed on preparing for the show and residents brought together individual pieces. Their craft was then modelled by the residents at the show that brought together fellow residents, their family and friends and staff of both homes. A great day was enjoyed by all.

23 — NHI NEWS

COUNTY KERRY Cúil Didín, Tralee

Kenmare Nursing Home

A Summer Fest coincided with Nursing Homes Week celebrations and the sunny weather played a lead role in facilitating a great celebration. Pictured from left are music Man Ron, Advocate Dan, and World Cup Advisor Terry.

Nine singers, four Irish dancers & three musicians entertained all at the celebrations

COUNTY KILDARE Cloverlodge Nursing Home, Athy A barbeque, culture & food day, day trip to Dublin Zoo, baking class, & trip to the town market were featured celebrations.

Curragh Lawn, Curragh A Rio- Beach Party was hosted to celebrate the World Cup in Brazil and to coincide with Nursing Homes Week 2014. Cocktails, Mardi Gras masks, face-painting, sand, inflatable palmtrees and parrots brought colour, excitement and joy to the celebration.

NHI NEWS — 24

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

COUNTY LIMERICK St. Gobnait’s,Ballyagran

Beech Lodge Care Facility, Bruree A series of exciting events marked Nursing Homes Week 2014. Residents participated in a gardening session in the Summer sun and an ice-cream party helped cool everyone down. A particular highlight was a Hunt Museum facilitated workshop that residents participated in titled 800 years of fashion. Staff of the museum visited Beech Lodge to give a talk and demonstration to residents about clothes from the past, and the societies of the time. The workshop covered eight periods between 1200 and 1920 and was a huge success. Other events included trips to local sites of interest Liscarroll Donkey Sanctuary and a visit to the Tea Rooms at Doneraile Wildlife Park.The week concluded with a Summer Afternoon tea party, at which families and friends of the residents joined them to sip some tea from fine china and enjoy delicious treats.

25 — NHI NEWS

COUNTY LOUTH Aras Mhuire, Drogheda

COUNTY MAYO

St Attracta’s, Charlestown A Wild West Country and Western themed Barbecue kick-started the week’s celebrations, with Frank McCaffrey’s music setting the tone for a singing and dancing set. Staff got into the spirit of the day by dressing up in country and western attire. A number of ‘special guests’ then appeared for a fashion show that featured an impressive display of finery. Guests attending included Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Lady Gaga, Daniel O’ Donnell, Mrs. Doyle, Ann Doyle, and Roy and Hayley Cropper from Coronation Street and the inimitable Mrs. Brown. The residents put on a wonderful display of style and glamour in what was cited as the most wonderfully entertaining highlight of the week. Other events which took place included an outing to Horkan’s Garden Centre, Fit 4 Life activity, Sonas and musical entertainment with Sister Ann.

NHI NEWS — 26

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

COUNTY MONAGHAN Mullinahinch Nursing Home Flower arranging, cake decorating, an evening with Monaghan Gospel Choir, traditional Irish dancing performed by the McQuaid School of Dancing, pottery classes, basket weaving, blacksmith demonstrations, face painting, butter churning and a visit by Monaghan Vintage Club; it was a hectic and extremely fun, enjoyable and interesting week at Mullinahinch Nursing Home that was enjoyed by residents, staff and visitors.

COUNTY ROSCOMMON Abbey Haven Care Centre & Nursing Home, Boyle Renowned Irish traditional and folk singer Eleanor Shanley and musician John McCartin took time out from their busy schedules to celebrate and perform at Nursing Homes Week 2014. Eleanor sang old favourites like the Galway Shawl, Lovely Leitrim, and My Irish Molly. Residents danced and sang as part of a very memorable performance.

Shannagh Lodge Nursing Home

27 — NHI NEWS

COUNTY TIPPERARY St Martha’s, Cahir Celebrations began with an outing to Parsons Green Open Farm in Clogheen, including a boat ride and pony ride, and a scenic trip across the Knockmealdown Mountains. The World Cup was the underlying theme behind the week’s celebrations. Each resident picked a country to support and World Cup bunting and flags adorned the home. A series of fun game competitions took place, incorporating skittles, arch ball, marbles and bingo and at the end of each week trophies and certs were presented. St Martha’s also hosted an afternoon tea party with musical entertainment and special guests were two members of St Michael’s Soccer Club, Tipperary town, who were winners of the FAI Junior Cup All-Ireland Final. The celebrations ended with an education session from Reptile Village, which was a fascinating and enjoyable experience for all.

Willowbrook Lodge, Fethard A Summer Tea Party & launch of cook book entitled Home from Home A Taste Of The Past were highlights from the week. The cook book contains recipes contributed by each resident living in Willowbrook Lodge and all proceeds arising from book sales are being donated to South Tipperary Hospice Movement.

COUNTY SLIGO Sonas Ard na Greine, Enniscrone A garden party was hosted at which residents enjoyed numerous games and activities.

NHI NEWS — 28

NURSING HOMES WEEK 2014

COUNTY WATERFORD Killure Bridge Residents travelled to Jack Meades for a Strawberry Fair and a great day was enjoyed in the Summer sun.

Maypark House An arts exhibition and tea party was attended by residents and families who enjoyed refreshments such as, ice creams, cream scones, strawberry gateaux, sherry, Guinness and a variety of tea. Live music played outdoors on the veranda and the art exhibition featured a number of paintings by local artists.

COUNTY WESTMEATH Sonas Care Centre, Athlone Farmyard in your Schoolyard, a farm-themed experience, visited to celebrate Nursing Homes Week 2014. It was one of a number of celebratory activities enjoyed by residents, their relatives and friends, and staff.

29 — NHI NEWS

St Camillus Nursing Centre, Killucan A great week enjoyed by all! Activities included an art exhibition displaying residents works that included a wine & cheese reception, a concert by the Mullingar Harp School, Irish dancing, and special celebratory Mass.

COUNTY KILDARE Larchfield Park celebrates 25 years with celebrity guests Celebrities and wider community were out in force at Larchfield Park to celebrate Nursing Homes Week and 25 years of caring for older people!

Very special guests to visit the Naas-based nursing home during the week were Dickie Rock, Tracey Piggott and Ruby Walsh. RTE presenter Tracey Piggott and jockey Ruby Walsh started the celebrations with the opening of Larchfield’ Park’s new memorial garden, designed to remember past residents.

The legendary Dickie Rock attended Larchfield’s Summer Garden Party.

Resident Nellie Delaney said her dream had come through. Dickie chatted with all and delicious 99 Ice Cream Cones served from a van cooled all down.

Throughout the week there was fantastic interaction with the local community. Kildare Clane Scouts Club, accompanied by their mascot dog Cody, provided a computer and technology demonstration. The concept of backing a horse online was of particular interest to male

residents. The scouts also demonstrated how to build a camp fire and toasted marshmallow was the order of the day. The Scouts then presented each resident with handmade loom bands.

Naas GAA Club under 14 footballers and hurlers demonstrated GAA skills, rounding their visit off with a sing-song.

Other celebratory activities included balloon shaping, a ladies hair and make-up day, a reflexology and Indian head massage demonstration, gardening demonstration on growing herbs, a carpentry demonstration, live music and karaoke.

The closing ceremony saw the introduction of Larchfield’s ‘Our Buddy Scheme’ and presentation of thank you certificates to residents.

Caroline Dunphy, Activities co-ordinator said: “The excitement during the week was ‘off the richter scale’ and we enjoyed fantastic celebrations”.

Congratulations to all at Larchfield Park

NHI NEWS — 30

DEMENTIA CARE

Creating a dementia-friendly environment People with dementia can be unintentionally harmed by the environment in which they live, so thoughtful improvements to established nursing care homes and strategic informed design of new ones can greatly improve the experience of all who live and work there, writes Professor June Andrews, Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling.

Using computer generated room settings, evidence-based Dementia is often described as the biggest health crisis facing the world today. Right now there are thought to be 36.million design points are highlighted and ideas and information are people affected globally and by 2050 that number is predicted presented by scrolling the computer mouse across information to rise to 115.4 million. In Ireland the numbers are very points on the screen. Many of these ideas are deceptively simple significant, with around 47,000 people currently affected by – maximise light levels, employ colour contrast to aid the condition and conservative estimates suggesting that navigation, create clear sightlines to facilities such as toilets, use familiar fitments such as classic designs for taps, and position number will grow to 140,000 people by 2041. signage at an accessible height. But it is While many people living in surprising how many dementia care nursing homes have a diagnosis of settings are in fact dementia “unfriendly” dementia, we know that there are many environments, making matters worse for others who have never been formally people with dementia. diagnosed. In the absence of a cure for In designing or modifying a dementia, there has to be a greater focus nursing home, it is important to on improving the care that people understand the psychological impacts and receive. That is what the Dementia impairments that dementia can bring and Services Development Centre (DSDC), take action-based, sound research based in the University evidence. In addition, today’s healthcare of Stirling, Scotland has been working to environment demands thoughtful use achieve over the past 25 years. of capital funds to ensure that when We know that people with investments are made, care settings are dementia can be unintentionally harmed improved to be more suitable for all the by the environment in which they live, so people who use them. thoughtful improvements to established The education of staff and culture of care nursing homes and strategic informed are equally important elements to consider design of new ones can greatly improve in improving care for people with the experience of all who live and work dementia. It has long been known that there. providing education for staff can improve Until recently, one of the limits on Professor June Andrews: “For too long health recruitment and retention as well as spreading best practise was ‘reach’ – how and care staff have practised in ways that are ensuring that services improve. to inform underpinned by good intention rather than in For too long health and care staff have all those who need to know what they can ways that are supported by sound researchbased theories” practised in ways that are underpinned by do to improve the experience of people good intention rather than in ways that are with dementia whom they care for.

Thanks to the internet DSDC has overcome this challenge with supported by sound research-based theories. The Best Practise the launch of an online ‘Virtual Care Home’ that showcases key in Dementia Care Learning Programme provides evidencedesign improvements that can be made to enhance the based service improvement for people with dementia. experience of people with dementia who are living in Read further about the programme at www.dementia.stir.ac.uk nursing homes.

NHI Annual Conference 2014 – Professor June Andrews to speak!

Professor June Andrews, Director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, is coming to Dublin. She will speak at the NHI Annual Conference 2014, to take place at Citywest Hotel, November 6th. Professor Andrews has a Chief Nursing Officers of the UK Lifetime Achievement Award and received the prestigious Robert Tiffany International Award. She headed the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland, and directed the Centre for Change and Innovation within the Scottish Government in addition to her career in the NHS. She advises health departments and service providers around the world, and is a Trustee of the Life Changes Trust, an independent charity disbursing grants totalling £50m across Scotland. She is non-executive director of Target, a real estate investment Trust.

The NHI Annual Conference speakers & schedule will be announced in coming weeks. Visit www.nhi.ie for further information.

31 — NHI NEWS

Healthcare

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BEST PRACTICE

Residents & students unite for intergenerational e-learning programme Every week during the school term, a number of students from a Dublin secondary school travel the short distance to their local nursing home to participate in a ‘reading circle’ programme with residents three generations removed.

T

he students of Beneavin De Le Salle College, Finglas, accompanied with teacher Paul Kelly, make the short walk to meet with residents of Beneavin House Nursing Home. Carol Cornwall, activities coordinator at Beneavin House, greets the students and teacher and with differing students travelling every week, each are assigned name badges. Normally the number of visiting students is kept to a minimum of five.

The interaction then commences. It takes the form of a reading circle which sees the students reading short stories via the use of ipads to the residents. A discussion on what the story entailed and what was within it then ensues. “However, frequently we stray into conversations completely unrelated to the story itself and it is during this time that the activity is at its most natural and enjoyable for all of the residents and students,” Paul Kelly, a teacher at the secondary school explains.

“Intergenerational collaboration unites and improves communities. Beneavin House Nursing Home and Beneavin De La Salle College have developed a community initiative that gives our residents and students the opportunity to work together in a spirit of intergenerational strength through their participation in a paired reading programme using iPads.”

Carol and Paul are the intergenerational champions behind the programme. In 2012 Paul commenced a Masters in learning at DCU as part of his thesis. His mother managed a day-care centre in Keady, County Armagh, and through this engagement he was aware of the ‘untapped potential’ of older people in the community. The paired reading programme subsequently developed through engagement between Carol as activities coordinator and Paul as English teacher. Those participating run a successful blog, www.elearningatbeneavin.com, that has received over 30,000 unique visits.

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The weekly visits are enjoyed by the residents and bring anticipation, excitement, and facilitate communication between differing generations, Carol explains. The initiative challenges the students and both groups enjoy the successfully selected stories. “The interaction opens further the potential for communication by residents and the sessions bring a real sense of worth,” she states. “Everyone has a contribution to make to the group and the students show great respect for the older persons. It is a valuable space for the students who have learned much from this experience.”

President Michael D Higgins met with representatives of the reading circle programme during a visit commemorate the school’s 50th anniversary. Residents and students met with the President and informed him of the unique engagement between the differing generations. Pictures of the residents, students and the President now proudly adorn the reception area of the nursing home. The ongoing work of the group was also recognised by the Generations United movement in the United States when Paul spoke at its 2013 Annual Conference in Washington. At the 2013 NHI Care Awards the programme was a finalist in the Community Initiative Award category.

The programme and partnership is further developing. This year it has added further participatory activities, building a new polytunnel greenhouse for use by the students, residents and staff both nursing home and school. Plans are in process to build a small garden and allotments around the greenhouse to bring further benefits to nursing home and school. The blog informs of progress of respective projects.

Carol is asked what advice she would provide to other nursing homes reading this article who may be interested in engaging in a similar venture? “The key in forming a

similar scheme is for management both at the school and nursing home level to support the work of the individual intergenerational champions in their workforce,” she states.

How worthwhile has the partnership been for Beneavin House residents and staff? “It is definitely a success story,” she comments. “As we are situated within a community area, we endeavor to participate in community life.

We have been involved with the school in a number of ways. We have the paired reading group, the school music group has entertained residents with their own style of music and another class arranged a quiz for the residents that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.”

Top: President Michael D Higgins visiting programme participants Right: The intergenerational interaction is a unique experience for the residents & students

Best Practice is a feature in NHI News that focusses on best and innovative practices in nursing homes. Nursing Homes are invited to make us aware of practices the wider public should be aware of and can contact michael@nhi.ie if interested in contributing an article P NHI NEWS — 38

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY NHI Upcoming events of interest September

30 November

6 November

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NHI Education Day: Medication Management within Nursing Home Sector Taking place in Dublin, the Education Day will bring together expert speakers to focus on medication reconciliation, medication management, safe & cost effective use of medications, when to & when not to prescribe. This is an NHI Member-only education day and booking is essential.

NHI Annual Conference 2014 NHI is bringing together an excellent line-up of national and international speakers to discuss key issues pertaining to healthcare and care provision. This year’s conference will host break out seminars that will deliver specific presentations of interest to nursing home providers and care staff. Details of the conference will be announced in coming weeks and further information will be available at www.nhi.ie NHI Care Awards 2014 The applications & nominations are in! The fifth annual NHI Care Awards will again celebrate & honour the outstanding care nursing homes provide on a constant basis.

Resident contribution to nursing home life will also be rewarded at this national celebration of outstanding health & social care. Visit www.nhicareawards.ie for further information.