Caring Uk July 2011 by Script Media

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July 2011

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Angry owners hit back over report criticism By Dominic Musgrave THE angry owners of a Sonning Common nursing home say its latest report by the inspectorate claiming it is failing to meet 12 out of 17 essential standards is inaccurate. The major concerns the inspector had when he visited Orchard Lodge in February was that residents were not involved in decisions about their care and treatment. The report also claimed the owners did not take into account the feedback from people and their families in order to address concerns or make improvements. The day-today management of the home was also criticised. Husband and wife owners Nageeb and Naz Aubdool, who have run the home for the last two years, are now producing an action plan to meet the guidelines for when the inspectors return. Nageeb said: “When they came they announced themselves as if they were Big Brother. I understand they have a job to do, but there are ways to go about it. “They hadn’t come to support me, just to criticise me. At the end of the day we are both working for the same cause, which is care of the elderly,

Troubled operator given time to find a solution

but they seem to look for the wrong things. “The inspector wasn’t interested in the welfare of the residents, and would rather pull me up over the fact there was a slight draught coming from one of the windows on what was a windy day. “I am only human and admit there are shortcomings at the home, but these are things that I am prepared to work on and could do with their support with this, rather than being treated like a child.” Nageeb said he was planning to install more alcohol-based hand sanitisers and a wet room for the residents, and he had already put in security cameras and a stair lift. He now plans to write to his local MP to complain about the way he was treated during his inspection. Roxy Boyce, CQC’s south-east regional director, said: “The quality and safety of care provided at this home is not good enough. “Our inspectors will return to Orchard Lodge shortly, and if we find that the home is not making progress we won’t hesitate to take further action on behalf of the people who live there.”

Sir Chris Bonington opened a Cumbrian care home’s new dementia wing named in his honour at a ceremony. The mountaineer, best known for his expeditions to the Himalayas, including four to Mount Everest, opened the six-bed Bonington Way at Nether Place Care Centre in Keswick – the first facility of its type in the area. He also joined pupils from a local primary school to open a new sensory garden they helped designed for the residents at the Hometrust Care owned home.

SOUTHERN Cross has been given four months to find a solution to its financial difficulties. The process will be overseen by a restructuring committee consisting of representatives from the Darlington-based company and its 80 landlords. At the end of the process, Southern Cross is expected to end up operating under a different name with between 250 and 400 of its current 751 care homes. Other operators will run the remainder. A spokesman for the firm said: “The business, including the delivery of care, will continue to be the responsibility of the Southern Cross board, management team and staff who have the full support of both the landlords and lenders in the delivery of this important task.” For more turn to Page 14

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Association lays down challenge to Cameron By Dominic Musgrave THE Prime Minister has been given a challenge by Britain’s nursing homes following his statement that the Government intends to give legally binding effect to its military covenant with armed forces personnel. The Registered Nursing Home Association (RNHA), which represents more than 1,000 nursing homes across the UK, said David Cameron could start by taking action to protect retired members of the army, navy and air force from being exploited and ignored by penny-pinching local authorities. Chief executive officer Frank Ursell said: “Local authorities are cutting expenditure on residential and domiciliary care used by thousands of retired service men and women, including many in their 80s and 90s who fought in the last world war, the conflict in Korea and other theatres of war. “If David Cameron is keen to translate the much talked about covenant

into a law that places binding statutory obligations on the government and other public bodies, he should make sure local councils cannot use the excuse of deficit reduction to deprive former military personnel of much-needed services in their old age. “And if he really wants to convince us that Britain is a country that looks after its own, he could extend the covenant to include vulnerable older people who, having worked and contributed all their lives, now need a bit of help back from the society they helped to build when they had the physical and mental capacity to do so.” He added that the RNHA will be writing to the Prime Minister to welcome his initiative on converting the military covenant into law and to suggest that he looks closely at the way in which public bodies interpret their duties towards older retirees from the armed forces and, more widely, at how the government and local authorities treat older people generally.

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Long service award winners Shelia Haigh (15 years), Beverley Morrison (30 years) and Lorraine Bailey (15 years) with Brunelcare CEO Helen Joy.

Long service awards for care charity employees EMPLOYEES of a Bristol-based care charity have been recognised for their long service. Domestic assistant Beverley Morrison and Neill Vile, who works in the direct labour operative team as a plumber, celebrated their 30 years’ service at the city’s Ramada Jarvis hotel with other Brunelcare colleagues who too were being awarded. Georgina Noonan, who works as a senior care assistant at Saffron care home, celebrated 25 years, while five people marked 20 years, four 15 years and 41 ten-year anniversaries. CEO Helen Joy said: “Each member of the team being rewarded has made an immense contribution to the organisation throughout their many years of service.”

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Editorial Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@whpl.net Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458 Database enquiries to: 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. You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk

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Palliative care network set up at Suffolk home By Dominic Musgrave

Baroness Greengross

Seminar considers future of care SOME of the UK’s leading experts in social care gathered at a South London care home for a seminar on the future of care for older people. The thought-provoking discussion at Nightingale covered issues including person-centred care, dementia care and funding issues, with the panel including Baroness Sally Greengross OBE, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia and vice chair of the APPG on Ageing and Older People; Martin Green, ECCA chief executive; Paul

Edwards, head of practice development at the Bradford Dementia Group, University of Bradford; Professor Clive Ballard, director of research for the Alzheimer’s Society and professor of age related disorders at King’s College London; and Peter Watt, chief executive of Counsel and Care. The event was attended by almost 100 care professionals from local authorities, independent care providers, charities and campaign groups.

A GROUNDBREAKING palliative care network is helping to fulfil the dying wishes of care home residents in east Suffolk. St Elizabeth Hospice in Suffolk is working with nearly 30 care homes in the region who have joined the Hospice Care Homes Network. The scheme was founded when a group of care home managers told the hospice what their training needs were around end of life care for residents and their frustrations at getting it right. The hospice has also developed a Palliative Care Resource Pack based on the findings of a series of questionnaires, visits and meetings. Pam Purnell, social care manager of Crabbe Street Residential Care Home in Ipswich, which caters for residents with dementia, said: “The guidance and support we have gained has been invaluable. I have been

involved in the scheme from the very beginning and it has already gone from strength to strength. “It has huge benefits for our residents, many of whom are nearing the end of their lives and to whom we obviously want to give the very best care. “It has also benefitted the wider community through our wellbeing centre which caters for 105 clients. “The manager there has used the training and resources she has received to help carers, which has been extremely useful for them.” The hospice is also running study days for members of the network which are attended by the care home manager and a link person, who then feed back advice on communication, symptom control, advance care planning, spiritual care and bereavement. The hospice’s community team is also able to visit staff within the care home to offer further training and support.

Film highlights importance of palliative care tools A SHORT and poignant film illustrating the steps involved to support an individual in the later stages of dementia has been released by SCIE. ‘Dementia and end of life care’ follows the end-of-life care of Mariead Smart during her final weeks at Moreton Hill care home, and is designed to help care staff in particular understand how to engage with people with dementia through a personcentred care approach. It highlights the importance of the best practice palliative care tools that include the Gold Standards Framework, Advanced

Care Plans and the Liverpool Care Pathway. Moreton Hill general manager Dee Lane said: “Death is a difficult subject to broach and we pride ourselves on the support and good quality end of life care we provide. “We use the Gold Standard Framework as it looks holistically at all the needs of a person, whether they are physical, spiritual or religious. “It's also about supporting the family so that the experience and the memories of that person's last few days are the best that they can possibly be.”

Welsh campaign launched A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Wales to ensure that people receiving care in homes or in the community are treated with dignity. Over the next few months guidelines will be published which will serve as a constant reminder to care providers of the importance of the issue. The campaign is being run by Care Forum Wales, which represents independent care providers and has its own Dignity Charter. The scheme also has the strong backing of the Welsh Government. Among those present at a workshop held for home owners, agency bosses and carers to discuss their experiences was Clive Nadin, owner of Abbey Dale House in Colwyn Bay,

who is also a member of the Forum’s board. He said: “There is always a need to be reminded of how important it is to treat people with dignity, and although, as a rule, I think we do very well, there is always room for improvement. “We have seen in the national press some very bad examples of what can be classified as a lack of dignity in NHS hospitals, and in the private care sector we are trying to bring to people’s attention what needs to be done and what dignity means.” Clive added that he fully supported the thinking behind the campaign and appreciated the need to train staff to respect the dignity of individual residents.

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Daredevil staff take to the skies for charity THE sky’s the limit for a group of daredevil staff from a Bromsgrove care home who are preparing for a mass sky dive for charity. Seven members of staff from Regents Court will be making a 10,000ft leap from a plane at Brackley airfield near Bicester next month. They, together with Bromsgrove security team leader David Edwards – the boyfriend of Regents Court care home administrator Claire Cardus – hope to raise at least £1,500 for the Alzheimer’s Society. The rest of the team are: Mandy Kennedy, manager, Becky Dallimore, deputy manager, Debbie Deakin, unit lead for Albert and Victoria units at the home, Teresa Hayward and Gemma Sykes, both senior carers, and Sophie Hopwood, care assistant. Claire said: “We decided to support the Alzheimer’s Society because we care for residents with dementia – and picked the sky dive because it was more adventurous than a sponsored walk or something similar. “We’re all very excited about the prospect at the moment, although I’m sure on the day we’ll be biting our fingernails as we wait to go up and fling ourselves out of a plane.” Each of the team, calling themselves the “Regents Daredevils”, will be jumping in tandem with an experienced sky diver. Colleagues at Alpha Care Homes’ headquarters in Redditch are holding events to raise money towards the sky dive effort, and residents’ families are also chipping in.

Residents are really digging outdoor club RESIDENTS at a Bromsgrove care home are getting a regular taste of the outdoors thanks to the introduction of a new gardening club. Wayside Care Home has set up the Green Finger Club for residents to have a go at growing their own fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. The project was the brainchild of activities co-ordinator Sue MacFarlane, who has helped establish raised flower beds in the garden to allow residents easier access to their plants. And if the weather is bad, or for residents who can’t manage to get out into the garden to tend the raised beds, Sue takes the plants indoors for a spot of table-top gardening. She said: “Our residents have really been enjoying themselves. I was never much of a gardener until a couple of years ago when I started tending to my own allotment and I got hooked. “I just knew the residents would love the sense of achievement that comes along with growing your own flowers and fruit and veg so I started the club. “It really does them good to try

Wayside care home resident Olive Walker enjoys a spot of table-top gardening with activities co ordinator Sue MacFarlane. out different activities and to get out in the fresh air whenever they are able to. “And the indoor table top gardening has proved a hit for those who are unable to join the planning outside.” Sue said residents were especially looking forward to tasting the fruits – and vegetables – of their labours in the near future. She added: “They are really looking forward to picking and eating our strawberries and handing over some of our

vegetables for our cook to prepare. “We’re hoping that we will eventually be able to grow enough produce to sell to friends and relatives, or maybe even make jams and chutneys, with any money made going back into the residents’ activities fund for the future.” The home is also taking part in a tallest sunflower competition being run by Alpha Care Homes – which owns Wayside – throughout its Worcestershire homes. It will be judged in August.

Eight care homes piloting special reading aloud project BUPA has joined forces with charity The Reader Organisation to encourage its care home residents to ‘get into reading’ with special reading aloud groups. They will be piloted in eight of the group’s care homes for six months. Get into Reading aims to bring the benefits of reading aloud and of social interaction to people in health and care environments, such as residential homes or homes offering nursing care. Each group will enjoy shared

reading led by a project worker from The Reader Organisation for an hour each week. Members will discuss what is being read as they go along, and relatives, staff and members of the local community will be welcome to join in as well. Siobhan Drane, Bupa Care Services community manager said studies have shown that literature can have a healing or therapeutic effect on readers. She added: "We hope these reading aloud groups will reignite a passion

for literature in our residents, spark a new interest or offer an opportunity for reminiscence. “We believe our residents will benefit from the positive effect literature can have on wellbeing.” The Reader Organisation's experience has shown that short stories and poetry have also proved beneficial for people with dementia. The project will also ensure that Bupa care home staff members will be trained to deliver read-aloud groups themselves.

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Musical collaboration inspires staff course By Dominic Musgrave A GROUND-BREAKING musical collaboration between one of the world’s top orchestras and a Wales care organisation has inspired the development of a staff training course. The aim is to trial the qualification, which is the result of a partnership with the Hallé, at Pendine Park in Wrexham as an in-house course for staff, with a view to developing it into something that could be rolled out across Wales. Artist-in-residence Sarah Edwards said the aim is to embed music into the lives of all the patients and staff at the home. She added: “We wanted to continue this partnership and we feel that the best way forward for us would be to start training our staff. “We’re developing a staff training programme in arts awareness which will be developed in conjunction with our in-house training arm, Smartcare Training. “It will be will be made up of several modules, one of which will involve music and the arts, which is the one we’re currently focusing on now. “We will also be working on visual art and colour therapy, laughter therapy and creative writing as well.” The partnership, which was facili-

Resident Elsie Parker with musician in residence Janet Simpson from the Halle tated by Arts and Business Cymru, has been shortlisted for an accolade at the annual Arts and Business Awards, which are being held in Cardiff next month. Three years ago they won the sustainability award. Sarah added: “Dementia patients in particular still have resonance with certain pieces of music, and we want to tap into that, and that’s going to be

quite a significant phase in the project. “We’re now hoping to train our own staff to deliver music as a tool to enrich the lives of our residents when the Hallé aren’t here. “At the moment it’s going to be a unit diploma and we’re hoping that it’s eventually going to become part of a diploma qualification.”

Home parties to launch minibus appeal THE Minister of State for Housing and Local Government joined residents at a Hertfordshire care home at a party to launch a minibus appeal. Grant Shapps, MP for Welwyn and Hatfield, and Minister of State for Housing and Local Government, unveiled a totaliser at a Big Lunch-style garden party at the Sanctuary owned Hatfield Care Home. Manager Sally Kalaiarasu said the home is aiming to raise £60,000, adding: “Our own minibus will enable us to take our residents on daytrips whenever we want without having to go through the process of hiring special transport. It will give us much more freedom and will be lovely for the residents.” The party aimed to evoke memories of celebrations residents at the home may have taking part in when they were younger to mark national events such as VE Day in 1945, the Queen’s coronation in 1953 and Prince Charles’ and Lady Diana’s marriage in 1981.

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Nursing home is fined £70k after woman suffocates By Dominic Musgrave

Adam Wright receives his gifts from operations director David Bates.

Chef Adam notches up 20 years in the kitchen THE head chef of a Suffolk residential home has been presented with a long service award after celebrating 20 years in the role. Adam Wright has been working at Oaklands House near Southwold since he was 18, cooking for residents and staff at

the 29 bedroom home, which is run by Healthcare Homes. He was presented with a selection of gifts and a certificate to mark the occasion by operations director David Bates and group quality director Helen Hill.

A LLANGOLLEN nursing home has been fined £70,000 following the suffocation of an elderly woman after she become trapped between her mattress and bed rails intended to stop her falling. Elizabeth Roberts, 89, was found suffocated in her room at the Headlands Nursing Home on August 30 2008. Her upper body had slid down to the floor between the bed mattresses and bed rails where she had become trapped. Mold Crown Court heard Elizabeth had suffered from a previous entrapment incident three weeks before but no alternative bedding arrangements had been made. A Health and Safety Executive investigation revealed care staff at the home installed bedside rails after she repeatedly fell from her bed, however employees had not been provided with up-to-date training on the safe use of them, in particular the risk of entrapment created. HSE found the home also failed to complete a suitable and sufficient risk assessment on the use of bed rails for Elizabeth, which should have identified that they may have been unsuitable in her case. There was also no company policy on the safe use of bed rails and no system for routine

inspection, monitoring and maintenance. HSE inspector Sarah Baldwin-Jones said: “This is a terrible incident and one that could have been easily avoided. “It is essential that home owners and care staff consider whether bed rails are the most appropriate method of preventing a patient falling from bed. “There are many alternative options such as the use of low profile beds, which should be considered. When using bed rails, homes should take adequate steps to assess the potential risks created. This should consider the bed occupant as well as the set up of the bedding arrangements. “To assist home owners, free guidance on the safe use of bed rails has been made widely available for a number of years. This home could have taken the simple steps provided in the guidance to train care staff and implement a safe system of routine inspection and maintenance at their home.” Deevale Homecare and Services Ltd of Grosvenor Road, Wrexham, who own and operate the home, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and Regulation 3 (1) Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999. As well as the fine they were also ordered to pay £21,818.56 in costs.

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Residents Kitty Thorpe and Rose Lammas with carer Carolanne Musker on the music corridor.

Care home trio do love to be beside the seaside ... By Dominic Musgrave THREE residents from a Shropshire care home are heading to Blackpool on holiday this summer. The lucky trio from Oldfield in Ditton Priors will be assisted by three members of staff on the four-day trip, with activities planned including visits to the circus, waxworks, Sea Life centre and zoo. Deputy manager Kelly Morgan told Caring UK that another small group of residents at the 44-bed home are going to Somerset on holiday later this year. She added: “The trip to Blackpool proved so popular last year that we decided to do it again. “It takes a lot of preparation getting the risk assessments, transport and everything together, and it is tiring for the staff when we are there because we are with them 24/7, but it is all worth it to see them laughing and joking. “The benefits of a holiday like this for the residents are endless, and those that went last year still talk about going now. It brought back a lot of happy childhood memories for them.”

The home is currently undergoing a refurbishment, with many of the corridors being themed to help those residents with dementia recognise where they are. Kelly said that, once completed, it is hoped that the new areas will also become a valuable reminiscence tool. She added: “The home has a lot of corridors so we thought it would be a good idea to brighten them up for the residents. “Themes will include music, metal artwork and dressing up. The dressing up area will include a dressing table, jewellery stand and feather boas. “A lot of the things have been donated by staff and residents’ families, and we have also bee a purchased a few things as well. “Our maintenance man is also busy building a shed and dog kennel for the gardening area so that those residents who cannot go outside can still get involved with planting.” Are you taking a group of residents on holiday this year? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or ring him on 01226 734407.

Shropshire care home apprentice Sarah has model plans A SHROPSHIRE apprentice care home worker has set her sights on a modelling career after being selected for a national competition. Sarah Hunt, who works at Barchester’s Field House in Church Stretton, had planned to study general nursing at Manchester University in September after completing an NVQ level two in health and social care as part of her

work placement. But her summer has taken an unexpected twist after being spotted at the Clothes Show Live when she was visiting with her mother and a member of staff from the home. She was selected from over 9,500 candidates to take part in the Miss Teen Queen competition, and has already been to London for a professional photo shoot.

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Amy Clarke, a resident at Belmore Lodge, with Dr. Hilary Jones.

TV doctor sunning it in Lymington TELEVISION health expert Dr. Hilary Jones officially opened a care group’s unique new therapeutic sun room facility at one of its sites. Residents at Belmore Lodge nursing home in Lymington and other surrounding Colten Care homes are among the first in the UK to benefit from a daily dose of sun therapy at Colten Cove. This modern facility offers residents the opportunity to relax, unwind and escape the British weather and enjoy a healthy dose of sunlight generated by 100 per cent

safe ‘sunlight simulators’. Hilary talked residents and interested health groups through the unique benefits of this new therapy. He added: “Colten Care’s multi-sensory sun therapy room adds a new dimension to elderly care. This therapy brings relief and comfort to patients’ aches and pains and can help provide a boost to their immune system at the same time. At least one simulated sun session a week will provide residents with all the sun’s proven health benefits which aid sleep, relaxation

and promote increases in energy.” Powerful lights fully replicate natural sunlight, and by just spending one hour in the therapy room, residents can experience the benefits of sun therapy. Ian Hudson, managing director of Colten Care, added: “The official launch of Colten Cove comes after a trial of the therapeutic sun room at our Kingfishers home in New Milton. It was a real success with residents of all ages, and we are anticipating a roll out of this facility across several of our other homes.”

One hour in the sunlight gives residents the same amount of ultra violet exposure as they would get from spending 15 to 20 minutes outside on an average sunny summer day. The temperature in Colten Cove is set at 25 degrees, while a fan simulates a light breeze. It is possible to adjust the light programmer to re-create sunrise, full daylight and sunset. Residents can also choose from three different light settings, transporting them to Miami, Mauritius or Bali.

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Home goes quackers over six new arrivals AN animal-friendly care home has welcomed its latest guests after one of its resident ducks had six ducklings. Longbridge Deverill House near Warminster in Wiltshire has been named one of the top 30 pet friendly care homes in the country by the Cinnamon Trust and, as well as the 27 elderly residents, is also home to cats, one of which belongs to a resident, two budgies, a love bird, two ducks, two chickens, a rabbit and a guinea pig. The home’s administrator Grace Pinnell said: “There is a special bond between a person and their

pet, and the house pets really do bring a smile to the residents’ faces. “A number of the residents have been able to go out and spend time watching the ducklings play and interact with their mother. “Photographs of the ducklings have also been shown to the residents who do not wish to leave their rooms and venture outside.” Two donkeys have also recently visited the home, which is now awaiting on the arrival of a ringed necked parakeet called Ricky.

Down on the farm ... RESIDENTS from four of a London care group’s homes spent a day down on the farm along with their friends and family. The residents from Mission Care’s Willett House, Home Field, Greenhill and Morton House homes visited East Hall Farm in Hertfordshire supported by ‘Let Nature Feed Your Senses’, a national initiative to encourage older and disabled people to engage with nature, food and farming.

The group enjoyed a trip on a specially adapted and accessible tractor around the estate and farm, which took them to fields of livestock and agriculture, including horses, cattle and sheep, and returned through the farmyard. The stately home was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother, prompting lots of discussion surrounding the Royal Family.

James Martin with Clarendon Court manager Ann Bearpark, Maria Mallaband chairman Phil Burgan and guests at the open day.

Celebrity chef entertains crowds at home open day By Christina Eccles JAMES Martin entertained the crowd when he gave two live cookery demonstrations at a recently opened care home in Nantwich. The celebrity chef also met fans and passed on some top culinary tips at Maria Mallaband’s Clarendon Court as part of an open day to promote the fact the home currently has room for new residents. The Healthy Eating, Happy Living event was a chance for guests to tour the facilities, meet the staff and to book in and sample life at the home. Dishes produced included Welsh rarebit on smoked haddock, summer pudding, haddock omelette, homemade ice cream and butternut squash and lemon soup. Care home manager Ann Bearpark said: “We currently have some available rooms at Clarendon Court, so we decided to organise the open day to let potential residents and their families come and have a look at what we offer. “Making the move to a care home is a big decision and the aim of organising the event and inviting

James was to let families find out about Clarendon Court in a really fun and relaxed atmosphere. “The event was a huge success – we had lots of visitors, and took a number of bookings. The feedback from visitors was very positive as well – people were particularly impressed by the standard of the home, the décor and the emphasis we place on nutrition and healthy eating.” All visitors to the event were given the chance to take advantage of the offer of a week-long free stay at the home, which offers dementia care, nursing care, respite care, short breaks and day care, and signed James Martin cookery book on all admissions booked throughout June, July and August. Clarendon Court is soon to be joined by the nearby Westbourne development in Holmes Chapel, which will provide luxurious accommodation for 50 elderly people upon its completion in the latter part of 2011. The home will offer a combination of nursing, residential and dementia care, and adjacent to it will be 12 close-care two bedroom apartments.

Forum returns to Blackpool THE National Association of Care Catering Training and Development Forum returns to Blackpool in September. The two-day event, previously called conference and exhibition, aims to help delegates to improve the catering provision they have responsibility for, learn from their peers through networking, discover the latest thinking in food, drink, technology and equipment, and deepen their knowledge through presentations by high-profile speakers. The comprehensive programme

includes relevant and stimulating presentations and workshops from Mo Baines, principal advisor, APSE, Geoff Booth, vice principal, Westminster Kingsway College, Ruth Bell MSc, FIFST and Alan Hatton-Yeo, CEO, Beth Johnson Foundation. The event at the Hilton, Blackpool from September 14-16 will also play host to the NACC Awards gala dinner. Awards will be presented to the best catering team or individual, care establishment, community meals and innovation or achievement.

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Impending collapse ‘of concern to every citizen of the UK’ THE impending collapse of Southern Cross should be a concern of every citizen of the UK, the owner of a rival care group has claimed. Arti Poddar, chief executive of Sterling Care Homes and Lotus Senior Living in Scotland, warns that takeovers by rival operators who are landlords to some of the group’s homes. or local councils. could lead to insecurity. She called on the sector to stand up for the elderly and act as their voice. “We are all aware of the high ratio of homes that are under-performing from a care standard point of view,” added Arti. “Regardless of the size of these operators will they be able to take on the challenge of taking over the care delivery to some 31,000 vulnerable adults? Don't be fooled – council run homes too are among some of the poor performing homes in the country. We can under no circumstances allow all of these homes to close – we are talking about re-homing 31,000 vulnerable adults, of which a high percentage would not survive a move. And one life lost due to the financial mismanagement of a company is one life too much.” The owner of three homes in and around Glasgow also questioned what role the government has had in Southern Cross’ crisis She added: “The speculation of the collapse of Southern Cross has been going on for months we have to ask what support/ solutions have the government provided? “What are Southern Cross doing about bettering their financial and care management and what extra support are the government providing? In my view the only viable option is to work in partnership with a diverse group of people because clearly we cannot depend on a select few people who are more likely interested in the financial viability of any solution.”

As the country’s largest care provider Southern Cross announced that it is to surrender more than 130 care homes and make 3,000 members of staff redundant, Dominic Musgrave looks at the future for elderly care.

UK care industry ‘on brink of collapse’ – union study THE UK's care industry is on the “brink of collapse”, a study by a public sector union has claimed. Following on from Southern Cross’ financial problems, Unison’s ‘The rise of the public services industry’ report says other major companies in the sector are also in difficulty, and warned that if they went under, taxpayers would have to pick up the bill. The report said that some providers were “clinging on by their fingernails”. It added that more than 1,000 nursing and residential care homes could be at risk of closure altogether, affecting nearly 50,000 vulnerable people and their families and hitting more than 60,000 staff. General secretary Dave Prentis says the behaviour of ‘wheelerdealer private equity firms’ are to blame for the homes’ collapse. He added: “The home and day care market is worth about £4bn a year, making it attractive to private companies eager to make profits. But the looming

Dave Prentis catastrophe in the sector shows that gambling with people’s care is irresponsible and too risky. “Typically these private equity firms buy companies cheaply, merge with rivals and then sell them on as quickly as possible. Short-term asset holding means that people and services are passed from pillar to post, with no continuity of care. Our list of disasters documents a history of privatisation dogged by problems – companies putting profits before people, funds

being lost and inexperienced providers delivering poor quality care.” The report says causes at the heart of the care crisis include some companies borrowing too heavily, despite their financial performance being too weak to repay debts on agreed terms. It also says that more elderly people want to stay in their own homes rather moving into residential care, and that the fall in the value of elderly people's own homes means that many don’t have enough funds to pay for residential care have added to the problems. Dave added: “Taxpayers have already had to bail out banks that loaned too much to private equity speculators to privatise public sector assets that were over-valued. Now taxpayers will have to pay the price again, as they will be forced to pick up the bill for collapsing companies. “We need to halt the privatisation of any more public services, before more people are made to suffer in the name of profits.”

Southern Cross’ financial crisis has been a major talking point for many industry leaders, who are calling for the Government to take action. This is what they have had to say: “We hear that the highest job losses are going to be in areas such as catering and laundry. This is a real tragedy for residents’ quality of life, not to mention the impact on an already often-exploited workforce. “What also concerns us deeply is the seeming complacency of government and regulators. More than seven weeks ago we wrote to the CQC and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services asking for reassurances which neither we, nor residents or their relatives have received. We cannot just sit back and allow frail, vulnerable people to suffer, we want to see the Government taking emergency action to safeguard these residents who are all at risk – even if that means taking over the assets of these homes and running them as a going concern.” Judy Downey, chair of The Relatives and Residents Association “It’s undeniable that the news relating to Southern Cross’ financial difficulties and the disgraceful events at a Castlebeck home are deeply distressing. However, these are not at all typical of care providers whether public, private or charitable, who generally provide outstanding quality of care. It’s very upsetting for the millions of people that work in care to have their sector publicised in this way. They devote their lives to their profession and provide unstinting compassion for the people they care for.” Mike Parish, chief executive of Care UK “It is essential that older people and their relatives know that carefully considered contingency plans are in place, to ensure high quality residential care is maintained at all times. The CQC should be encouraged to inspect the practice of any affected care services during the transition period to ensure that standards of care do not fail. “To prevent similar incidents in the future, Age UK believes regulation should be strengthened to ensure that inspected care homes can prove they are financially viable.” Michelle Mitchell, charity director of Age UK “This is the start of a disaster for the residents as well as a kick in the teeth for the staff. “This is the trigger for the government to step in with immediate financial support to ensure that Southern Cross continues to operate and continues to provide a home for 31,000 elderly and vulnerable residents looked after by 42,500 staff. The residents, their families and the staff demand immediate action from Government.” Paul Kenny, general secretary of GMB Union “Ministers have made clear that the welfare of residents living in Southern Cross homes is paramount. We know that recent events and media speculation will have caused concern to residents in Southern Cross care homes and their relatives and families. "The quality of care and continuity for residents must not be affected by staffing changes within homes. We expect the CQC to closely monitor standards of care and take action as appropriate. Department of Health officials have been in frequent contact with Southern Cross's senior management over the last three months and that will continue. We are monitoring the situation closely.” A spokesman for the Department of Health

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Claims that too little being spent on long-term care By Christina Eccles BRITAIN is spending too small a proportion of its national income on longterm care to be able to meet the level and complexity of older people’s needs, it has been claimed. The Registered Nursing Home Association has sent the message to the coalition government in the weeks running up to publication of the longawaited Dilnot commission report on better ways of funding care for the future, adding that the over 80s are missing out the most. CEO Frank Ursell told Caring UK that both national government and local authorities are spreading too little jam too thinly and, as a result, are starving older people’s services of public money. Quoting from a recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report ‘Help Wanted? Providing and Paying for Long-Term Care’, he added: “According to OECD figures, we spend below the average for OECD countries on long-term care (1.2 per cent of UK GDP compared with 1.5 per cent).

“On the other hand, 2.9 per cent of our population are using services, compared with 2.3 per cent across the OECD. To me, it smacks of a country trying to provide essential care to the most vulnerable section of the population on the cheap.” He added that at the same time all but the most impoverished older people are expected to spend their own savings to ensure that they are adequately looked after as they become increasingly frail. “What worries us, however, is that the government may simply shelve the recommendations of Andrew Dilnot’s report and use the need to reduce the deficit as a convenient excuse for doing nothing,” said Frank. “Previous governments have had a nasty habit of shelving the problem of funding social care by asking a commission of experts to review it, only to kick the findings into the long grass on grounds of affordability. “If we want to live in a civilised society that looks after its oldest and frailest citizens, we need to see a change in mindset, which means putting care of the elderly at the top of the agenda for the very first time.”

David Cameron with Henry Cornish Care Centre resident Dot Blunsdon, daughter Pauline Hall and son David Benfield.

PM opens £7m care campus THE Prime Minister has officially opened a new £7m care campus in Chipping Norton. David Cameron, MP for Witney, toured the facility, which comprises the Chipping Norton War Memorial Community Hospital and the Henry Cornish Care Centre, before unveiling a commemorative plaque. They have been developed by The Orders of St John Care Trust in partnership with bpha, Oxfordshire county council and

NHS Oxfordshire, with significant input and support from West Oxfordshire district council and the Hospital Users’ Group. The new campus, built on the site formerly known as Rockhill Farm, comprises a 50 bed registered care home, which includes a 14-bed intermediate care unit, and a state-of-the-art NHS primary care facility. Henry Cornish Care Centre replaces the charity’s Castle View residential care home built in the 1960s.

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Damning report ‘a final wake-up call’ for government By Dominic Musgrave

A Jewish Care worker gave up the opportunity to audition for Britain’s Got Talent to perform at the group’s Celebration of Success ceremony. Paul Jarvis, care co-ordinator at the Jewish Day Centre in Stepney, opted to perform with the recently formed staff choir instead, in front of an audience of more than 200 at the Metropolitan Police Peel Centre in Hendon. The event pays tribute to all its staff for their immense hard work and dedication, and also celebrated the achievements of those who had gained professional qualifications in the course of the year including NVQs and long service awards. Guest speaker was Jeff Wolfin, founder and CEO of Humanicity.

A DAMNING report into the funding of care in England is a final wake-up call to the Government to act before it is too late, a regional body has warned. The Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire) says this generation risks being judged as the one that turned its back on its older people. The claim comes following the launch of a new report from Age UK which warns that a lack of funding for social care has pushed the sector to breaking point. Independent Care Group chair Mike Padgham has backed the charity’s calls for an extra £2bn to £3bn to be spent on caring for older and vulnerable people. “We have argued for years that social care has never been properly funded, even in more prosperous times,” he added. “Now that spending is being slashed the situation has reached breaking point. “It is shameful that we are dramatically reducing the amount we spend on caring

for older and vulnerable people – people who deserve to be looked after and cared for to retain their dignity and independence. As a country we have to seize the opportunity to halt this decline and commit to spending the extra money needed on social care. Otherwise we will be judged as the generation that turned its back on its older people.” Age UK’s report 'Care in Crisis: Causes and Solutions’ argues that the current spending cuts are making the situation worse, despite the fact that more and more people are needing care. Mike added: “Caring for our older people should be protected from cuts – like health and education. If cuts have to be made then they should be made elsewhere, rather than with the health and wellbeing of our older citizens. “Maybe now that Age UK has released its damning report, the Government will see that it is time to act.” Do you agree with Mike? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.

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

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Editor’s comment

Residents at Majesticare’s Ashfields Care Home in Heanor taking part in a weekly ‘movement to music’ class.

An increasing number of care homes nationwide are seeing an improvement in the health of residents who partake in regular dance and exercise classes. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Residents reaping the benefits of exercise as more homes start classes THE Caring UK newsdesk has been inundated with calls and emails from care home owners nationwide following our May story on exercise in care homes. It would appear that many facilities are hosting regular fitness classes to help keep residents as active and healthy as possible. Cath Rowlands, activities coordinator at Millbrow Care Home in Widnes, said she has been running chair-based exercises since gaining a level two YMCA qualification last October. She added: “The classes are effective and fun and are mainly held weekly. Occasionally if I miss a week, due to other activities, the residents are always quick to remind me. “The exercises are designed to promote independence by building on the basics of strength, mobility and flexibility.

“We start with a warm up – marching, arm swinging and tap and clapping – before moving on to mobility and strengthening exercises. The 45-minute classes then finish with a cool down and a game of new age curling, which everybody loves.” Julie Elliott, marketing manager at Eastgate Care Homes, which operates four sites in Nottinghamshire, said exercise is at the heart of the remit of the group’s activities co-ordinators. She added: “We all know about the benefits of movement and it seems to increase in importance as we age. With this thought at the forefront we have a varied and challenging programme of activities to offer stimulus to our residents. “The type of activity is varied, to suit the different needs of the residents. Chair based routines are practiced regularly, and the co-

ordinators have undergone the necessary training to ensure that they are able to deliver a programme to suit those that are chair bound. “The Wii Fit has also been installed at one of the homes – Alexandra House – with residents also being able to have a go at long forgotten or never tried sports. Ten pin bowling is a favourite and, in addition to the physical activity, the mental stimulation is also beneficial.” Karen Webb, manager of Ivybank House in Bath, said they are also seeing the benefits of exercise in the 40 residents. She added: “We have an extensive activity programme running here, and we incorporate exercise classes on a twice weekly basis facilitated by an activity staff member. It is very popular and much enjoyed by a lot of our residents.”

THERE is never a dull moment in the care sector, but this month it has gone to whole new levels. From allegations of abuse to the financial crisis at Southern Cross, the industry is always staring down the barrel of the gun when it comes to controversial issues. But, instead of dwelling over negative headlines, many care home owners now take a refreshingly easygoing attitude to the criticism. Those who do their jobs well are confident the ‘headlines’ aren’t about them and are becoming increasingly more open in sharing good practice. Those who don’t do their jobs well tend not to respond – and, as they say, silence is deafening. Here at Caring UK we work hard to ensure our content is wide and varied – from problems around inspections to care homes who have been complimented for their care plans. We don’t want to stick the knife into the industry – instead, we want to provoke informed debate about these issues. If you have a story for us, no matter what it is, we would love to hear from you. You can email dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407. And you can always keep up to date with the latest happenings by following us on Twitter @caringuk Dominic Musgrave Healthcare Editor

Film grant A DERBYSHIRE charity has been awarded £10,000 to produce a film to aid older people with dementia. First Taste was given the money in the latest round of the East Midlands Lottery’s Awards for All scheme. The grant will pay for a DVD, “Where’ere You Walk” which will be used in care homes and nursing homes to stimulate and soothe older people with dementia. It will also be used to help with care staff training. The film will be shot over the four seasons of the coming year. Former Blue Peter presenter Simon Groom will undertake the film’s commentary. It is set to be launched by the charity’s patron, Baroness Estelle Morris of Yardley, next April.

Puppy therapy ‘a revelation’ at Scottish care home THE chairman of the group which owns a Scottish care home says he has noticed a massive change in the residents after recruiting a bulldog puppy as a therapy assistant. Humphrey began work at Inchmarlo Care Home and Retirement Community in Aberdeenshire 12 months ago to

offer companionship for those living there, and it hasn’t taken long for him to become a firm favourite during his rounds. Charles Skene said he has been a ‘revelation’, adding: “He has been a big hit with many of our residents who cannot wait to see him again and again. “Humphrey offers comfort, com-

panionship and friendship to those who sometimes cannot express themselves due to communication difficulties or illness. “He has a fantastic ability to make people smile and it can be a very effective treatment. “Those residents in particular with limited cognitive skills can’t help smiling as Humphrey eagerly

greets them.” When he started at Inchmarlo, Humphrey launched his own online blog where residents and fans from around the world can read about his progress. In the last year he has heard from admirers as far afield as the United States, Hong Kong and Thailand as a result of his online posts.

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Call for urgent review on inspections By Dominic Musgrave

Residents at a Birmingham care home raised a toast at a party to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Carpenter Place, managed by not-for-profit Moseley and District Housing Association, opened in 1986 and was named after a clergyman from the local parish called Freddie Carpenter. Residents Tony Deraghty and David Kray are pictured celebrating the 25th anniversary of Carpenter Place.

Island team visits sheltered schemes A DELEGATION of Guernsey’s senior officials that included three state ministers visited two of a Bristol charity’s sheltered housing schemes to see their imaginative approach to both comfort and safety. The trip to Brunelcare’s Waverley Gardens and Colliers Gardens sites followed criticism by a scrutiny committee of the island’s housing department for not providing enough help for the older population. Brunelcare chief executive Helen Joy said the designs of both are built

around different forms of age-related impairment, from limited mobility to poor sight and failing memory. She added: “A number of our tenants will suffer from some form of dementia at some stage, and both buildings have been designed to compensate for that. “It was agreed by all that the design, flexibility, quality of the facilities and level of care are all developed to cater for individual needs and present a positive option for older people.”

A LEADING care association has called for an urgent review of care home inspections in the wake of recent findings on standards of dignity and nutrition in hospitals. The Relatives and Residents Association, a national charity for the welfare of older people in care, is calling on the CQC to implement the same inspection programme in nursing and residential care homes for older people. This follows the release of the first 12 reports of its inspection programme which examined 100 NHS hospitals throughout England. The findings revealed that three are not meeting minimum standards relating to these key areas, with a further three identifying less serious concerns. Trustee Trish Davies said: “It’s unforgivable that patients should have to be prescribed water by their doctors in order to prevent them from dehydrating, but these poor findings don’t come as a surprise; callers to our helpline tell us that the same careless treatment goes on in some care homes. “We’ve had real concerns since, last

year, regular care home inspections were dramatically cut. We would like to see this current programme implemented right across the board, to include care homes for the elderly as well as hospitals, so that all older people with care needs have the same protection. “We also want to see properly trained, multi-disciplinary, teams with the relevant experience – like those in the hospital programme – undertake care home inspections and we believe that unannounced calls are vital if checks are to be robust and meaningful. “Frankly, our current attitudes toward older people are, all too often, unacceptable. If these hospital reports had been in relation to children in care there would have been a national, and sustained, outcry.” She called for a national programme of change to improve care of the elderly right across the board. Do you think there should be a review into the way care homes are inspected? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.

Keynote speaker announced for ECCA conference ANDREW Dilnot, chair of the Commission on the Funding of Care and Support, will deliver the keynote speech at this year’s ECCA conference entitled ‘Quality. What’s it worth?’. When the event takes place at the Bloomsbury Holiday Inn, London on November 16 he will have delivered his report on the best way to fund a fair and sustainable system for social care.

William Laing, founder and director of leading consultancy, Laing and Buisson, will also give an authoritative overview of the social care sector. The conference will also feature an exhibition and seminars from selected suppliers and organisations, who will offer advice on how best providers can deliver quality care to their service users.

New framework launched for care settings at Naidex THE recent Naidex exhibition saw the launch of the 360 Standard Framework, developed by consultant occupational therapist Rosemary Hurtley and former health authority nursing advisor Pat Duff OBE. The 360 Standard Framework puts the experience of the resident at the heart of how an organisation measures its success. It exemplifies the human rights of the cared for person and the requirements of empathetic communication in the care giving relationships as measurable outcomes. Through a flexible combination of training, assessment and advice involving the residents, staff and the relatives, 360 Forward’s team of qualified health professionals work alongside a care settings, helping to create an ongoing culture of care where residents enjoy staying, staff enjoy working and relatives enjoy visiting. Enquiries: Contact director Charles Hurtley at 01483 275555, email charles@360fwd.com or visit www.360fwd.com

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Listening, observing and wanting to make people’s lives better is the key to a successful career in the care sector, claims the new manager of a Stalybridge care home. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Next step in Irene’s caring career IRENE Booth celebrates 20 years working for North West based Meridian Healthcare this year, and will start her new role at the £3.9m Millbrook Care Centre when it opens this autumn. Retaining the façade of the former St James Primary School, which had previously stood derelict for 10 years, the purpose-built home’s facilities will include 46 ensuite bedrooms with walk-in showers, courtyard gardens, a cinema room, nail bar and hairdressing salon. Joining Meridian as a care assistant in 1991, Irene has been promoted through the company since then, and has managed the nearby Holme Lea Care Centre for the last two-and-a-half years. The new role will be the next step in what she says is a stimulating and rewarding career. “I was a dress machinist back in the 80s, which enabled me to work from home and look after my children when they were young,” added Irene. “When my youngest started at secondary school, I decided to go back into the work-

An artist’s impression of how the new home will look once completed place, saw the care assistant job advertised in the job centre and decided to take the plunge. “Becoming a care assistant was an eye-opener. I thought it would be all about taking cups of tea to people but of course I soon realised we played a far bigger part in their lives than that. “One of my most treasured memories of my early years was becoming key worker to a lovely gentleman who didn’t have any immediate family, so I went with him on day trips and even to the wrestling, a particular love of his.”

Irene Booth As manager, Irene will oversee up to 30 staff, ensure residents are being looked after to the highest standards and manage the home’s budget and marketing. She added: “I have stayed in the care sector for 20 years because I genuinely like older people and get

a real sense of achievement in being able to improve their lives. “Two days are never the same and it can be very demanding at times, but at the end of the day we are helping to give older people comfort, security and hopefully fun times, when they most need it.”

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CARINGSPECIAL REPORT

Company head ‘sorry’ for staff behaviour THE CEO of the company which owns the hospital at the centre of the Panorama abuse claims has apologised for the ‘completely unacceptable and appalling behaviour’ of a small number of employees. Castlebeck’s Lee Reed said the company’s executive team acted as soon as they were contacted by the programme makers regarding some of the contents a few weeks before it aired. He said the police, CQC, the local safeguarding team, commissioners of the service, other relevant authorities and the families of the patients named in the allegations were immediately informed, while the staff alleged to have behaved inappropriately were suspended and reported to the police, “I was shocked, disgusted and ashamed by what I saw on Panorama,” he added. “Having spent my entire career in health and social care, I intend to leave no stone unturned to ensure that this type of horrific event is never allowed to happen again. “I have been chief executive since January, and my priority is the patients under our care. My job now is to ensure that this company moves forward from this appalling episode to having among the best, if not the very best, standards in the provision of care for some of the most vulnerable people in society.” A committee of Castlebeck’s non-executive directors has commissioned the international consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers to undertake a thorough independent review of the company, including its culture, medical protocols and communications systems. This independent review will be completed within 30 days and its findings and recommendations conveyed directly to the committee of non-executive directors.

A BBC investigation into the care vulnerable adults received at a Bristol hospital has discovered some shocking acts. Dominic Musgrave reports on the effects the programme could have on the sector.

BBC investigation ‘a lesson for everyone’ THE heads of the leading care associations have been having their say on the future of care in the wake of the Panorama programme filmed at Winterbourne View Hospital in Bristol. Four people were arrested after secret filming at the Castlebeck owned facility showed vulnerable adults being slapped, dragged across the floor and taunted by the people who were supposed to be caring for them. Nadra Ahmed, chairman of the National Care Association said she was amazed that, despite Terry Bryan, a former senior nurse employed in the unit, raising concerns about abuse with both the management of the hospital and the CQC, no action was taken immediately. She added: “The purpose of the regulator is to regulate services using an assessment process which will protect vulnerable members of society. “As responsible providers we want to have confidence that complaints about services are not similarly dismissed. “The question for us is whether the regulator is able to meet its obligations to service users and providers or should they be replaced by an organisation that will respond speedily and efficiently to serious concerns raised.” She added that regulation of care homes should never be a paper chase within a tick box culture, but should be an opportunity to talk to the people receiving the service and most particularly to listen to them. ECCA chief executive Martin Green echoed the

sentiments, and said that the programme has ‘a lesson for everyone’. He added: “Panorama had messages for every part of the care system. Care providers, staff and regulators must all work together to ensure that services are of a high quality and free from abuse. “The programme will have undermined the confidence of the public in care services, and will be of great concern to the majority of care staff who provide high quality services. “I hope it will start a debate about how we can improve the provision, commissioning and regulation of care services.” Gary FitzGerald, chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, described the programme as ‘harrowing to watch,’ comparing some scenes to watching a horror movie. He added: “Once again these scenes took place in 21st century Britain in a regulatory system that is 'designed to enable us to spot warning signs that might indicate an emerging problem'. “We must ask how and why does this keep happening? Why is it that we have systems in which such abuse can go unnoticed and unchecked, with very vulnerable people suffering dreadfully?” “The public must have faith in the regulation system, which means CQC must explain why they failed to respond to Mr Bryan. This not a matter which can be relegated to 'hindsight vision', because the regulator is required to make these judgements every day of the week.

‘People deserve to receive safe and effective care’ THE inspectorate has apologised to those people it let down when it failed to act to address the abuse and poor standards of care at Winterbourne View. The CQC says that it has taken action following an internal review in response to the issues uncovered by Panorama. These include: Carrying out three unannounced inspection visits of the hospital and taking steps to ensure the hospital will not admit any new patients. Working with the primary care trusts and councils who pay for the care of people at the hospital to secure the best outcomes for those people. Starting an immediate review of all services run by Castlebeck. Launching a detailed internal review of its actions in relation to Winterbourne View. Speaking to the former member of the hospital staff, apologising for not contacting him earlier and offering to discuss his concerns. Writing to Care Services Minister Paul Burstow MP proposing the launch of a programme of risk-based and random unannounced inspections of a sample of the 150 hospitals providing care for people with learning disabilities.

Paul Burstow Paul said: “People deserve to receive safe and effective care. That's what we expect from every care provider. “I have confirmed with CQC that they should undertake a series of unannounced inspections of services for people with learning disabilities. "These unannounced inspections into care for people with learning disabilities will help inform future policy and focus attention on the 7/24 care obligation all providers have.”

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Leaders urged to put aside differences By Nicola Hyde

Apprentice/ learner winner Rebekah Leigh Heyes from Sherwood Lodge

Barchester winners unveiled BARCHESTER Healthcare’s fifth care awards to recognise employees who have made a special difference to residents’ lives have been held in Birmingham. More than 600 entries from the groups homes nationwide were received, with two new categories introduced this year – chef of the year and maintenance champion. Winners were: Carer/support worker – Barbara Jackson (Hethersett Hall); registered nurse – Tetri Baksh (Wimbledon Beaumont); activities coordinator – Mark Smith (Lucerne House);

maintenance champion – Graham Earp (Marple Dale); hospitality champion – Ori Jolley (Werrington Lodge); Memory Lane champion – Fiona Gavigan (Stamford Bridge Beaumont); diverse services champion – Anwen Mulligan (Awel-Y-Mor); home trainer – Sevda Cowalossur (Chalfont Lodge); apprentice/learner – Rebekah Leigh Heyes (Sherwood Lodge); chef – Laurentia Vaughan (Knightbridge); Barchester Foundation champion Award – Malcolm McDonald (White Lodge).

ELDERLY people will be left to suffer unless David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband can put aside their political differences to agree urgent reforms to the care system, it has been claimed. In an open letter to the three party leaders an alliance of charities, think tanks and councils say time has run out for political wrangling over how to look after the millions of elderly and disabled people who need support. With the system at ‘breaking point’, MPs of all parties must now reach a ‘consensus’ or condemn generations of pensioners to a life of poverty, misery and pain, the signatories including the leaders of Bupa Care Services, the Local Government Association, Age UK, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, as well as social workers' and carers' representatives, warn. They also say that economist and broadcaster Andrew Dilnot’s plans for the future funding of the social care system in England, which are due to be released next month,

should not falter due to political divisions like others in the past have. “For over a decade, governments of all colours have struggled to agree an answer,” the letter says. “But delay is no longer an option. As a number of recent reports have highlighted, the increased pressure on public finances is pushing an already over-burdened system to breaking point. “And without further integration between health and social care services this picture could worsen. It is frail, older people who will suffer unless the issue is resolved. “We, the co-signed, are urging all political parties to respond to the independent Commission’s report in a measured process of debate and work to build a consensus on the solution. “We therefore look forward to working with you and your team as this urgent reform is taken forward this Parliament.” What do you hope to see in Andrew Dilnot’s plans for the future of care in England? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.

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New quality to act as kitemark for residents A NEW quality measure for care homes which aims to make poor treatment of residents a thing of the past has been launched. Jointly developed by former nursing director Patricia Duff OBE and Rosemary Hurtley, author of ‘Find the Right Care Home’ for Age UK, the new 360 Standard will only be awarded to care homes which can prove they provide an excellent culture of care for residents. Endorsed by ECCA, The Relatives and Residents Association and the College of Occupational Therapists,it aims to fill the gap left by the CQC’s decision to stop awarding quality ‘star’ ratings. Rosemary, a consultant occupational therapist, said the Standard will act as a ‘kitemark’ for residents, their families

and frontline staff of the quality of care at the home. She added: “The views of the cared-for person, their relatives and the staff is the best barometer of whether a care home is the sort of place you would want your mother or father to be living their final stage of life. “Moving into a care home is often seen as a last resort, a final relinquishing of a person’s independence. But it doesn’t have to be like this. A home which meets the Standard will be able to prove to potential clients and their relatives that the feedback and experience of residents is at the absolute centre of what they do. “It will only be awarded to homes which can demonstrate commitment to residents, staff and relatives working

A graphic of the Frome development

Four sales add 282 beds to care sector CHRISTIE and Co has sold three turnkey care home developments and a fourth site to Patron Capital’s Gracewell Healthcare – adding up to 282 beds to the care sector.

on the first development – a new state-of-the-art 80-bed care home in Fareham, Hampshire to be followed later in the year by a 70-bed unit in Frome and a 60-bed one in Weymouth.

The specialist agents acted on behalf of developer Highwood Group, who have commenced work

Planning permission has also been granted for a 62-bed care home in Salisbury.

Companies consider merger THE boards of Nightingale House and Hammerson House are in preliminary discussions about a potential merger between the two care companies.

Early talks are exploring the possibility of combining the two Jewish communities’ expertise and experience to create a single organisation.

together to continuously improve the resident experience.” The 360 Standard, which was launched by former primary care ‘tsar’ David Colin-Thomé OBE, has been developed over 10 years and piloted in residential care homes, extra care and domiciliary care since 2007. It can be used at all levels of an organisation, and comprises three sets of interdependent outcome standards, which together constitute a level of personcentred practice, as defined by the cared for person, staff, and relatives. Do you think it is necessary for the care sector to have a quality rating? Let Dominic Musgrave know your views by emailing dm@whpl.net or ring him on 01226 734407.

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

In this issue: Now is the time

to assess your business Page 25

Former rugby

star move into field of care Page 26

Homes advised

to look at staff requirements Page 27

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CARINGCOMMERCE

Report looks at choice in care market By Christina Eccles

Garry Richards has been appointed company secretary at Coverage Care Services Ltd in Shrewsbury. A solicitor by profession, until recently retiring, he was a partner at Lanyon Bowdler in Telford, where he earned highly regarded recommendations from Legal 500 for his work in providing a comprehensive range of corporate and commercial law services. Garry Richards (centre) is welcomed to Somerset Care by chairman Kenneth Bean and chief executive David Coull.

Plaque unveiled at opening A LONE piper, close up magician, singer and children from a local first school entertained the guests at the opening of a new care home in Northumberland. Prudhoe mayor, councillor Jennifer McGee, unveiled a plaque to officially open Executive Care Group’s Eastgate Manor in Mickley, which is spread over three floors, each with its own dining area and lounge. Other facilities include a hairdressing salon and a bar area

complete with a large screen TV, jukebox and self serve bar. The home also boasts its own memory care specific ‘Tyne Valley Suite’, which incorporates the latest technology to assist and encourage those with dementia. It features old photographs of nearby Corbridge, Hexham and Prudhoe by a local photographer to encourage memories of the local area to make people feel at home from the beginning.

CHOICE in the UK care homes market and the implications for consumer policy and welfare are two of the subjects explored by a new discussion paper. The report, published by GHK Consulting, describes the extent to which older people and their families/friends are able to exercise choice when it comes to a care home. It also looks at the challenges this raises for government in determining how best to support older people in choosing their care arrangements towards the end of their life. Co-author and GHK principal Joe Sunderland said: “At a time when the UK care homes sector is under increasing scrutiny for the quality of care it delivers to residents, it is important to consider the realities of how older people and their representatives make choices and why continued vigilance is needed to ensure that this market works well for care home residents. “Choice in the care homes market can be self-restricted by a number of factors. Residents and relatives highlighted ‘location’ as the most

important factor determining choice of care home in order to allow family visits, or ensure relationships with friends are maintained. “In many cases the decision to move to a care home was taken in a stressful and time-limited fashion thus restricting the ability of the resident, relative or their representative to spend time fully considering the options. “Care home choice is often a onetime decision: switching is rare and this diminishes a discipline on the market – consumers being able or willing to change provider in the event that the service is not up to the expected standard.” The paper also found that consumers are not always aware they have a choice, particularly where the care home place is commissioned by a local authority. And the manner in which information is framed can make likefor-like comparisons and choices between care homes difficult. It recommends that further work to increase awareness of relevant information such as inspection reports is required.

Provider plans to double workforce INDEPENDENT care provider HICA has set out plans to almost double its staff with 2,000 new jobs over the next five years. The Hull-based firm is looking to expand beyond its current geographic markets of Yorkshire, the North West and Lincolnshire and double its £31m turnover. Chief executive Andrew Stow said: “The group will be significantly expanding its care homes and homecare operations to meet the demands created by an increasingly ageing population, a reduction in

support from the state and the growing need for more dementia care facilities. “There will be a greater emphasis on supporting people, whether it is in their own homes, in a care home or in a specialist facility. “This expansion will come through our own ventures and also through working with other organisations in strategic partnerships.” As it gears up for its expansion, HICA has appointed Matthew Rockett to be its new finance director.

Tax reclaims for commercial property owners CAPITAL allowances are among the most valuable and least exploited methods of reducing property owners’ income tax or corporation tax liabilities. Capital allowances arise from capital expenditure on purchasing or constructing a new property along with extensions and refurbishments. We carry out retrospective, current year, and new build capital allowance claims, both for individuals and companies in relation to commercial properties right across the commercial sector. Most retrospective capital allowance claims that we handle lead to a significant tax refund for the client. We will quickly identify the validity of a claim without obligation. If a claim does not proceed, there will be no fee. We comprehensively survey the property which allows us to identify any qualifying items that, for numerous reasons, have previously not been claimed. Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com

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Now is the time to assess your business By Alex Young AS activity in the sale and purchase of care homes picks up, now is a good time for you to assess your business if you are looking to sell in the next few years. Even if you are not, you should consider looking at your business as part of your succession planning or if you are lucky enough to receive a “speculative” offer. The key for sellers to maximise the sale price and ensure a smooth and successful transaction is relatively simple: timely preparation, seeking advice at an early stage and keeping comprehensive records. Even after a sale, this preparation is likely to protect you from potential claims in relation to the warranties which a buyer will seek. A buyer will initiate a “due diligence” process to assess your care home business, and there are some areas which you should be prepared to deal with: The parties will usually have a different point of view of how the transaction should be structured and it is essential you seek advice from your lawyer and accountant with regard to the structuring of the sale at an early stage. You should put into place a confidentiality agreement before you provide any confidential information relating to your business (such as key employees, customers or contracts). This will prevent information being used for any other purpose, particularly if the sale does not go through. The property from which the care home operates is key to the sale. You must ensure you have your title deeds, any lease and asbestos surveys in place. Full details of employees need to be provided including contracts, staff salaries and disputes.

Alex Young On a business (rather than a company) sale, the buyer will inherit all the employees on their current terms, so you will need to assess this area carefully. Signed copies of all contracts will be required and you should check all contracts have not expired – such as those with agencies and local authorities. Statutory books (for a company sale), financial records and reporting must be up to date. This will be central to the calculation of the purchase price and maximise your return from potential buyers. Poorly presented records are likely to give the buyer greater room for manoeuvre on the price. You will need to provide details of your registration and registered manager (if required) with the CQC and any issues which have been raised by the inspectorate. Many of these steps should be taken as part of your general housekeeping, but if you put yourself in the buyer’s shoes in assessing your business, this will increase the chances of a successful sale. Alex Young is a solicitor at Mundays LLP.

South Yorkshire homes sold HEALTHCARE Property Consultants Ltd has sold three of a care group that went into administration’s South Yorkshire homes. Acting on behalf of both WH Estates and FRP Advisory, the firm has offloaded the purpose-built Sandygate and Beeches in Wath-onDearne to the Methodist Homes Group, while the Ladhar Group has purchased Highgrove in nearby

Mexborough. The two Wath homes have 54 and 44 residents respectively, while Highgrove, which comprises of two homes that have been interconnected, has 78 beds. The purchase means the Ladhar Group now operates 550 beds throughout Yorkshire and the North East, with a further five sites comprising almost 400 beds being developed out.

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A Nottingham businessman has swapped the rugby field for the care home with his first purchase. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Former rugby player moves into field of care SIMON Hodgkinson and his wife have purchased the 19-bed Westcliffe Care Home in Radcliffe on Trent after he sold his shares in a leading sportswear business. Simon was capped 14 times by England between 1989 and 1991, scoring 203 points. His greatest achievement was helping his country to the Grand Slam in 1991, and he still jointly holds the record for the most penalties converted in a Five Nations/Six Nations match with seven against Wales. Simon told Caring UK he spent time deciding which sector he was going to invest in before settling on care. He added: “I needed both financially and motivationally to do something so took some time out to work out what I wanted to do that interested me. “I’m 48 and don’t have a specialism in anything, but what I did know was that I wanted to work with my wife as it is something we have never done before. I wanted something that was close to home so that I didn’t have to

go travelling up and down the country. “The care sector seemed a good fit to my requirements as it means we have one base and can work with the local community. I spent a year investigating but found this particular care home attracted me fairly early. “It is a well established, exciting business that seems to be running okay. We don’t have the experience to build something from scratch so this country house that has a great reputation locally is a perfect fit.” Simon was advised on the deal by the healthcare team at Midlands law firm Shakespeares, and hasn’t ruled out further purchases in future. He added: “It’s not out of the question, but we haven’t cracked this one yet. I have found it very enjoyable so far, and have to admit that the bit I have liked most is the interaction with the residents, which I have to admit I thought I wouldn’t like. “The home is tired and we begun a large refurbishment programme on

Simon Hodgkinson (right) with Roger Harcourt, head of healthcare at Shakespeares. day one, but it’s the residents’ home at the end of the day so they are being consulted on everything. If they don’t like what we suggest then we simply won’t do it. “We both came into this knowing

there would be a lot of red tape, reporting, plans and procedures but, rather than talking about the good old days, we are meeting the challenges head on, and are determined to enjoy it.”

Contractor secures contract for £2m scheme CONTRACTOR ISG Jackson has secured its first project for Quantum Care with the award of a £2m scheme to extend a Hertfordshire facility. The project includes the build of two new extensions at the 60-bed Belmont View in Hoddesdon, creating additional accommodation for up to 25 new residents. The fast-track development has been carefully planned to minimise disruption to existing residents and makes use of off-site manufactured timber frame components to enable the fast erection of the extensions. A two-storey structure will complete the fourth side of the care home building, providing en-suite

accommodation for residents with dementia. This extension will feature a brick façade and a pitched tiled roof to blend seamlessly with the existing building. ISG Jackson will also create additional enablement care facilities at the home, building a single-storey sympathetically designed side extension, which will house the new five bedroom unit. Existing bathroom facilities and corridor areas within the main building will also be refurbished as part of the project, which is scheduled for completion towards the end of the year.

Care group opens new home in Northampton A CARE group has opened a new home in Northampton to meet the ever increasing demand for residential and nursing care in the town. And to meet the increase, Avery Healthcare has plans to build more homes in the county to add to its latest £8m Cliftonville Care Centre facility, which is located next to the General Hospital and has 106 beds. MD John Strowbridge said: “We have a ‘blueprint’ to build an

additional 15 homes by 2014, creating local jobs for local people across the UK. “We draw from communities so it’s only right we invest in communities. Our build programme will allow us to do this.” The home also boasts a high-end rehabilitation gym, cinema, landscaped gardens, hotel style catering and a varied leisure and recreation programme.

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Homes advised to look at staff requirements By Glyn Lloyd CARE homes are advised to consider their staff requirements following changes to the immigration rules which came into effect recently. In line with the coalition’s agenda to reduce net migration across the UK, employers now face even tougher restrictions than before in respect of the number of non-EEA workers they can appoint. As of 6 April 2011, UK employers will be refrained from appointing more than 20,700 overseas workers from outside the UK during the next 12 months. However, there is no limit in place for those non-EEA workers and students who are already in the UK. Overseas employees wishing to extend their employment while in the UK either with their current employer or with a different UK employer, will not therefore be subject to the permanent cap. Overseas students also working part-time at care homes wishing to switch into a work-type visa while already in the UK will also be exempt from the annual limit. Workers entering the UK for the first time in addition to overseas students already in the country and wishing to switch from a study to an employment based visa category will only be able to apply for positions that feature on a new occupation list issued by the government. Crucially, this new list includes only residential and day care managers and nurses, with the role of skilled carer – upon which many care homes depended – having now been withdrawn. However, any overseas workers already in the UK who either wish to extend their employment or who wish to change their UK employer will be able to rely on the occupation list which existed before the new list took effect. Importantly,

Glyn Lloyd this old list continues to carry the role of a skilled carer. New workers entering the UK for the first time now have to satisfy a higher English language requirement before they make an application at the British Embassy. New and existing overseas employees must be paid their salary direct into a bank account. This is to avoid cash payments that are very difficult to prove. Workers wishing to apply for permanent residence are now required to prove that they are earning an appropriate salary. The Life in the UK Test becomes mandatory for all applicants, meaning the ESOL examination, which is in place for those with poorer English language abilities, can no longer be relied upon. In addition, a new criminality threshold will apply. Workers entering the UK for the first time from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia should now be treated like any other European citizens, and they will no longer have to be registered. However, Bulgarians and Romanians will still require a work permit. Glyn Lloyd is an employment and business immigration solicitor at Veale Wasbrough Vizards.

Marquis opens new wing at care home THE Marquis of Granby officially opened a Whitby care home’s new wing and also presented the owners with Investors in People Gold and Champions awards. The £650,000 development at Peregrine House, which has been supported by HSBC’s commercial banking team in Scarborough, enabled the home to provide eight new beds, as well as a new laundry, training facilities for staff, food store and additional store room, as well as a new entrance and reception area. The construction also provides a

secure internal courtyard, and additional work will enable residents to enjoy a secure garden. Dr Kevin O’Sullivan, managing director of Peregrine House, said: “The new facilities will add a real positive atmosphere to the home, benefitting both residents and staff. “As well as improving the look and feel of the home, the extension provides us with additional bedrooms, which are greatly needed as this will give us the facilities to further develop the high level service our professional and dedicated members of staff provide to residents.”

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New home to create 50 jobs MORE than 50 jobs will be created at a new purpose-built care home in Colwyn Bay set to open this September. An open day was held at the local Job Centre for those interested in the vacancies at Merton Place, which will offer specialist nursing services. It will be run by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, part of the Pennaf Housing Group. Senior HR officer Chris Dinwoodie said they are recruiting in three phases, with the first 30 people to start in August ready for the home’s opening in September.

Company relaunches with new branding HALLMARK Healthcare has relaunched as Hallmark Care Homes with new branding. There is also a new website that has detailed information about the firm’s care, picture galleries for each home, social networking links, the ability to download brochures, financial Q&As and videos. Jules Bottazzi, marketing and PR manager, said: “Our new logo is modern, clean and fresh. The three petals represent excellence (purple), care (gold) and activities (green). Our new logo looks warm, approachable and friendly, and hints at the excellent care our homes deliver. “As for the name change – Hallmark Care Homes does what it says on the tin.”

£1m extension opens in Essex A £1M expansion has opened at an Essex care home which will create 22 new jobs. The 22-bed unit at Delamer House in Walton on Naze increases the home’s capacity to 57, all of which are single rooms with en-suite facilities. The development was supported by The Royal Bank of Scotland’s specialist healthcare team through the European Investment Bank. Delamer House was established 111 years ago to accommodate the retired employees of the Singer sewing machine company. It was purchased five years ago by Novocare Ltd.

Operator secures site for facility A HULL care home operator has acquired a new site to construct a purpose-built facility with funding support from Barclays Corporate. Molescroft Group, which already operates the 75-bed Beverley Grange in the city, will convert an iconic site at the Holy Name Church into a 65bed home. The conversion will include the church as the central part of the design and, once complete next March, will increase the number of staff employed by the company to 150.

Major refurb programme continues By Dominic Musgrave EAST Anglian care provider Healthcare Homes is continuing a major refurbishment programme with work starting at two of its Cambridgeshire sites. The Hillings in Huntingdon will have two additional new en suite bedrooms to accommodate residents with dementia and four additional bedrooms for general care. More communal areas and better accessible corridors will be created, with changes made to the garden and a complete redecoration of all 64 rooms. Work at Home Meadow in Toft will also see improvements made to the garden and bedrooms, with four new en suite bedrooms being created. A new dining room, which can also be used as an activity centre, and a conservatory are also part of the modernisation scheme. Chief executive Richard Clough said the work is part of a large-scale regional project, with four other homes also undergoing improvements. He added: “The latest work is part of our long-term vision for the future of our care homes. We want to make sure our residents are as comfortable as possible and have the very best facilities available to them. “Not only will this work mean we can help more residents, it also means we are able to offer a better service to our existing client.” It is expected the work at the two homes will take around four months to complete.

Ian Smallwood has been appointed manager of the newly reopened Balhousie Auchterarder Care Home. Formerly known as Balhousie Ruthven Towers, the home has been extensively refurbished and extended, while retaining some of the original wood panelling and stain glass windows to maintain its traditional feel. It provides residential, respite and nursing care for up to 51 residents, in en suite rooms and new penthouse style apartments. Ian joins the group after two years as regional manager for Abbey Healthcare in London. Prior to this he was regional manager for Hallmark Healthcare in Essex for five years.

Lois appointed care manager LOIS Godwin has been appointed care manager at the Sutton branch of Home Instead Senior Care. She has a wealth of experience in the care sector,

with previous jobs including working her way up from initially being a support worker to become the regional manager of a residential care company.

New business creates over 100 jobs MORE than 100 jobs are being created across Oldham following the launch of a new homecare business. Caremark (Oldham) are underway with preparations to open up its new company offering care and support services to customers and providing employment opportunities for people in the community. Helan Graham and Stephanie Doherty are among the latest group of franchise owners to complete the two week initial training course with Caremark Ltd.

Robin Sidebottom has joined Scotland’s largest provider of care at home, Independent Living Services Scotland, as operations director. His career has been in the care sector, and he has worked with some of the biggest providers including Nestor and Quantica. Robin’s most recent position was as operations director for Allied Healthcare Group, where he had responsibility for 40 branches across Scotland and the north of England with a turnover of £65m. He is also vice chairman of Scottish Care, the voice of the independent care sector in Scotland.

The new manager of a Cambridgeshire care home has set himself a tough fundraising challenge. Matt Cox, who recently took over at Carebase’s Bramley Court facility in Histon, hopes to raise £1,500 for the Alzheimer’s Society when he takes part in the Four Peaks Challenge in the Lake District later this year. The three-day test will see him climb Skiddaw Mountain followed by Scafell Pike and the neighbouring Scafell and Helvellyn for the charity. Before joining Carebase, Matt was developing a care planning system and working on the dementia strategy for another care company. He has also previously managed two other homes for people with dementia and nursing needs.

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They’re ‘shaking their stuff’ in Lancashire RESIDENTS at a Lancashire care home are joining in the fitness craze sweeping the nation during their armchair dance-combo classes. Nelson Manor has brought in dance and fitness instructor Debbie Leah to help them ‘shake their stuff’, combining everything from salsa to street and rumba to hip hop in a Zumba UK style. She said: “I have adapted aerobic and Latin-style dance moves to suit the residents, and used the sort of music they enjoy listening to, with a few more up-to-date hip-hop and street numbers thrown in. They are all so enthusiastic and have amazed me with what they are prepared to try. There are some armchair dance superstars among them.” The 70-bed care centre has separate purpose-built floors for residential, nursing and dementia care. Activities co-ordinator Bobbie Poole said it believes in supporting residents with their own hobbies and interests, and keeping them active with outings, events and opportunities to learn new skills. She added: “The residents absolutely love it. They are keeping fit and active at a pace that suits them, but having fun and trying new things at the same time. The staff love it too and we have organised our own dance sessions with Debbie. We can’t have our residents getting fitter than us!”

Ann aiming to keep residents on their toes FORMER politician Ann Widdecombe and professional ballroom dancer Anton du Beke are stepping out to help thousands of older people in care homes waltz, tango or jive their way to better health. The pair joined Bupa care home residents, their families and care workers at London’s National Theatre to launch ‘Shall We Dance’, an international initiative to encourage dancing among older people as a way of achieving a healthier old age. The campaign is appealing for local dancers, dance troupes and dance teachers – of any style – to contact their local home to share their passion for dance by performing for residents or teaching dance classes to people who have a range of mobility issues. The initiative coincides with a new report by the group which highlights the ways dance can contribute to the emotional and physical wellbeing of over 65s, and urges policy makers to pay special attention to dance

when looking at ways to promote fitness in older people. Customer services director Tracey Fletcher said: “Shall We Dance’ is all about getting people moving or mentally active and we think it’s fantastic that so many people are taking part. As well as involving our residents, staff and relatives, it’s a great opportunity to encourage everyone in our local communities to keep well. “We already know our residents like dancing and many of them have fond memories of going to dances. “Now we have the evidence that dance is so good for older people’s wellbeing – we will be increasing the amount of dance activities in our care homes.” Bupa’s report says 80 per cent of men and 83 per cent of women aged 65-74 do not get the recommended levels of physical exercise. For over 75s this rises to 91 per cent for men and 94 per cent for women.

Ann Widdecombe and Anton du Beke with care home residents Clifford Morgan and Eliza Evans.

Why rugby players are giving dancing a try ... RESIDENTS of a Twickenham care home have taken up dancing lessons with help from an unlikely group of teachers. Rather than the stars of the ballroom, the residents at Care UK’s Whitefarm Lodge were joined by Harlequins Rugby League first team players Luke Ambler, Jamie O'Callaghan, Lamont Bryan and Andy Ellis and the club’s foundation dance officer Amy Howard for the weekly dance class. The foundation received funding from the Greater London Authority through a project called PlaySport to deliver a number of over 50s dance sessions within the Richmond borough.

Amy said: “The residents have been taught a number of seated chairdance exercises over 10 weeks and they have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. So much so, in fact, that they have asked to carry on. “The residents and I have enjoyed a variety of dance styles and music over the weeks, including ballet, salsa and tango. They particularly enjoyed the African war dance that I taught. “They enjoyed it so much some even practiced out of classes. This showed when the first team players joined in our session. The residents showed the players our dance exercises and then the players joined in and learned one of our dance routines.”

Seven participate in winning programme SEVEN pioneering South Wales care homes are taking part in an awardwinning programme from Age Cymru to improve life for people living in, visiting or working in care homes across the country. Two of the homes taking part in the My Home Life Cymru programme – Ysguborwen Care Home, the Laurels Care Home are in Aberdare. Frederick House Residential Home is in Merthyr Tydfil, while the four others – Mill Heath Nursing Home, Emmaus Residential Home, Capel Grange

Nursing Home and Summerhill Nursing Home, are in Newport. My Home Life Cymru’s programme manager John Moore said: “We will be working with residents, their relatives and staff at these homes to identify those ideas and innovations that make life better for them. These can be very simple and straightforward ideas or complex innovations, but the aim will be the same – improving people’s day-to-day lives. We will be share the ideas of these homes with others across the country.”

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Christine Walkden with Cedars Village’s Residents Association chairman John Corner and Retirement Villages’ chief executive Jon Gooding at the conservatory.

Victorian conservatory reopens at Hertfordshire care village TELEVISION gardener Christine Walkden was the guest of honour at the reopening of the newly-restored £500,000 Victorian Conservatory at a Hertfordshire care village. The One Show’s resident gardening expert and Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time panelist Christine revealed she had not seen anything like the Cedars Village’s two storey conservatory – which has links with Crystal Palace – outside of famous botanical gardens such as Kew and Edinburgh. Performing the official reopening in front of more than 150 residents and invited guests, Christine talked about the ‘opulence’ of the conservatory

and likened it to a ‘Cathedral of Glass – a place that brings people together, for contemplation, for enjoyment and for activity’. She said: “The substantial amount of money spent on restoring it is tribute to both its past as a Victorian Glass House and to its future as a place for residents of Cedars Village to enjoy.” The conservatory was built in the 1860s around the same time as the French Renaissance-style Mansion House, which is the centre-piece of the retirement village. It was originally heated and used to house the owner’s collection of tropical plants and reptiles.

An artist’s impression of the new Belong Warrington

Warrington village gets the go-ahead MANCHESTER-based architects Pozzoni LLP and care provider Belong have gained planning approval for their latest project together – a village for older people in Warrington. The firms have previously worked closely together to develop similar facilities in Macclesfield, Wigan, Crewe and Atherton, and the latest will have six selfcontained ‘households’ for 12

residents each and provide specialist residential, dementia and nursing care. Eighteen one and two-bedroom apartments will also enable independent living for older people, while the range of facilities will include a bistro, hair-andbeauty salon, well-being suite and a community room which will be available to both residents and the wider community.

Grant’s menu wins the day A WALES care village’s service manager defeated its chef to win a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ style competition. Grant Bowes’ menu consisted of pak choi soup for starters, and a choice of either pan fried chicken fillet with a red wine and cream sauce, celeriac and mustard mash and sautéed pak choi or panned chicken fillet with freshly made

tagliatelle tossed in olive oil, basil and lemon juice and zest for main. He won more votes for his 30minute creation than Jibu Jose in the high energy cook off that saw him come up with a main dish of pork loin stuffed with spring onion and mustard and mango sauces served with sweet potato mash and a broccoli garnish. For his dessert he made tiramisu.

Kitchen staff Christine Sapsford and Joanna Wrzesien proudly show off their food hygiene certificate.

Five stars for kitchen staff KITCHEN staff at an Essex retirement village have received the highest commendation from the local council. The Moat House in Great Dunmow was awarded the five-star food hygiene rating following an unannounced visit by an environmental health officer from Uttlesford district council. Village manager Deborah Stevenson said the inspector looked

at all the kitchen processes including food hygiene practices, cleanliness, ventilation, monitoring, recording, staff training and food safety. She added: “This is further evidence that everything we do is aimed at providing our residents with the very highest standards.” The final stages of work are underway on the new 60 bed care home at The Moat House, with residents set to move to their new home in the near future.

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Dementia care training booklets launched by Welsh charity A WELSH charity has launched two training booklets for care home staff about sharing memories and working with people who have dementia. ‘Open your heart to see me – a guide to working in dementia care’ and ‘Getting to know you – a guide for reminiscence and life story work with older people living in care homes’ have been produced by Age Cymru’s My Home Life Cymru programme. Manager John Moore said the launch is a result of the charity’s work with care and nursing home residents, relatives and staff for the last two-and-a-half years. He added: “We’ve been trying to discover the ideas and innovations that improve the lives of people involved with care and nursing homes. “And we’ve identified that a significant contribution we can make in achieving this goal is to provide training materials for staff on working with people with dementia and on the benefits of sharing memories. These new training guides have already been used to provide valuable training to care home staff involved in the

programme. The training was wellreceived and we hope the guides make a real difference in achieving our goal of improving quality of life for people involved with care homes across Wales.” ‘Open your heart to see me – a guide to working in dementia care’ covers issues including maintaining identity, sharing decision-making, creating community and managing transitions. It contains information about improving health and healthcare, supporting good end of life, promoting a positive culture and keeping workforce fit for purpose. An insight is provided by the residents and staff of Severn View Resource Centre in Chepstow. ‘Getting to know you – a guide for reminiscence and life story work with older people living in care homes’ looks at understanding reminiscence, methods of engagement and enquiry with residents and understanding body language. The guide also has sections on reminiscing with people who have cognitive impairments and telling life stories in pictures.

Resident Anne Purkis with staff from the home and children and staff from St James Infant School.

School initiative bids to promote understanding A KENT care home has teamed up with its local infant school in a bid to enhance understanding among children about the ageing process and how dementia can affect the individual. The initiative, led by The Tunbridge Wells Care Centre’s activity coordinators Bill Blackford and Nell Mellerick, was a bolt-on to St James Infant School’s own project, which had been inspired by the relationship that develops between a small boy and an elderly gentleman in animated film ‘UP’. Staff at the 70-bed nursing home, which has its own dedicated dementia unit, explained to the 80 children using interactive craft and reminiscence sessions how they stimulate and encourage the imaginative side of the brain when the memory aspect is diminished. The workshops also examined the use of ‘triggers’ designed to prompt a response when using visual or tangible items like old hats, domestic items, photographs, books and toys. Bill said: “The children happily mixed socially with all the residents at the home with both parties being responsive, cooperative and receptive.

“The children also showed a great deal of respect for the residents and their surroundings. “We were very keen for one of our residents, who is coping with dementia, to join the reminiscence session, and it proved a great success for both her and the children. Mutual respect and fun were the order of the day and we sustained a very positive outcome.” During the craft sessions children made friendship bracelets with some of the residents – something for the children to wear and store in the memory boxes they are making at school. The reminiscence activity outlined in an easy to understand manner how dementia can affect the brain and memory. Bill used the ‘filing cabinet’ analogy adopted and promoted by the Alzheimer’s Society to explain to the school children how people’s memories work – with the most recent memories in the top drawer, the oldest in the bottom drawer. Have you developed close relationships with your local school? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@whpl.net or ring 01226 734407.

Solving problem of missing laundry RESIDENTS with dementia often experience distress if they cannot find the clothing they are familiar with and as with all residents, it is important that an individual’s garments are correctly returned to them after washing. With over 1,200 garments going through the care home laundry this is not an easy task, especially if the garment is not named adequately. Attach-a-Tag is a simple, cost effective method of labelling clothing and soft objects and is an ideal way to quickly label short term and respite residents’ clothing as well as normal laundry. Replicating a button, it attaches in

seconds to the garment seam or laundry label, making it discreet and comfortable to the wearer. The patented design is easy to attach but difficult to remove, and cannot be taken off by accident or come off during the laundry process. Each tag has the owners’ name etched onto it, which is guaranteed not to wear off in the wash. This combined with the unique fixing method of Attach-a-Tag means the owner is identified every time. Suitable for industrial laundry and iron proof, Attach-a-tag is reusable, making it even more cost effective for your care home.

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Derelict home Work begins on becomes new housing development dementia facility A DERELICT former council care home has been transformed into a new specialist dementia facility in Chorley. The 43-bed Coniston House boasts a host of ideas including a shed for residents to enjoy the garden and listen to the radio, and a planetarium with stars and planets projected on the walls and various science and industry based activities. Manager Nicolla Bishop is the brainchild behind the innovations at the Rochecare owned site, which also included staff not wearing a traditional uniform, having studied a best practice in dementia diploma at the renowned Bradford University. She said: “Men, in particular, like to be doing things and working with their hands, and studies have shown that they are often overlooked by the activities offered in care homes. “The planetarium is a place where they can go with a carer and do anything from building a foam aeroplane to building a combustion engine. “We are also putting together an allotment in the garden, and the plan is for the chef to use what we grow in the kitchen. We hope it will help the

residents with their appetite because rather than them just being served the food they will be able to see the process from beginning to end.” Residents are encouraged to get involved with simple tasks around the home, and a separate kitchenette has been created for them to help themselves to breakfast, a drink or snack. Nicolla, who previously headed a department at a nearby retirement village, added:: “What appealed to me about this managerial role was that because I was involved with it from day one I was given the freedom to shape it how I wanted. “What also interested me was that this is more of a normal care home than where I worked before, and I wanted to know whether I could install things here that I had done in a retirement village. “It has had its challenges because I have had to do everything from the recruitment and training to negotiating with suppliers without an admin or HR department behind me like I had before. “It has been a fantastic opportunity, and I really feel that I can now tackle anything having done this.”

WORK has begun on a new dementia care and supported living housing development in Wokingham. Representatives of the project partners – Housing 21, the local borough council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Willmott Dixon Housing and Quattro Design architects – gathered at the site of Beeches Manor to mark the beginning of the £3.8m development. The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the completion of enabling works to improve the site access, which is shared with the town’s bowls club. Housing 21 will provide 18 purpose-built apartments for people with dementia and eight for those

with learning disabilities. There will also be staff accommodation on site and two guest rooms for visitors. The dementia component of the project is modelled on the American ‘Greenhouse’ model of dementia housing and consists of two clusters of nine self-contained ground floor one bedroom flats. Each cluster is arranged around an open plan communal kitchen, dining and lounge area with a hearth at its centre. It also has its own private courtyard with access to shared landscaped and woodland garden areas. The new development is due to complete in March.

Care home opens its doors to community by hosting monthly dementia cafe A LEEDS care home is to open its doors to the wider community by hosting a monthly dementia cafe. Ideal Care Homes’ Berkeley Court, which has 78 residents, including 36 for people with dementia, is believed to be the first care home in the city to offer a support group for

both relatives and friends of its residents and people living in the local community. The café will follow guidelines in the ‘Living well with dementia – a National Dementia Strategy’ where it aims to promote a better awareness and understanding of dementia.

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Care team honour ‘pretty amazing’ A UNIQUE South Yorkshire company is celebrating after being named care team of the year at a national ceremony. Barnsley-based Sun Healthcare scooped the honour at the Great British Homecare Awards held at the Royal Courts of Justice and hosted by television presenter Kate Garroway. The company offers a variety of services, but it was the team of 33 that cares for eight of the community’s most marginalised people that won the accolade. Care manager Lee Watson said: “We originally entered the Yorkshire and Humberside regional awards and hoped we had a good chance of winning it because as far as we are aware there isn’t a service like ours in the country. But at the same time we were realistic and didn’t really think we would win it because the country is full of people who do a great job. To win that was great, and we went down to London feeling a little bit more confident about ourselves, but to be named the best

in the country is pretty amazing. The staff here do a great job and work with a really difficult group of people who probably didn’t have much of a future before we got involved with them.” Many of the people the team deals with have been in prison, and the team takes the individual under their wing, helping them lead a stable life. Lee added: “ A lot of the time these people need picking up when they have made mistakes, and we then stick with them throughout and ultimately help them make life changing decisions. Many of the people we have dealt with have been helped to find something meaningful to do with their lives, be it going back into education or work. We have also taken people on holiday, which for some has been the first time they have ever been anywhere.” Sun Healthcare also owns several nursing and residential homes in Barnsley, Chesterfield and Grimsby.

Care manager Lee Watson and senior support workers Paula Jackson, Lorraine White and Adele Reennard show off their awards.

Homecare firm thriving after first year in business By Dominic Musgrave

Administrator Lorraine Blackburn, area manager Dot Wheeler and care co-ordinator Emma Domb.

Office move to bring new jobs NEW jobs are set to be created in Saffron Walden following the opening of a new Manorcourt Homecare office, which will also increase the provision of care in the area. The team has moved from its former premises in the village of Newport to larger premises which include training facilities for staff. Operations director Janice King said: “Our new

office will help us increase our provision for clients – we hope to be able to take on more with the extra space and facilities. In turn, this will lead to new jobs for carers and administrative staff in the area.” As well as Saffron Walden, Manorcourt Homecare provides care services for people in Norfolk, Suffolk, Hornchurch and Thurrock.

A HOMECARE firm launched last year which enables the elderly and those with dementia live in their own homes longer is going from strength to strength. The Good Care Group aims to support people in their own homes through a range of individually tailored services. The needs of the firm’s clients vary from requiring assistance with daily tasks such as personal care, medication, cooking, and light household duties, or lifestyle support to maintain interests in and away from the home. It also offers ‘wrap around’ care developed to meet the challenges presented by different forms of dementia and other illnesses. Head of care Zoe Elkins said staying at home can significantly improve the quality of an individual’s life, not just physical wellbeing. She added: “Individuals who are cared for at home are able to maintain their established patterns of everyday life, surrounded by cherished items, easily visited by family and friends, and continuing to enjoy past times. “This can significantly improve the

quality of an individual’s life through having one-to-one dedicated support and completely personalised and tailored care, and emotional wellbeing. “Often it’s the small things such as having nutritious food, keeping a much-loved pet and managing to continue to see friends in their community that can improve health and make life more pleasurable.” To care for an individual with dementia in his or her own home, The Good Care Group adopts the SPECAL Method in which intact memories from long ago, that promote feelings of purpose, identity and wellbeing, are identified and tapped into. Zoe added: “Despite not being able to reliably store information in their shortterm memory, the person cared for is encouraged to focus on older memories, linking these with the present. “Older memories can be recycled, helping a person to feel safe and at ease with him or herself – even though huge gaps occur in their current memory. “Memories which foster a sense of wellbeing are identified and promoted, helping to hold a person in a state of calm contentment.”

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Ken Nolan with guest presenter Christopher Biggins at The Great British Care Awards Pupils Harrison Mayne and Chloe Arnold present resident Peggy Sadler and activities co-ordinator Gillian Squance with the works of art.

Artistic pupils add a splash of colour to care home CREATIVE youngsters from a Bromsgrove primary school have brightened the lives of residents at a care home by creating 20 paintings for them. Talented pupils at Tardebigge C of E First School have painted the artwork on canvases which will be displayed in Tutnall Hall’s courtyard garden and around the care home. The pictures include garden scenes, flowers and animals.

The idea for the colourful canvases came from the home’s activities co-ordinator Gillian Squance. She said: “We have been linking up with the school for a number of years now. We approached them because we wanted to get some colourful artwork for the home. “We are currently revamping the home's courtyard and turning it into a memorial garden, and the pictures will fit in beautifully.”

Ken celebrates after winning Britain’s top care boss award THE chairman of a North West care group has been named as the top care boss in Britain after winning the National Care Employer of the Year award. Judges for The Great British Care Awards, which took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, praised Ken Nolan and Springhill for its ‘passion for personalised service’. The group was founded in Accrington in 1983, and has now grown to include 300 staff at three homes: Springhill in Accrington,

Birch Green in Skelmersdale and Riversway in Bristol. Ken, who was nominated by his staff, said: “It’s great to see that a relatively small care group with 300 staff can compete nationally with the larger organisations and that Springhill’s systems and procedures are worthy of being highlighted.” Springhill reached the national final in the 250 employees and above category after winning a regional heat last year.

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Dorgard protects care home residents DORGARD wireless fire door retainers have been chosen by leading care home operator Heritage Care to allow the bedroom doors of care home residents to be legally held open while automatically releasing them should the fire alarm sound. Dorgard enables fire doors to be legally and safely kept open as it allows the door to close when the fire alarm sounds, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. Installed onto the bottom of the fire door in under five minutes, Dorgard listens for a continuous fire alarm of 65dBA or higher. Features include: Wireless unit with fail-to-safe technology, Improves access throughout buildings in line with the Equality Act 2010, complies with BS EN 1155 and accepted by the Fire and Rescue Service, available in a variety of colours and finishes, automatic night-time release facility, complies with BS 72734 category C, adjustable sensitivity, CE marked. Enquiries: Telephone 0845 241 7474, email sales@firecoltd.com or visit www.firecoltd.com

Personalised linen for care homes TOWELSDIRECT has been supplying the care sector for the last 20 years, and are providing premium Turkish quality towels that last up to 150 washes. Most towels that you see in a retailer will only last 60 washes. We also provide minimum iron bedlinen that is constructed of easy care polycotton, again designed to last longer than your average bedsheet and save your staff time. Bespoke embroidery designs are available, along with matching bedlinen and curtains. Please call free for a no obligation discussion. Since Towelsdirect’s inception, we have always tried to focus on our uniqueness. Customers are reminded that we offer free delivery on orders over £150, operate a no minimum order policy and next day delivery from stock. We recognise that our customers’ needs are ever changing, and it is with this in mind that we are updating our website daily. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 018 6935 or visit www.towelsdirect.co.uk for our online catalogue.

No time for staff rotas? ELIMINATE the stress and save time and costs with our value for money full care management software package Fusion; providing you real time control of your employee and service user records. Just like you, Fusion never switches off and will be there for you 24/7, taking away the pressures of staffing, administration and caring. Whether your focus is time and attendance, budgets or increasing sales, Fusion is a comprehensive and flexible care home management tool that helps your business grow. Keep standards high and outshine the competition with Fusion - the software that gives you the time to care. Enquiries: Call 0844 504 4883, email info@zestcare.com or visit www.zestcare.com

It’s time to get funky TELLING the time has never been so funky thanks to a new accessory available from Grahame Gardner Ltd. The essential fob watch has undergone a makeover, giving it a bright and fashionable look perfect for nursing staff with a flair for fashion. The FOB05 is produced in a silicon rubber housing, pins directly onto any garment and comes in three styles; round, heart and flower. These stylish timepieces are available in over 10 bold colours. The watch itself utilises a high accuracy analogue quartz movement, ensuring that it will perform during routine observations. The smooth silicon rubber exterior is perfect for infection prevention and control. Sales manager Simon Ward said: “These new watches inject a bit of fun into the traditional nursing uniform. These watches look great and also perform very well, making them the perfect accompaniment to our existing range.” The watches are available for only £5.50 excluding VAT and come complete with a spare battery. Enquiries: Visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk or call 0116 255 6326.

New Jasmine collection reflects Knightsbridge’s pedigree KNIGHTSBRIDGE Furniture has introduced a new range of upholstered chairs and settees designed for day-rooms, lounges and bedrooms in care and residential homes. The Jasmine collection has been created in response to demand for a versatile budget collection of seating which conforms to the customary Knightsbridge superior quality and assurance of comfort. Developed by the in-house R&D team at the Knightsbridge Furniture headquarters in West Yorkshire, the Jasmine family includes high-back, mid-back and wing chairs plus a twin-seat settee, all characterised by clean, simple lines and classic button detailing. Features include supportive arms to aid rising and heightened lumbar support which ensures correct posture and a comfortable sit, even over prolonged periods. As with all upholstered seating by Knightsbridge, the Jasmine range is available in a comprehensive array of flame-retardant fabrics and colours, with exposed wood in beached beech, natural beech, oak, wenge, walnut or cherry finishes. Enquiries: Telephone 01274 731442, email enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk or visit www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

New Mark 3 Horizon range from Armstrong A NEW range of washers, dryers and stack units has been announce by Armstrong Commercial laundry systems. The 8kg Horizon washer is energy efficient and can save as much as 40 per cent of the water consumption of some commercial washers. Sophisticated but easy to use controls allow selection from a range of programmes, all of which can be tailored to exactly the requirements of each installation. The machine spins at 1000rpm to maximise overall laundry efficiency and reduce drying times. The complementary dryer has a large door which can be hinged on either side. The quiet, efficient blower system has an airflow of 220 cu ft per minute, producing quick drying results and keeping operating costs low. The new dryer is easy to maintain with all key components accessible through the lower panel without disconnecting the door switch and the lint filter is highly visible and easy to clean. Enquiries: Telephone 01635 263410, email enquiries@armstrong-laundry.co.uk or visit www.armstronglaundry.co.uk

Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749

Ventrolla carries out caring restoration at residential home SASH window renovation specialist Ventrolla has completed a project at a residential care home in Chard, Somerset. Ventrolla Wessex minimised the disruption for residents at Chard Manor care home as a result of exceptional planning and organisation. Marc Vickery, of contractors Voyage Care, instructed Ventrolla to renovate 13 sash windows after receiving a number of recommendations, including one from English Heritage. The unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System was applied to the gaps in the sash windows to allow for smoother movement, eradicate draughts and reduce rattles. This helps to reduce noise, making the manor warm and comfortable for the residents. In addition to the windows that were restored to their former glory, seven window frames were renewed and six new sills made. Ventrolla had to work closely with the local conservation officer to ensure that the restoration work on the Grade II listed building was in keeping with regulations. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 0277 454 or visit www.ventrolla.co.uk

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CARINGINDUSTRY NEWS

Fun way to staying active New socks aimed at those with lower limb problems A FITNESS and play company has produced ranges of equipment that not only allow residents to stay active, but also present a social opportunity by allowing users to work and interact together. Lappset Playworld (LPUK) also offers pieces of equipment that allow residents to enjoy time with their grandchildren during visits from family, giving people a renewed zest for the fun that play brings. 65 Plus inspires users to be playful and challenge their bodies and senses, whilst LifeTrail, suitable for users aged 50 plus, helps to improve functional fitness including carrying out daily tasks. Both ranges allow a group of people to exercise at the same time, by working their way around the different activity stations or individual pieces of equipment. Managing director Chris Jones said: “Staying active is an important part of life, but equally important is having fun. With LPUK equipment, we successfully combine the two.”

THE sock is one of the last items of clothing to undergo a revolutionary change in design. NZ Sock Co., in consultation with expert clinical advisors, has designed a range of technologically advanced socks specifically aimed at those with the potential lower limb problems seen in diabetes, arthritis and rheumatism. Incorporating a unique combination of natural merino wool, renowned for its exceptionally high quality fibre, superior softness, strength and durability and Seacell, an innovative, cellulose and seaweed-based fibre with extensive

applications for medical textiles and situations where hygiene and cleanliness are important. Lifesocks deliver outstanding preventative and protective features and are designed to reduce friction and pressure, effectively manage temperature and moisture, inhibit bacterial growth, offer a warm and non-constrictive comfort and adapt to the individual shape of the foot. Our trademarked Elastic Support System (ESS) locks the sock onto the foot and the lower leg with minimal compression, providing support particularly under the plantar arch region.

Helping keep everything simple CAREDOCS is recognised as the market-leading care planning and home management software. Why? Because it’s been designed and is constantly updated by care home owners specifically to make their own facility easier to manage and more efficient. It also meets all the needs of anyone owning or managing a care home, as well as all CQC requirements. Everything in CareDocs is aimed at adding to the quality of care homes

give their residents. It’s a fact that using CareDocs releases staff from their desks and back to their residents, and that those using the system find that their nursing staff keep better and more accurate records and are happier with their admin. Why? Because CareDocs helps to keep everything simple, even down to automatically writing complete care plans, simply by answering a series of multiple-choice questions.

New product manager at Zest Beaucare’s Servicing Team BEAUCARE Medical Ltd – the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment to individual care homes, care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts. Alongside our product offerings, we supply servicing for care home equipment such as electric profiling nursing beds, patient lifting hoists and slings; all of which are carried out to industry standards including PAT testing and LOLER certification for hoists. We can offer this on an ad hoc or service contract basis. Our dedicated service department have a team of fully qualified and CRB checked engineers, offering a six month or annual equipment inspections. Our fleet covers the UK and can undertake the works on or off site using manufacturer’s parts if required. This service offering provides care homes, carers and patients confidence in the equipment used on a daily basis, to ensure it’s safe and fit for purpose. Enquiries call 01423 878899, email service@beaucare.com or visit our website at www.beaucare.com

Legionnaires’ Temperature Monitoring Kit IF you are an employer or person in control of premises, you must organise a Legionella risk assessment, therefore a reliable thermometer kit is essential. ETI’s Legionnaires’ Temperature Monitoring Kit has been specifically designed to monitor the temperature of both standing water and the surface temperature of pipes and tanks that form part of the water system. Each kit contains a Therma one thermometer, three probes – penetration, precision ribbon surface and PTFE exposed junction wire, a tub of ProbeWipes and a waterproof countdown timer, all housed in a carrying case. Legionella, like many bacteria, thrive at certain water temperatures and therefore, a wide range of workplaces are at risk where artificial water systems exist e.g. local authorities, large businesses, universities, hospitals, nursing and care homes. In fact, anywhere where water is stored and circulated around a building. For further information visit www.etiltd.com or telephone our sales office on 01903 202151.

CRAIG Kershaw has joined Zest Care Systems as a project manager to focus on aftercare and customer satisfaction. His day-to-day role will see him managing the roll-out and installation of Fusion software across customer sites, ensuring the transition runs smoothly by

configuring and integrating the system with customers’ payroll and invoicing packages. The job also involves post sales aftercare, planning roll-out and installation to customer sites, configuring systems, training and integration of Zest’s Fusion software.

Specialist CRB check service CARE Professional Consultancy provides a dedicated, specialist umbrella service for CRB checks. With experience of tens of thousands of applications over the past eight years the service, which is an ISO9001-registered organisation, is one of the largest umbrella services. Most of the clients are care providers, and the service includes

support and advice on the relation between vetting of staff and the care regulations. There is an informative website with a mine of information about the field of CRB checks, the ongoing changes to the Vetting and Barring scheme, and events in the field of care, as well as a library of links to useful websites.

Tram attractions has something for all ages TAKE a tram ride through time at Crich Tramway Village, home of The National Tramway Museum - an ideal destination for all ages. Visitors can ride our world renowned vintage trams through our unique period street and out into the open countryside for spectacular views, explore fascinating exhibitions and watch as trams are restored from our workshop viewing gallery. This captivating journey into history is made complete with a stroll on our fascinating woodland walk and sculpture trail and a trip to our unique Red Lion pub, tearooms and shops. We have a tram which is specially adapted to carry wheelchairs and guide books available in large print and Braille. The site has also incorporated a smooth pathway to avoid cobbles, and there are lifts and ramps to all buildings. We welcome one free carer per person. Enquiries: Visit www.tramway.co.uk or telephone 01773 854321.

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Serving up nutritionally rich meals for care homes By Lee Sheppard MALNUTRITION affects approximately 600,000 residents and, according to a recent BAPEN report, 37 per cent of residents admitted to care homes were malnourished. Why does this matter? Other than the fact that this is socially unacceptable, malnourished residents need more care and attention, requiring more staff time, which is an expensive resource. Consider the impact on catering costs. Additional fortification and specific dietary requirements can increase food costs substantially. Furthermore, the incidence of malnutrition has the potential to damage the image, and suitability, of the care home. All this has prompted many care home operators to review their approach to catering, asking questions such as; do we cater for the elderly properly? Do we have nutrient rich meals designed to stave off malnutrition? Do we have a range of dietary specific options such as gluten free, diabetic? One condi-

tion which is particularly challenging to deal with is when residents have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Feeding residents a healthy diet is often the best and most cost effective way of tackling malnutrition and maintaining the morale and spirit of residents. Serving patients with swallowing difficulties has traditionally not been an easy task, nor have there been many options to choose from. Preparing soft and pureed meals is time consuming; achieving the appropriate textures is incredibly challenging and many caterers only have the option of putting food in a blender.

Activities at a glance WHEN placed in a prominent position in a care home, the Activities Board provides instant visibility and comprehension of the activities on offer to residents, relatives and staff. Created by The Activities Board Company, the fire resistant mahogany board comes complete with 180 activity display cards and 10 blank ones for events specific to your home. They have a strong visual impact and give a clear portrayal of the programme with pictoral representation and a clear and brief narrative for a seven-day rolling programme. There is also a reference book containing information on how to organise each activity, along with benefits and helpful tips. The Activities Board provides a positive enforcement message, giving stronger control over your activities programme, including: resident expectation, staff understanding, formalised pattern and other stakeholder recognition.

If the correct texture is not achieved, water is then normally added to derive the right consistency. The result is often an undistinguishable blob on a plate, which having been diluted can have little nutritional value, as well as being visually unappealing. Following the development of the new, world leading range of texture modified meals from apetito there are now options available which address these challenges. Each meal will deliver at least 500 calories and can be a core part of a nutritionally balanced diet. Tackling malnutrition can be expensive in terms of the additional cost of looking after malnourished residents and the potential impact on the image of the care home. apetito works with more than 100 care homes,so understands the issues very well. It is the reason why it works so closely with its customers in a food partnership which looks to deliver quality, choice, and expertise for operators and their residents. Lee is care homes divisional manager at apetito

A helping hand AS A carer your time is better spent providing the care your residents deserve, not in the office handling their day-to-day finances. When care home providers are acting as corporate appointees, full responsibility for this role can be transferred to Essex Guardians. In doing so, it can remove potential conflict of interest, corporate liability and free up workloads. Essex Guardians is one of the leading corporate deputy services in the country. It provides a dedicated team of professionals to expertly handle financial affairs for people when they no longer have the mental capacity to do so on their own. The service includes collecting, maximising and administering state benefits, paying bills and ensuring the individual has access to money for activities such as shopping and socialising. It can also safeguard savings and investments and oversee property and personal items.

Additives help combat spread of infections CARE home residents have close contact with each other and staff due to them sharing living accommodation, facilities and care equipment. The risk of acquiring and spreading infection in these environments is therefore high. Older people are at greater risk of developing infections as their immune systems are less robust. All elements of Aid Call’s Touchsafe® nursecall system which are touched or handled are embedded with powerful anti-microbial additives to help combat the spread of infection. This provides lifelong protection that will not wear off against the spread of infection. The ATX5000 has an LCD screen which enables the nurse to retrieve the next message without touching the screen and without having to return to the central alarm system station or touching screens and the product is anti-microbially protected.

Nutritional drinks retailer offers next day service NUTRIDRINKS.CO.UK is a nutritional drinks retailer that provides more than 250 different products, including popular ranges such as Ensure and Fortisip. With a full catalogue of Abbott Nutrition and Nutricia products, NutriDrinks.co.uk also offers a next working day service to its customers, who have the option to place orders for as little or as much as they require. The website has become a popular choice for residential and care homes, home patients and family members as an outlet which offers competitive prices and a reliable delivery service. NutriDrinks.co.uk is a dedicated service designed to help patients purchase their nutritional drink or food supplements easily and effectively.

Conferences consider care opportunities and challenges LYNNE Dean and Richard Gleave gave the keynote speeches at the first two conferences in a series organised by MJM Events in association with Caring UK magazine. The events at Western Super Mare and Torquay entitled ‘Focusing on Outcomes’ are aimed at owners and managers of care homes and other services. Both events opened with a keynote presentation on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector at the moment. Both Lynne, deputy regional director, Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships and Richard, a member of the South West Region Strategy, made a wide ranging sweep across the everchanging landscape of care. Their view was that, despite the very obvious challenges presented by

the financial pressures facing local government and the NHS, there were nevertheless going to be opportunities and the onus was on provider organisations to understand commissioning intentions in their area. They suggested that it was vital to understand demand, and the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment – a public document – is the best way of finding out. Other speakers focused their presentations on current issues within a manager’s control. Judith Manners, a pharmacist with a long record of advising and training care staff in the safe management of medication, gave a practical outline of some of the problems that can occur, and the steps you can take to minimise or eliminate them altogether. She highlighted recent reported

problems with liquid medicines where GPs are four times more likely to make prescribing errors, and inhalers where staff are 30 times more likely to make mistakes than when administering tablets. Tom Owen, director of My Home Life, gave an inspiring talk on ‘Promoting voice, choice and control’, drawing on examples of the creative ways in which homes respond to residents and develop highly individualised plans to ensure people have the best possible quality of life and opportunities to take risks. He took time to address some of the common myths about being a care home resident, and sent the audience home happy that there is plenty of good news about living in a care home – with solid evidence that we should all be using to back up our case.

Lynne Dean Further conferences will be held on July 6 and 7 at Southampton and Ashford respectively. For further information telephone the booking hotline on 01226 734459.

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Firm recognises staff achievements SHAW Healthcare held its third annual staff achievement accolades ceremony at Stratford upon Avon. Families, residents and staff members throughout the company’s facilities were able to make nominations for the awards, with the category winners chosen from five previously staged regional events. All winners received a cheque for £500, a trophy, certificate and medallion. Category winners: Cook – Susan Sweeting; head office member – Jo Dodds; carer Nacimento Miranda; community services achievement – Polly Lessiter; NVQ champion Alison Bryant; carer supporter – Rita Lewis; deputy manager – Jane Eversham; home manager – Rebecca Condie; regional recognition – Jane Harris.

Winners at Shaw Healthcare’s third annual staff achievement accolades

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