The Carer Digital - Issue #25

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The Carer Digital

THECARERUK

Issue 25

THECARERUK

Key Failings and Care Residents Rights “Violated” Says Report

A series of “shockingly irresponsible “ decisions taken by Government led to the violation of the human rights of older people during the COVID-19 pandemic, human rights organisation Amnesty International has said.

Amnesty calls for a full independent public inquiry to commence immediately, and for the revision of current restrictive visiting guidelines A damning report says that Government decisions put tens of thousands of older people’s lives at risk and led to multiple violations of care home residents’ human rights, said Amnesty International, following an investigation by the human rights group’s Crisis Response team.

Amnesty’s 50-page report – As If Expendable: The UK Government’s Failure to Protect Older People in Care Homes during the COVID-19 Pandemic – shows that care home residents in England were effectively abandoned in the early stages of the pandemic.

Between 2 March and 12 June this year 28,186 “excess deaths” were recorded in care homes in England, with over 18,500 care home residents confirmed to have died with COVID-19 during this period.

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PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

“There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”

ROSALYN CARTER The Prime Minister has vowed “fix the injustice of care home funding”.

He made the same pledge on the steps of Downing Street 15 months ago. No details have yet been given. However, when his predecessor called a general election and ran on a manifesto pledge of what was dubbed “the dementia tax” it resulted in a public backlash which cost then Prime Minister Theresa May her majority.

Personally, I believe it to be the most challenging issue facing any government past present or future. And it is often a can “kicked down the road” - a problem for someone else to deal with.

Much like you all I have yet to see a credible solution suggested. An apt description of the social care system I saw is “inadequate, unfair and unsustainable”. An estimated one in 10 people aged 65 will face lifetime care costs of up to £100,000. We have reported before that in the past 20 years there have been a series of government reports on social care reform, two green papers, four white papers, and various consultations, as well as five independent commissions. And has anything changed?

The unsustainability has resulted in many social care providers handing back their contracts, and some are going bankrupt - there have been some pretty high-profile examples.

In my home city of Liverpool a care provider pulled out of a contract of running to care homes less than a year after taking control of them. They were due to close this month, but have been given a reprieve until spring 2021 when it is hoped an alternative provider can take control.

The current coronavirus crisis as highlighted to the wider

Editor

Peter Adams

public huge issues the social care sector faces.

One in particular is staffing. I always try to stay apolitical in my stance, but I was pleased to see the Lord’s defeat the government’s current immigration bill.

We are 12 weeks away from Brexit, a report I read in 2019 reveals that more than 90% of care workers earn below the proposed £30,000 salary threshold that could be required to obtain a visa after Brexit, and 8% of staff are of EU nationality and 10% of non-EU nationality. The threshold may be lowered to £25,600 but that will still cause significant issues.

One trade union has said that the new immigration rules could lead to staff vacancies in the social care sector of 460,000.

In my rather “humble opinion” the Prime Minister's first priority should be to stabilise the current system and significantly increase wages in social care, which will attract staff into the sector and fill any proposed shortfall, which would be catastrophic at any time, but in particular during this current crisis.

Another pressing issue of course is that of family visits.

Here I do have some sympathy with the government - they clearly find themselves between a rock and a hard place. A damning report by Amnesty International on our front-page highlights a series of what they say were “shockingly irresponsible decisions” by the government at the start of the pandemic. The discharge of patients into care environments in particular.

This is of course impacting on the government policy surrounding family visits. However, heartache and mental health issues associated with isolation and residents not being able to see loved ones has now become very highprofile topic of debate, and is causing enormous distress.

Mike Padgham Chair of the Independent Care Group is urging for clarity and is right when he said “There is huge confusion and uncertainty over visiting. Some local authorities are saying it is okay for homes to allow visiting whilst others are advising against. In all cases it is only guidance, which puts the final decision on registered managers. It shouldn’t be left to managers, who are already under severe pressure, to take this decision – we have to have a

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TELEPHONE: clear instruction from the Government, as they have with the six people limit, for example.”

The government needs to provide clear unequivocal clarity. Decisions should not be left to individual managers in particular given what else they are having to cope with during the pandemic.

We are also delighted to bring back our “Unsung Hero” Award (see page 15). A small gesture on our part, but one we are delighted to say has always been really well received and appreciated within the sector. We are always overwhelmed with the uplifting nominations we receive for various people in various sectors of the industry, from manager, supervisor, care assistant, activities coordinator, chef, maintenance man, gardener, truly heartwarming nominations for people who have gone above and beyond their normal duties, which can sometimes go unnoticed, and we are delighted to occasionally step in with a “luxury 2 night break” in a choice of over 300 hotels!

So please do get your nominations in, we will be drawing a winner on Saturday October 21st.

I always finish with a thank you to the many homes and their PR agencies providing us with some wonderful stories of anniversaries, fundraising, in-house care home initiatives keeping the spirits high, so once again well done and please keep them coming!

Previous Unsung Hero winner, I can always be Helen Miller, activities coordinator contacted at at Beechwood care home in editor@thecareruk.com Wishaw, Scotland

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Fax: 01202 552666 Email: sales@thecareruk.com

WEBSITE: www.thecareruk.com EDITOR Peter Adams SALES EXECUTIVES Sylvia Mawson David Bartlett Guy Stephenson TYPESETTING & DESIGN Matthew Noades PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Shelly Roche Published by

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 3

Key Failings and Care Residents Rights “Violated” Says Report (...CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) Care home managers and staff described to Amnesty “a complete breakdown” of systems in the first six weeks of the pandemic response.

They spoke of waiting to receive guidance, struggling to access (adequate amounts of) PPE, and of having no access to testing, despite having to manage infected patients urgently discharged from hospitals.

Most shockingly, on 17 March, four days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, the Government ordered the discharge of 25,000 patients from hospitals into care homes, including those infected or possibly infected with COVID-19.

On 2 April, the same day that the WHO confirmed the existence of pre-symptomatic cases of COVID-19, the Government reiterated its guidance for hospital discharge that ‘Negative tests are not required prior to transfers / admissions into the care home’.

Several care home managers told Amnesty that they had no COVID19 in their homes until after they received patients discharged from hospital. The manager of a care home in Yorkshire said: “Because of what we’d witnessed in Spain and Italy, we stopped visitors on 28 February and got PPE. We had no cases until 28 March when a resident was discharged from hospital with COVID.” These and other decisions taken by the Government led to violations of human rights of older people in care homes during the pandemic – notably their right to life, their right to health and their right to non-discrimination.

Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, said: “The Government made a series of shockingly irresponsible decisions which abandoned care home residents to die.

“Discharged without being tested, thousands of older people were sent to care homes at great risk to themselves and other residents and to staff.

“The appalling death toll was entirely avoidable – it is a scandal of monumental proportions.

“As the country faces a second wave of coronavirus, we urgently need a full independent public inquiry into the care home scandal, so that lessons can be learned and lives protected, before any more lives are lost.”

Amnesty has launched a new campaign calling for a full independent public Inquiry into the pandemic, with an interim phase starting immediately focusing on older people in care homes.

The human rights organisation is calling on the Government to also: • Order a thorough review of Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) forms in care home residents’ care plans and medical files to ensure they were not imposed without due process; • Ensure that care home residents have full access to the NHS services to which they are entitled; • Make regular testing available to care home visitors, as well as to care home residents and staff; and • Ensure that guidelines for care home visits put the best interests of the residents at the centre and that restrictions are based on individual risk assessments, takinginto account all possible risk-mitigating measures – such as more frequent testing for care workers, residents and visitors.

400,000 CARE HOME RESIDENTS AT HEIGHTENED RISK From the outset, it was known that COVID-19 presented a dispropor-

tionately high risk of serious illness and death to older people, with the UK’s 400,000 care home residents – many living with multiple health conditions, physical dependency, dementia and frailty – at even greater risk.

Yet despite this, the Government failed to take measures to protect care homes residents. Up until 13 March, two days after the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, Public Health England advised that, “There is no need to do anything differently in any care setting at present”.

Donatella Rovera, Amnesty International’s Senior Crisis Adviser, said: “It is as if care home residents were seen as expendable. Despite thousands of empty beds they were de-prioritised when it came to getting access to hospital care, and had blanket do not resuscitate orders imposed on them without due process. Such abuses are deeply disturbing.

“It is imperative that lessons are learned so that the same mistakes are not repeated, and that those responsible for such disastrous decisions are held accountable.”

REFUSED ACCESS TO HOSPITALS Amnesty received multiple reports of care home residents’ right to NHS services – including access to general medical services and hospital admission – being denied during the pandemic. Care home staff and relatives told Amnesty how sending residents to hospital was discouraged or outright refused.

The son of one care home resident who passed away in Cumbria said that sending his father to hospital had not even been considered: “From day one, the care home was categoric it was probably COVID and he would die of it and he would not be taken to hospital. He only had a cough at that stage. He was only 76 and was in great shape physically. He loved to go out and it would not have been a problem for him to go to hospital. The care home called me and said he had symptoms, a bit of a cough and that doctor had assessed him over mobile phone and he would not be taken to hospital. Then I spoke to the GP later that day and said he would not be taken to hospital but would be given morphine if in pain… He died a week later.”

Official figures show admissions to hospital for care home residents decreased substantially during the pandemic, with 11,800 fewer admissions during March and April compared to previous years.

Amnesty received multiple reports right across the country of doctors refusing to enter care homes and only being available for consultations by phone or video call, regardless of a sick resident’s symptoms or even in the case of end-of-life support.

A senior staff member in a large care home group told Amnesty in September: “It varied across the country, but GPs and district nurses have not come into the majority of our homes since the beginning of the pandemic. Not even to carry out essential work.”

MISUSE OF ‘DO NOT ATTEMPT RESUSCITATION’ FORMS Throughout the pandemic, repeated concerns about the inappropriate use of Do Not Attempt Resuscitation forms have been raised. Care home managers reported to Amnesty cases of local GP surgeries or Clinical Commissioning Groups requesting that they should insert DNAR forms into the files of residents as a blanket approach.

Amnesty’s research exposed how a group of six Sussex CCGs issued

DNAR guidance on 23 March 2020 to 35 GP surgeries and 98 care homes. The document instructed all practices to: “Search your clinical system for any care home patients who do not have a resuscitation order recorded (either ‘not for’ or ‘for’ resuscitation) and put appropriate orders in place”.

The guidance also related to hospital admission, asking GPs to ensure “patients who do not already have a ‘do not convey to hospital’ decision are prioritised and have one in place”.

INADEQUATE ACCESS TO TESTING Care homes have faced severe challenges in accessing adequate testing to enable them to effectively identify, manage and prevent (COVID-19) infections.

It was not until 7 June that every care home for those aged 65 and older had finally been offered testing. The introduction of regular testing for homes was not announced until 6 July.

A Durham care home manager who spoke to Amnesty in mid-August said the provision of testing was still far from adequate: “It hasn’t become clearer – I’ve tried to get access to testing. We’ve been all over the shop. We got onto the repeat-testing initially … then it was a different one. There was some testing for care staff and residents, but I’ve no idea what the next few weeks will look like.”

INSUFFICIENT PPE Whereas the NHS was promised “whatever it needs, whatever it costs” to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, care homes were left to struggle to find PPE. Most care home staff and managers interviewed

by Amnesty said they had faced serious difficulties in obtaining PPE through their usual suppliers. Some said they were told supplies were reserved for the NHS. A care home manager in Norfolk said: “[In March] we tried to order PPE. We normally have aprons or gloves on hand but did not have the numbers needed. We were getting in touch with our usual suppliers, but they were saying ‘we can’t give them to you, they’re on order for the NHS’.”

Such neglect of care homes needs put residents as well as staff at risk, many of whom also suffered, with high rates of infection and disproportionate death rates.

DEVASTATING IMPACT OF PROLONGED ISOLATION As the level of COVID-19 transmission decreased markedly over the summer and visits recommenced in some form, the devastating impact of isolation on the physical and mental health of older people who survived in care homes has become more visible. The consequences are tragic in some older people: reduced movement and cognitive functions, loss of appetite, depression, and a general loss of the will and desire to live.

A family member described her mother’s decline: “I have not been able to visit my poor mum for six months. She is bed-bound and is on the first floor so window visits have not been possible. Her room is right next to a fire exit so I could go to her room without having to pass through the home but ‘bedroom visits’ are not allowed. I have been informed [by the manager] by email ‘that I will only be able to visit when she is dying’.”

Care home residents should not be subject to blanket restrictions on their private and family life, except for restrictions which are appropriate to their specific circumstances based on individualised risk assessments and which take into account the impact on physical and mental health.

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

An Insurance Funded Model Won't Fix The Care System

By Philippa Shirtcliffe, head of Care Quality at Quality Compliance Systems (www.qcs.co.uk) In typical bombastic fashion, Boris Johnson set out an exciting new vision for the country. He compared a Covid-ravaged state to 1940’s Britain as he vowed to create “a new Jerusalem”.

There were many pledges but one of the most noteworthy was Johnson’s promise to repair a broken social care system, which is as we all know in desperate need of funding overhaul. While he elected to provide very little detail in his speech, Mr Johnson, dropped a large hint that the government could fund social care in the future with by switching to an insurance type model.

Speaking from a virtual platform, Mr Johnson, said “We will fix the injustice of care home funding, bringing the magic of averages to the rescue of millions. Covid has shone a spotlight on the difficulties of that sector in all parts of the UK, and to build back better we must respond; care for the carers as they care for us.”* As Mr Johnson set out his future plans for the UK care sector, frontline care workers must have breathed a collective sigh of relief. Only three months ago, the Prime Minister angered and insulted the social care sector by blaming care homes and frontline staff for the spread of Covid. Now, it seems, he’s done another of one of his famous U-turns, and brought them back into the fold.

The beauty of speaking to a virtual audience of course is that there is nobody to challenge you. Take Mr Johnson’s rather opaque hint (and it was only a hint) to use an insurance style paradigm to fix the care sector, for example. If this is what he was indeed suggesting (and we don't know for sure), in my opinion, it raises many more questions than answers.

Firstly, Michael Forsyth, chair of the Lords economics committee, conducted a root and branch study of care sector funding last year. The detailed report appeared to rule out an insurance funded model as the solution. So why re-introduce the idea as a viable option less than a year later? Have Mr Johnson and his team read Mr Forsyth’s report?

According to an article in the Guardian, “private insurance solutions”, which were “favoured by many” Tories was dismissed when “the insurance industry told the committee they wouldn’t work”.** Instead, Mr Forsyth’s report concluded that the social care sector needed a much more radical overhaul – one which would be funded by the taxpayer and cost billions of pounds.

As someone who has worked in the social care sector all of their working life, I can say with some confidence that Mr Forsyth’s findings make much more sense. He concluded that local authorities need to be

given bigger budgets, so that those in need – wherever they live – get free access to the basic care. This report of course was published before the Covid-19 Pandemic and it is fair to say that since then both the political and financial landscape have changed.

And so has the rhetoric. Since the Covid outbreak, commentators like to talk about “subsuming the care sector into the NHS” or to create “a closer union” between the two sectors. The first idea is as implausible as it is ridiculous. Why? Because the NHS and care sector are radically different organisations. One helps patients get better, while the other empowers people to live their lives. Secondly, the current care sector funding model is exceptionally complicated. It is disparate and fragmented and, therefore, it would not be easy for the NHS to seamlessly incorporate the care sector into its complex funding structure.

But, those who say that there need to be closer ties between the health and social care sectors are correct in their assumptions. The lack of communication between hospitals and care homes during the spring, for example, where some hospitals failed to inform care homes that the patients they were discharging had Covid, illustrates the needs for greater communication.

However, if the two are to forge closer links, the relationship must be allowed to develop on an equal footing. If NHS Super nurses are drafted in to help care homes in the near future, they must understand that a care home is different to a hospital and that they need to work in lockstep with experienced NHS frontline care workers to ensure the home delivers the best results for its service users – even if it is the NHS, who pays for the nurses to be there.

Whatever solution Mr Johnson and his team opt for, in a Covid-ravaged economy, is likely to cost billions of pounds. But there are no easy answers. As Mr Forsyth remarked last year, “The people who are looking for some easy way out of this are in search of a holy grail which does not exist.”

Mr Johnson and his cabinet would do well to take note. * The Guardian Covid can change UK like 'new Jerusalem' of 1940s, Johnson claims

By Jessica Elgot and Heather Stewart Tuesday, 6th, October, 2020 https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/oct/06/covid-can-change-uk-like-1940s-new-jerusalem-johnson-claims ** The Guardian Lord Forsyth: private insurance won’t fix the social care crisis

By Patrick Butler Tuesday, 30th, July, 2019 https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jul/30/lord-forsyth-private-insurance-wont-fix-social-care-crisis

Colten Care Residents Celebrate How Their Gardens Grow From cute carrots to beautiful beans, and radiant roses to delightful daffs, a bumper crop of entries has energised a care home provider’s second annual produce show.

Residents at all 21 Colten Care homes in the south took part in the friendly contest, planting and tending the growth of a dizzying array of fruit, veg, flowers and shrubs.

Working with their homes’ gardeners and Companions as soon as show categories were announced in the spring, the residents spent many happy and relaxing hours embracing the outdoors to complete their entries.

As well as produce growing over the summer, they made and decorated garden baskets, recycled spare items and materials as planters, built wildlife havens, painted pictures, did creative writing and baked garden-themed cakes.

To beat the challenges of Covid, entries were photographed, logged and uploaded to a central image library for judging rather than being physically presented.

The Poole dementia care home The Aldbury triumphed as overall winner with Braemar Lodge in Salisbury and Lymington dementia home Linden House both runners-up.

Pip Smith, a resident at The Aldbury, said: “It’s great that we won, as we all helped. We had great fun getting stuck into all the projects for each category. The garden is my favourite place. It’s where we spent most time on our entries, and Brett, the gardener, had us belly laugh-

ing with jokes throughout each activity.”

Tracey Aldin, The Aldbury Home Manager, said: “Everyone has worked so hard on this over the last few months. The residents have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in various activities to produce the final results. A huge thank-you goes to the Companionship team for their

dedication and hard work. This accolade is well deserved and we are all very proud of what we have achieved.”

Charles Hubberstey, Colten Care’s Head Gardener, said: “While Covid restrictions meant it was more difficult to keep track of individual homes’ progress during the last few months, and of course meant we had to rejig our judging process, I would say the quality, imagination and breadth of thinking behind this year’s entries even surpassed 2019.

“There was some very creative artistry on display from residents who clearly have many skills to harness and enjoy. Covid certainly didn’t dampen the creativity. On the contrary, blessed with some glorious spring and summer weather, residents really got into this with good humour and bags of energy. It just goes to show that care homes can offer a real rejuvenation of activity and fun that wouldn’t necessarily be possible for older people living on their own.

“Another fantastic thing about this year’s show was that both the winner and one of the runners-up are dedicated dementia care homes.

It’s fair to say that many of our residents, and perhaps especially those in dementia care, have found our gardens to be sanctuaries of peace and freedom during lockdown.

As well as a trophy, The Aldbury’s prize as show winners is a set of garden centre vouchers which will help continue the residents’ interest and joy in growing plants and produce.

Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband Enables Care Home Residents to Have Virtual Visits Residents of a care home can now video call their families for the first time thanks to a new ultrafast broadband connection co-ordinated by NHS Digital.

Park Farm House care home, near Bristol, was locked down for 20 weeks earlier this year to protect its residents from the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).

This meant that residents, who have dementia, could not see their loved ones in person between March and August because the broadband connection at the 10-bed home was too slow to allow video calls. The poor speeds also prevented staff from using video communication tools with GPs and from accessing online training and information.

Now, after care home owner Margaret Hanney contacted the NHS for help, the home has seen its broadband speed increase from 3 Mbps to 75 Mbps.

Mrs Hanney, 81, said: “We are so happy to get this faster internet connection – I was absolutely delighted.

“We felt very isolated and out on a limb without it. Now, we can use video and other digital resources – it’s making a huge difference.”

She and her husband Jeffrey have run Park Farm House for over 26 years and had been frustrated by the poor broadband.

Though neighbours in their rural location had a fibre broadband connection, Mrs Hanney was previously told this wasn’t available to the care home.

Earlier this year, she contacted NHSX after seeing information about broadband connectivity offers for care homes and was then signposted to NHS Digital’s Access Logistics Hub. The team at the hub spoke to Mrs Hanney and then worked with Openreach to review the options for connecting Park Farm House with full fibre broadband.

NHS Digital worked with her to place an order with her chosen provider, BT, and this was delivered by Openreach as part of the coronavirus response.

Within a few weeks, work to connect the care home to ultrafast broadband was completed – including installers pulling 100m of fibre cable through ducting installed by Mr Hanney 20 years ago.

Mrs Hanney added: “We have bought a tablet and residents can now video call their families, as visiting is still limited and strictly controlled. My wonderful team of staff are so pleased they can now help residents to keep in contact with their loved ones when they’re unable to visit the home.”

Patrick Clark, Programme Director for the COVID-19 Access Logistics Hub at NHS Digital, said: “I’m delighted that our Access Logistics Hub was able to help Park Farm House obtain ultrafast broadband connectivity that will be so beneficial to its residents and staff.

“I’m hopeful many more care homes will upgrade their connectivity services in future, improving their online experience and enhancing their ability to use digital services like video calls and consultations.”

Carla Thomas, Openreach’s Director of Business Customer Service, said: “As a result of Openreach’s Covid-19 national response, Park Farm House has the best broadband infrastructure available in the UK. “We know that great connectivity at work and home is essential but COVID-19 has shown us that it also has a huge impact on issues such as social isolation. We hope that having full fibre broadband will now make life easier for the residents and staff of Park Farm House, keeping them firmly connected to the organisations and loved ones who support and care for them.”

NHS Digital’s Access Logistics Hub is providing streamlined access to services to support health and care organisations during the coronavirus response.

NHSX and NHS Digital are working with the telecommunications industry to make low cost offers available to care homes, so that improved connections can be delivered quickly.

More information is available at https://digital.nhs.uk/coronavirus/access-logistics-hub/ care-home-connectivity

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 5

Carers Call on Government to Act Over Care Home Visiting Care providers have written to the Government calling for a single, nominated, and tested visitor to be allowed to visit a family member in care and nursing homes.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) also wants an end to the confusion over visiting which is putting too much pressure on home managers.

And it wants the Government to cut out the bureaucracy that is preventing the latest Infection Control Fund money reaching the front line of care.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham says in a letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock: "Many older and vulnerable people have now been in lockdown for seven months, with very little or no contact with their loved ones.

"This is having a detrimental effect on the mental wellbeing of those residents and their families. It is particularly debilitating for those with dementia, for whom the separation has been especially damaging. It cannot go on."

Mr Padgham said: "We cannot keep residents in lockdown for ever - we have to find a way to reunite them with their families and today we are calling on the Government to take action.

"We can have a nominated family member who could be tested. Once the result was known and provided they were clear they could then visit their loved one."

He also called for an end to the confusion surrounding visiting and the situation where different local authorities were giving different guidance.

"We need a firm decision," he said. "At the moment, some local authorities are saying it is okay for homes to allow visiting and others are advising against. In all cases it is only guidance, which puts the final decision on registered managers. It shouldn't be left to managers, who are already suffering

severe pressure, to take this decision - we have to have a clear instruction from the Government, as they have with the six people limit, for example."

The Government has promised a visiting guide for care and nursing homes, but that has yet to appear.

Some weeks ago, the Government announced a second Infection Control Fund of £546m to support care providers in fighting the pandemic, which was welcomed by the ICG. However, there are concerns about the fund reaching the front line.

Vic Rayner, Executive Director of the National Care Forum, has warned that the allocation of the fund has become mired in costly bureaucracy.

Mr Padgham added: "It is unfair that social care providers have to jump through so many hoops to get access to this vital funding - businesses didn't face such bureaucracy when they were getting financial help.

"We need this support urgently as the second wave of coronavirus gathers pace."

The ICG says the country needs a clearer message over lockdown, rather than the piecemeal arrangements that are being set up. There is also the added complication of whether figures on Covid-19 infections are accurate and can be trusted.

Mr Padgham added: "In my view, the picture is getting more and more confusing by the day. Given the information that has come out in the past 24 hours, can we rely on the figures we are being told about Covid-19? Are we going to have a full lockdown for a short period to try to nip this in the bud or are we going to continue with the piecemeal geographical lockdowns that I feel are causing more confusion than good?

Suffolk Care Home Resident Prime Minister Vows Celebrates Centenary Year to “Fix Social Care” A resident at Aldringham Court care home in Aldringham, between Leiston and Aldeburgh, has marked her 100th birthday with a special celebration at the home.

Wendy Botterill has been living at Aldringham Court since July this year and reached her milestone birthday on 13th September 2020; she is delighted to have the honour of being the oldest resident living in the home.

Wendy grew up in Ipswich and worked for the Electric Corporation during the war.

In the early 60s Wendy moved into a bungalow in Aldeburgh, just three miles away from Aldringham Court, where she worked at the Aldeburgh Surgery.

Wendy was happily married to John for many years, having met at the electric company. They enjoyed traveling together and

Wendy has always particularly liked visiting Greece. She has two step-sons, John and Peter, who were both born in Ipswich in 1932.

To mark the occasion, Wendy’s family were able to visit her from a distance whilst observing Covid restrictions. She also enjoyed a special cake and celebratory barbecue with her fellow residents.

National Operations Manager, Mike Parris said, “It was an absolute delight for staff to be able to spoil Wendy with a beautiful cake, gifts and drinks to mark her milestone birthday with her residents and friends.

“She is a joy to have at the home, and on behalf of everyone at here at Aldringham Court I’d like to wish her a very happy 100th birthday.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson once again pledged to fix social care in his keynote party conference speech. Upon arriving at Downing Street 15 months ago, Mr Johnson promised on the steps of Downing Street to repair the broken system of care funding, and has repeated the commitment, proclaiming: We will fix the injustice of care home funding, bringing the magic of averages to the rescue of millions.

"COVID has shone a spotlight on the difficulties of that sector in all parts of the UK, and to build back better we must respond. Care for the carers as they care for us."

The PM did not go into detail on his statement however, economist Sir Andrew Dilnot, who previously proposed a £45,000 cap on social care costs, has referred the term in relation to Winston Churchill’s support for social insurance to tackle unemployment.

The PM said the government would “do what all governments have shirked for decades” and find a solution for care funding.

“It is clear from Covid that we need the economic preparedness to repel whatever cosmic spanner is heading towards us,” he added.

“Covid has shone a spotlight on the difficulties of that sector in all parts of the UK, and to build back better we must respond. We will fix the injustice of care home funding. We will care for the carers as they care for us.”

Johnson also said the government would continue to recruit 50,000 more nurses and confirmed plans to build 40 new hospitals

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

COVID-19: Life on the Frontline - Jude’s Story

Jude Lally is a nurse at Royal Star & Garter’s Surbiton Home. Here, she talks about falling ill with COVID-19, the mental and physical stress caused by lockdown, and her immense pride in the people she works with.

The past few months have been tough, and very sad for us all. I knew that this was going to be something big when the Surbiton Home went into lockdown a week before everyone else. I was actually on jury service at the time and the case I was on was abandoned.

At first, working here during early lockdown was very hard. We were worried about our residents, we were worried about ourselves, and we were worried for our families. Over the weeks and months, we missed simple things like hugging each other, especially when somebody had passed away.

When I got tested it was no surprise it was positive. I was really

unwell and there was no doubt in my mind that I had the virus. I had incredible pain in my back and my hips. I was very hot, tight on the chest, I lost the sense of taste and smell, had a bit of a cough. But the main thing for me was it was so painful in my back. I have to say it was very frightening, there was one night where I thought that I might need to go to hospital. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I was just drinking water and eating fruit to try and get some energy.

I tested positive twice and was off work for two weeks. I needed to rest and recover, but I wanted to be at work. I wanted to be doing my job. I knew how hard everybody was working, it was tough. We had a new member of staff that had just started, and I was mentoring them. I was off and I was worried about their induction, I was worried about the residents.

One of the toughest times was the morning when we came in and I was told that a staff member had lost a very close family member. That affected us all very badly. It was really tough for us and I think we all cried in handover. We said to each other: ‘I owe you a hug’. We’ve said that a lot during this time. We didn’t discuss it with the residents because we couldn’t talk about it without choking up ourselves.

Staff have relied so much on each other for support. I didn’t doubt the support for each other was there before, but you saw it again and again.

Not knowing when it was going to be over was really hard. I think I cried every night in the car on the way home because I didn’t want to take the virus home, but sadly I did pass it to my husband, who has now fully recovered. I felt like I needed to ditch my worries, stress and frustrations somewhere on the way. I have a friend who is a nurse in the NHS and we’d be messaging each other for support in the very early hours of the morning. So I had a support network in my friend rather than bringing it all home for my family.

We’ve been supported so much by Royal Star & Garter during this period. Helena, our Home Manager, has been brilliant. She’s been very practical and very informative, she’s rolled her sleeves up and got involved. It’s great for all of us to see that the bosses will muck in. Then

we’ve had people driving staff to and from work, keeping them off public transport. Our caterers also allowed us to buy some essentials from them during the time when food was difficult to get for frontline staff.

People are going above and beyond all the time. I think the staff were incredibly caring towards the residents, and each other, everyone was very sensitive towards each other’s feelings. Everyone was working very hard because we wanted to do our best.

We always had enough PPE (personal protective equipment), and guidelines on what we should be wearing. That was a big thing for us.

Right now I feel so tired, I think we’re all tired. I think everyone would love to jump on a plane and go somewhere warm and sit on a beach.

But we all know it’s not going to happen. I’m glad that period is over, I’m not looking forward to the next spike, but we are ready and prepared.

Given our experience, we should be reassured as we have been through this already. know how we acted as a team. The Home has the PPE and procedures in place. Having had the experience means we will be better equipped physically and mentally to cope.

From a nursing point of view, it’s always been about the testing and this will be important again if there’s a second spike. It means that we know all the residents are safe and all the staff are safe. If someone tests positive we are able to act quickly to protect residents.

We’ve definitely learned lessons. If we go into lockdown again we have Zoom and video calls already set up. They have been great for residents and relatives to connect them with their families and support mental well-being.

There’s a resignation, but we coped last time and we can cope again.

We have that experience. Right now we see glimpses of normality, like family visits which have been happening outside or residents sitting together for dinner – with all the appropriate social distancing in place.

These are positive signs and are what I’m really looking forward to, that light at the end of the tunnel.

Long Past Time for Government to Deliver Reliable Test and Trace System The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has delivered a statement in the House of Commons about the technical glitch which saw approximately 16,000 cases of coronavirus going unreported last week.

In response, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “While it is reassuring that the technical glitch affecting Test and Trace reporting has been identified and resolved, its impact on the further spread of the disease could be untold.

“The Prime Minister has said that this is a critical moment in our response to the second surge of coronavirus and so, this error could not have come at a worse time when there are still concerns about how people can access tests and how quickly they receive results.

“The NHS is doing everything it can to bring back patient services that had to be

paused in the first wave while also seeing increased hospital admissions for those with coronavirus. It is doing this against many challenges including reduced capacity and staff burnout and ahead of what is expected to be a very difficult winter.

“Following a gruelling six months, nine out of ten NHS leaders we surveyed recently said they are concerned about the long-term impact that the pandemic will have on their frontline staff.

“Health and care workers, as well as the communities they serve, deserve a test and trace system that will support them to do their vital jobs but instead, they are being let down repeatedly. It is long past time for the Government and its contractors to get their house in order on this and we should be seeing improvements rather than uncovering further problems.”

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Need For Clarity As Care Home Deaths Inch Higher Again Care providers are calling on the Government for greater clarity on key issues in the fight against Covid-19 as deaths from the virus in care and nursing homes inch up again.

The figures from the Office for National Statistics show the number of Covid-19 deaths in care and nursing homes across England and Wales at 38 for the week ending 25th September.

That is up from 31, 27, 17 and 23 for the previous weeks. It means 15,602 people died from Covid-19 in care and nursing homes in England and Wales from 28th December to 25th September.

Mike Padgham, Chair of provider organisation The Independent Care Group (ICG) said: “Any increase in deaths is worrying and it is alarming that the figures are creeping up again.

“At the moment we feel once again that we are in the dark over some key issues as we go into another very concerning phase of coronavirus.”

The ICG is seeking clarity over: What the true infection and death rate figures are across the country • • What they should do about allowing visits to care and nursing homes • Which gloves carers should be using after receiving confusing information The latest area of confusion has arisen in the past few days after the Department of Health and Social Care

suddenly recommended that vinyl gloves should not be used, only to retract that advice later.

Mr Padgham added: “The confusion over gloves is just another example of care providers being given conflicting information at a time when we need clarity to be able to do the job of caring for those most vulnerable to Covid-19 properly.

“In recent days we have heard that test figures have been missed and so for all of us that creates mistrust over what the full extent of the infection rate is at the moment and what we are potentially up against.

“There is huge confusion and uncertainty over visiting. Some local authorities are saying it is okay for homes to allow visiting whilst others are advising against. In all cases it is only guidance, which puts the final decision on registered managers. It shouldn’t be left to managers, who are already under severe pressure, to take this decision – we have to have a clear instruction from the Government, as they have with the six people limit, for example.”

The Government has promised a visiting guide for care and nursing homes, but that has yet to appear.

“We have just written to the Government calling for a single, nominated, and tested visitor to be allowed to visit a family member in care and nursing homes,” Mr Padgham added.

“We cannot keep residents in lockdown for ever – we have to find a way to reunite them with their families and we are calling on the Government to take action.”

Belong Launches Covid-19 Dementia Guide Measures introduced to protect older people from COVID-19 may be as detrimental as the virus itself, according to local charitable organisation Belong. The provider, which operates seven state-of-the-art care villages across the North West and Midlands, has eleased a guide to help families and friends of people with dementia recognise and overcome some of the barriers created by isolation, face coverings and social distancing.

According to the latest findings from the Alzheimer’s Society, lockdown isolation has caused major levels of decline for people living with dementia, with 82% of respondents reporting a deterioration in symptoms such as further memory loss, reduced concentration, and increasing difficulties with reading, writing and communication. More than a quarter of respondents now find everyday tasks, such as dressing and cooking, more challenging.

Belong’s Admiral Nurse, Caroline Clifton, commented: “As an organisation that specialises in dementia care, we were already very aware of the harmful effects of social isolation and loneliness on people with dementia. As such, we were able to quickly respond within Belong villages to the potential risks of people experiencing a rapid downturn in their physical and mental abilities, due to reduced opportunities for exercise and social interaction.

Our focus has therefore been very much on finding ways to overcome these challenges

and maintain the positive wellbeing of customers.”

To help others in the community, Belong has developed a COVID-19 guide, harnessing the expertise of its dementia specialist Admiral Nurse team to offers tips ranging from nutrition and activity ideas to ways of maintaining exercise and social interaction whilst restricted to the home. Crucially, it also offers strategies to communicate with people living with dementia when wearing a mask or face covering, as well as advice on how to explain COVID-19 restrictions.

Speaking of the guide, Caroline added: “The past six months have been a steep learning curve for everyone, and we were keen to produce something that could help support families in the wider community to recognise potential issues, especially for those who may not have formal assistance in place.

“The guide combines best practice in dementia care with innovative strategies we have found really useful throughout the pandemic, and we hope it enhances the lives of people affected by dementia during this difficult time.”

Belong’s guide to caring for people with dementia during Covid-19 is free to download at https://tinyurl.com/yxf89kmu

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Conservative Party Challenged By Housing-WithCare Sector Not To Leave Older People Behind With social care and planning reform high on the Conservative Party’s agenda as it begins its annual conference online, the housing-with-care sector has urged the party to back new ways of caring for and supporting older people so they are not left behind.

The urgent challenge has been issued by representative body ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators), warning that “the coronavirus crisis has brought into stark relief the need for our society to think again about care for older people”, and that “housing-with-care needs to play a much bigger role in a diverse social care system which is built around the needs and choices of older people themselves.”

Only 0.6% of over-65s have the opportunity to live in housing-with-care in the UK, compared to between 56% in countries like New Zealand, Australia and the US. This is despite the great benefits for health, wellbeing and social connection that housing-with-care brings for older people, and the huge cost savings created for the NHS and social care. ARCO’s challenge “calls for a commitment from the Conservative Party to support measures to help housing-with-care to significantly expand and benefit hundreds of thousands more older people”.

A wide range of Conservative politicians have already expressed their strong support for housing-withcare, with MPs Damian Green, Bob Blackman, Andrew Mitchell, Giles Watling, Derek Thomas and Leo Docherty, plus peer Baroness Gardner, all backing ARCO’s mission for 250,000 people to live in housing-withcare by 2030.

A number of other Conservative MPs, including Robert Halfon, Dr Julian Lewis and Sir Mike Penning, signed a recent Early Day Motion tabled in the House of Commons recognising the contribution housing-with-care has made in protecting older people during the coronavirus pandemic, and calling for measures to boost the sector’s expansion.

The sector’s challenge to the Conservative Party reads as follows: “The coronavirus crisis has brought into stark relief the need for our society to think again about care for older people. We urgently need to find new, innovative ways of supporting, caring for and giving opportunities to older people so that they are not left

behind again. In this context, housing-with-care needs to play a much bigger role in a diverse social care system which is built around the needs and choices of older people themselves.

“Housing-with-care settings, sometimes called extra care housing and retirement villages, have played a vital role supporting older people through the coronavirus pandemic. They bring a unique combination of independent living with 24/7 on site care and services, boosting health and wellbeing, saving billions for the NHS and social care system, and tackling loneliness.

“Yet just 0.6% of over-65s in the UK have the opportunity to live in housing-with-care.

“Our sector calls for a commitment from the Conservative Party to support measures to help housing-withcare to significantly expand and to benefit hundreds of thousands more older people – giving them the chance to be independent, healthy and well for longer.”

The housing-with-care settings operated by ARCO members are distinct from care homes in that they combine independent living with 24/7 CQC-registered domiciliary care, services and communal facilities.

Residents have been shown to stay healthy and fitter for longer and spend less time in hospital and care homes, saving billions for the NHS and social care system. Housing-with-care settings have seen low morality rates during the coronavirus pandemic and have played a vital role in supporting older people.

Michael Voges, Executive Director of ARCO, said: “We are at a critical turning point for housing and social care policy in the UK – and we implore the Conservative Government in their reforms to think differently and innovatively when it comes to supporting older people. More of the same is simply not going to cut it.

“During the coronavirus pandemic we’ve seen how housing-with-care settings can effectively shield older people while promoting independence, active living and social connection. Yet only 0.6% of over-65s have the chance to reap these benefits currently.

“We urgently need to see the political action to expand the housing-with-care sector and help change the lives of hundreds of thousands more older people.”

Celebrities Set to Contribute to Celebration of Surrey Social Care’s Efforts during COVID-19 A virtual event set to celebrate social care in Surrey will include messages of support from various celebrities – who are keen to vocalise their recognition of thanks for the wonderful work the sector has been doing throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

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

Taking place online via Zoom call on 20th November 2020, the event will be hosted by the Surrey Care Association, which is looking to mark and applaud the incredible work that adult social care workers have undertaken during the crisis – having done away with its annual awards to focus on a celebration instead.

Alongside the celebrity voices, the Surrey Care Association is also

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

Having received a flood of entries, the deadline for submissions has been extended until Friday 16th October – allowing more time for people to contribute.

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

The collated videos will then be broken down into multiple categories which will be highlighted during the event and cover the following: 1. Best PPE dress up 2. Inventive Lockdown Programme for residents/service users 3. Family lockdown catch up 4. Staff dance and music

5. Creative cooking 6. Recognising teams 7. Memories Erica Lockhart, CEO of the Surrey Care Association, said: “We’ve experienced an incredibly tough time in recent months but, as a sector, we’ve also done an incredible job – working hard to keep residents safe in the face of tremendously challenging circumstances. Now though, we’re wanting to forget about the trials and tribulations and instead celebrate what we’ve achieved. This is what the event is all about – showcasing the very best of social care in Surrey.”

Erica continued: “We’ve had some brilliant videos submitted so far, but we’re still welcoming more as we approach the date of the event.

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

To find out more about the event please visit www.surreycare.org.uk/events/celebration-social-care-surrey

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Care Staff Can Claim Immigration Health Surcharge Reimbursement Tens of thousands of international health and care staff who have worked tirelessly to save lives during the pandemic are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to pay to use the NHS from today.

Overseas NHS and care workers are now able to claim their reimbursement from the surcharge fulfilling a pledge made by the Prime Minister in May. The IHS allows non-European Economic Area nationals to access the NHS on broadly the same basis as UK residents if they are seeking to work, study, or join family members for more than six months.

The Government’s Tier 2 Health and Care visa launched in August exempted eligible staff from paying the IHS. The new reimbursement scheme goes further to ensure that staff not covered by the visa, but who have worked in the NHS or care sector since 31 March are able to claim reimbursement for themselves and their dependents, even if they paid the surcharge before this date.

Those eligible can now apply online on gov.uk and access guidance on claiming the reimbursement which will be paid in six-month instalments.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said: “I am incredibly proud of all the fantastic health and care workers from all over the world we have working in our NHS who provide such an invaluable service, from cleaners to care workers to porters.

“We can now deliver on our promise as the reimbursement scheme will benefit those who have given so much this year to protect us all from COVID-19.

“This will encourage overseas health and care workers to continue to come and work in the UK and help those already living here to provide first-class care and support for patients.”

Applications will be processed by the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) and UK Visa and Immigration.

The IHS Reimbursement Scheme will work alongside the Health and Care Visa announced in July and launched in August this year. Reimbursements for the IHS will be paid in six-month instalments.

The visa offers a fast-track visa route for eligible health and care professionals and includes an exemption to the surcharge, making it cheaper, quicker and easier for people with the right skills from around the world to come to the UK. This will help grow the workforce to deliver 50,000 more nurses, 6,000 more doctors in general practice, as well as thousands more physiotherapists, pharmacists and other highly-skilled practitioners over the next five years.

Rebecca Smith, managing director of NHS Employers, part of the NHS confederation, said: “Employers and recent overseas recruits will welcome detail on how the immigration health surcharge reimbursement service will work in practice.

“The Government’s decision in May to exempt health and social care staff from the fee and reimburse those who have paid it after 31 March this year demonstrated some recognition of the incredible contribution overseas staff make to the NHS. Now more than ever, we must show our gratitude for all our staff, including those from overseas, who have worked with dedication, fortitude and selflessness to care for our communities in one of the most challenging periods in our history.”

Anyone holding a relevant visa, who has worked in health and social care continuously for at least six months and paid the Immigration Health Surcharge will be eligible for a reimbursement.

Applications will be processed by the NHS Business Services Authority and UK Visa and Immigration.

Captain Sir Tom Moore Inspires Care Home Residents with Charity Walk Care home residents have been raising funds for the fight against dementia with a sponsored charity walk. Fairmile Grange care home in Christchurch recently held a ‘Memory Walk’ in support of the Alzheimer’s Society, which has seen thousands take part in similar walks around the country this year.

Putting their best foot forward for charity, residents and care teams have clocked up more than 130 laps of the garden area between them. Part of the inspiration came from the extraordinary fundraising achievements of Captain Sir Tom Moore earlier this year.

Kim Butters, Wellbeing Manager at Encore Care Homes Fairmile Grange said: “The residents and team were moved and inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore doing his charity laps during the lockdown. We thought that we could do that here at Fairmile Grange, as we often walk residents around our beautiful garden. Rather than just the care team walk for charity, we thought it’d be nice to get residents involved too. Our residents love to be outside and it’s a special time, having that one to

one interaction of walking and talking. We’ve had a positive response from everyone and have launched a Just Giving page for friends and family to support us.”

The money raised from the walk will go towards helping the estimated 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Fairmile Grange specialises in residential, nursing and dementia care with a dedicated floor offering support for residents with dementia.

“It’s been was lovely thing to do and we all felt that we’ve contributed to something positive to help this worthy cause. Many of our residents live with dementia and have differing types of mobility. It’s a very important charity to us and if we can play our part in helping future generations affected from this disease, then it’s a good thing to do. The residents will all get a medal, which gives a real sense of achievement. It also highlights the spirit of the older generation who like Captain Sir Tom Moore, still want to help people and raise money for a good cause,” added Kim.

LGA Responds to NHS Providers Report on State of Providers Survey

"Social care deserves parity of esteem with the NHS, with the pandemic highlighting the incredibly valuable role of social care in its own right."

Responding to an NHS Providers survey of trust leaders, which found that 83 per cent were worried that insufficient investment is being made in social care in their area, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Social care services will play an absolutely vital role in relieving pressure on the NHS this winter, especially as we look to minimise the second wave of coronavirus.

“Councils and care providers have been working constantly throughout the pandemic to support our elderly and most vulnerable people, despite also facing rising demand and significant financial burdens.

“Social care deserves parity of esteem with the NHS, with the pandemic highlighting the incredibly valuable role of social care in its own right.

“The upcoming Spending Review must urgently provide councils with the extra funding they need to help shore up social care ahead of winter, while also using this as the basis for future reform of social care to place it on a long-term, sustainable footing.”

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Government’s Immigration Bill Defeated Amid Care Sector Workforce Concerns The government’s flagship immigration bill that would end freedom of movement rules in post-Brexit UK has been defeated in the House of Lords, after peers ratified an amendment calling for an inquiry into the bill’s impact on staff in social care The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, which paves the way for a new points-based immigration system, had already passed its initial stages in the House of Commons when peers voted for a review of the immigration policy in relation to the social care workforce within six months of the Bill becoming law.

A Labour-led demand for an independent review of how restricting free movement would impact social care saw peers defeat the government by 304 votes to

224 - a majority of 80.

The defeat comes amid concerns that the legislation could increase care sector staff shortages and deepen the crisis which is already under strain in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic

Analysis by the trade union for care workers GMB, has revealed the government’s new immigration rules could result in care worker job vacancy crisis in the UK topping 460,000. ’Who will keep our care homes going if Ministers continue to pull up the drawbridge?’

The legislation will now go back to the Commons for approval but with a government majority of 80, the amendments are not expected to remain.

Welcoming the vote, the GMB union is now urging the Home Secretary Priti Patel to listen to what the Lords has said.

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Officer, said: “Care in the UK is facing almost a staffing black hole of almost half a million people thanks to the Government’s insulting immigration policy and failure to properly fund the sector.

“The Home Secretary must now accept what the House of Lords has said about the Government’s Immigration Bill and its concerns about the impact on social care workers.

“For too long care workers have faced inadequate rates of pay, lack of recognition for their skills, and denial of opportunities for progression. We are determined to defend our members of all nationalities when their jobs are under threat.

“The demand on social care services is increasing every day, workloads are already unmanageable, and the Government must now try to plug the enormous staffing black hole.

“Who will keep our care homes going if Ministers continue to pull up the drawbridge?”

Sheffield Care Home Resident Raises Nearly £1700 For Wildlife Charities A resident from Willowbeck, one of the Exemplar Health Care specialist care homes in Sheffield, has raised nearly £1700 in one day for wildlife charities Born Free and Animal Asia.

Willowbeck resident, Caroline, was the driving force behind the fundraiser, and along with the support of the team at the specialist care home, planned a Wildlife Awareness Day on 18 September to raise money for the two wildlife charities. She raised an incredible £1690 through raffle tickets, selling t-shirts, and holding a bric a brac stall, cake sale and tombola.

Linda Galton, Activities Coordinator at Willowbeck, said: “It was incredible to be able to make this day happen for Caroline. She’s so passionate about wildlife and has loved being able to help out in this small way. Everyone at Willowbeck got behind the day – from selling raffle tickets, to donating tombola prizes, colouring in the bunting and manning the cake stall – it really has been a team effort and I’m extremely proud and grateful to everyone for their support.”

The event resulted in several animal adoptions, and led to Jill Robinson, Founder and CEO of Animals Asia, sending a personalised letter to say thank you. She said: “By holding this fantastic event for us and Born Free, you are helping so many animals, who need our help, across Asia, Australia and beyond.

“Your amazing fundraising means that there are moon bears at our sanctuaries, feeling the sunshine on their faces and playing in pools and rolling in grass, just like bears should!”

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Innovation In A Time Of Crisis: How Tech Has Enabled A ‘New Normal’ In The Social Care Sector COVID-19, despite the huge challenge it has presented to all of us, has created a landslide of innovation. Social care, arguably the sector that has been hardest hit by the pandemic, has been leading the way in proving that a crisis can often be an opportunity for learning. In this article, Steven Von Kohorn, Director of Clean Screen Gateways (www.cleanscreengateways.com), a leading provider of pioneering testing and sanitisation booths, asks how we can leverage this surge in innovation for the challenges that still lie ahead.

When the virus began circulating in care homes in March, most care settings in the United Kingdom were understandably not prepared for a pandemic of this nature. Unlike countries such as South Korea and Taiwan that have been living with the memory of the deadly SARS virus since the early 21st century, pandemic preparation in the UK has focused largely on an influenza type infection. Despite these challenges, we have seen a plethora of new innovations being developed over the past six months, many of these will be beneficial for the health and social care sector both during the COVID19 pandemic and beyond.

Now care homes are open again – although it is impossible to predict for how long – embracing tech that can help to safeguard the social care as infection rates are increasing across the general population must be an urgent priority in the UK. Adequate procurement and ensuring care homes have adequate stock of hand sanitiser and PPE will be essential to achieve the success had by other countries in the first wave of the pandemic.

One of the hardest things about the pandemic for residents and their families alike has been the loss of physical contact. For vulnerable people, particularly those suffering from conditions like Alzheimer’s, it is easy

to feel disoriented. There is much anecdotal evidence to suggest that the sudden lack of outside contact was a source of distress for many care home residents. However, thousands of care providers were quick to set up practices which enabled residents to communicate with their relatives using Skype, Google Hangout, WhatsApp or Facetime. A straightforward initiative that provided great solace to residents and their families while physical contact remained impossible.

In order to keep homes open and allow residents to have life saving contact with friends and family, providers also need to ensure that, employees who are COVID-19 positive do not bring the virus into homes when they come into work. As Track and Trace improves, thanks to increased uptake of the app and developing technology, the next priority is communication. Care providers should create a clear line of communication with employees, so they are clear about their rights when asked to self-isolate, particularly in relation to statutory sick pay.

There also needs to be a wider conversation about the value of temperature testing, and how technology can help with this. In Taiwan, body temperature checks are performed at least daily on all staff in social care.

Indeed, we see sanitisation booths in airports across the world – from Hong Kong to Italy – so why not in care homes, where we know there is such vulnerability to the virus? Additional layers of sanitation and screening can help to disinfect members of the public before entering any public space and bolster the safety and security of these spaces. These are available now and should be employed throughout the care industry.

The safety gateways are so sophisticated that they can be set to refuse entry if people are not wearing a mask or are unauthorised to enter the premises. They can even monitor and report if people have been screened and have shown signs of infection so they may be referred for assistance.

We should be proud of how our care homes have adapted to these extraordinary circumstances. It has been an unprecedented challenge for the social care sector, but also a period of mesmerising innovation.

From the collaborative robots (or ‘cobots’) trialled by Hampshire County Council to care providers using 3D printing to create their own PPE, we have seen how nimble, agile and resourceful this sector can be. Now the preparation must begin for the winter ahead.

Care UK Announced as Health and Social Care Sponsor of The Big ‘Green’ Draw Festival 2020 The Big Draw Team is thrilled to announce that Care UK is the official health and social care sponsors of The Big Draw Festival 2020 which this year is themed: The Big Green Draw: A Climate of Change.

For the second year running, Care UK is hosting Big Draw Festival events in over 50 of its care homes across the UK throughout October. As an organisation that leads the way in integrating arts into care homes, Care UK is well-placed to inspire other care homes to engage with the arts particularly during this uncertain time.

For The Big Draw Festival 2019, more than half of Care UK’s 123 homes teamed up with schools, nurseries and groups of young people to draw, craft and create together alongside residents as part of their Big Draw Festival 'Drawn to Life' activities.

Thanks to the challenges brought about by Covid-19, Care UK is exploring a more digital approach to its Big Draw events in 2020 by continuing to encourage intergenerational participation – but remotely.

Activities will reflect this year's Festival theme by encouraging participants to embrace their creative sides, get back to nature and explore environmental and wildlife themes .

Care UK homes have already come up with some exciting creative ideas – for example, Bowes House in Hailsham is preparing to take residents on a virtual safari with the help of Knockhatch Adventure Park, colleagues and residents at Larkland House in Ascot are creating an autumn scene after discussing their relationship with nature to inspire their artwork, and at Harrier Lodge in Whitstable, they are producing their interpretation of Kandinsky’s Concentric Circles.

Care UK’s dementia expert Suzanne Mumford said: “We are very proud to be the official health and social care sponsor for The Big Green Draw Festival 2020.

“The recent pandemic has shown very powerfully how important

and rewarding creative activities can be to care home residents, particularly when some of the more usual trips out and visitors have not been accessible.

“The Big Draw initiative really resonates with our activity-based approach to care. As we did last year we plan to involve young people participating alongside residents in our homes. Although visits in person are not going to be possible so that we can keep everyone safe, we’ve got some cunning plans up our sleeves to use things like zoom and facebook to link with schools and other groups.

“Arts are an essential part of life in our care homes and I’ve seen first-hand how drawing and painting can bring satisfaction and pride to older people. Using art materials can also be a powerful reminiscence activity for people living with dementia – prompting long forgotten skills and bringing into focus memories of a person’s earlier life.

“After last year’s life drawing class, I can’t wait to see what our teams and residents come up with for their Big Green Draw Festival celebrations this year. “ Director of The Big Draw Kate Mason said: “Care UK has a history and track record in supporting individuals to feel fulfilled, active and

supported in their environment – often through challenging times for them and their families. The Big Draw charity shares Care UK’s approach around the focusing on the nurturing of an individual to help them unleash new (or rediscover forgotten) talents, fresh curiosity or interests that make them happy and feel connected to those around them. Curiosity, play and creativity are what make us human and help maintain vitality of body, heart and soul – whatever our age or stage of life.

Kate added: “ I visited Sherwood Grange (Care UK home) for a Big Draw event in 2019 which proved to be a truly life-affirming and uplifting experience. The commitment from all involved - and quality of artwork produced was a delight to witness. An added benefit was to have the opportunity to chat with some of the artist residents and hear a little about their own stories and adventures.

“The Big Draw has always championed the power of lifelong learning and the positive impact of creative participatory activities for ourselves and the planet. For The Big Green Draw Festival 2020 we will explore sustainable methods of engagement and rediscover the ways in which we do, and do not harmonise with nature. We look forward to supporting new digital methods of engagement with the arts and drawing this year.

“Care UK - like The Big Draw - values and embeds opportunities for creative engagement across its national portfolio of care homes- seeing first-hand the impact that little things can have. Small things can often lead to big things and act as a positive catalyst for an individual’s quality of life and increased self-confidence. Like The Big Draw, Care UK are also able to share the stories of normal ‘everyday’ people who do extraordinary things and continually surprise those around them with their invention, tenacity and energy.

“With all the above in mind, we are delighted that Care UK has agreed to be the official health and social care sponsor for The Big Green Draw Festival 2020: A Climate of Change. Care UK shares our ambitions, passion and core values around quality of life and the right for everyone to be respected and express themselves creatively. We are looking forward to what we know will be a fruitful and dynamic partnership.”

Newcastle Care Home Colleagues Raise Money for Macmillan With Bake Off Competition Colleagues at HC-One’s Kirkwood Court care home in Newcastle upon Tyne recently hosted a coffee morning bake off competition, in order to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

With families not being able to visit due to coronavirus restrictions, wellbeing coordinators, Sarah Strawbridge and Lauren Proctor were not able to put on the usual coffee morning, but by using their initiatives, the girls were able to keep the coffee morning fun, by hosting a staff bake off.

Colleagues from the home were all tasked to bake the most beautiful cake and donate money to join, with Residents being the judge of the winners.

Different categories in the bake off included, best bought, Macmillan masterpiece, most creative cupcake and best brownie or bake. Colleagues at

Kirkwood Court were definitely up to the task, as most staff got involved, with people coming in for testing donating pieces of cake, along with nurses visiting.

Residents really enjoyed being able to judge on which cake was best out of the amazing creations, with Resident Dorothy H presenting staff with awards for winning.

“I have had a lovely time, with lots of laughs,” said Kirkwood Court Resident, Lily Irvine.

Through this small competition, staff have managed to raise over £50 so far, with many more opportunities to come in the future.

Kirkwood Court Senior Lead, Sandra Brown said: “It’s brilliant how staff have all come together to support this brilliant cause.”

DO YOU KNOW THE CARER’S NEXT UNSUNG HERO? Regular readers will know we here at the Carer have been awarding an Unsung Hero each Summer and Christmas since 2016!

Now, in these unprecedented and testing times we are looking for another Unsung Hero! (How we wish we could reward you all!)

Say hello to some previous ers!

A two night luxury break for winn

Care Home urst of Cloverfield Marion Brockleh

Debbie Day of Cedars Care Home

two people in a choice of over 300 UK-wide hotels is the prize! £50 Marks & Spencer vouchers for two runners-up! e Boynes Care Centr Sam Buckley of The

Tina Higginson of Sam brook care home

A no-frills, no glitz or glamour competition - all we ask is for you to send us a paragraph or two nominating your Unsung Hero from any department with a brief description of how they've gone that extra mile and deserve to be recognised.

✓ Do you know our next Unsung Hero?

Email your nomination to us today at nominate@thecareruk.com CLOSING DATE 21ST OCTOBER 2020

PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

How Technology Is Changing The Way We Manage Our Bodies

By Graeme Rider, Co-Founder, www.backpain.online

Through the toughest of times imaginable over the last few months, the extraordinary dedication of employees across the care home and social care sector has been tested in a crucible and evidently demonstrated. While the industry pushes for the implementation of promised reform, employees brace themselves for a tough winter with local outbreaks, flu season and supporting new patients either with “long COVID” symptoms or those whose health has declined because of lockdown.

Thinking ahead to the next few months will be hard for workers in the sector. As well as the challenges ahead, with long hours and new protocols, it has also been hard for care home workers to look after themselves over the last few months.

As the country went into lockdown, we all had reduced access to important care, less facetime with our physios, osteopaths, chiropractors, dentists and more. Coronavirus led to digital healthcare being fast-tracked, to help serve the country during a global pandemic. Now, with longer public sector waiting lists and access to private healthcare out of reach for many, more and more of us are turning to our devices to seek help.

Technology has been on hand as lives have been transformed. Whether you’ve used it to Zoom children or grandchildren or to tried to book a Tesco delivery slot, it’s helped us cope this year. In particular, digital health can be a lifeline to carers who are not able to access in-person services for a variety of reasons. Given the rigours of many of the jobs in the sector, both physically and mentally, care that maintains wellbeing is critical for an industry with significant resourcing challenges.

Unfortunately, what we see too often is that when care is not provided in-person, the virtual replacements can skew to generic advice, which is highly challenging when people have extremely diverse needs.

Digital healthcare is still in its infancy, but industries are increasingly looking to it to help maintain the wellbeing of their workforce. However, the solutions offered need to be accessible, intuitive, personalised and also affordable (particularly to avoid ROI hesitancy). Finally, they need to be adopted! Care homes need to select the right, helpful digital health services and consider how to encourage their uptake.

The last point is critical because many injuries are much worse at the point of diagnosis because patients leave it too long. Early intervention is crucial in not only minimising the effects of an injury but also maintaining a healthy workforce, and at the current time, traditional services are difficult to access for carers.

Technology can fast-track the entire process from intervention to recovery.

Digital healthcare enables anyone with an internet connection and a device to have immediate responses from experts or access to expert advice. There is also onus on the website or application to be as user friendly as possible, especially for those who aren’t digitally savvy. A platform that’s accessible and intuitive will result in happier users and healthier ones. This in part frees up time and resourcing at homes, where staff can continue to focus on key parts of patient care without feeling stretched.

Those without access to appointments or consultation via digital health apps may resort to generic advice and exercises online. They may have self-diagnosed an injury based on Google and then searched for educational or rehabilitation videos based on incorrect information. A personal high-touch approach, where experts review your story, your data and provide a personalised recovery for you, means you still get the professional advice but at the touch of a button.

Affordability is also important at a time when costs are being cut and many homes are struggling to break even, whilst still trying to provide the best levels of support. Digital platforms can bridge the gap between the NHS which can’t always meet patient demand and the private sector which can price out parts of the population.

At a time when services are stretched and more of us at home, it’s important that healthcare providers get their digital alternatives up to scratch in order to maintain wellness for care home professionals. More of the population now turn to the internet and their devices for help with their mental and physical wellbeing.

Having digital platforms configured to serve the public in the best way possible will lead to us all leading healthier lives.

Music and Dementia Charity Launches Month of Musical Tea Celebrations From Bananarama Bread to Bread Sheeran and The Rolling Scones, musical baking puns are on the menu in October as Playlist for Life launches a nationwide fundraising campaign to raise awareness of the power of music for people living with dementia. With regular coffee mornings unable to take place, the charity is encouraging people to connect through music (either virtually, socially distanced or with members of their own household) and raise funds for people living with dementia, whilst also supporting care homes to host fun music activities for their residents, in compliance with government guidance.

Playlist for Life was founded in 2013 by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson to ensure that everyone living with dementia has a playlist of personal music and that everyone who cares for them to know how to use it effectively. The charity’s work is based on more than two decades of research showing that ‘personal music’ – the specific tunes attached to someone’s emotions that spark memories – can help those living with dementia by alleviating stress, managing symptoms and strengthening relationships with family members and carers.

Originally planned for April this year, the Musical Tea campaign was put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions. Now, the charity is encouraging people to connect through music in line with government guidelines.

Any funds raised by members of the public will help the Playlist for Life to continue to provide free resources and support to those affected by dementia. Michelle Armstrong, Interim Executive Director of the charity, said: “People living with dementia, their families and carers are among those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic. During this extremely difficult time, we have been working closely with families and care professionals to spread joy through the power of music, and now we’re calling on the wider public to get involved.”

“Taking part can be as simple as giving your gran a call and chatting about music and memories. It’s all about connecting with each other whilst raising awareness of the power music can have for someone living

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

Sandra McCallum cares for her husband David, who lives with dementia and aphasia, meaning he has practically lost his speech. The couple, who live in Glasgow, worked with Playlist for Life to build David’s personal playlist. Sandra said: “What I find amazing with the playlist is that David’s speech comes back and he sings along to some of the songs when he listens. I can see that he’s enjoying it and it gives him a real boost. I think the playlists are a great idea for people living with dementia, who can sometimes forget who they are and what they used to enjoy.”

The first Musical Tea campaign took place last year on BBC Music Day, a UK wide celebration that brought over 100 organisations working across the dementia field together with special broadcasts and programmes. Hundreds of people have already signed up to October 2020’s Musical Tea month.

Darnley Court care home in Glasgow are hosting their second event this year. Louise Fulton, Home Manager said: “Wellbeing has been so important for our residents during the pandemic. Musical Teas give us all a chance to relax and have fun together, and also show families who can’t visit that life is going on within our care homes. We’re still able to send them videos of their family members having fun and enjoying themselves. Our Musical Tea this year will be very different to last year’s as we are strictly abiding by social distancing measures and operating within bubbles, but we are also working with people here and their wellbeing is so important. The whole staff team gets involved and last year we all had great fun trying to come up with the best musical baking puns, like ‘Scones and Roses.’”

“I’m so passionate about using music within our homes. It’s amazing to see how it can bring people out of their shell. There have been moments when some of our quieter residents who don’t usually speak that much have burst into song when we put ‘I belong to Glasgow’ on through the Alexa. They know and remember every single word. It’s really amazing to see.”

Abbeyfield & Wesley, a Northern Irish charity providing a range of housing support and care for older people, is also signed up to hold an event in 2020 after taking part last year. Sally Campton, Community Engagement Manager, said: “We ran several musical teas in our supported houses and care home last year, with great success. This year, more than ever, we want to find ways of helping our residents connect and Musical Teas are a great way to lift everyone’s spirits.”

The Musical Tea campaign is running throughout October. You can sign up for a free pack at www.playlistforlife.org.uk/musical-tea.

Twin Topping Out Ceremonies Celebrated By Care UK Care UK’s investment in new care homes took another step forward recently as topping out ceremonies took place at two new homes in Hampshire.

At Dashwoord Manor, in Basingstoke, the mayor of Basingstoke, Councillor Diane Taylor, joined the Care UK team and representatives from specialist construction partner, Highwood, for the ceremony marking the end of building work at the home that will provide full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 70 older people.

Cllr Diane Taylor said: “I was delighted to take part in this special topping out ceremony in which the final tile is laid on the roof of the building.

This is an important milestone in the construction of a new care home in Basingstoke, which will bring to our town an excellent purpose-built facility for local residents. I will be following its progress with interest and look forward to next year’s official opening.”

Peter Griffiths, development project manager for Care UK, said: “As one of the latest additions to a growing portfolio of residential care homes, the Basingstoke site represents a major investment for Care UK, and reflects our commitment to improving the provision of residential care in the town.”

The home includes its own cinema, hair salon and café and has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also

promoting independence, the new care home will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

Forty miles away in Sarisbury Green, the Mayor of Fareham Councillor Mrs Pamela Bryant, joined the Care UK team and representatives from specialist construction partner, Brymor, for a topping out ceremony at Ancasta Grove.

Natalie Smith, development project manager for Care UK, said: “It was great to celebrate such a key milestone in the construction process, marking another step closer to opening the doors to the people of Sarisbury Green. The home represents a major investment for Care UK and reflects our commitment to improving the provision of residential care in the town.”

Cllr Bryant welcomed the home saying Sarisbury Green will benefit greatly from the addition of the state-of-the-art home as well as the jobs that it will bring.

Care UK is proud to be building so many modern and fit for purpose new care homes – we have opened 44 new homes since 2013 and expect to open around 20 new homes by the end of 2021 in other locations including Quorn, Basingstoke, Haywards Heath and Chichester.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 17

Older People Missing Out on ‘Talking Therapies’ to Support Mental Health

People aged 65 and over make up just 6% of NHS talking therapy patients in England, suggesting a need for more options and support for those experiencing mental health issues in later life, says older people’s charity Independent Age. In its new Minds that matter report, Independent Age says the 6% figure is too low given the age profile of the population – with 18% aged 65+ - and the prevalence of mental health conditions in the community.

Access to talking therapies is even more essential during the COVID19 pandemic, with national statistics showing that people in later life are facing increased anxiety, depression and experiencing complicated grief as a result of bereavement during this period.

Independent Age found that between March and July this year, up to 98,000 older people experienced a partner bereavement – almost one and a half times as many as in a typical year.

Talking therapies, which include counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and guided self-help, are available through NHS England’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme to treat issues such as depression and anxiety. People are often referred to these services by their GP. Polling commissioned by Independent Age for the Minds that matter report showed that nearly half (46%) of people in this age group were

also not aware of talking therapies.

The report notes that despite the low rates of IAPT referral and low levels of awareness, people in later life often respond well to this support. Data from the programme for 2019-20 shows that people aged 65+ had an overall recovery rate of 64%, compared to 50% for people aged 18-64.

Other nationally representative polling statistics from the report include: • Three quarters (75%) of people aged 65+ said they have experienced significant anxiety or low mood at least once since turning 65, with 1 in 10 (10%) saying they feel this frequently or all the time.

• Only 1 in 8 (12%) people aged 65+ believed that ‘older people are given the support they need to manage their mental health.’

Given the high number of older people likely to be experiencing complicated grief due to bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increased experiences of anxiety or low mood, Independent Age is urging the Government to ensure people in later life are signposted to the treatment options available and supported to manage their mental health.

The Minds that matter report investigated attitudes of, and towards, older people’s mental health, using a nationally representative poll of 2,316 people, as well as in-depth interviews with 43 people across the country, and a UK wide survey with 2,821 respondents. The majority of its research was conducted just before the COVID-19 lockdown.

Chief Executive of Independent Age, Deborah Alsina MBE, said: “Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we take the mental health of people aged 65+ seriously. Even prior to COVID-19, people in later life regularly had to cope without their mental health needs being met, with 10% of people aged over 65 saying they experience significant anxiety or low mood frequently or all the time.

“COVID-19 has brought extra challenges around bereavement, but

we’ve also seen an increase in mental health problems such as depression and anxiety – in fact, ONS statistics show that rates of depression have doubled for people aged over 70. This is an urgent problem.

“Conditions like depression and anxiety can affect people at any age – and people of all ages can be treated and recover. It’s vital that NHS England takes a multi-faceted approach to improving older people’s access to mental health services. We want them to review the barriers to accessing therapy, share best practice where it’s working well, and use targeted messaging to ensure people are aware of what services exist and how they can help.”

Responding Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Councils play a crucial role in improving and maintaining their residents’ mental health and wellbeing across all ages, including for older people.

“This includes through adult and children’s social care, suicide prevention and helping unpaid carers and new parents, alongside providing safe access to parks and green spaces, youth services, children’s centres and expanding public libraries’ online offer.

“We need a new national focus on helping everyone stay mentally well, including those affected by COVID-19, backed-up by funding for councils to spend with the voluntary and community sector on meeting local mental wellbeing needs.

“This should include a shift in focus and funding away from simply treating mental ill-health and towards a locally-led approach to promoting people’s mental wellbeing throughout their lives.

“The upcoming Spending Review should be used to provide ongoing funding for councils to invest in effective mental health services and support to meet existing, new and unmet demand caused by the pandemic.”

Investment In 40 Hospitals Welcome But ‘Just The Start’ Responding to the Prime Minister‘s announcement of the 40 hospitals that will be built by 2030 as part of the package worth £3.7 billion of extra capital investment for the NHS, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “This money will be welcome news for the NHS, which badly needs more capital funding for new buildings, but while a sizeable amount, it is just the start of what will truly allow hard-working frontline staff to be able to provide the best care possible for patients in the years to come.

“NHS leaders tell us consistently that crumbling buildings and inadequate equipment are holding their staff back; this was felt before the pandemic struck and created monumental and unexpected challenges for our health and care system.

“In a recent survey, almost three in four NHS leaders told us that they did not

have enough capital funding to upgrade their existing buildings, IT and other infrastructure to deliver services in new ways. Also fewer than one in ten NHS leaders told us the current funding allows them to deliver safe and effective services.

“As we strive to reset the NHS following the experiences of the first stage of the pandemic, teams across healthcare need to see longer term plans for investment in all facilities and technology, as well as in the education of the staff who use them and care for our patients.

“Fifteen years of under-investment in the health of our nation is slowly – too slowly – being addressed and our colleagues in social care will also look forward to similar plans for their services where the lack of political attention is starker and the need arguably greater.”

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PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

More Than 40% Of People With Learning Disabilities Have Issues With Their Mental Health During Pandemic Learning Disability England has been working with the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities to deliver Pass-it-Online mental health training, thanks to funding from the Government’s £750 million charity support package.

Learning Disability England has been bringing its members and partners together during the pandemic to help people stay safe, well and connected.

One of the ways has been through the Pass-it-Online Mental Health training, funded through the grant that was part of the Government’s £750 million charity support package.

We have worked with the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities to make workshop sessions available across the country and train people locally to deliver them.

Funding has also made sure that we can pay the trainers with learning disabilities to deliver these workshop sessions.

This work is to help tackle the mental health issues of increasing numbers of people with a learning disability and the people who support them during the pandemic.

Research by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities suggests at least 40% of people with a learning disability are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (part of London South Bank University) developed the Pass-it-on project, a workshop-based project all about mental health specifically for people with learning disabilities.

The workshop sessions look at what mental health is, the five ways to wellbeing and making plans. They focus on all of the practical things people can do to stay happy and healthy.

The workshops have been designed to be led by people with learning disabilities supported by a worker.

Anne Celebrates 106th Birthday at Bristol Care Home There were celebrations at a Bristol care home this week to mark the 106th birthday of Anne Brokenbrow, who made the national news headlines when she was “arrested” last year.

Anne, a resident at Stokeleigh Care Home in Stoke Bishop, had her wish granted in March last year.

Police turned up at Stokeleigh to “arrest” her, put her in handcuffs and took her away in a police car with its siren on and blue lights flashing.

Though she had not done anything wrong in her life, Anne wanted to find out what it was like to be a “criminal” for a day. She found the whole experience “very exciting”.

Anne, who worked as a secretary to a sergeant major during World War 2, celebrated with a birthday cake and a card from her grandson who lives in Singapore with 106 kisses inside.

She also received her sixth birthday card from the Queen, the first being for

her 100th birthday.

Kelly Lewis, Stokeleigh’s activities coordinator, said: “We all love Anne: she is very much our Stokeleigh superstar after her arrest last year. She loves music and singing. She’s a very jolly lady with a wicked sense of humour.”

Sean Gavin, CEO of Hartford Care, which runs Stokeleigh, says: “Everybody at Hartford Care wishes Anne a very happy 106th birthday. She’s an absolute inspiration to us all as well as everyone who knows her as she continues living her life to the full. Congratulations Anne, what an achievement!”

Hartford Care Group Limited which is part of a family-owned business, established more than a century ago in 1908. It runs 15 residential and nursing homes located throughout southern England in Bristol, Berkshire, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Oxfordshire. The company is governed by its core principles of care, comfort and companionship in an environment that is safe and happy for all.

Quality Compliance Systems Welcomes Christine Asbury As Director Of Insight & Innovations Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) has announced Christine Asbury as its Director of Insight & Innovation.

Christine joins QCS from WCS Care, a not-for-profit care provider, where she served as Chief Executive Officer for eight years. With nearly three decades of experience in the voluntary sector, Christine, who has spent her career developing and driving innovative solutions for several leading care providers, brings a wealth of expertise to the company.

As Director of Insight & Innovation, Christine will draw on her creative and innovative skillset, to provide frontline care staff with the tools they need to deliver outstanding care.

QCS Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mat Whittingham, said, “We are thrilled and excited to welcome Christine to the company. Hiring someone of Christine’s calibre is a great coup for QCS and her appointment will further strengthen what is already an

extremely talented team. We strongly believe that Christine’s expertise in driving innovation in the care and voluntary sectors will bring a new dimension in how we help outstanding people deliver outstanding care. Her extensive knowledge and experience will allow us to deliver innovative care solutions – that go beyond current regulatory standards – to new sectors, markets and geographies. This is game-changing moment for QCS.” Christine added, “…I’m delighted to be joining QCS. Over the past almost nine years I’ve led WCS Care to create and deliver some of the most innovative and exciting residential care in the UK. QCS is focused on giving providers the tools to define and deliver great care, and I’m really excited to be joining the team as Director of Insight and Innovation to work with providers and customers throughout the care sector to create their own model of great care.”

PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

£10 Billion Spending Review Investment Needed to Protect and Improve Local Services The LGA said the Government’s first CSR in more than a decade must provide sustainable and certain long-term funding to councils, bring power and resources closer to people and finally begin cross-party work to provide a sustainable, longterm funding solution for adult social care services.

It comes as councils continue to demonstrate their vital role as local leaders by working tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable, support businesses and continue to deliver vital services as we enter the next phase of this pandemic.

The LGA’s detailed and ambitious submission to the Treasury shows how with the right powers, sustainable funding, and enhanced flexibilities councils can continue this vital work and ensure our communities are able to prosper in the future.

Many councils were in a difficult financial position before the pandemic hit after a decade of central government funding reductions. They will continue to face spiralling demand pressures on day-to-day services – some pre-existing and others made more significant by the impact of COVID-19 – amid substantial income losses, such as from local taxation, fees and charges.

The Government has provided some much-needed support, but significant challenges remain. It is vital that the Government addresses in full the financial challenges facing councils as a result of COVID-19, including all lost income and local tax losses.

The LGA has used its submission to set out the need for the Chancellor to use the CSR to provide an additional £10.1 billion per year in core funding to councils in England by 2023/24. This is made up of: • a funding gap facing councils in England of £5.3 billionby 2023/24. This is just to maintain services at today’s level. This gap, which could double due to the uncertainty resulting from the continued impact of COVID-19, assumes annual 2 per cent council tax increases and inflation-linked growth in grants.

• £1.9 billion for services struggling under increased demand. For example, in children’s social care and homeless-

ness services where councils have had to overspend on budgets in recent years to try and cope.

• However, councils are ambitious to go beyond just managing the current challenging state of local finances and services and need to be able to play a leading role in helping communities recover and rebuild after the pandemic. The LGA’s submission sets out how a further £2.9 billion could be used by councils to help improve services and reduce inequalities. This includes investment in early intervention and prevention, reforming adult social care pay, boosting connectivity, improving parks and green spaces and more.

Councils stand ready to provide local solutions to the national challenges we face. For this to happen, the Government needs to use the CSR to radially re-think public spending in a way that is fit for the future and empowers councils to deliver on the ambition for our communities that central and local government share.

A three-year CSR also presents an opportunity to move away from councils only being able to set shortterm budgets. The LGA is urging the Government to also commit to a three-year local government finance settlement this year to cover general grant funding, specific funding such as the public health grant and council tax flexibilities. This needs to be accompanied by a four-year settlement for consolidated capital investment to match the Chancellor’s timeframe for investment.

Cllr James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, said: “The pandemic has shone a light on the highly valued services councils provide – including public health, adult social care, children’s services, homelessness support, and help for those in financial hardship.

“Councils are focused on supporting communities through this crisis and beyond as we look to rebuild our economy, get people back to work and level up inequalities. That is why the first Comprehensive Spending Review in more than a decade will shape the direction of this country for years to come.

“Securing the immediate and long-term sustainability of local services must be the top priority.

“The ambition of councils goes way beyond just maintaining services the way they are today. We want to create new hope in our communities. With the right funding and freedoms, councils can improve the lives of their residents, address the stark inequalities the pandemic has exposed, develop a green recovery, address skills gaps and rebuild the economy so that it benefits everyone.”

Visioncall Eyes Growth Following Restructure

Eye care specialist Visioncall is focussing on growing its operations across the UK following a restructuring process designed to improve its clinical service.

Visioncall is one of the UK’s leading providers of eye health services to care homes and has had to adapt its operating model to facilitate growth in a market heavily impacted by Covid-19.

The restructure consolidated managerial, administrative, bookings, and HR roles to the company’s Cambuslang base. Head office will act as the nexus of the hub and spoke model of operations with lead optometrists and dispensing opticians focussing on the delivery and standard of care.

Three new regional lead optometrist roles and three lead dispensing optician positions have been created to provide deeper and broader coverage south of the border.

Michelle Le Prevost, Managing Director at Visioncall, led the restructuring programme. She said: “Covid-19 has had an immeasurable impact on businesses across the country and around the world, and few have been as hard as our

partners and patients in the care home sector. It became clear very quickly that we would have to adapt our operations significantly to be able to continue our personfocused eye care, which – while difficult – gave us the capacity to look at our broader business operations and adapt for the future.

“Our clinical teams are the experts in the fields and specialise in the looking after our elderly and vulnerable patients, including those with dementia and communication issues. Because of the nature of our core patient base, it’s essential that those clinical teams can focus on the implementing the highest standards of care rather than roles like processing bookings which can be done remotely.

“The new operating model also allows us to be more flexible to changing markets. Care homes remain our central and core audience although as the way we each live our lives is changed, perhaps irrevocably, by Covid-19, there are opportunities to expand and innovate with new routes to market for eye health businesses like ours.

“The future of the care home sector and the wider economy is uncertain, but by taking these brave steps now, we’re securing the future of our business and protecting our patients’ eye care and the improvements in quality of life that accompany clear vision.”

Visioncall has been delivering person-centred eye care to the UK care home sector since 1994. Its services include home sight tests, optical dispensing and dementia-friendly eye exams.

More than 50% of UK care home residents suffer with sight loss, which can increase anxiety and frustration, having knock-on effects on other aspects of an individual’s physical and mental health.

To find out more about Visioncall, please visit: www.vision-call.co.uk

Two Liverpool Care Homes Faced with Closure To Remain Open Until Spring

Two Liverpool care homes that were due to close at the end of October will are to stay open until at least spring 2021 Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson confirmed to a full council meeting this evening that he had reached a deal with operator Shaw Healthcare to keep the Millvina and Brushwood care homes open into next year.

Liverpool City Council revealed it was “actively looking” at proposals to save the Brushwood and Millvina care homes which existing operator Shaw healthcare said it would have to close following “significant and unsustainable losses”.

Shaw healthcare has agreed to remain in place delivering care until spring next year, or until a new provider takes over, whichever is sooner.

The council is continuing discussions with a range of interested parties. Shaw is among the parties who have been invited to submit proposals to ensure the continued operation of the homes.

Mike Smith, Chief Operating Officer for Shaw healthcare, commented: “We are extremely pleased about Liverpool Council’s decision to use Shaw healthcare to extend operating the Liverpool services. The kind feedback from the loved ones of those who receive care at Millvina and Brushwood has been a pleasure to read and it has always been our desire to deliver care in the city for the long term.

“The set of circumstances that poses the risk of closure is faced by Liverpool Council and Shaw. Any decisions around the future of the services are discussed based on the viability of success of the mutually agreed contract. It is our hope that we continue to deliver care as long as the employees, relatives and people of Liverpool want us there.”

New Scale for Mobility-Impaired Residents Could Reduce ‘Risk of Injury to Staff and Residents’ and ‘Costs to Healthcare’ A new chair scale with a lifting seat, believed to be the first of its kind, will ‘reduce risk of injury to residents’ and ‘support the musculoskeletal health of staff’ when weighing individuals with limited mobility.

By making the weighing process easier, the new device could also ‘reduce costs to healthcare’’ according to the manufacturer.

The M-250, available now from scale manufacturer Marsden, is a chair scale that features a seat that rises and lowers to help a resident get into, and out of, a sitting position. Marsden says it has been introduced in response to requests from customers for easier ways to weigh residents who cannot stand unaided.

The tilting seat base, operated by a handheld remote control, rises to the resident and then gently lowers them into the seat. Once weighing is complete, it rises slowly to assist them from sitting to a near-standing position.

The new weighing scale is Class III Approved, meaning it is legally suitable for weighing individuals for medical purposes. It provides an accurate weight reading to the nearest 100g, and has a capacity of 250kg. The seat is slightly wider than standard chair scales, meaning it can accommodate larger residents.

Development of the new weighing scale began in 2017, with input provided by care homes, back care specialists and other industry experts, including medical device design house PD-M. The scale was developed alongside the Patient Transfer Scale, Marsden’s transfer board with built-in weighing scale that was launched in late 2018.

“The M-250 is designed to make weighing residents with limited mobility more comfortable, less stressful, and potentially even reduce the time and number of staff it typically takes to weigh these individuals,” said Dave Smith, Marketing Director at Marsden. “We want to see it reducing costs to healthcare too, through quicker, easier weighing processes and less risk of injury to care staff.”

Mark Coates, Operations Director at Marsden, said: “The biggest challenge of weighing residents with limited mobility is the time it takes, the stress on the individual and the amount of effort required by staff.

“When developing the scale we had to consider the benefit to the resident and the member of staff. What’s safest and easiest for the healthcare professional without compromising comfort for the resident?

“Our finished product has been tested by individuals with varying levels of mobility, and with both one and two members of staff. Through this testing we found that effort required by staff to help the resident out of the seat was greatly reduced compared to a standard chair scale or wheelchair.

“Plus, we’ve focused on reducing risk of injury to residents as well as supporting the musculoskeletal health of healthcare staff when weighing those with limited mobility.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing the M-250 make a real difference in care homes in the UK, and around the world.”

The M-250 Chair Scale with Stand Assist is available to order now on the Marsden website. www.marsden-weighing.co.uk or email sales@marsdengroup.co.uk

PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

Social Media Advice And Support During A Pandemic The positives and negatives of online health information

By Burton Paul, author of ‘Is It Serious? Your guide to credible health information online’, available in bookshops and online now in paperback and ebook - https://isitserious.org/ Some of us are either in lockdown, or facing an upcoming lockdown due to the rise in Covid cases. The big difference between when we first experienced lockdown and now, is that we are more aware. We have a better understanding of what to expect, we know how it felt, and we know more about the dangers.

However, one thing that really hasn’t changed that much, is misinformation. It was prevalent then, and is still very present, especially within social media.

SOCIAL MEDIA ADVICE Social media plays a big role in our lives, so it is important to understand better ways of managing the positive and negative influences. Carers in particular face so much pressure in the day to day of working, looking after vulnerable people, and more and more of us turn to social media in our down time, as a way to relax, to connect with loved ones, and replenish ourselves for the following day. So here are seven social media ‘dos and don’ts’ that can help you still enjoy the positives of being online and on social media in these challenging times: 1. Don’t believe everything you read – Check and stick to credible sources.

2. Think before you post. Think before you reply. Think before you share.

3. Be aware of your power to influence and affect others.

4. Be caring, be kind, be supportive: #Kindness.

5. Staying connected on social media helps people feel less isolated.

6. It’s OK to mute accounts or take a break from social media if it’s stressing you.

7. If a post makes you sad or angry, then double check the source for

credibility.

CREDIBLE SOURCES ONLINE A recent study by Cornell University in the United States found that President Donald Trump was the ‘single largest driver’ of coronavirus misinformation, making the importance of identifying what is and what isn’t credible significantly important. So what are the credible sources of coronavirus information online?

Here are some of the most credible sources of coronavirus information online: Gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus) - the official UK Government website with latest up-to-date information on the coronavirus.

NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/) - the main NHS coronavirus page with supportive health guidance.

The World Health Organization (www.who.int) - The World Health Organisation operates globally, working with countries from all over the world providing the latest and most accurate information.

The Department of Health & Social Care (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care) - situated within the Gov.uk website, the Department of Health & Social Care also provides latest updates and information on coronavirus.

Very importantly, if you are considering travelling abroad, here is a gov.uk link that provides up to date Foreign Travel Advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH It is essential to look after your own mental health. People working in caring professions take on a lot, especially on an emotional level, and there are a number of excellent sources of mental health support online run by established charities, some even offer a 24 hour hotline.

Here are a few worth knowing about for you or someone you care for:

• Samaritans Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline) Website: www.samaritans.org.uk

• SANE Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by men-

tal illness, their families and carers.

SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm) Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: Website: www.sane.org.uk/support

• Mind Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) Website: www.mind.org.uk.

They also have a specific page for carers here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-friends-family-coping-support/am-i-a-carer/

• No Panic Charity Support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD. Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge Website: www.nopanic.org.uk

• Rethink Mental Illness Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) Website: www.rethink.org

• Anxiety UK Charity Support for Anxiety diagnosis.

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk And there are local charities specially tailored to carers, such as www.carersek.org.uk - an East Kent charity that provides Carers with the information and support they need, www.carerssupport.org.uk – a West Sussex charity also providing support for carers and Carer Support Wiltshire can be contacted on 0800 181 4118.

You can learn much more about credible and reliable sources of health information online, which will become even more important as the pandemic continues, at www.isitserious.org.

Virtual Classical Music Concert Delights Care Home Residents A Surrey-based care home group and a City Livery Company have teamed up to delight residents with a virtual classical music concert, all as part of a pilot study designed to see if music can help boost residents’ moods during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHD Living, which owns and operates 13 care homes across Surrey and South London, and The Musician’s Company, which is the only City of London Livery Company dedicated to the performing arts, treated residents to an hour-long performance via Zoom on Monday 5th October 2020.

The concert saw cellist Timothee Botbol, flute player Alena Lugovkina and mezzo soprano Lotte Betts Dean perform a repertoire of music from Bach to Sinatra to an audience of nearly 100 residents.

An interactive event, the musicians introduced each piece, giving information about the composer and the music in order to trigger memories and encouraging the audience to join in, leading to much foot tapping, clapping, singing and sometimes even dancing!

The collaboration came about after The Musicians’ Company was inspired by the success of a series of concerts held for dementia hubs last year, which have been continued by Zoom this year whilst live, in-person performances have not been possible.

With many research results that established that music is a key factor in helping people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and can make significant short term improvements in their condition, The Musicians’ Company developed a programme of engaging and participatory musical sessions designed to inspire, excite and motivate dementia patients and their carers.

Now, the company is looking to expand the programme to include care homes,

allowing a wider audience to benefit from music therapy whilst also beating the COVID-19 isolation blues.

Speaking of their collaboration with CHD Living, John Nichols, Master of The Musicians’ Company said: “The coronavirus pandemic has hit care homes particularly hard: not just the illness itself, but the lockdowns, bringing isolation and loneliness to residents who have been deprived of contact with their families and loved ones. We are delighted to be running a pilot study with CHD Living to see if, as with the dementia hubs, music can help in these appallingly difficult times. "Music is the medicine of the mind", as John Logan put it in the mid eighteenth century: and that is just as applicable today as it was then.

We hope that we can provide an hour of solace, comfort, and entertainment for those residents who have been so hard hit by the events of the last few months.”

Resident Barbara Mattacks (96) from CHD Living’s The Summers care home in West Molesey said of the concert: “It was lovely to enjoy some music from musicians all over the world today. It was such a wonderful way to start the week and made us all so happy! We loved getting dressed up for the occasion and singing along too.”

Shaleeza Hasham, Head of Hospitality and Communications at CHD Living, added: “At CHD Living we truly believe there should be more music in the care industry, so we’re delighted to be working with The Musicians’ Company on their pilot study and hope to be able to help demonstrate the many benefits of music in care homes. We’ve seen first-hand today how even a short exposure to music can make such a positive impact on our residents by giving them stimulation, evoking emotions and memories, and improving their general moods.”

“We hope to continue incorporating more music into our residents’ daily lives and are very grateful to The Musicians’ Company for including us in their study”,

Sunrise of Cardiff Team Climbed Pen Y Fan To Raise Funds For Age Connects On Saturday 5th September, the team at Sunrise of Cardiff walked up Pen y Fan to raise money for Age Connects Cardiff and The Vale. The team have so far raised over £600 for the charity that supports older people who have little or no family support.

Six team members at the care home participated, including Lis May, Carley Hunt, Virgil Frincu, Diane MacRacken, Hope Stevenson and Ashley Raymont.

On the day, Pen y Fan was incredibly busy, the team had to queue for a photo at the top. They managed to complete the climb in under an hour and then enjoyed a bottle of fizz and a picnic at the top, taking in the wonderful views.

Some of the team had the energy to film ‘boomerangs’ on the way up and at the peak. These have now been posted on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSug8DuE/.

Elizabeth May, Director of Community Relations at Sunrise of Cardiff, said:

“Sunrise of Cardiff have a long history with Age Connects; they provide an independent advocacy service and they have been of invaluable help to so many of our residents over the years.

“They have a team of Hospital Discharge Support Officers who assist patients and their families with finding the best next steps. We work closely with the Marketing and Partnerships Manager – Karen Steele, to support fundraising events and to try and increase awareness of what the service offers.

“As with so many charities, Age Connects have been so adversely affected by the impact of Covid-19 and so we thought we could play a part in raising some much-needed funds and to drive publicity for them.

“It was a beautiful day and what incredible views there are from the top. Thank you so much to everyone who has been so generous and sponsored us, on behalf of the Sunrise of Cardiff team and Age Connects.”

Minimising Contact with Door Handles Reduces the Risk of Germs and Viruses Spreading Around 80% of infections are spread by touch, including touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles. In care homes ensuring residents adhere to strict sanitising guidelines can be very difficult and can cause stress and anxiety for them too. Removing the need to open doors as residents and staff walk from room to room is an easy solution to eliminate the need to touch door handles and hand plates.

The elderly are one of the most vulnerable group of people with regards to infections like flu and COVID-19, finding ways to reduce the spread of these diseases is therefore paramount. Dorgard offers a solution to legally hold fire doors open so staff and residents can move around the building ‘contact free’, reducing the risk of cross-infection with germs and viruses. These battery-powered door

holders are easily fitted to a fire door by a handyman. The device ‘listens’ for the sound of your fire alarm and when the alarm goes off the Dorgard automatically releases the door and allows it to close, preventing the spread of fire and toxic smoke. Hence, not only is the risk of cross infection reduced, the fire safety of the building is also maintained.

With a range of Dorgards to choose from you will find a solution that is ideal for your setting. The original Dorgard is perfect for small to medium settings with normal or low noise levels. For noisier environments, where enhanced sound recognition is beneficial, Dorgard SmartSound offers a great solution.

If you would like to discuss your needs further with our knowledgeable customer care team please call 0800 978 8746 or visit

PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

Over Half of Those with COVID-19 on Mental Health Wards Also Had Dementia

New research published in the scientific journal Lancet Psychiatry reports that over half of those who contracted COVID-19 on mental health wards also had dementia.

It is the first study to look at the effect of COVID-19 on those with dementia during the height of the pandemic in London. The researchers led by Prof Livingston at University College London found: Of those with COVID-19 in mental health wards over half (56%) had dementia Those on mental health wards received resources later than those admitted locally Wards (on average) received COVID-19 testing kits four and a half days after the first clinical COVID-19 presentation.

Researchers collected information from five London mental health NHS trusts in spring 2020 (1st March to 30th April), and then calculated the total number of COVID-19 and analysed patients’ symptoms, treatments, and outcomes.

They found those in mental health wards received resources later than those admitted locally with physical illness. The researchers suggest this led to greater levels of COVID-19 infection and subsequent death than in the community.

They also suggest high levels of having more than one illness and older age led to high viral load in the wards.

Alison Evans, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This new report looking at the impact of COVID-19 on people with dementia in mental health wards in spring of 2020 is a stark reminder of the deadly nature of this virus. The report also makes it clear that the true number of those with dementia affected by COVID-19 is likely to be even greater than official figures suggest.

“Since we first saw the deadly impact of this virus, we have urged the government to do more to protect people with dementia from COVID-19 and stop further deaths. This report makes it clear that we must not become complacent, particularly with rising infection rates across the country.”

“The COVID-19 crisis is also a dementia crisis, and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people with dementia has only made the already pressing need for dementia research even more urgent. While this research suggests some possible reasons why people with dementia in this setting may have been more at risk, we need to see comprehensive studies investigating this further.

“The virus and its economic fallout continue to put the future of dementia research at risk. We must hold this government to account on their promise to double dementia research funding, which is vital to help bring about breakthroughs and protect people from further devastation. People with dementia, and their loved ones, deserve nothing less.”

Coventry Care Home Residents Given Personalised Cushions Colleagues at HC One’s Brandon House care home have created personalised cushions for Residents.

The Home Manager Sheryl Davis, and Nursing assistant Amy Keogh, have made “This is me” cushions for all of the Residents at the Coventry care home.

The cushions enable the Residents’ living with dementia to have prompts about themselves, and so can bring a conversation about themselves and their families with carers and staff at the home.

Sheryl and Amy found this to be a simple yet effective idea for the staff to learn about the Residents. The cushions tell anyone about themselves, even what music they like to listen to or when their birthday is.

One of the Residents commented “It’s all about ME, in case I forget, I can read it and it reminds me”, whilst another said “I love reading it, it reminds me of who I am, it’s easy to forget and I can read it lots of times.”

The Residents love the cushions and really enjoy reading about themselves. Staff can then learn more when the Residents start talking and expand on their life and interests from the prompt the cushion brings.

The cushions can be used on the Residents beds, chairs or even taken on trips to the hospital or GPs. Home manager Sheryl said, “I wanted to do something quick and easy for the staff to read and get to know the resident, its person- centred story of life and hobbies.”

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

The Covid-19 pandemic meant the number of vulnerable people living in the community, confined to their own homes and reliant on others, increased significantly, almost overnight. In response, an army of Meals on Wheels heroes stepped up to ensure demand for this essential lifeline was met.

From established meals on wheels services to the lunch clubs unable to welcome their guests and the closed pubs, restaurants and cafés that transferred their skill and facilities, to mention just a few, they’ve all worked tirelessly to deliver delicious, nutritious food to those in need. They’ve also innovated to ensure those that are isolated benefit mentally and emotionally from a friendly smile, a wellbeing check and the simple pleasure of a chat – all within the social distancing guidelines.

The NACC is calling on everyone – from its members, industry colleagues, partners, associations and friends to local government, politicians, celebrities and the general public – to take to social media to publicly declare their support and gratitude for all Meals on Wheels heroes. It’s asking everyone to post photographs of themselves with a special #mealsonwheelsheroes thank you message for all their followers to see, like, share and recreate.

It’s very simple to take part: 1. Have your photograph taken holding the special thank you poster (downloadable from the NACC website). There’s a choice of thanking the Meals on Wheels heroes or proudly showing you are a Meals on Wheels hero.

2. Post the image on all your social media platforms, ensuring the hashtags #mealsonwheelsheroes and #morethanjustameal are included and tagging in the NACC as follows: Twitter @NACCCaterCare, FaceBook TheNACCCaterCare, Instagram nacccatercare or LinkedIn thenacc. Suggested wording for posts can also be found on the website.

The campaign begins on 1st October 2020 – which also happens to be the International Day for Older Persons – and will culminate with NACC Meals on Wheels

Durham Care Home Residents Salute NHS Spitfire

Residents at HC-One’s Melbury Court care home in Durham made a short trip to the homes car park to salute the NHS Spitfire that flew across the North East on September 22nd.

Melbury Court Residents, accompanied by Colleagues, made a short trip to the homes car park to watch, wave and salute the NHS Spitfire that flew across the North East, thanking frontline workers for all the work they have done over the past six months.

At 1.53pm the sound of the Spitfire could be heard, and Residents were overcome with emotion as the Spitfire flew overhead. It did a full loop of the home and car park before heading on to the hospital.

Donald Macro, A Resident at Melbury Court, has a personal interest in Spitfires as he did maintenance work on them during the war. Donald sat with tears in his eyes and saluted the Spitfire as it came overhead, “It was great to get out and watch the flyover, it was great to see,” beamed Donald.

Melbury Court Home Manager, Hazel Southern said: “I am so happy that the Spitfire did a full loop over Melbury first. Our Residents thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Week 2020, 2nd – 6th November 2020. #mealsonwheelsheroes has already gained strong support from across the industry and beyond. NACC executive officers and members, chairs of key associations (including TUCO, APSE, ASSIST, HCA and LACA), and even some high-profile personalities are backing the movement.

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

The elderly and vulnerable living independently in the community are at risk of malnutrition and social isolation. These issues existed long before Covid-19 became part of our everyday language, but they have been exacerbated and spotlighted by the pandemic. Talking to our members, the onset of lockdown brought about an increase in demand of up to 30%. As it became difficult for care teams to visit clients or relatives to support their loved ones, the vital role Meals on Wheels services play in the community gained greater recognition. As well as delivering a daily nutritious meal, it also delivered important wellbeing checks and a friendly face to break the loneliness, which was intensified by lockdown.

“The value of the Meals on Wheels services in alleviating malnutrition and social isolation must not be underestimated and we’re determined to spread our recognition and thanks far and wide. We’ll be championing the #mealsonwheelsheroes campaign right up until Meals on Wheels Week 2020 and beyond to ensure the resurgence in awareness and respect for the service continues.”

Neel Radia, Meals on Wheels project lead for the NACC, said: “Quite frankly, I’d hate to imagine the plight of the elderly and vulnerable in the community throughout the pandemic if Meals on Wheels services didn’t exist. From established providers to those born out of the pandemic response, the innovation and dedication to find solutions to challenges, including increased demand, social distancing, and supply and staff shortages, has been amazing, with each one having the incredibly positive result of providing a life-quality-enhancing lifeline to the elderly and vulnerable in uncertain, frightening and often lonely times.

“It’s so important that we don’t allow their incredible contribution to be forgotten.

We ask everyone to show their appreciation for the wonderful Meals on Wheels service by supporting the #mealsonwheelsheroes campaign and getting their colleagues, friends and families involved too!”

The Social Interest Group The Social Interest Group (SIG) is made up of subsidiary charities that collectively believe that everyone has the right to live a positive and healthy life.

We work in partnership to deliver quality support, health and social care through prevention, early intervention, recovery and rehabilitation.

We are experts in working with adults who have the most complex and chaotic lives; enabling and

empowering them to take charge of themselves, giving them the skills and resilience to live healthy and fulfilled lives.

Penrose has been helping vulnerable adults make a change to their lives for over 50 years with support interventions that have a positive and lasting impact. Penrose was founded in 1969 and since then we have supported thousands of people with their own personal journey and empower them to reach their own aspirational goals.

Equinox Care provides support, care and recovery services to people who have a range of complex needs such as substance misuse and mental health issues.

SIG Investments buys or leases property on behalf of the Group, and then leases it to Group members at an affordable rent.

For further information please contact: communications@socialinterestgroup.org.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 25

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

How to Effectively Provide a Clean and Safe Environment in Care Homes

Written by Shaun Doak, CEO at REACT Specialist Cleaning (www.reactsc.co.uk)

With recent government guidance indicating a rising number of cases of the Coronavirus, it’s clear that safety and hygiene is of paramount importance, especially in care homes where residents and staff are some of the most vulnerable in society. It’s imperative that care homes be given clear advice on providing clean and safe environments for staff and residents.

In addition to signage, social distancing measures and correct use of PPE, a focus on cleaning and infection control is critical. There should be an increase in frequency as well as a thoroughness of the regular cleaning routine, with an initial deep clean of the building to provide protection for staff and residents, specifically focusing on high-touch surfaces such as tables, handles, door buttons, arm rests and toilets as the virus can last up to three hours in the air and up to 72 hours on hard surfaces. This should be done following a three-step methodology: clean, disinfect and test.

Outsourcing the initial deep cleaning process to a professional company is advisable as they will have the products and training required to conduct a meticulous deep clean in addition to regular routines.

When completing a deep clean, the standard disinfecting process should be followed by ULV (Ultra Low Volume) fogging of the building.

ULV foggers deliver the disinfectant product at droplet sizes ranging from 10-120 microns. For this reason, ULV foggers should only be used with products that are safe for use in the presence of people when adjusted to levels below 80 microns.

When deploying ULV fogging, it is important to follow manufacturers’ recommendations and take care to isolate areas which may be sensitive to the process, such as electrical equipment. Fogging is a beneficial extra step to take as the disinfectant treats entire areas and has greater surface contact time to destroy all present threats.

For small, enclosed areas, the use of UV (ultraviolet) lights can also be beneficial. UVC works at a high energy to destroy the genetic material inside viruses, and so can be used for disinfection. UVC has not been clinically tested against the virus which causes COVID-19, although it is proven to destroy related coronaviruses. Caution is required when using UVC, however, as it can cause damage to eyes and skin.

In the regular cleaning routine in care homes staff should first wash

AtmoSan Supports Safety at Avery Care Homes In a further step to ensure that its care homes continue to be some of the safest places to live, Avery Healthcare has deployed AtmoSan systems to all of its services. As a part of its comprehensive approach to hygiene and sanitisation, supported by extensive staff training, it is now using AtmoSan Fogging machines, a ULV ultra-fine droplet cold fogging system, to provide complete room decontamination, prior to a new resident moving in and for regular cleaning and virus prevention.

AtmoSan is a specialist manufacturer of decontamination solutions against surface

and airborne pathogens, and its advanced Biocide is completely natural, 100% safe and non-toxic to humans, animals and plants. Accredited and approved to multiple European and British Standards sanitisation standards, it kills 99.999% of all known pathogens, including viruses such as norovirus, MS2 and the coronavirus, bacteria such as Campylobacter, fungi, spores and moulds.

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with an appropriate disinfectant product. Biocide Regulatory Agencies such as the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) employ a ‘hierarchy-

down surfaces using a PH-neutral detergent first, such as soap and hot water to remove ‘hidden’ bacteria and viruses in lingering dirt and dust.

Follow this with a disinfectant which has been certified to be effective in disabling similar coronaviruses. Virucidal disinfectants are stronger than their antibacterial counterparts but, in many cases, their effectiveness against coronaviruses is unproven, and so choosing the right disinfectant is crucial. As some virucidal disinfectants may contain potentially harmful ingredients, it’s important to follow manufacturer’s guidance on the correct ‘contact period’ and when to reapply the product.

Surgical spirits can also be used as an alternative to virucidal disinfectants as they can destroy the protein and RNA of viruses in as little as 30 seconds. To use surgical spirits, rub the liquid over the surface using a cloth. The spirit will then evaporate and does not need to be wiped away.

To verify that the rooms have been disinfected effectively, you should test surfaces for the presence of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), an indicator molecule for the presence of biological residues. This test works by wiping a swab across surfaces, inserting it into an active substance and then measuring the output on a hand-held device called a ‘luminator’, which will indicate how much residue is on the surface depending on light output.

ATP testing is strongly recommended to ensure the effectiveness of decontamination and to provide confidence that the cleaning regime is effective and should be extended to high touch areas throughout the care home.

It’s crucial that care home owners ensure that rigorous cleaning methods are included in daily cleaning routines with strong and effective disinfectants. Although a deep clean doesn’t need to be implemented every day, it should be done initially to provide a more thorough protection for staff and residents as we continue to aim for a safe return to ‘normal’ life.

based’ approach for new virus strains, meaning a product such as Biocide that is found to be effective against harder-to-kill viruses is likely to kill a virus such as COVID-19.

Tony Devenish from AtmoSan was thrilled at the agreement; “We are delighted to partner with Avery Healthcare in providing an effective aerial and surface disinfection solution for their 56 care homes nationwide. It is a privilege to work with such a proactive care group and to be able to contribute towards increased resident safety and providing peace of mind for their families in these difficult times.”

Director of Care and Quality for the Avery Group, Julie Spencer, was similarly enthusiastic with the project roll-out: “After testing and a pilot phase, we are confidently deploying the AtmoSan systems to all our homes as part of the fight against the coronavirus and other health risks. It’s a great addition to our other protocols and will help keep our residents, staff and their respective families safe when in an Avery environment.”

Find out more at www.atmosan.co.uk

Unigloves Expands Its PPE Range with Hand Gel and Facemask Launches Hand protection specialist Unigloves is expanding its product portfolio with the launch of a range of sanitising hand gels and facemasks.

Added to its range to help in the fight against Covid-19, the new products complement Unigloves’ range of disposable gloves designed for use across a wide range of industrial sectors including healthcare and care homes.

Available in 480ml and 200ml pump dispenser and 50ml flip top sizes, the new 70% alcohol hand gel with added Vitamin E kills 99.9% of all bacteria. Fast-drying, leaving the hands feeling soft and smooth, the new gel also moisturises the hands, making it ideal for the healthcare sector and high use environments.

Joining the hand gels is Unigloves’ Profil facemasks.

Available in boxes of 50, the 3 ply, pleated Type II facemasks have a Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of 98%.

Tested to EN14683 the facemasks are manufactured

from soft, non-woven fabric with integrated noseband and soft ear loops for a comfortable, secure fit.

“Our hand gels and facemasks are part of our global response to the Covid-19 outbreak, which has seen us manufacturing for the NHS and a wide range of healthcare-associated settings both in the UK and internationally.

“In tandem with our extensive gloves range, the combination of hand protection and respiratory protection, provides companies with an effective solution to the increased focus on hygiene protocols,” said Unigloves’ Marketing Director, Donald Gillespie.

For more information on the range of hand gels and facemasks from Unigloves, visit https://unigloves.co.uk/products-bycategory/disinfectants/hand-gel-with-vitamin-e and https://unigloves.co.uk/products-by-category/facemasks/profilface-mask .

Antimicrobial Contract Fabrics for Added Reassurance Skopos has recently launched a new sub-brand, Skopos Pro-tect Plus, as a marker for all Skopos products offered with an antimicrobial finish. Skopos has been offering antimicrobial fabrics for over 15 years, however the new sub-brand helps to clearly identify this offer to our customers, at a time where extra reassurance within contract interiors has never been more relevant. Within Pro-tect Plus Skopos customers have a choice of fabrics for different end uses; Antimicrobial drapery fabrics,

Antimicrobial woven upholstery fabrics, Antimicrobial faux leather and vinyls. The upholstery fabrics offer includes luxury velvet, printed fabrics, vinyls and a large range of woven collections, mostly waterproof, soil and stain resist, perfect for caring interiors. Many of our drapery and bedding fabrics can be finished with an antimicrobial treatment, so please ask. Choices include print basecloths, plain and woven designs. All antimicrobial fabrics are flame retardant and tested to the high stan-

dards required for contract interiors.

Skopos antimicrobial fabrics have bacteriostatic, viralreducing and anti-fungal properties. Fabrics are not seen as a beneficial host for Sars Cov-2 even without antimicrobial treatment, however including this extra benefit viruses and bacteria are greatly reduced.

Free samples of our fabrics are available online or via our customer services team: sales@skopos.co.uk. www.skoposfabrics.com

SAFE | EASY | ACCURATE

• Immediately detects elevated skin temperature • Maintains social distancing • Easy to use – works straight out of the box

Ideal for installation in: CARE & NURSING HOMES ASSISTED LIVING PROPERTIES RETIREMENT RESIDENCES MEDICAL FACILITIES

HUMAN BODY TEMPERATURE SCREENING SYSTEM

Find out more at LANDVIRALERT.COM

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 27

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Electrox Sterilising Water Electrox Sterilising Water is an ecological disinfectant that kills viruses, bacteria, spores and fungi significantly faster than bleach and other traditional disinfectants. It is 80 x more effective than bleach, no alcohol, non corrosive, pH neutral and hypoallergenic. The active substance in Electrox is hypochlorous acid, which has been successfully tested for full virucidal activity as defined in EN14476:2013, and has activity against all viruses. This includes all coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2.

When used with fogging machines, Electrox can sanitise care

homes rapidly, with minimal disruption and without the harsh chemicals found in traditional disinfectants.

Electrox customer Eddy Pyatt, Director of Platinum Care Homes says “We’re using Electrox Sterilising Water and the fogging machine in four of our Care Homes and have found it provides real peace of mind and assurance to our residents and their visitors. We are fogging communal areas, outdoor visiting areas in between visits and resident’s rooms within our care homes to make sure we’re providing a sanitised environment for our staff, residents and their visitors alike. We wanted a sanitising product that didn’t involve large amounts of chemicals and found Electrox to be the most cost effective of all the solutions we looked at.”

Contact Electrox today: www.electroxwater.co.uk 0117 318 0830 sales@electroxwater.co.uk

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Sanozone. The Easy Way To Sanitise Your Indoor Spaces SANOZONE, which delivers the most efficient sanitisation performance in indoor spaces, is now available from Barbel.

Manufactured by Vitaeco S.r.l., the world famous manufacturer of the highly regarded HotmixPro thermal blender range, SANOZONE sanitises rooms of many sizes in enclosed HRC sites, hotels, restaurants, bars, conference rooms and similar establishments where totally reliable and regular sanitisation is needed.

SANOZONE is particularly suitable for hospitals and care home areas, where absolute cleanliness is mandatory, and in areas where it is difficult or impossible to deliver effective sanitisation throughout.

The SANOZONE range of

machines use Ozone (O3) technology, a gaseous form of Ozone that fills the room, reaching every corner of the space, santising surfaces and critical hard-toreach corners homogenously, consistently and safely.

The SANOZONE range of sanitisation machines are all equipped with the latest technology and customised disinfection programmes to suit your specific requirements.

The running costs are considerably lower than any traditional disinfecting programmes and most importantly, there is no manual labour involved.

For further information about the SANOZONE range, please contact Barbel on 01629 705110, email info@barbel.net, or visit the website at www.barbel.net

Care and Protect

Options available include a blue nitrile examination glove which has strong barrier properties and high resistance to oils, fats, and chemicals; synthetic examination gloves; and vinyl general purpose gloves.

The gloves are packed in a way that they are dispensed ‘cuff first’ which has clear hygienic advantages.

All of the gloves are tested to BS EN 455 and conform to a number of other standards.

The Wave® range also includes water-soluble strip laundry bags for the safe containment of soiled linen, with a watersoluble seal and a tie string for securing the bags. The strip and tie part of the bag dissolve in water allowing the contents to discharge into the wash. We also supply other forms of PPE such as aprons; face masks and protective plastic sheeting for receptions and other areas of work. www.cromwellpolythene.co.uk

Cromwell Polythene is a major supplier of waste management solutions to the healthcare sector and an active member of the Sanitary Medical Disposal Services Association. We offer a full range of sacks for clinical waste management, from ultra-strong sacks with very high tear resistance to economically priced sacks with a high recycled content.

It is essential that care staff, who work so hard to protect us, have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to help prevent the spread of infection. Our Wave® range of disposable gloves are both latex and powder free, for comfort and performance.

New VIRALERT 3 Human Body Temperature Screening System Delivers COVID-19 Protection for the Care Sector Care facilities have been severely affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 across the world. Protecting the safety and wellbeing of people in these facilities including patients, staff and visitors, is a key priority for managers of care organisations in this current pandemic.

AMETEK Land, a global leader in temperature measurement technologies based in the UK, has used the expertise and knowledge of its workforce to support this vital sector by develop a new human skin temperature screening system, VIRALERT 3.

Designed to screen visitors at an entry point without slowing the flow of people, VIRALERT 3 scans temperatures without any person-to-person contact, keeping all parties safe. VIRALERT 3 is easy to use, and can be left to operate automatically, with audible and visual alarms alerting when high temperatures are discovered.

VIRALERT 3 is the first of its kind, providing a camera and a temperature-controlled reference source on a single mounting. This makes for a compact system that won’t get in the way of queueing people and can be easily wall-mounted.

Using automatic face detection, it locates the best areas for temperature detection, taking a reading that is accurate to within 0.5°C, then calculates core body temperature through a rapid test procedure in less than two seconds.

The system has recently been installed at the Dronfield Medical Practice, where it has brought extra confidence to staff and patients visiting the site.

“At Dronfield Medical Practice we wanted to see

how we could all work together to “Stay Alert” by ensuring patients are seen appropriately, and by keeping all staff secure with the knowledge they are being looked after,” said Kathryn Wileman, Practice Manager, Dronfield Medical Practice.

She continued, “The installation of VIRALERT 3 has been a very effective way to achieve this. If a visitor’s temperature is high, we can ask them to leave the premises, then arrange to see them safely without putting anyone at risk.”

Division Vice President Justin Smith at AMETEK Land said: ““VIRALERT 3 is a major global technology in keeping people safe in the fight against COVID-19.

Highly accurate readings mean that anyone with an elevated temperature will be identified before fully entering the building, thereby reducing the spread of infection”.

In addition to the care sector, the roll-out of VIRALERT 3 has attracted interest across a variety of sectors including hospitals and healthcare, commercial areas, education facilities, and public spaces, transportation entry points, offices and manufacturing locations, and sports and leisure sites.

Visit www.landviralert.com for further details.

t: 01977 686868

e: info@cromwellpolythene.co.uk

www.cromwellpolythene.co.uk

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Staysafe Visor - CE-Certified PPE Manufactured in the UK Staysafe Visor is a subsidiary of 1st Packaging Ltd, a leading specialist UK plastics manufacturer founded in 2002. Used in a wide range of health and commercial settings, our high-quality recyclable CE-certified face shields offer protection against liquid droplets, sprays and splashes. Our visors are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, are anti-fog and easy to assemble.

As a long-established UK company, we have been able to step up our manufacture of PPE to meet high demand

during the current unprecedented circumstances. Our facilities enable us to produce well in excess of 200,000 items per week.

At Staysafe Visor our experienced team takes very seriously its role in supporting the health of the community by helping to maintain a safer environment. Availability and affordability are the cornerstones of our operation.

Because we sell directly to businesses, organisations and the general public, we are able to remove the need for

intermediaries and keep costs low. We believe that we offer the most competitive rates on the market for this type of CE-certified PPE. Our high-quality products are helping to better protect employees in the NHS, care homes, education, transport, manufacturing and a host of other workplace settings. For further details about our range of visors please do not hesitate to contact our friendly expert team.

See page 4 for details or visit www.staysafevisor.co.uk

Haigh Engineering Callero Shield for Care Homes and Clinics Resident and patient waste is a day to day practical matter that simply cannot become a problem for frontline carers and nursing staff. With the raised awareness of cross infection risks, the proven reliable waste disposal systems from Haigh are recognised more than ever as being a key part of the toolkit for ensuring that human waste is effectively and efficiently removed as a source of risk, day in day out, without the risks and complications of either washing pots or manual bagging waste for collection.

The team from Haigh have been working hard to support this beyond just the manufacture of the Incomaster and Quattro waste disposers here in the UK, but also developing innovative and safe methods to enhance the servicing provisions that are available to customers. The recently launched all-inclusive rental proposition has proven particularly effective and popular with new and existing customers alike, not least as it reduces the operational, maintenance and financing headaches from sites which have more critical matters to address.

For more information about incontinence and bedpan waste disposal please feel free to contact the Haigh team on 01989 763131 or info@haigh.co.uk

For over 40 years, Gratnells Medical products have been widely used for hospital storage. From trolleys and frames, to trays and accessories, the wide range of products makes up the ideal storage solution for any medical environment. Designed with a multitude of settings in mind, the Gratnells Medical range would fit suitably into care homes, dental practices and other surgeries.

The Gratnells Callero Shield range is a complete collection of products designed to offer ample storage that is easily moveable and fits neatly into any environment. Treated with BioCote® antimicrobial additive, the trays and trolleys in the range protect against the spread of various viruses, bacteria and germs.

Callero Shield trolleys are available in double and treble column width and with multiple tray combinations. Suitable for the safe storage of PPE, medical files and equipment, uniform and beyond, the trolleys are easily movable between locations and can be set in place with lockable castors. They’re also popularly used as sanitation and cleaning stations due to the ample storage space and the antimicrobial metal worksurface.

The antimicrobial Gratnells Rover allows the movement of heavier loads with ease. Robust, hygienic and practical, safely carry medical equipment over any terrain and up and down stairs. With a safety strap to secure antimicrobial trays in place and the option to add antimicrobial lids to trays, contents will be safe on

their journey from place to place.

Recently added to the Gratnells antimicrobial range are the new SortED inserts. SortED is a new range of removable, modular inserts designed to fit and create separate sections in shallow and deep Gratnells trays.

Also treated with BioCote® additive, the dishwasher safe inserts offer a safe and hygienic solution for the storage and distribution of smaller medical equipment or PPE. Browse the full Gratnells Medical range: www.gratnellsmedical.com

Airdri Launches Air Purifier To Flush Away Washroom Bacteria Airdri, a leading designer and manufacturer of hand dryers, has added a new air purifier unit to its portfolio, to tackle washroom bacteria and eliminate odours.

Complementing its range of hand drying solutions, the Airdri Air Purifier uses custom thermal convection technology to kill airborne and surface bacteria and viruses, eliminating the bad odours they cause, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Offering both odour and infection control, the unit is ideal for use in busy washrooms. Its compact profile means it can sit discretely in the top corner of a washroom, yet can service the entire space, covering a floor area of up to 30m2. With minimal maintenance and low energy consumption of 10w, the Airdri Air Purifier is a green solution for providing constant sanitised washroom air.

Trudi Osborne, Marketing Manager at Airdri, says “Washrooms are the primary source of infections, with many housing bacteria and viruses that are unseen to the eye. Given

that in just eight hours a single bacterium can multiply into over eight million cells, it is vital to ensure washrooms are kept clean and hygienic at all times. Cleaning and disinfecting alone are only a partial solution – they do not stop ongoing surface contamination or tackle airborne bacteria. Equally, fragrances or fresheners simply mask the associated odours, doing nothing towards hygiene.

“The Airdri Air Purifier kills both surface and airborne bacteria, removing the unpleasant odours that they bring with them.

The unit processes contaminated air in the purifying chamber, emitting an efficient cleaning agent. Other solutions, which may feature a HEPA filter or have an antibacterial coating, only clean the area immediately surrounding the dryer. The Airdri Air Purifier provides a complete hygiene solution for the whole washroom ensuring that the whole environment is clean, hygienic and odour free.”

For more information visit www.airdri.com

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 31

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Show How Much You Care with DispenserONE ®

In a world where building and operations managers in every sector fight to make their premises COVID secure and prevent the spread of coronavirus, nowhere is the importance of safe, effective hand hygiene starker than in care homes.

With around 30% of all nursing and residential care home deaths attributable to coronavirus and operators striving to control its spread, conventional sanitizer dispensers are a common sight.

However, such systems, with their limited capacity, reliance on batteries and fragile dosing mechanisms, can only be considered a short-term fix. For a permanent solution, professionals choose SEKO’s DispenserONE® hand sanitizer system.

Designed specifically to handle the high demand for hand sanitizer during and post-COVID19, DispenserONE® features robust, revolutionary pump technology – unprecedented in hand sanitizer dispensers – that automatically delivers the same pre-defined dosage every time.

That’s without the spillages typical of manual systems as their dosing mechanism wears out, meaning that as well as removing a potential slip hazard, operators can minimize product wastage.

The DispenserONE® series boasts a broad capacity range that enables between 3,000 and 25,000 doses to be delivered between refills, compared to 1,000 when using traditional 1-litre systems. This allows operators to select a system ideally suited to their facility and guarantee residents, visitors and staff alike access to sanitizer 24/7 while avoiding the common problem of

dispensers running dry as busy maintenance staff struggle to keep them topped up.

Meanwhile, DispenserONE®’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot enables operators to access the unit wherever they are via smartphone, PC or laptop by logging into their personal online dashboard.

This allows managers to view the live status of all their DispenserONE® units across multiple sites, using key information such as product level to ensure maintenance staff refill only when necessary. As a failsafe, operators also receive notifications when product quantity falls below a pre-set level to help guarantee sanitizer on demand.

DispenserONE® helps operators to prevent virus transmission with its automatic sensoractivated delivery, using touch-free technology to ensure users do not need to contact the unit with their hands. Encapsulating the attention to detail in the system’s design is the delivery nozzle position, set at a height that makes it accessible for wheelchair users.

Finally, DispenserONE®’s mains power connection frees operators of their reliance on batteries, guaranteeing continuous use and removing the environmental impact of battery disposal.

Helping nursing home managers to properly protect residents, visitors and staff alike, nothing says “we care” better than DispenserONE®.

Find out more – visit the dedicated DispenserONE® website today: www.dispenserone.com or see the advert opposite.

New Mobile Hands-Free Wash Basins from Hygiene Does Not Stop At The Washroom says Kimberly-Clark Professional Mechline Have the X Factor Mechline Developments has extended its line-up of BaSix hand wash stations with an all new range of space-saving, mobile, hands-free basins. The range facilitates hygienic handwashing in any location—even where water, waste and electric utilities are not available—and the completely portable ‘X’ model provides double the washes per litre of any comparable product on the market.

As Nick Falco, Product and Technical Director at Mechline, explains: “As Coronavirus lockdown measures are eased and many businesses reopen their sites, hand washing remains key to mitigating against the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Every business needs to encourage customers and visitors to wash their hands, especially when first entering venues, and the new BaSix mobile hands-free basin range makes this very easy to do.

Models in the range are slimline, easy to manoeuvre thanks to removable castors and a splashback grab handle, and the ‘X’ model can be used in locations without any utilities at all—as it all comes integrated. This means it

can be wheeled out daily if necessary, to sit outside an establishment, and with a compact footprint of just 384 x 360mm it is an ideal and reassuring addition to entrances and other small spaces.

We have also used our experience to incorporate water-saving technology into the range, adding value to the basins by providing unique water saving benefits for the end-user.

Using the ultra water-saving diffuser supplied, the ‘X’ model can provide up to an impressive 304 hand washes per water container, so users can rest assured it will last a long time between refills!

Furthermore, with its hands-free design, the new mobile basin maximises user hygiene. Unlike traditional taps, where the lever or handle must be touched with dirty hands, and then revisited with clean hands to turn it off, our mobile BaSix range removes the need for manual contact—reducing the risk of cross-contamination.”

BaSix mobile hands-free basins are operated via a foot pump or time flow foot valve, depending on which model is required. All models can be fitted with an optional hanging bin, soap/sanitiser dispenser, and towel dispenser, to provide a complete hygiene station in any location. The ‘X’ range stores water and waste containers within the unit, which can be easily accessed via a hinged door with a ¼ turn thumb latch.

For further information please contact Mechline at info@mechline.com or call +44 (0)1908 261511

Now more than ever we all want to know that we are doing everything we can to keep ourselves, our colleagues and visitors safe and well. To do this requires understanding the science behind surface wiping and cleaning, says Kimberly-Clark Professional.

We want to know that people have washed their hands properly and that places are as clean and as hygienic as possible. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends prioritising the daily cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and other impurities

from surfaces or objects by using detergent (or soap and water) to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects by using chemicals1. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

The CDC recommends a two-step daily routine to clean frequently touched surfaces. For Step 1 clean surface with a detergent or soap and water. With Step 2 disinfect the surface using an EN-registered disinfectant. Surfaces considered hot spots for germs include computer keyboards, phones and light switches. Science indicates why these surfaces need daily hygiene protocols in addition to hand hygiene standards in facilities For more information about how to make your facility truly exceptional – a place where everyone feels equipped and empowered to contribute to a more hygienic environment – visit our hand and surface cleaning page. https://youtu.be/WHNYNtVeymM https://home.kcprofessional.com/UK_Healthy_ Workplace_Cleaning_0520

PAGE 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry. Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning, training and the adoption of new technologies, to tackle the problem.

As a result, a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market, including antimicrobial technology. Angloplas’ range of dispensers are produced in the world’s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is

exclusive to Angloplas. This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product, reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99.99%.

For non-clinical environments Angloplas has recently launched its new Budget Range of products which are made to the same exacting standards as the antimicrobial protected ones but with lower price tags.

You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www.angloplas.co.uk and clicking Hospital, Health and Hygiene or by using the Quick Response code.

Environmental Science Limited (ESL) Restructures its Business to Launch Unique and Effective Palm Tree Foaming Hand Sanitisers

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

Environmental Science Ltd based in March, Cambridgeshire was originally set up in 1994 and has focused primarily on the authoring of Safety ata and Workplace Activity Safety Protection (WASP) Sheets, identifying chemical hazards and providing on-site COSHH monitoring, LEV testing and risk assessment services.

This core activity will continue, however due partly to the changed circumstances brought about by Covid-19, the company has made the decision to significantly expand and restructure the business. ESL has built and established trusted relationships within the UK chemical industry over the last 25 years, therefore it is a natural progression for the business to move into the development, manufacture, and distribution of hygiene products. These will include hand sanitisers, sprays, medicated soaps, surface and floor wipes and disinfectants.

To facilitate these new product lines, a new business entity is being created with the name “Environmental Science Hygiene Ltd”, and the existing company is renamed as “Environmental Science Group”. Their new website is: www.envsciencegroup.com One factor behind the change of direction for the business is that some products are being very hastily marketed during this pandemic; therefore they do not perform as efficiently as may be implied. By contrast, the team at Environmental Science are committed to pro-

ducing high quality products that are both safe and effective. They also feel it is important to provide complete transparency by supplying the relevant GHS Safety Data Sheets, Product Labels, Product Information Sheets, etc.

Our Palm Tree Foaming Hand Sanitiser is unique and different from other current products for the following reasons: • The alcohol is naturally sourced and distilled from the sap of palm trees.

• The palm trees are not damaged in the extraction process, so the product is both sustainable and eco-friendly.

• Unlike most other sources of Ethanol, by tapping into an existing resource it means that valuable agricultural land can be used for food production instead.

• The foaming action is preferred by the healthcare sector over gelbased products.

• The alcohol content is in excess of 60% as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

• Conforms to the European Standard EN1276.

For further information, please contact: Tel: +44 (0) 1354 653 222 Email: sales@envsciencegroup.com Web: www.envsciencegroup.com

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 33

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL CTU Services' Thermal Access System With the introduction of various measures to constrain and manage the emergency of COVID-19 in the UK, CTU Services Thermal Access System presents the ideal solution. To address the challenge of social distancing many public places are implementing restrictions on customer flow. This includes locations such as the hospitality industry and the retail sector.

CTU Services perfectly resolves the problem of "how to accurately and efficiently control customer flow in a premises" Their system detects how many people are present in the targeted area and display the figure in real-time. If the capacity is reached the system's display immediately indicates no more people should enter.

The two systems that CTU Services supply can be merged together to give you more security and social distancing. The Thermal camera can be wall mounted or comes on a sleek stand. It will also notify

any number of members of staff of any issues with potential clients entering the premisses via text or email.

• Facial recognition is fully integrated with body temperature monitoring. This means no additional staff are required.

• The solution is contactless, reducing the risk of cross infection.

• Extensive storage of facial images and temperature information enabling easy historical access.

• Fast facial recognition and temperature monitoring reducing access congestion. In Scotland will detect if you are or are not wearing a mask / face covering.

• Integration with third party products such as turnstiles and VMS. See a demonstration of the system at https://youtu.be/lcQllOytA7Y For further information, see the advert this page, call 01257 477060 or visit www.ctuservices.com

Airox Face Masks - Protection. Quality. Comfort.

Airox face masks are made from advanced textile technology from Baltex one of the UK's leading textile companies. They provide you comfort and security.

The Airox AX100 and Airox AX110 are textile face covering masks produced with stretchy 3XD Spacer fabric - developed for medical textiles by our parent company Baltex in the UK. It provides: • Snug fit and comfort • Good coverage of face and mouth

• Anti-bacterial • Machine washable - 40oC • Breathable • Reusable • Treated with Viral Off treatment* The fabric is made from Polyester and Lycra and is treated with a durable water repellent finish to avoid the absorption of droplets. They are also anti-bacterial reducing odour and providing superior comfort compared to basic textile masks.

Many masks are made from Cotton and will absorb moisture and water droplets.

For further information and to order, please visit www.airox.co.uk

www.airox.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 35

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS A Reliable Service Partner is Key to an Efficient Laundry Function - FORBES PROFESSIONAL A laundry function is a central service in any care home and commercial laundry equipment is an important procurement area in terms of hygiene adherence, day-to-day logistical operations and financial projections. As such, it is vital to source the right service partner, who will support the smooth running of your operation and offer the relevant industry, planning and technical advice. You need to ensure the reliability and stability of any supplier, and to feel confident that they are capable of delivering a service that you can depend upon.

Forbes Professional has been providing an awarding winning first class customer service since 1926 and has a solid understanding of the specific requirements of the healthcare sector. With depots across The South East, The Midlands, The South West, The North East and Scotland, we deliver a local service on a nationwide basis. We have flexible finance options and can provide commercial washers, dryers, rotary ironers and dishwashers on a rental, lease or purchase basis. We can also provide chemical detergents and auto-dosing equipment for a complete solution.

From the initial site survey, we assume a consultative and advisory approach to business, with all clients being assigned a dedicated account manager who remains their contact for all on-going account management or service requirements. We advise upon all plumbing, electrical and regulation requirements, and ensure that the right product decisions are made for the

specific project. Our team of manufacturer and City and Guilds trained field engineers fully install and commission all equipment, as well as providing any necessary user training to enable the products to be fully optimised.

Forbes runs a centralised administrative and customer support operation from our head office in Surrey, which enables us to deliver a streamlined and efficient response to our clients. If a service requirement arises, we provide a same/next day engineer response. Our clients have total peace of mind in that they know that they will receive the on-going service that their organisation requires.

For more information contact Forbes Professional info@forbes-professional.co.uk or 0345 0702335.

Please go on our website to see the new range of Dishwasher proof ID labels which can also be stuck onto textiles.

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose LaundryTec Chester based LaundryTec since its foundation in early 2016 has become one of Alliance Internationals major UK distributers. Founded by Jeremy Hartigan, the team of industry professionals with the backing of the Alliance Lavamac brand and supported by its service partner PDS Laundry based in Nuneaton. They supply a significant number of the UK’s leading health care operators with equipment, installation and after sale support.

The LaundryTec designs offer not only washing, drying and ironing equipment but a full range of handling, distribution, folding and identification systems, to create a fully functioning laundry complete with all items necessary for efficient operation. Every LaundryTec machine includes full installation options, including the removal and disposal of an existing machine. A training program and a minimum of 24

months part and labour warranty.

The environment is at the forefront of every operator’s mind. Standard specification on a Lavamac machine includes functions that automatically weigh and control the energy input into the machine and store the data in the machines memory. Our LS range of electric heat pump dryers require no ventilation or gas services and operates at 3kw per hour.

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE LAUNDRYTEC 1. Cost 2. Efficiency 3. Service 4. Design 5. Innovation Telephone 0151 317 3127 Web www..laundrytec.com

Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

0151 317 3127

www.laundrytec.com

info@laundrytec.com

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE LAUNDRYTEC 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Washer Extractors

Tumble Dryers

Cost Quality Service Design Innovation

Flatwork Ironers

Other Equipment

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

CATERING FOR CARE

Care Home Kitchens

Brian Wheatly

Robert Bywell

With the diverse range of dietary and health needs to cater for, the catering operation within any care setting needs to be well conceived and well equipped, particularly post-pandemic. When designing a care home kitchen, making considered choices on equipment to invest in is just one part of the process. Brian Wheatley from The Litmus Partnership and Robert Bywell from the Airedale Group both discuss the factors care homes should consider when designing a kitchen and, more importantly, how to achieve ongoing value and significant budgetary savings.

The pandemic shone a light on care establishments like never before, and while many thousands of people stayed at home during lockdown, the care sector and its staff stepped up. The pandemic bought home how vitally important the sector is. It’s quite literally the frontline.

With 400,000 older people in care homes in the UK , and an anticipated additional 8.6million people aged 65 years and over in 50 years , the number of people in care homes is likely to grow in the future.

This means more pressure will be put on all service areas of care homes, including the catering operation.

Brian Wheatley, Partner at Litmus, that provides catering and facilities management consultancy to the care sector, says: “The care sector is catering for diverse and complicated dietary requirements. Around 70% of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems , others may be suffering from dysphagia and therefore require texture-modified foods; there are many issues that a care home catering team face, as well as ensuring nutritional standards are met.

“Not only this, but budgets can also be challenging. When reviewing the catering operation and kitchen design within a care home setting, taking into account the diverse range of specifications required can be

complex. Each setting is different and unique. However, there are some key factors that all care homes should consider when designing the kitchen.”

Every day, care homes are producing three meals a day plus light refreshments in-between. Given the volume of use, considering overall equipment life cost is important. It’s not simply a case of looking at the upfront investment of the equipment; it’s also about assessing the energy and utility costs, evaluating against induction vs gas equipment as well as other factors such as waste management.

Robert Bywell, Chief Executive of Airedale Group, explains the importance meal volume and care home layout has on choosing the right equipment.

“Where meal production volumes are above a certain threshold it is worth considering equipment that targets and reduces volume of waste. As the average equipment lifecycle is 7-10 years, it’s likely that further regulations will be introduced on managing waste over this time period and therefore it’s sensible to consider this early in the design cycle.

“Food safety and hygiene is also of paramount importance for vulnerable residents – particularly postpandemic. Food Safety Management Systems will be reviewed in line with COVID-19 and this in turn will impact on both the design and kit specifications. For example, the volume of food may be able to be contained within one fridge, but new, more stringent hygiene measures may mean food needs further separation. Equally, investing in ovens that use probes to test protein temperatures to reduce the risk of Salmonella or E-coli may be deemed a necessity, not just a consideration.

“Depending on the layout of the care home, the journey the food will take to the residents, and the fact some will eat in the dining area and some will eat in their room, will also impact on equipment decisions. For example, specialist delivery trolleys can help ensure food quality is consistent throughout the home.”

The ongoing maintenance of the kitchen operation is also important. In order to budget effectively means care homes not only running efficiently but also avoiding any unexpected costs that can have significant financial implications.

Brian Wheatley, says: “As care homes are open and running year round, having kitchen equipment fail, and therefore a food service not being available for a period of time, simply isn’t an option. However, if a care home doesn’t carry ‘spares’ what happens when something does break? The time and cost to repair equipment that fails out of the blue is three to five times more expensive than the cost of making a planned repair of the same equipment prior to failure. Managing assets is therefore key and saves substantial sums of money.

“Auditing the assets and getting a life cycle planning programme in place means the focus is on finding, managing and maintaining solutions that work over the lifetime of an asset. Get this right and care homes can generate wealth from within their own walls, saving sums that were once used on costly, unplanned fixes, and divert them into equipment and facility upgrades or extra staffing.”

There is also emerging technologies that are allowing for some new ways of working. Robert Bywell says: “Remote Monitoring uses sensors to take readings from key equipment like walk-in fridges, ventilation systems, combi ovens and dishwashers. These readings are fed back to a central hub and built-in alarms sound when a reading is outside an agreed parameter. This allows the maintenance company to get prior warning of deteriorating componentry or operator errors, meaning issues can often be resolved before the equipment fails.”

A well designed kitchen is much more than just a functional space - it has a ripple effect throughout the entire establishment. It means food quality is consistent for every resident. It means specialist dietary requirements can be met and catered for. It means budgets can be planned with confidence, and unplanned, expensive equipment breakages are no longer a challenge. It means a care home can thrive, instead of just survive.

For further information please visit https://litmuspartnership.co.uk/sectors/healthcare/ and https://www.airedale-group.co.uk/

Research Investigates Potential Benefits Of Eggs In The Diet Of Older People A new paper, published in the journal Public Health Nutrition, discusses how eggs could offer an ideal ‘food first’ opportunity to increase protein intake and help prevent muscle decline in older people, as investigated in research by a team at Bournemouth University, part-funded by the British Egg Industry Council.

Protein is essential for the growth and repair of body cells and tissues; as people age, loss in muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) can increase protein requirements. Eggs provide high quality protein which could help to prevent the degeneration of skeletal muscle.

Despite eggs being a beneficial food for older people – rich in valuable nutrients and a high quality source of protein; as well as being easy to cook and eat – UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) data show that current intake of eggs and egg dishes in older adults is only 2% of daily total energy intake, and only 3% of average daily protein intake.

The research considered a number of potential strategies which may help increase egg consumption in older age groups, including offering recipes and herb/spice packets, to improve flavour and acceptability.

The paper, published online in September in the journal Public Health Nutrition, entitled The provision of recipes and single-use herb/spice packets to increase egg and protein intake in communitydwelling older adults: a randomised controlled trial, studied 100 adults over the age of 55 years, and their egg eating habits.

Eggs have a soft texture, are easy to cook, are of low cost and have a long shelf life – so teamed with their nutritional value, they could be an impor-

tant protein source for older people. The study provided high-protein egg-based recipes and singleuse herb/spice packets to participants for 12 weeks in a randomised controlled trial, which led to higher egg intake in those receiving the intervention, which was sustained for up to 12 weeks after the end of the trial.

One of the authors of the paper, Katherine Appleton, said: “Our results suggest that by providing simple egg recipe inspiration and helping to make eggs more appetising to eat, their consumption could be increased. By focussing on a foodfirst approach, rather than fortified foods or supplements, we think that a positive behaviour change could be sustained, as the minimum expense and high acceptability of eggs for this audience are beneficial factors. A practical benefit could be in changing the healthy eating habits of people who could benefit greatly from increased protein intake.”

The researchers concluded that more studies evaluating the best strategies for increasing protein intake in this age group would be of significant value.

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

CATERING FOR CARE

Are You in Need of Dysphagia Training ? *

*This training is intended for healthcare professionals only.

Did you know that between 50-75% of nursing home residents suffer from dysphagia1?

Nutricia has a training solution for you, a FREE e-learning covering the fundamentals of dysphagia management using Nutilis Clear.

The training is divided into 4 sections and has been specially designed for busy health and social care staff caring for people living with dysphagia. It takes 60 minutes in total to complete, however you can complete one section at a time.

HOW CAN THIS TRAINING HELP YOU? • Easy & convenient online solution to dysphagia training • Visibility to track progress in your care home • Raise the quality standard of dysphagia care in a consistent way The quality standards aim is for all new health and social care staff members caring for patients with Dysphagia to complete the modules as part of their induction programme. Existing health and

social care staff members should also complete the learning to support their continuing professional development.

There is a certificate that can be downloaded once the training has been successfully completed.

Use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code to access the e-learning and get started!

For any questions contact your local Nutricia sales representative or our Resource Centre at resourcecentre@nutricia.com.

Nutilis Clear is a Food for Special Medical Purposes for the dietary management of dysphagia and must be used under medical supervision.

Reference: 1. O’Loughlin G, Shanley C. Swallowing problems in the nursing home: a novel training response. Dysphagia 1998; 13, 172183.( https://www.rcslt.org/speech-and-language-therapy/clinical-information/dysphagia) See the advert on page 37 for further information.

Renowned Care Home Chef Launches A Series Of Cracking Lion Egg Dishes NACC Care Chef of the Year, Martin McKee, has created a series of new videos showing how Lion eggs can bring inspiration to care home menus across the country. The recipes have been developed to reflect the growing trend for menu simplification that has been seen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The five easy-to-make recipes have been tailored to meet various nutritional requirements of residents, ranging from undernourishment, to dementia, or dysphagia. The dishes, designed to serve 10 or more people, include: an egg and bacon breakfast muffin; salmon and broccoli stuffed pepper with baked egg; smoked bacon, scrambled egg and potato waffles; spinach, ricotta and cherry tomato frittata; chocolate fondant with vanilla bean ice cream; and Mediterranean vegetable scotch eggs.

The latest Food Standards Agency advice means that vulnerable groups, including care home residents, can eat runny, or even raw, eggs, as long as they are produced to British Lion standards. Eggs meeting the Lion standard will carry a red

Lion and best before date on every egg. Previously, care homes had to restrict the way they served eggs, but they can now make the most of this nutritious, versatile, and cost-effective food.

Martin said: ‘’Eggs are an essential ingredient in every kitchen, and it is brilliant that we can now serve them runny as long as they meet Lion standards. The recipes I’ve created are easy to replicate and have been designed to make the most of the nutritional benefits of eggs, including key vitamins and minerals, as well as providing an abundance of protein which is vital for care home residents’ diets. ‘’I always use British Lion eggs and I would strongly urge any other care home chef to follow suit when sourcing and cooking with eggs, to guarantee highquality, safe dishes.’’

The video recipes are available to view on British Lion eggs YouTube channel and can also be found on www.eggrecipes.co.uk See the advert on page 19 for further information.

Microwave Specialist Launches Its Biggest Ever Giveaway Regale Microwave Ovens is offering a free Panasonic rice cooker with every purchase of some of the brand’s microwave ovens.

Users can now benefit from a free Panasonic rice cooker when they certain Panasonic microwaves via specialist supplier, Regale Microwave Ovens.

Panasonic Rice Cookers are Ideal for cooking porridge at breakfast and keeps it hot for late risers when on standby without it drying out!

One of the models where the giveaway applies is the Panasonic NE-1878, a 1,800W inverter-powered microwave designed to feature the benefits of an all metal door. With each purchase, companies can receive a free model SRGA421 rice cooker, worth over £120, which will also come with 2kg of FOC Tilda rice inside.

All enquiries received by Regale will be passed to the nearest geographical dealer, and both units will be dispatched by Regale to the operators on the UK mainland with next day delivery, free of charge.

There are three other Panasonic ovens included in the promotion, but these

qualifying for a FOC 7.2L Panasonic rice cooker. The ovens are the:• Panasonic NE-C1275 13A plug-in combination microwave oven with ‘five-way’ cooking methods.

• Panasonic NE-1880 & NE-3280. The extra-large and very powerful microwave ovens can take 2 x full size (1:1) Gastronorm pans.

• Each of these ovens comes with a 7.2litre Panasonic (model SRGA721) rice cooker, Free Of Charge. Each rice cooker comes with a complimentary 5kg of Tilda Basmati rice. Furthermore, Regale will deliver the equipment free to any UK mainland operator on the next working day.

Regale deputy MD Iain Phillips said: “Of course there are a few terms and conditions with this fantastic giveaway, the main one being that it is restricted to ‘whilst stocks last’, however we are hoping that we can run it from now to somewhere towards the end of August.”

See the advert on page 10 for details or call 01329 285518..

EF Group Launches CaterCloud - The Secret Ingredient for Menu Management Success Manchester-based, EF Group has announced it is offering free for life access to its new cloud-based, menu management platform, CaterCloud, which launched this week.

The easy-to-use, next generation allergen, nutrition, menu planning and costing system offers a wealth of enhanced functionality to help caterers gain significant efficiencies in their operations, to control costs and increase profits.

CaterCloud helps businesses ensure food safety remains a key focus.

With food labelling regulations set to change in October 2021, as a result of Natasha’s Law, all England-based businesses working in the food industry will be required to clearly label all foods produced and packed on their premises with a full list of ingredients detailing the full allergen profile.

Designed to help businesses prepare for this upcoming regulation, CaterCloud provides sub-allergen information and tagging; QR Code scanning for live allergen and nutritional information, along with the ability to print Natasha’s Law compliant food labels. CaterCloud also offers customers access to a range of accredited training for allergen awareness and food safety.

CaterCloud’s innovative functionality also boasts many other benefits to enable simple menu management for caterers across the hospitality, healthcare, education and retail sectors. It offers effective menu planning with dish and menu costings; access to a nutritional database with 1,000s of ingredients and customisable dashboards to record KPIs.

Users of CaterCloud can also join the e-foods’ Buyers’ Club and benefit from its substantial buying power. The Buyers’ Club is made up of a network of trusted accredited suppliers across the UK. Users can purchase food and non-food goods from these suppliers with savings of between 5 to 10%.

Paul Mizen, Chief Executive, EF Group said: “The service industries are moving at pace towards technology to help meet their stock ordering,

menu planning and compliance challenges. Our experience shows that there is increasing demand for more advanced dish and menu costing tools, as well as detailed, easy to use product data.

“Catering managers require their menu management software to seamlessly integrate with their ordering systems and demand best value from their food suppliers. With CaterCloud, we will remain at the forefront of delivering the innovative features the industry needs.

“The entire catering industry has been heavily impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic and as businesses work hard to recover, we are providing CaterCloud for free to help maximise efficiencies and reduce costs. This is our way of giving something back to the industry upon which our business is founded.”

CaterCloud is a web-based menu planning, nutrition, allergen and costing system which is part of the E-F Group. CaterCloud helps hundreds of hospitality businesses deliver performance and control costs while reducing food safety risks. CaterCloud is committed to innovation in food management, its leading-edge platform helps to manage food offerings from front desk to kitchens, with the aim of improving efficiency in catering operations. Live menu costings help businesses to see how their business is performing every day, enabling them to focus on producing quality food and increasing profitability. CaterCloud’s clients are mainly in the following sectors: healthcare, education, hospitality and retail.

For more information, see the advert on the facing page.

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Ontex Healthcare Re-Launches Incontinence Pants Range In years to come, the majority of the population across Western Europe will shift towards the 55+ age group , people will live longer and stay in their own homes for longer. With this in mind, Ontex Healthcare has re-launched its iD incontinence pants collection this September.

The new look range will offer key benefits including triple skin protection through fast absorption and 100% breathability. The improved top sheet with a mix of camomile, known for its soothing and calming properties, Vitamin E with antioxidant properties and zinc oxide, a natural purifying mineral component, helps to protect the skin.

In addition, the pants contain super absorbent particles which feature an

anti-odour system that provide extra confidence and comfort. The pants are made with non-woven materials, which make them by definition “breathable”, leaving the use feeling soft and safe.

For those looking for overnight dryness, there is the Maxi absorption range. Performance tests show that they can be used for up to 10 hours without any leakages or feelings of wetness.

What’s more the range has been approved by dermatologists so customers can fully trust iD Pants and count on our expertise. The range comprises Normal, Plus, Super and Maxi absorbencies.

Prices start from £10.49 per pack For more information call 0800 389 6185 or visit www.id-direct.com

Calibre Audio - Unleash the Power of Your Imagination Audiobooks offer a gateway to the world of independence when print is inaccessible.

Reading books has many health benefits; from reducing anxiety and helping to combat memory loss, to boosting mental health. Books provide us with companionship, adventure, empathy and enjoyment, and listening to audiobooks extends all of this to people who cannot read printed books.

A restricting disability can bring with it the sting of isolation, and being locked out of activities that were once enjoyed can create frustration and loneliness.

However, research has shown that listening to audiobooks can boost mental health (ref. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), helping to counteract depression and other mental health issues. Escaping to audiobooks provides comfort and companionship as well as being a coping strategy in hard times.

Calibre Audio is a charity, providing free audiobooks to anyone who struggles to read print, through sight loss, dyslexia or a physical disability. Our collection of

over 11,500 audiobooks includes books from all genres, both fiction and non-fiction, from the classics to the latest blockbusters; from crime to autobiographies. Our books are available online for members or delivered to your door via a free postal service.

It is free and easy to join. Visit www.calibreaudio.org.uk for more information or to join.

Why Specify a Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Door Edge Protector?

When specifying for a structure, it’s important to be aware of the level of wear and tear a door can be exposed to in a public building.

Door edges, in particular, can be easily damaged or worn down by regular use – which can then render them non-compliant for fire safety regulations. To ensure that a project remains compliant, an architect can specify durable door edge protectors to add durability and longevity to doors.

Not only will specifying edge protectors increase the longevity of doors, they will enhance the cost efficiency of a project by reducing maintenance demands and the possibility of having to replace unsafe fire doors.

Yeoman Shield fire rated Door Edge Protectors are unique with a 2.0 mm Vinylac outer and a specially formulated 9mm PVCu reinforced core. They are FD30 (1/2 hour) and FD60 (1 hour) rated

with intumescent seals that are in accordance to the fire door’s specification. Fire rated Door Edge Protectors are suitable for commercial applications such as residential blocks, schools and hospitals etc.

Door Edge Protectors can also be specified with different fire seals, from a plain intumescent fire seal to a brush, fire and smoke variant.

Of course, for doors that are non-fire rated in an architect’s project Yeoman Shield also provide quality edge protectors without seals to enhance durability and reduce wear.

Source a full range of door protection panels and kick plates from a single supplier by choosing Yeoman Shield.

Our door protection panels and kick plates offer the same lasting durability and quality as our door edge protectors.

See page 12 or visit www.yeomanshield.com for details.

Adaptawear Clothing To Help Healthcare & Care Home Workers: Independent & Assisted Dressing If you are a healthcare or care home worker or Occupational Therapist and struggling to dress your patients during this Covid-19 pandemic; then take a look at our range of Adaptawear adapted clothing for both men and women. Adaptawear comfort clothing has been designed to help independent living and assisted dressing with the aim to make getting dressed easier and less painful for both the wearer and carer.

Adaptawear designs and manufacturers a range of ladies and men’s open back and drop front trousers, magnetic & open back shirts and blouses, dresses, skirts, open back nighties and front fastening bras. We also sell a selection of everyday essentials aimed at making people comfortable day and night.

Adaptawear clothes are ideal for

arthritis, stroke, Parkinson, incontinence and dementia sufferers as well as people of all ages who struggle with buttons and zips. The easy fit clothes are made from quality and natural fabrics to provide maximum comfort.

Adaptawear Offers: • Discreetly Adapted Clothes • Independent & Assisted Dressing • Ladies & Men's Daywear and Nightwear • UK Nationwide and Overseas Deliveries • No Quibble 14 Day Returns • VAT Exemption where relevant • FREE Delivery on orders over £100 For more information on Adaptawear’s Product Range please visit www.adaptawear.com. Carer readers please quote TC141 for 10% discount off your first order.

New Pressure Relief Options from Airospring Medical Airospring Medical manufactures a range of pressure relieving devices.

Our flagship products are a range of lightweight and breathable pressure relief cushions and mattress overlays made from high-tech 3D Knitted Spacer Fabrics. Airospring has been awarded a full patent in August 2014 approving this ground breaking technology. Our pressure relief cushions distribute weight and allow maximum airflow. The cushions have been tested for the dissipation of perspiration, a key factor in the fight against pressure ulcers. Welcome to a new standard in healthy seating.

Call: 0115 9322403 Email: sales@airospring.com Visit: www.airospring.com

In-House Practical Engagement Workshop Scripts Now Available for Care Homes & Services As training sessions and venues may be difficult to facilitate for some time, Happy Days Dementia Workshop has acted quickly, re-writing their ‘Practical Engagement Workshop’ into a series of easy to follow presentation and training guides.

Enriching social care is at the heart of Happy Days, ‘It’s amazing to see how care teams are heartened and invigorated once they see how easy it is to engage more meaningfully with residents on a daily basis’ says Gillian Hesketh, MD of Dementia Workshop.

Training in-house can support the safety of your care teams, reduce travel, time and cut costs.

Demonstration and nostalgic materials can be included in packages with options to add an activity manual, reminiscence baskets and memory prompts. The workshops are ideal for building carer confidence, boosting morale and uplifting everyone’s mood.

Packages can be created to suit your care team requirements and resident interests. See The Carer front page or find starter practical workshop packs online at www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk / Phone direct on 07971953620 or see the advert on page 1.

CareZips Dignity Trousers ™

CareZips™ preserve dignity and privacy of people receiving care during diaper changes.

CareZips™ make diaper changes easier and faster, reducing workload, saving efforts, and saving time!

CareZips™ help to deliver better standards of care!

Fitted with unique 3-zip fastening system, the CareZips™ make changing of incontinence diapers more dignified and comfortable for the patients and easier and faster for the carers.

CareZips™ feature 3 strategically positioned zips, 2 of which run from the waist to the knees on both sides of the body. The 3rd zip goes from the inside of one knee up to the crotch and down to the second knee on the inside of the other leg. This zip facilitates total opening of the trousers at the crotch during diaper changes. The 3-zip system ensures fast and easy access to the abdomen and crotch without having to undress the patients or pull their trousers down.

CareZips™ are suitable for men and women. They are available in 7 sizes for perfect fit. CareZips™ are soft and wrinkle resistant with stretch and give for extra comfort.

Practical, durable, washable and non-iron, the CareZips™ trousers are the perfect choice for daily use.

Contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 www.win-health.com or see the advert on page 7.

iMEDicare Pelvic Health Naturally When it comes to women’s intimate health, many of us are reluctant and embarrassed to talk frankly about it, which often leads to women suffering in silence. A lot of the problems we worry about, however, are surprisingly common, such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) – a frequent effect of the menopause experienced by as many as one in three women.

Stylish, effective and washable, iMEDicare’s Wearever washable and re-useable incontinence underwear is a great alternative to incontinence pads, better for the environment (washable over 200 times) with absorbencies ranging from 100ml all the way up to 650ml: • 3-layer Hydrex™ (patented)

system for total protection by containing the urine and preventing it from penetrating through the garment • Unique-Dri™ System that traps liquid and controls odour with its Silver ion anti-microbial treated fibres.

Wearever underwear is seamless – so that possible pressure points that could be cause for pressure sores are minimized.

If you buy a 3 pack, we guarantee the first pair for another size or style or absorbency, or refund all three, provided 2 of the 3 pairs are unused within 30 days of initial trial.

Choose life - not leaks. Be confident again and visit www.

MyPelvicHealth.co.uk or call 01923237795.

C & S Seating Postural Management C & S Seating has been providing postural control equipment to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and medical equipment services nationwide since 1991.

With 9 different sizes of T-Rolls and Log Rolls in a removable and machine washable, waterproof Titex or Soft Knit material. These rolls are used to control posture and position of the body in either supine or side lying. Our Knee & Leg support wedges are available in 2 sizes.

C & S Seating is the sole manufacturer of the Alternative Positioning Support (APS) system. Ideal when more control of the abducted lower limb is required (See photo) which

has removable side cushions and middle pommel; this is available in small or large.

Our popular range of Soft Knit covers in a choice of 5 vibrant colours provide a softer alternative that fit easily over our standard waterproof rolls.

It is recommended you seek professional advice to select the correct product depending on your needs.

Contact us on 01424 853331 or visit us at www.cands-seating.co.uk to request or download a brochure, pricelist or order form, request an individualised quotation, speak to an advisor or to place an order.

See the advert on page 10.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 43

FURNITURE AND FITTINGS Interiors Company Working To Provide A ‘Healthier Solution’ SOMMER Rose Interiors is working with upholstery manufacturers to provide a ‘healthier solution’ to care home furniture.

Sarah Thompson and her team would like to introduce Sileather™.

Sileather™ silicone fabrics are highly durable and abrasion resistant, thanks to our unique silicone, and Sileather™ upholstery fabrics are all over 200,000+ Wyzenbeek double rubs, over 130,000 Martindale and 3000+ Taber cycles (rotating “cement discs”).

We take a long term approach when considering our production of silicone leather and want to do our part to be environmentally friendly.

With our non-solvent production technique and with the lack of PVC or PU elements, we are much safer and healthier than traditional fabrics.

Unlike PVC fabrics, we do not need to use chlorine in any of the production process, and our fabrics do not leak VOC emissions throughout its life.

There’s no need to clog up landfills – silicone leather is recyclable!

We have passed the most common environmental standards so you can breathe

Sileather™ fabrics have ultralow VOCs, so it is among the healthiest fabrics, making it perfect for use around children, hospitals, ALL HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS, hotels, boat cabins, trains, and any number of enclosed spaces.

EVERYTHING ESSENTIAL

comfortably knowing that you are using a fabric that’s safe for you and the environment.

We take pride that our fabrics are environmentally friendly and safe to use by anyone, Sileather™ silicone fabrics are made with the same material as baby bottle nipples, so they are gentle enough even for babies’ skin.

High Quality Soft Furnishings Manufactures Tailored For All Your Window Needs WL Interiors are a family run company with over 20 years experience in manufacturing high quality soft furnishings for the healthcare industry based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

WL are suppliers of flame retardant curtains, blinds & soft furnishings. We offer high-quality fire resistant fabrics that are perfect for care homes, including any dementia specific requirements where needed.

Working on your care home refurbishment, new build or general replacements, WL Interiors Ltd can do site surveys and check measures, offer free samples and quotations.

• UK Wide Fitting & Installation Available

• UK Manufactured • Highest Quality British Manufactured • FREE QUOTES Contact details – Lorraine Firth Telephone- 01924 298953 Email- Lorraine@wl-interiors.com

It’s our mission to bring you a healthy fabric that’s safe, hygienic and meets high standards that help to ensure your well-being.

Thanks to the unique advantages of our proprietary silicone, Sileather™ fabrics are inherently: • Flame resistant.

• Does not promote growth of mildew or mould.

• Superior in hydrolysis resistance compared to vinyl and polyurethane fabrics.

• Superior in UV and colour fading resistance.

• Stain resistant to many substances found in healthcare facilities, including biro, iodine, betadine, blood and urine.

• Resistant to liquids and fluids.

• Easy to clean – common stains need only water, including biro.

• Medical grade skin friendly and allergen free.

• Highly abrasion resistant and durable with recovery ability to reduce sagging and wrinkling.

• Luxurious soft touch.

For free samples of this upholstery or to view sample furniture, please contact Sarah Thompson on 07495 471038 or email: sarah@sommer-rose.com

Euroservice Trolley Manufacturers celebrating 40 years of experience in the sale and manufacture of wooden trolleys for the catering trade, Euroservice trolley manufacturers have now acquired a worldwide reputation and still offer an extensive /comprehensive range of top quality wooden trolleys manufactured in the UK. Top quality is a priority in the production of all of our products and Euroservice are specialists in the manufacture of sturdy and beautiful looking trolleys which will grace any environment from the small privately owned restaurant to

Freephone: 0800 917 7943 www.euroservice-uk.com sales@euroservice-uk.com

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the splendid 3 to 5 star hotels, resorts and Residential homes.

Euroservice’s excellence in the manufacture of wooden trolleys is backed by a personal, efficient and friendly service second to none. We are always busy researching the needs of the market and launch new ranges according to market demands. Whatever your needs you can be assured that Euroservice can cater for them and we look forward to your call.

Freephone: 0800 917 7943 www.euroservice-uk.com sales@euroservice-uk.com

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PAGE 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

NURSE CALL AND FALL PREVENTION Call Aid UK - Cost Effective NURSE CALL Nurse Call Systems IT’S NOT OBSOLETE UNTIL THE OPERA LADY SINGS

EDISON TELECOM LTD (IN BUSINESS SINCE 1984)

have spares, enhancements and expertise for wired and wireless systems abandoned by the original manufacturer, whoever they are.

Call us on 01252-330220 We can give most systems a new lease of life and maintain them into the future.

www.edisontelecom.co.uk Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

At Call Aid UK we like to let our clients speak for us! “We were introduced to the PAM system a year ago and are delighted with the difference it has made since its introduction. The system is very reliable and offers a couple of sound options for day and night mode, ensuring that residents are not disturbed during quiet hours. The system notifies you as soon as movement is detected which in many cases decreases the risk of falls. Call Aid are also helpful and offer a personalised service. We have a single point of contact that ensures actions are taken quickly if required and also contact us to see how

we are getting on. I cannot fault the system nor the services “ West Lodge Nursing Home Call Aid UK is an electronics design and manufacturing company specialising in providing electronic solutions to the healthcare market. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions with easy to use systems and we recognise the importance of listening to our customers’ needs.

We produce systems that use the latest technology, compliment the decor and are competitively priced.

Visit www.callaiduk.com or see the advert on this page for details.

TumbleCare from Easylink Medpage Limited T/A Easylink UK was established in 1984 after the invention of an alarm clock to wake deaf people. The “Shake Awake” set a new precedent in quality standards for products designed for sensory care, notoriously at the time – rubbish. The company invented a new device for the detection of nocturnal epileptic seizures in 1994, which also set a new precedent for quality, especially after the company achieved certified medical accreditation.

We could boast and say we have supplied more seizure detection monitors than any other company in UK. You could say we are innovators; we are and very proud of it. To constantly adapt to changes in demands for care technologies, remain competitive and continue to develop new care solutions it takes more than intelligence, it takes passion.

Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, failing economy, factories closing and international shipping facing the worst crisis

ever known, we have battled through. At the start of the lockdown we supplied the NHS and Local Authorities with over 2000 bed occupancy detection alarm systems, many of them used to enable long term patients to be discharged from hospital to free up beds for COVID victims. Independent living support was and is essential during this pandemic.

Now we launch our new brand. TumbleCare. The TumbleCare brand is a range of fall detection and prevention products focussing on affordable quality and product performance. The products are tough, easy to set, use and provide carers with reliable advance warning notification of potential falls. Visit our website.

Firstly, you’ll be amazed at the variety of care solutions we offer, then blown away by our realistically fair pricing.

Visit www.easylinkuk.co.uk or see the advert on page 2 for details.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 45

NURSE CALL AND FALL PREVENTION

Wireless Fall Prevention A Digital Future of Care in a Post COVID-19 Era

By Ben Kilbey – Business Development Manager, Spearhead Healthcare

The last thing any care home wants to have to deal with is an elderly resident falling in their home.

However, with over 255,000 hospital admissions in England a year relating to the elderly suffering injury after a fall, being alert and aware as soon as a fall happens is critically important in the administration of aid; as well as helping reduce emotional distress.

For years, the care industry has used a tremendous range of call alert solutions to help care home staff respond to these falls quickly and easily. The most popular and regularly used of these are systems which plug in to nurse call systems.

Nonetheless, these come with their own issues and can often create their own risks in regard to falling; largely in the use of trailing cables that need to be plugged in to make them work. These potential trip hazards can cause the exact issues they are trying to prevent.

But with new innovations come new solutions, and we are increasingly seeing a range of wireless solutions that provide a variety of benefits. Below we list things to look out for when selecting these systems:

NO LOOSE WIRES When looking at a wireless solution, make sure it truly is wireless and that any receivers, or sending features on the items are contained and are not left loose where someone can catch a foot on it, or accidently rip it out.

WIRELESS CALL BUTTONS Care home staff cannot be chained to their desk and need to be checking on residents and conducting all the

Edison Telecom We here at Edison Telecom Ltd have been providing specialist solutions to your call system requirements tailor-made to each customers needs for over 25 years, says director Bob Johnson.

Is your current Nurse Call “legacy”, obsolete, so full of software bugs or commercially not viable for your current supplier/maintainer to maintain?

We may have just the part and expertise that you are looking for to give your nurse call a further exten-

duties that are required to create a smooth-running home, filled with happy residents. A wireless alert that can be carried in a pocket allows the user to respond as swiftly as possible to potential falls, helping homes provide the highest level of care.

A centralized alert system is an option that also presents many benefits, as homes can ensure that the right person in the right place is alerted in a timely manner. Making sure that a system works both centrally and on the move, giving you the best range of options to help provide a high level of care.

PLUGS While this might very well be viewed as a smaller issue, nurse call systems come with a huge variety of plug types; and ensuring that your receivers have the correct plugs for your call system is key.

LOOK AND FEEL Make sure the system you choose is as unobtrusive as possible. Often fall prevention equipment is designed to be as hidden as possible. Should the item be particularly obvious make sure you are happy it fits as well as possible into the decor of the room it sits in and think about choosing a floormat that corresponds with the flooring in the room e.g. wood effect vinyl or carpet.

Spearhead are proud to distribute the entire Alerta wireless range that has been launched this year.

For further information visit www.www.spearheadhealthcare.com sion to life, adds Bob, “Edison will treat your nurse call with the same compassion that you give to those in your care. There will come a time when your equipment is beyond repair but Edison are experts in extending the life of obsolete systems.” www.edisontelecom.co.uk

After 50 years being at the forefront of advances in Nurse Call solutions, Courtney Thorne continue to develop solutions which now seem more relevant and important than at any time before.

The introduction of digital care planning and medication solutions has enabled forward thinking care homeowners to go paperless, giving more accurate, timely and readily available information on those in their care. These same digital devices, tablets and smart mobiles can now be used to view calls and emergencies generated by a Courtney Thorne nurse call system. Both new installations and many existing Courtney Thorne systems can benefit with calls being delivered straight to the carer.

Monitoring of resident’s care planning and medications are just two areas that reduces the amount of paperwork and administration, freeing up carers to spend more time actually caring. The monitoring of the caring staff themselves can become arduous and time consuming for management, not with a Courtney Thorne nurse call solution.

The introduction of Staff ID tags of fobs is nothing new, there are so called systems on the market which use simple magnets which carers need to remember to press onto a room sensor when they attend, and again when they leave a resident’s room. With Courtney Thorne’s Altra Tag the process of logging who attended, what time they attended and how long they remained in the resident’s room is all logged automatically and seamlessly. No longer are there management and staff disputes about forgetting to “fob in/fob out”.

The volume and detail of the data captured automatically by a Courtney Thorne nurse call system is vast. All the data is available to management using the reporting function built into the main touch screen server. However, where visiting the home is difficult due to COVID-19 restrictions or time and distance problems, owners and managers may find retrieving data difficult, resulting in a lack of monitoring and possible reduction in quality of care delivered. Courtney Thorne’s CT-Cloud service provides ready complied, detailed reports daily, coupled with a “live” view of all data contained in the server from any location with an internet connection.

Carrying out regular checks on sleeping residents is

time consuming and often counter-productive as residents often wake, have poor sleep and can even fall after attempting to use the toilet once awake. Acoustic monitoring means that only those who actually need assistance get it, those who are sound asleep do not get disturbed and carers can concentrate on more productive tasks.

So, in this new COVID-19 and Digital world what other new solutions are on the horizon? Nurse call devices around a care home become intelligent enough to identify a resident in need. Already we can measure changes in levels of noise, but monitoring light, temperature coupled with wearable devices monitoring vital signs, now a deterioration in a resident’s wellbeing can raise an alert or be recorded. A resident ‘connected’ with a wearable device can have their movement, location, heart rate, sleep, blood pressure etc., monitored automatically. Instead of intrusive, often unsocial physical monitoring, at-risk residents have vital signs checked and recorded continuously. If an emergency occurs, the nurse call system will still summon help, only now one of its key functions will be to record, store and make available critical data. Thereby reducing the touch points, minimising transmission of disease, freeing up carers time and providing a safer and healthier life for both residents and staff.

For further information visit www.nursecallsystems.co.uk or see the advert below.

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

PAGE 46 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE Putting the ‘Home’ Back into Care Homes: How Innovative Technologies Can Help Carers Give Residents a Better Quality of Life

By Phillip Moorcraft, UK Director, CLB (global.clb.nl) When a person moves into a residential care home, the quality of their medical and social care is hugely important to that individual and their loved ones.

However, they also want a place that feels genuinely welcoming and homely, and which allows its residents to enjoy appropriate levels of privacy and independence.

Striking that delicate balance, between providing a ‘home from home’ and ensuring that residents’ medical and social care needs are met, can be hard for residents, families and care home staff alike. And it is a widespread problem – with about 21,556 care homes in the UK alone, there is lots of pressure on care staff to make residents feel ‘at home’, while also meeting each person’s (often complex) needs. This pressure has greatly intensified with the challenges of the pandemic.

Technologies can ease the pressure of regular and unnecessary ad-hoc welfare checks on top of providing personal quality care, while giving residents more privacy and independence.

For example, acoustic monitoring technology, which has been used in many countries worldwide for more than 25 years, can monitor for adverse events and reduce their potential to cause life-changing effects.

What is more, residents with acoustic monitoring can establish better sleep patterns because they are less frequently disturbed by staff visits, and better sleep conveys multiple health and wellbeing benefits.

Meanwhile, the technology alerts staff as soon as an event occurs, which also improves quality of life and can make a crucial – even life-saving – difference to medical outcomes in the case of health emergencies.

Furthermore, acoustic monitoring gives greater privacy and autonomy for each resident. For example, those who prefer to go to bed later/earlier than their peers are no longer restricted by the facility’s monitoring schedule and can enjoy more flexibility, and those with particular concerns about privacy can be left in peace without having to compromise their safety.

What do good care homes provide?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has told service users and those who care for them what they should expect of a good care home. The expectation that residents will be treated with respect and able to exercise their rights (to privacy, to self-determination, to care of high quality, to dignity) is woven like a golden thread through that document.

No reasonable care professional would argue with those values, but they can be tough to achieve simultaneously.

The need to monitor residents is a prime example.

Many homes carry out periodic checks on residents – often, every two hours or so – and this is a critical element of providing good social/clinical care. However, it is also highly disruptive for patients, who may be disturbed several times during the night, and it takes carers away from other duties.

Residents who are disturbed during the night (even for the best of reasons) may suffer chronic or recurrent sleep deprivation, which has a serious impact on their quality of life. Sleep deprivation causes grogginess, mood changes (in some cases, aggression, anxiety or

depression) and increases vulnerability to illness. So, an action that is intended to protect a resident can also make them ill.

Meanwhile, carers may become frustrated with the constant need to interrupt whatever they are doing to carry out welfare checks, particularly if this takes them away from providing personalised care for individuals, and their morale, along with the broader functionality and productivity of the care home, can suffer as a result.

Acoustic technology meets the needs of care home staff and residents Unsurprisingly, some care homes have tried to solve this problem with technology. And the CQC agrees that care homes’ use of innovative technology is key to maximising their performance. The challenge lies in knowing which type of technology to use.

For example, some care homes have used voice and video baby monitors, or alarmed mats that detect movement. However, these are primarily for domestic use and often cannot cope with the demands of a care home. They can be hard to maintain and may not have an appropriate radio frequency; all are intrusive but video monitors in particular compromise residents’ privacy. And they can lead to a delayed response by care staff, which has significant implications in time-critical events like a heart attack or stroke.

Acoustic technology, in contrast, is not intrusive and has been designed for care home settings.

Acoustic technology allows individual sensitivity settings for each resident and will alert staff when the thresholds are exceeded. It is highly accurate, so will sound if a resident falls, for example, or if a resident (e.g. with mobility problems) tries to get out of bed.

When acoustic technology is used in an intelligent nurse alert system, it monitors resident welfare with a high level of accuracy. When triggered, an alert is sent to a professional operator who can assess the situation and forward the alarm directly to a carer’s device if applicable. That allows an immediate response, giving the resident the best outcome, including in cases of medical emergency.

Acoustic technology also reduces adverse events, thanks to the quality and consistency of its monitoring that allows swift and preventive action. For example, it reduced resident falls by 35% in one facility.

Meanwhile, carers can reduce the number of in-person visits and can maintain their focus on other work, such as meeting the needs of individual residents, which increases morale and productivity.

For the residents, acoustic monitoring delivers the privacy, dignity, self-determination and appropriate independence that good care homes provide for their residents. It gives them a more relaxing and homely environment and allows healthy sleep cycles that enhance their quality of life. Above all, it keeps them safe.

It is time for care homes to make technologies work for them The pandemic has caused much anxiety for care home providers, residents and their families. It has also focused national attention, perhaps more than ever before, on the most vulnerable members of our society and the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them. It has been an incredibly hard and draining time.

Innovative technologies in care homes, such as acoustic monitoring, provide an exciting opportunity to move the emphasis from intrusive and unnecessary checks to discreet, yet continuous, monitoring that gives both residents and carers the comfort and security that a home should have. By putting the right technology to work in care homes, we can relieve that burden and grow a care sector that genuinely provides the relaxing and homely environment that all residents, families and staff desire, along with the top-quality care and working conditions they deserve.

Workforce Scheduling Solutions Workforce Scheduling Solutions deliver Electronic Time & Attendance systems worldwide, using the latest Face Recognition technology.

Why should care homes move from paper to electronic time sheets

The industry is under considerable financial pressures. An efficient electronic booking on/off system that will schedule, provide budgets, calculate hours worked, overtime and absence such as sickness and holiday entitlement will save Time and Money.

How is time and money saved by doing things electronically?

Collecting payroll information from paper timesheets can be slow, prone to errors, and very labour intensive.

Staff rosters can be produced as far in advance as practical and accurate within budgeted hours. Staff book on and off-duty electronically, thus eliminating any time errors.

Wage queries are virtually eliminated and immediate checks can be made without wading through reams of paper which invariably are inaccurate, misfiled or even 'lost".

There are many systems on the market - Why facial recognition is important and how it works

Some systems use tokens, which can be lost or left at home, requiring management involvement in the booking on/off procedure. Fingerprint systems can be beaten and Social media is awash with ways to copy fingerprints. Face recognition combined with a staff PIN is simple to use and manage using touch screen technology and web cams. Staff see their image displayed immediately when booking on or off and confirms their identity visually. It provides the best deterrent available as it builds a greater 'image knowledge’ of each employee, a picture is worth a thousand words. Eliminates 'buddy punching' where employees can book colleagues on/off duty using someone’s tokens, swipe card or even fingerprint.

How is data protected?

With the correct security setup computer systems provide more data protection than paper-based records which can be easily removed or stolen. GDPR covers all data including paper records and therefore the chances of infringing the rules and incurring fines is greater with paper.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25 | PAGE 47

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Technology in a Post-Covid World Let’s not beat around the bush: It’s been a terrible year so far. Healthcare around the world has been pushed to the limits. Here in the UK our amazing NHS pulled out all the stops, despite being hugely underfunded even before the pandemic. The unsung heroes were the Social Care sector. We heard many appalling stories of both staff and residents falling victim to this indiscriminatory virus and but also stories of people’s love and determination to help the more vulnerable amongst us. As we move towards a new post lockdown phase, we ask ourselves: How have we survived so far and what does the future have in store?

Since the prime minister announced in March that we were to stay at home, we have clung on to two factors to help our mental health manage the dramatic change to our lives: long walks and video conferencing and sometimes, but not being too over indulgent, both at the same time. As many of us prepare to work from home, the discovery of “Zoom”, mainly known as a colourful ice lolly to many before March, transformed the way we began to communicate. Zoom saw its number of users explode from 10 million a day to 200 million over lockdown. Video conferencing isn’t just for business though.

It allowed families and friends to remain connected throughout. Crowd funding appeals began to help raise money to pay for tablets. These were given to residents in care homes to ensure they too weren’t missing out on the digital party.

It’s not just the video conferencing either. We’ve exercised with Joe Wicks and we’ve written

or partaken in online quizzes. Most of us have had more time to interact with friends and family because other distractions have been taken away. Now we’ve been able to move away from lockdown thanks to government initiatives such as Test and Trace. So, we must ask ourselves, where would we have been without technology?

Amazingly, despite most of us having access to computers, tablets and smart phones, almost three quarters of our sector are still operating paper-based systems within their homes? We have fully embraced technology for our personal use, but why not our business?

We’ve relied on it for months, it’s enriched our lives, imagine what it could do in our places of work.

Will changing to a computer-based care system, like Ablyss CMS, change our lives? No. But, will it make a positive impact to the way we operate and run our businesses? Yes. We need to learn from the lessons of 2020. We don’t know what’s around the corner, so it’s impossible to be ready for the next challenge. But we can do our best to be prepared. The future is not written on a piece of paper, it is changeable, it will adapt and will, occasionally, throw us a Covid-shaped curve ball! We need adaptive systems in place to help us navigate the road ahead. We need to fully embrace and invest in the technology and advances that are available to us. Put faith in technology. We’ve tested it to its limits and now we know, we DO need it.

See the advert on this page for more information about Ablyss.

Mainteno Facilities Maintenance and Management Software Whether it’s managing planned maintenance or dealing with fault repairs, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day maintenance of almost any organisation.

Mainteno also seamlessly incorporates asset management and tracking.

Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the maintenance management process, saving your organisation time and money.

USABILITY MADE AFFORDABLE Mainteno was designed with practicality in mind.

The interface is so intuitive that basic operation can be learned in minutes, and you can be a power user in one afternoon.

Elegant usability usually means a hefty price tag.

However, our pricing structure means that for small organisations, Mainteno can cost as little as two cups

of coffee a month. No set-up fees, no lengthy contracts and a free trial, all mean that the system starts paying for itself straight away.

Dr Asif Raja, Bsc MBBS Summercare Managing Director says “Facing significant challenges of ever increasing quality and compliance demands upon time and resources as well considerable economic pressures, Summercare, an award winning provider of residential care and housing related support, sought to upgrade their systems for managing the property and environmental aspects of its service delivery. After an extensive period of investigation and research Mainteno was selected as the platform of choice for the entire organization based on its ease of use, very short-term contract, quick set up and ongoing support.”

Visit www.mainteno.com, Tel: 020 8798 3713 or email sales@redro.co.uk

www.mainteno.com

sales@redro.co.uk

Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

PAGE 48 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Covid19: Accelerating the Use of Digital Technology in Healthcare As this crisis impacts every part of the health sector, significant vulnerabilities are being exposed. The NHS ‘digital revolution’ has long been touted as the key to futureproofing both Social Care and our health service in the face of increasing patient demand.

That demand has now reached unprecedented levels and seems unlikely ever to revert to previous trends; against that background; there is an urgent requirement to move quickly to realise the opportunities which are available from digital technology. It is no longer an interesting speculation; it is an essential requirement to support staff and save lives. (Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell)

when invoicing?

How many industries with shift workers rely on manual payroll processing outside the care sector?

Repeatable systems should harness the power of technology to cut back the massive waste of man hours spent processing and checking manual tasks.

In order to work out the best technology for your needs, you should assess your current systems against your requirements. Think about what inefficiencies exist in your homes and how you could: 1. Capture relevant information, such as resident/staff details, in a simple, time-efficient way.

2. Manage your documents to ensure that information is dealt with logically.

3. Avoid duplication at all costs; completing handwritten timesheets which then need to be manually inputted into payroll is a massive, unnecessary waste of time & manpower.

4. Address technological obstacles. The perception that your staffs are not IT literate is out of date; most people own a smart phone so yes they are!

See www.fusion4care.com for details or see the advert on page 17.

USING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY Poor efficiencies in many areas of the sector are caused by the lack of investment in technology.

Technology will improve the way your staff carry out tasks by either speed up existing processes or allowing new, more flexible and accurate ways of carrying out a job or process which will in turn enables live real time management information.

Would you expect to check out of a hotel with an invoice and extras raised in Word or Excel so why do many operators still use this method

WristPIT from Pinpoint The WristPIT from Pinpoint,is a bespoke patient call transmitter designed to be worn on the wrist.

This wrist-worn personal infrared transmitter (WristPIT) is easily accessible and allows patients to activate a call for even if they are away from their bed or a fixed call-point.

Pinpoint’s renowned PIT technology (usually worn by staff for personal safety) has, for the first time, been designed around patient use. The WristPIT can withstand showering and brief submersion in water and also incorporates antimicrobial product protection, reducing the ability for bacteria to grow.

According to figures published by the National Reporting and Learning System, around 250,000 incidents where patients required assistance in hospital were reported in 2015/16. In many cases, nursing staff remained unaware that a patient had had a fall for quite some time.

Pressing the clearly labelled call button on the WristPIT notifies the personnel on duty that a patient is requesting help and informs staff exactly where the patient is. The call button is recessed and surrounded by a bump guard to prevent false alarms.

Pinpoint Alarm Systems are installed in thousands of medical facilities throughout the UK and USA. The new WristPIT is backward compatible and easily integrated into existing Pinpoint Systems.

A green LED indicates the WristPIT is ‘activated’ with good battery level. When the battery requires changing, the LED flashes red until the battery is changed and the device has been retested.

In addition to being water-resistant, the WristPIT has been designed to withstand harsh environments and user tampering, meaning suitability for facilities where service users may be at risk of self-harm.

For more information: www.pinpointlimited.com or see the advert on this page.

CARE VISION – Outstanding Care is at the Heart of Everything We Do At Carevision, outstanding care truly is at the heart of everything they do. They have combined over 40 years of hands on experience running care homes and working with some of the smartest mind in tech, they have created Care Vision - An all-inone, cloud-based system that incorporates all your care and admin in to one easy to use system. Carers can compile resident notes, health observations and EMAR. Care home managers can manage rotas, accounts, HR and house-keeping tasks and log visitors using the digital visitor book.

Residents can use the system to make personal choices on meals and activities and use the app to keep in touch with family and friends.

Rishi Jawaheer, director at Care Vision says “The 100+ care homes

PINPOINT WRISTPIT The WristPIT is a wrist worn Personal Infrared Transmitter designed exclusively for patient use.

The latest call button is recessed and surrounded by a bump guard to prevent false alarms. It is also backward compatible, allowing seamless integration into existing Pinpoint Systems.

DID YOU KNOW? Biomaster Technology is incorporated into all surface areas of the product during manufacture, inhibiting the growth of contaminating bacteria 24/7 for the lifetime of the product.

www.pinpointlimited.com

that use our system have seen its benefits – They are saving 2-4 hours of staff hours per resident, per week and they are achieving outstanding CQC results. Carers love it, residents and relatives love it, and care home managers can’t remember how challenging managing a care home was before it.”

Of course, taking on a whole new system can seem daunting, that’s why Care Vision offer minimal investment, all round support and flexible hardware options. They don’t feel the need for long-term contracts, Rishi says “We have total confidence, once you use Care Vision, you will love it as much as we do.”

The Care Vision team would love to talk to you about what the system can do for you. Contact at info@care-vision.co.uk or call 0208 768 9809.

See the advert on page 45 for details.

PAGE 50 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 25

PROFESSIONAL AND TRAINING

“Secure Your Workforce Now”, Warn Legal Experts 12 Weeks Before Brexit With the UK set to leave the EU in a matter of months, leading lawyers are issuing a call to businesses across sectors to make 11th hour preparations to secure their workforces before Brexit. As of 31 December 2020, free movement will end, posing extreme challenges for care providers, which currently rely on EU migrant labour.

Many UK care providers businesses have utilised migrant labour in recent years and come January, those businesses whose workforces have consisted of a large percentage of lower skilled migrant workers sourced from the EU, will run into difficulties as many salaries will not meet the new minimum salary threshold imposed by the government under the new system.

After spending the past six months dealing with the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, the prospect of further Brexit-related workforce issues is the last thing the care sector needs.

In order to prepare for the upcoming changes, businesses must do everything in their power to make last minute preparations where possible. These include ensuring that they have the necessary sponsor licence in place to hire skilled workers, regulating the status of their current EU workforces by ensuring that all those eligible have applied for, or are in the process of registering under the EU Settlement Scheme, and where possible bringing forward recruitment plans to hire Europeans, before the end of the transition period.

After mixed messaging from Government throughout the Brexit process, a policy statement on the new immigration system was laid out in February this year with a ‘Further Details’ statement published in July 2020. However, with the Home Office swamped with applications and working through a significant backlog, businesses looking to apply for a sponsor licence may experience significant delays.

Tijen Ahmet, head of business immigration at law firm, Shakespeare

Martineau (www.shma.co.uk), said: “It’s getting close to the line now and the reality is that any business that employs Europeans from next year will find themselves in a tough position if they haven’t got the necessary sponsor licence and compliance processes in place by now.

“Smaller companies may still be able to secure their workforce ahead of the Brexit date, however larger corporates whose workforces are made up of a high percentage of migrant workers have a tough task ahead of them. The Government hasn’t helped this process and with it taking up to six months to obtain a sponsor licence in some cases, even those businesses, which have been proactive risk getting caught out.”

However, Ahmet believes that whilst time is running out, it is still worth business owners and HR departments doing all they can to secure their European workforces today and before 30 June 2021 when the EU Settlement Scheme is due to close.

She continues: “If businesses want to employ Europeans in future, getting the ball rolling now would be hugely advantageous. Whilst the current system is in place, EU citizens can enter the UK with their EU passport or ID card and begin to work. As of January, that simply won’t be possible.

“There are tough times ahead for us all, especially as the country grapples with the Coronavirus pandemic. The international talent pool is set to become much smaller, however there are steps which can be taken, even in the short term. The worst thing any business can do is bury its head in the sand and think that everything will continue as normal after 1 January 2021– any action is better than no action at all.”

Employee Engagement: Employee Retention Are you spending too much time on recruitment and not enough time engaging with your current employees?

This is not an uncommon situation to find yourself in and is magnified by the current COVID-19 crisis where you may have to be making difficult decisions with redundancies or unable to meet your demand for care worker.

It’s important to note, these are not just a couple of buzz words used by HR managers; engaging with your employees can have a significant, positive impact on your business and its performance.

This handy checklist will help create a more employee focused organisation and help towards retaining your valued employees: Selection – Be open and honest about the role and

responsibilities at the initial recruitment stage Development and progression – Offer opportunities for employees to gain skills and build on their career Engage employees – ensure you’re having regular performance conversations and reviews, conduct surveys and have in place a grievance procedure Be flexible - Wherever possible, accommodate individual preferences on working hours and times Manage work load - Monitor workload and ensure it is manageable within working hours Employee well-being - Support employees with issues such as workplace stress For further information, contact The Policy Library.

See the advert on the facing page for details.

Meaningful Care Matters Established in 2019, Meaningful Care Matters (MCM) focuses on the development of resilient relationship-centred cultures of care shaped by the people living and working within them. MCM believe that when cultures of care express the personhood of people within them, caregiving is meaningful for everyone involved. In these person-centred services both “caregivers” and recipients of care can flourish.

Meaningful Care Matters recognises that individual well-being is not an ‘individual’ matter. Our relationships with the people, places and things that have shaped our life journey make us who we are and sustain our sense of personhood. Engaging in moments, experiences and activities that resonate with who we are and meet our needs for love, attachment, belonging, agency, occupation, comfort and attachment makes life meaningful. Individual ill-being occurs when these relationships are undermined and life lacks meaning and purpose when such connections are absent in our daily lives.

Meaningful relationships make us feel secure, free and able and help us to feel at home in ourselves.

Having a diagnosis, disease, cognitive or physical impairments does not take these feelings away from

us, it just makes these relationships matter even more. Nurturing these person-centred relationships is therefore key to sustaining individual well-being and developing an emotionally resilient culture of care.

MCM believe that care is most meaningful when it is informed by carers' lived experience as well as an empathic understanding of what matters most to each recipient of care. This means that every personcentred practice and relationship is unique, reflecting the individuality of the people giving and receiving care and the specificity of the context in which it occurs. This stance establishes self-awareness, emotional intelligence and spontaneity as a key competency for carers. Person-centred care is therefore enhanced when carers have the confidence to be themselves, the insight to know what makes each encounter meaningful and the freedom to be guided by their empathy and practiced wisdom.

MCM helps care providers optimise healthcare outcomes and realize their full potential by transforming the features of their service that undermine relationships and developing the features of care that help person-centred relationships to flourish.

Meaningful Care Matters facilitates transformation of care cultures and works across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and Australia with an approach to support people to be ‘free to be me’.

See the advert on age 52 for details.

PROFESSIONAL AND TRAINING

Without QCS we wouldn’t have been rated as an ‘outstanding service’ Rupert Stocks Registered Manager, Guyatt House

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