The Carer Digital - Issue #76

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The Carer Digital

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Issue 76

Government Urged Again to Rethink Mandatory Vaccine Policy or “Face Mass Exodus”

The government has been urged to rethink its mandatory vaccine policy due to take effect tomorrow (November 11), which will mean that all care home staff must be double vaccinated against Covid-19 or forced to give up their job.

Care staff across England were told to have their first vaccination by September 16 to meet the November 11 cut-off, however, over 10% of care home staff, 63,000, were yet to be fully vaccinated against Covid, with almost 13,000 workers having left the sector since the mandatory vaccine rules were announced.

Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, the “no jab, no job” policy would intensify “a multitude of workforce pressures” and could be the straw that “breaks the camel’s back” for many homes which will be forced to close, reduce capacity or cut dangerous corners putting lives at risk he said.

Professor Green urged the government to “listen to the sector” to stop the disruption to services as the deadline loomed: “It is ridiculous of the government to

mandate vaccination for residential and nursing care staff but not those working elsewhere in the NHS whose deadline for vaccination is April.

“Why are NHS staff able to wait until April when they are dealing with patients who are just as vulnerable? “What is the rationale?

“If Sajid Javid believed this policy was important he would mandate vaccination across the whole system. “And if he believed it were necessary he should implement it with a proper plan to make it work in the face of mass staff shortages as many staff who do not want to take the vaccine will leave.

“The care home sector is already struggling to cope under reduced staffing.

This could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many care homes. We already have a shortage of homes, some have already closed, others are reducing capacity. What is the government going to do with the workforce shortage?

“I believe this vaccine mandate will create a crisis in social care.”

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

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

Sometimes when governments, institutions, companies or people get it wrong, they can get it monumentally wrong.

The Government’s mandatory vaccination policy is to take effect tomorrow November 11, giving an ultimatum to an adult social care workforce who worked throughout the pandemic, putting their lives at risk the safety of the family in the most circumstances often without protective equipment will be, as industry observers say, a catastrophe.

For my “tenpenneth” I did genuinely think that the government would delay its policy, possibly until April 1 when it introduces the same policy for frontline NHS staff. (Another catastrophe in the waiting).

I spend a large chunk of my working day liaising with various agencies, particularly those involved in public relations (PR) whose job it is, of course, to paint a company, a product or a service in the best possible light.

Regular readers may recall my comments at the time regarding then Prime Minister Theresa May’s “Dementia Tax”, which many observers (including me) would cite as the reason for her downfall as Prime Minister, in a similar way as the poll tax did with Margaret Thatcher.

Nobody disputes the fact that we need to prepare for the increasing cost of looking after our elderly.

Other countries decided this decades ago and have prepared, introducing adult social care taxes - Germany and Japan for instance.

However, in the UK repeated procrastination has resulted in years of inaction, putting tremendous pressure on the sector.

Ms May was clearly trying to address a decades-old issue. However, “it’s not what you do it the way that you do it”.

The policy was unleashed on an unsuspecting public without any consultation. It was introduced as a party manifesto pledge, and the complete public relations disaster.

The manifesto proposal to scrap a proposed £72,000 cap on care costs was seen as one of the key factors behind the Conservative party's disastrous showing at the ballot box, The Queen's Speech back in 2017 acknowledged that with the number of people aged 75 and over expected to increase by 70 per cent between 2015 and 2035, the issue of the future funding of social care must be addressed.

However, it offered no specific proposals for change, and simply promised to "work with partners at all levels" and to "consult on options to encourage a wider debate".

And that is where my public relations point comes in. Any change to fund adult social care will need to be sold to the public and not imposed on it.

An ongoing campaign highlighting the benefits of people putting away money now for

Editor

Peter Adams

a safe comfortable life in care should they need it, and a campaign emphasising how wrong it is to put the burden on the next generation would, in my opinion, have been far more successful.

And that has been the issue (again in my opinion) regarding the mandatory vaccine policy. It hasn’t been sold to those working in the care sector or the wider public. It has been, as UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said, imposed in a Draconian way.

The wisest approach for the government was to begin planning for the wider rollout of the vaccine and encourage staff to be vaccinated, publicising the benefits to staff and residents to improve take up of the vaccine when offered through the NHS. Engagement, as any professional public relations expert would say, through good communication will help staff make informed decisions regarding their vaccination.

Explaining and encouraging employees with impartial, factual information constantly keeping them informed about the workplace impact and risks of COVID-19, through a sustained relations campaign, in the media and wider settings, which is care homes, seminars and trade shows, and engagement with organisations.

I did note, in our lead story on page 1, a suggestion that the government should have considered mandatory daily testing if that was just for a short period.

This I think would be a good idea to introduce between now and April 1 when NHS mandatory vaccines are due to be implemented, to stave off tomorrow’s extremely contentious and damaging deadline.

We had 78,000 visitors to our website in October, opening over 600,000 pages, that doesn't take into account the readers we have for our digital and print issues.

So please do send us in stories/articles with photographs of residents in your care environments who “did their bit” when needed the most, and do watch out for our tribute pages!

This week also marks our last week to nominate for our “Unsung Hero” award! Further details can be found on page 14.

We have already received some wonderfully warm uplifting and inspirational nominations!

A fantastic luxury hamper awaits the winner so please do get nominating nominate@thecareruk.com And please do keep your is coming in, we are delighted to publish some delightful stories from various homes around the country, from birthdays to fund raising, from baking to growing vegetables, anything you would like to share please do send it to me editor@thecareruk.com

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 3

Government Urged Again to Rethink Mandatory Vaccine Policy or “Face Mass Exodus”

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) FACING CLOSURES

The “draconian plans” to sack care staff who aren’t doubled-jabbed the sector will lead to prospect of care home closures, says trade union Unison.

The union says the ‘no jab, no job’ policy risks the collapse of care companies, and needless upset for thousands of elderly residents and their families.

The care sector is already facing a staffing catastrophe. UNISON believes mandatory vaccination should be scrapped or the deadline for care home staff put back to next April.

The government itself predicts the loss of up to 70,000 care home workers because of its policy. This is in addition to existing vacancies in care which currently stand at more than 105,000.

UNISON fears some care homes could be forced to shut their doors and others will struggle to meet safe staffing levels to provide satisfactory care.

The union believes that everyone that can have the vaccine, should have the vaccine. However, the government’s heavy-handed rules have driven much-needed staff away and now tens of thousands face the sack.

their families would be disastrous.

“Forcing the vaccine on care staff is an own goal by the government.

Take-up rates will only increase with persuasion, not punishment.”

The Independent Care Group (ICG) says the Government should rethink the “no jab, no job” policy for care workers too, in the light of its decision on NHS workers.

HELP NOT HINDERANCE

Independent Care Group Chair Mike Padgham an outspoken critic of the mandatory policy said: “We need help, not hindrances.

“What is the point in keeping hospitals working if there is nowhere to discharge patients to if homecare providers don’t have the staff to care for people at home and there are no staff for care and nursing homes?

“The Government has listened to the NHS’s concerns about the winter but ignored social care saying the same thing, time and time again.

“The Government has no understanding of how social care and NHS care need to work together.

“To delay this deadline for NHS workers but maintain the deadline for care workers makes no sense. Vaccination for care workers should be a personal choice, but if it is to be made mandatory it should at the very least be pushed back until April, like the NHS. “Time and time again, the Government demonstrates that it doesn’t PERSUASION, NOT PUNISHMENT understand the relationship between NHS and social care. To spare the Resources should instead be used to persuade hesitant workers of the NHS this draconian measure but still impose it on social care staff is benefits of taking the jab, says UNISON. The union says the government plain wrong. could also consider mandatory daily testing for non-vaccinated care “Don’t they understand that helping the NHS is pointless unless you home workers as an alternative. support social care too. The two do not and cannot work independently UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Care have employ- of each other and yet here is another example of the Government ers warned of the dire consequences of a draconian approach. The believing they can. staffing crisis will become a catastrophe for a sector already on its “The Government is blind to just how deep the crisis in recruitment knees. has become in social care and we are feeling the consequences with “Some homes may have to close if care staff are barred from their homecare providers unable to deliver care in people’s own homes jobs. The upheaval and distress caused to many elderly residents and

through staffing shortages and care and nursing homes battling to fill their shifts.”

“ALL ABOUT PATIENT SAFETY” The Department of Health and Social Care said: “Vaccines save lives and while staff and residents in care homes have been prioritised and the majority are now vaccinated, it is our responsibility to do everything we can to protect vulnerable people.

“Over 94% of care-home staff have received their first dose of a Covid19 vaccine and nearly 90% have had their second. We are working closely with local authorities and care-home providers to ensure there will always be enough staff with the right skills to deliver high quality care.”

Health Secretary Savid Javid insisted the measure was “all about patient safety” and “doing whatever we can to protect what are some of the most vulnerable people in our society”.

He said he would like the number of people who chose to leave rather than be vaccinated “to be as low as possible” but admitted “I don’t know what the final number is going to be yet.”

Mr Javid acknowledged that care homes are “right to say that this will put on pressure, of course it will.”

“There is a need for more people working in care homes, and we want to support the industry in their care homes in doing that, but I think also many people understand that the there’s a there’s a balance to be struck,” he said.

“Of course, we need more people in care homes, and if people leave they will in some way need to be replaced.”

He said that the Government were pushing ahead with “the largest recruitment campaign with Government support”, spending £160m of “retention funding” to maintain staffing levels over the winter.

“I don’t want to see anyone have to leave but if by leaving it means that our care homes are safer for the people that are being cared for, I think that is absolutely the right decision,” he added.

Postcards of Joy Delivered to Buxton Care Home Residents A Buxton care home has seen a flurry of mail with deliveries of joyful postcards, thanks to a partnership with local church members.

Portland Nursing Home paired with local Buxton Parish Churches earlier this year in order to enable residents to make new connections with local people through receiving postcards.

Since August, Church members have been mailing in personalised hand-written postcards and letters to Portland Care Home, telling residents about themselves and their lives in order to make new friendships.

Emilie Shrimpton, activities coordinator at Portland Nursing Home, made initial enquiries with the local parish office to see if they would be interested in partnering with the care home in a postcard writing scheme.

Speaking of the postcard writing scheme, Emilie said; “I thought this would be a lovely idea

for our residents so they feel connected to even more people in their local community. It’s been so special seeing the reaction of the residents over the last few weeks when they read their postcards from people in Buxton. They are extremely excited to have new pen friends!”

One Portland Care Home resident, Ruth, has taken a real liking to receiving the postcards, and is now planning to write a postcard back to a local church community member, Audrey.

Reverend Liz England, team rector-in-charge of Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale, said: “We were invited by Portland Nursing Home to send letters to their residents from our Church members. We sent a message to our six congregations in Buxton Team Parish to ask for letters to be written and sent to those in the Nursing Home. Many have loved writing creative letters, even if it was to people they did not know. It is a wonderful idea and we were delighted to be able to join in with it.”

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Mandating Vaccination in Care Homes-The True Cost From tomorrow, 11th November all staff working in a care home must be double jabbed or exempt - if not, they cannot cross the threshold into a care home from 11th November.

In a recent National care forum (NCF) survey to members operating care homes, findings show that care providers fear they will lose around 8% of their care home staff as a direct result of this policy. This is a very serious loss of staff and one which, given the enormous workforce pressures now, the care sector can ill afford.

Everyone running care services is committed to achieving as high a level of COVID vaccination as possible. However, NCF say its members have consistently stated that they do not believe mandation is the best way to achieve this; rather, finding the best results from persuasion and encouragement, with good information and support, taking the time to address concerns with respect and discussion. And, indeed, when the government consulted on this policy earlier in 2021, the majority of the general public and people using care services did not support mandation of vaccination for care home staff.

What does this tell us about the true cost of mandating vaccination?

•For the people living in care homes and their families, it means that long serving experienced staff with whom they have a trusted relation-

ship will no longer be there to care for them and support them; •For the staff who have lost their jobs it means that they can longer do the job they loved as a direct result of the government’s policy of vaccine mandation – a policy that is not yet being applied to any other workforce in the country; •For care providers it means they are facing even more pressures to have enough staff to provide high quality, consistent care at a time when recruitment and retention are increasingly difficult, and •For the wider health system and the NHS, it means that more requests for help to discharge people from hospital into care homes cannot be met.

Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum said: “Our survey shows that the true cost of implementing this policy has been very high. It has absorbed a huge amount of time and energy of staff, which could have been better devoted to recruitment and the well-being of existing staff; it has instead had to focus on working through dismissal procedures. 91% of respondents said that they had required additional HR time and 93% said they had to run additional one-to-one sessions for staff to talk them through the policy and its implications, with 74% providing whole team briefings for their workforce.”

On top of internal pressures and costs, the external financial costs were also in stark view with 53% of respondents incurring additional costs for specialist legal advice on how to implement this policy. It’s reflected further in the loss of goodwill between employee/employer relationship with 58% of respondents running disciplinary hearings and 40% managing appeals.

The national roll out of the policy has been chaotic. Respondents have been critical, stating that their experience on the ground is one of

a policy ‘badly thought through’ and that the timing of the policy is ‘out of touch’ with the enormous pressures experienced by the care workforce.

‘It's been a shambles. Much rests on the medical exemption process and this was a. late, b. unclear, c. poorly written and, d. lacking in 'way points' to allow us to manage staff through this process...’

Participants expressed strong views that the government has done little to mitigate impact of the policy, taking no direct action to support the sector in managing the fallout from both the number of staff who would be dismissed as a direct result of the policy and the overall impact on staff morale: ‘The no jab no job initiative was sent out too quickly without due consideration to the impact it would have on an already struggling sector.

The divide between the NHS and social care has been made bigger. No jab no job is placing more stress on staff to work extra hours to cover staff vacancies.’

Rayner continues: “Since the introduction of this policy we have been vocal about the unnecessary high cost – in terms of human costs, financial costs and the loss in trust and goodwill amongst care staff and their employers as a direct result of this policy. Care homes have been the unwitting guinea pigs through the implementation of this policy, and the impact on people must not be swept under the carpet. It is vital that the government learns from this experience and makes changes for the wider roll out of this policy. As we face a very difficult winter ahead, lessons must be learnt in how not to introduce a policy that has long term consequences on the very people we need to deliver the care and support many people and communities rely on. “

Leicester Care Home Celebrates Diwali with Staff and Residents Staff members at the home were dressed in traditional Asian clothing for Diwali Staff at a Leicester care home rallied around and within less than 24 hours managed to bring in the festivities of Diwali into their home.

MHA Aigburth, in Oadby Road provides residential and residential dementia care for 56 residents.

Diwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.

Diwali, which for some also coincides with harvest and New Year celebrations, is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

All staff and residents contributed towards the celebrations, with residents making lanterns and cutting up decorations which were displayed across the home.

Traditional Indian food was served, courtesy of a local restaurant and even staff who were not on shift came in.

Salome Mapfeka, home manager said: “All the planning and prepa-

rations were done in less than one day.

“I would like to congratulate all staff members who went out of their way to ensure we could celebrate Diwali.

“The residents really enjoyed it and took part in everything.

“We had one staff member who bought in saris for her and others to wear and it was a beautiful sight.

“A lot of our staff members have not been able to enjoy the company of their families, so it was nice for all of us to get together, have some fun and eat some amazing food.

Shraddha Chaudhuri, admin manager said:” I am very proud of what we managed to do at the home for Diwali.

“In one of the meetings, I thought of the idea and before you know it I started the preparations.

“I have no family in the UK, so taking part in Diwali here at MHA Aigburth made me feel like I was with my family.

“Being in Leicester, a city which is very diverse, I feel we were able to contribute towards celebrating diversity and I am very proud of the home and the support shown by all staff and residents.

One Special Day for Resident at Buchan House Care Home Mother of bride, Helena, who lives at Buchan House Care Home was overwhelmed seeing her daughter marry at the Church at Fen Ditton where she married her husband.

Helena told Debbie, Lifestyle Coordinator for Buchan House that she is really looking forward to going to her youngest daughter’s, Carla wedding and thanked her for taking the time to escort her to the wedding.

Carla had taken her mum out previously as Helena wanted to buy a special outfit to fit this momentous occasion. They went to St Ives and Helena was extremely pleased with her mother of the bride outfit and especially loved her purchase of a striking red hat. This day will be cherished forever by mother and daughter spending 1 to 1 quality pre wedding time.

The church that Carla was getting married in was very special to Helena as that is where she married her husband, (Fen Ditton Church) so as she sat waiting for her daughter to walk up the aisle many wonderful memories came flooding back to the day of her own wedding.

Carla not only chose the church for that reason but also it is where her father’s funeral took place and she wanted to feel close to him on her special day.

Helena was full of emotion when she saw her daughter walking down the aisle to stand by her husband to be. Helena says, “he is a good lad and will look after Carla very well.” Helena loved the fact that Carla had chosen to wear the headdress that she wore on her wedding day.

After the wedding pictures everyone went off to the reception which was held at Fulbourn Lodge. Helena was so happy that she was able to see so many of her wider family as she had not been able to see them for a long time, she loved the fact that she saw her cousins.

Helena proudly sat at the head table and toasted the bride and groom with a glass of champagne.

Helena said she loved watching the happy couple take their first dance and was able to join the dance floor herself with the aid of her wheelchair.

The wedding was at midday and suddenly it was 9pm and Helena said she had had the most FABULOUS day, but it was now time for her to go back to Buchan House with Debbie. Debbie said it had been a privilege and a pleasure to have escorted Helena to celebrate the marriage of her youngest daughter.

QCS To Launch ‘Building A Better Workforce Together’ Survey Resilient, resourceful and resolute are adjectives that best describe the UK’s army of care professionals. But these are challenging times for them and their sector. A telling comment from Nuffield Trust on Skills for Care’s latest report said the workforce is “close to being overwhelmed entirely by a toxic combination of pressures”.

Over 410,000 care workers left their jobs last year. COVID-19 and Brexit have exacerbated the perennial recruitment and retention hurdles, while government funding to enable care services to increase pay and to support mental wellbeing has failed to materialise.

Whilst we know that funding is the key to keeping frontline managers in place, it’s just as important to understand the workforce challenges that care settings face. It is only then that we, as a sector, can begin to solve them.

With over 130,000 care workers at all levels, across 6,000-plus care providers, who have all chosen

Quality Compliance Systems, QCS is in a particularly strong position to take the pulse of the sector.

In order to do so, we have created a Building a Better Workforce Together survey. Our aim is to find out what keeps people working in the sector and what pain-points put them at risk of leaving? And for those that choose to stay, what improvements would make their jobs easier?

The results, which we plan to widely share before the end of the year, will help us to form an accurate picture. This in turn will ensure that QCS continues to lead the way in supplying the right people with the right tools at the right time, enabling them to provide outstanding care.

Thank you for your help. https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90398636/QCS-Workforce-Survey-2021

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 5

Vaccines to Be Mandatory for Frontline NHS Staff in England Frontline NHS staff in England will have to be fully vaccinated against Covid, the Health Secretary has announced.

A deadline is likely to be set for 1 April next year to give unvaccinated staff sufficient time to get both doses, Sajid Javid told the Commons.

In an address in the commons today (Tuesday November 9), Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the new rule for all those working in the NHS and social care will be introduced from April 1, and exemptions will be given to those who do not have face to face contact with patients and those who are medically exempt.

There will not be any vaccine requirements for flu jabs “at this stage”, but this will be kept under review, Mr Javid said.

The government has made it mandatory for staff in registered care homes in England to have both vaccinations as a condition of employ-

ment unless they are exempt for valid medical reasons.

From this Thursday (November 11), it will be a legal requirement for staff who are not exempt to be double vaccinated if they are to continue in their roles.

In a statement to MPs, the Health Secretary said responses to the consultation showed support for vaccination to become a condition and concerns that some people might choose to leave their jobs, but having considered the responses, as well as advice from his officials and NHS leaders, he decided that all those working in the NHS and social care would have to be vaccinated, he said.

“We must avoid preventable harm and protect patients in the NHS, protect colleagues in the NHS and, of course, protect the NHS itself.

No-one should scapegoat or single out anyone in the NHS or social care that has for whatever reason… at this point chosen not to get vaccinated.

“This is all about working with them positively, making sure they have the information they need.”

Elena Cooper, employment consultant at Discreet Law comments: “A decision which has been expected for some time, and eminently sensible, if care home workers must be double-jabbed, why not NHS work-

ers? We believe this is welcome news for all. However, as we know, some employees, for non-medical and non-religious belief reasons will continue to refuse the jab. What do employers do? Case law will assist, in time, but we continue to maintain, if there is no alternative option, and your health and safety obligations towards your employees is at risk, it is possible to terminate employees who are refusing the vaccine, and who are not exempt due to protected characteristics. Even those with protected characteristics may safely have their employment brought to an end, but the most thorough processes need to be followed. Thank you NHS workers for all you’ve done, but please get jabbed so you can continue doing your outstanding work..”

Christopher Hitchins, employment partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP comments: “It’s a sign that while the Government is reluctant to mandate vaccination in all workplaces but would rather encourage vaccine and booster uptake, in line with the cultural tone that they’ve set that it is seen as a freedom of choice up to a point, it is also a recognition from the Government that people who have been vaccinated would appear to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus in particular in areas where there are a collection of vulnerable people, such as a care home or hospital.”

Bampton Care Home Residents Whisked Away for Champagne Vintage Bus Tour Residents from a care home in Bampton were recently treated to a champagne vintage bus tour extravaganza around beautiful West Oxfordshire.

Thirteen very lucky Rosebank care home residents and staff enjoyed a drive out in the autumn sunshine earlier this month when a local man volunteered his time to take the residents out for a spin in his vintage bus.

Local gentleman, Mr. Patrick Edwards, was kind enough to volunteer his time and chauffeur residents on a fun filled tour of West Oxfordshire in his 1949 vintage bus, as well as offering the refreshments, including champagne.

Rosebank Care Home Resident, Susan Foster, said: “It was great to be driven around at this time of year and so interesting to see all the things we take for granted around Oxfordshire, thank you to our amazing lifestyle support team for arranging this!”

Residents particularly enjoyed seeing how the trees had changed seasons and were reminiscing about trips to the local cinema back in their youth on

similar buses.

Everyone on the bus enjoyed singing along to; “It’s a long way to Tipperary” amongst other show tunes.

Rosebank care homeowner, Jane Roberts, commented: “It is fabulous to see that all of the residents and staff involved in the bus tour had such an amazing time. Patrick was kind enough to treat our residents to such an exciting experience and we always encourage activities that encourage reminiscence, as well as getting out and about in the community.”

“Here at Rosebank, our values are centred around residents having a sense of purpose, to live well, and to find enjoyment in everything they do.

This is supported by ensuring residents have choice every day, on how they want to spend their time, and with whom.”

Vanessa Lavender, Rosebank care home manager commented: “It was especially nice to see the residents socialising with each other and enjoying the tour of Bampton. We are very lucky to live in such a lovely place!”

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

Dementia Care And Recruitment: Why Kindness Should Be Top Of The List When appointing new care staff, there are many characteristics and skills of an individual which will be at the top of a care providers list. However, one key trait which can often be overlooked is kindness.

Kind employees can make a huge difference to the organisation they work for, from delivering exceptional care to residents, to working well with colleagues, it really does form the backbone of great care.

To celebrate World Kindness Day (Saturday 13 November), Theresa McNally, Creative Practice Manager at specialist dementia care provider Vida Healthcare, shares her top reasons for why kindness should be at the top of every care provider's list.

Putting residents first: Kindness gives carers the tools they need to empathise with residents, put them first, and make sure they’re seeing the individual as a person, rather than just someone living with dementia. This can also give them greater insight and understanding into what it’s like to live in the shoes of residents and how best to work with them and care for them.

Working with colleagues: Caring can be a particularly stressful job, and this has been exacerbated further by the pandemic. Kind employees can boost the morale of a team, and bring colleagues together, even when times are tough. The more employees you have in your team who are particularly kind, the more likely every team member is to have better mental health and feel less stressed, due to feeling supported by each other.

Flexibility: Kind carers are more likely to be able to flex to the needs of the people they care for. They’ll be able to understand why people react in certain ways and to different situations, and flex how they deliver care to meet these needs and changes. This can also include exploring different ways to help people living with dementia express themselves.

Better connections: Kindness breeds connection. Carers who exhibit kindness will be able to understand the life history of residents and find ways to allow them to connect in meaningful ways. From assuming people living with dementia have capacity to make decisions for themselves, to ensuring the best interest of each resident is captured, better connections mean better care.

If employers and care providers prioritise kindness as a key trait when recruiting staff, this will foster an environment which is beneficial to both residents and staff. From greater connections and communication, to care that is more flexible, everyone will reap the benefits of a kind workforce.

Vida Healthcare is currently recruiting and on the lookout for kind and caring people to join its team. If you’d like to find out more, please visit www.vidahealthcare.co.uk/jobs-vida-healthcare-harrogate

Research Volunteers Help Detect Poorer Memory in Those Who Were More Anxious During Pandemic New research suggests older people who were more anxious and depressed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic had an average decline in their short-term memory equivalent to six years of natural ageing. Findings were presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease Conference in Boston.

The team found that participants aged 50 and over who reported an increase in validated measures of anxiety and depression also scored lower on cognitive tasks designed to measure short term memory and attention. For memory, the decrease was the equivalent to the decline normally seen over six years of natural ageing. For attention, the difference was the equivalent of five years of ageing.

Researchers from the University of Exeter and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London used volunteers from The Protect Study.

The PROTECT study is an online cohort of people aged 40 and over, who regularly provide lifestyle information in detailed questionnaires, and take part in cognitive tests. The unique study aims to help researchers understand what factors are involved in how the brain ages, and what can be done to keep our minds healthy in later life.

Researchers were able to use data from the PROTECT study collected over the last five years and look at the impact of the pandemic peak of 2019-2020 in 6,300 people aged 50 and over (the minimum sign-up age at the time of the study).

Dr Sara Imarisio, Head of Research, at Alzheimer’s Research UK said: Dr Sara Imarisio “While these findings are intriguing, depression and anxiety can often have short-term effects on memory and thinking skills that may not be an indication of future dementia. It will be important to follow up on these findings so that we can understand how these factors play into participants’ brain health in the longer term.

“The good will and dedication of volunteers from around the UK made this research possible. Volunteering for dementia research can be extremely rewarding and you don’t have to have dementia to get involved.

“Those wanting to volunteer to take part in research like this can do so by ringing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Infoline. Contact us on 0300 111 5111 and we will help register people to Join Dementia Research, a national service, where you could match to research studies like this one.

“To make breakthroughs possible for people with dementia it’s vital volunteers take part and help get important research studies off the ground. We saw a record number of people volunteer to take part in research into COVID-19 and we now must do the same to tackle dementia.”

Dr Helen Brooker, of the University of Exeter, led the research. She said: “We found that people who were more anxious and depressed

during 2019-20 also saw their short term memory and ability to focus worsen, by the equivalent of five to six years of what we’d expect to see from natural ageing. It’s likely that key factors were the unprecedented impact of worsening mental health caused by widespread anxiety over the pandemic, and long periods of lockdown. We need to understand this better so we can create effective strategies to support people and preserve both mental health and brain health in future pandemics.”

The study utilised measures of depression and anxiety severity commonly used in clinic. Researchers noted a significant shift in the number of people scoring higher on these scales than previously.

Cognitive tests found the largest dip in memory and attention were seen in those whose scores would indicate moderate or higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Prof Dag Aarsland from King’s IoPPN said “Our innovative PROTECT study has enabled us to gain this valuable insight by working with participants over time. We had five years of mental health reports and online scores in brain tests, which has enabled us to pinpoint the impact of the pandemic. We will continue to monitor how this plays out over time, so our insights can help us fully understand the impact of this pandemic, to help us prepare for future events on the same scale.”

Gracewell of Maids Moreton Residents Meet Knights in Shining Armour Residents at local care home, Gracewell Maids Moreton, were treated to an unforgettable Halloween surprise on Saturday 30th October.

After their planned entertainment had to cancel, the knights in shining armour at White Company stepped up at short notice to save the day.

White Company are a local organisation and are the No.1 ranked team in Europe for full contact medieval sword fighting, holding two world championship belts.

When they were contacted by Gracewell of Maids Moreton, they were eager to come down and entertain the residents.

The day proved to be a huge success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Dressed head-to-toe in armour, the knights put on an informative afternoon for residents and gave a detailed presentation on the evolution of armour and the names of various parts of the suit, such as greaves and sabatons. As well as this, they demonstrated how each part would have been used in battle, and why it was so important for knights at the time.

The highlight of this session for many was when they were shown a selection of weapons that would have been used in the era.

Enthralled by the sight of a knight close up, one resident said:

“I’ve only ever seen armour in museums, I have never seen anyone actually wear it!”

As the day progressed, the knights had one final surprise for residents for their Halloween Party.

After ‘slaying’ the witches, played by the Activities Team at the care home, the chivalrous knights visited every resident’s room.

Pledging to protect them, they proceeded to present a token red rose to the ladies and shake the hands of the gentlemen.

Reflecting on the fantastic alternative Halloween entertainment, Activities Co-ordinator at Gracewell of Maids Moreton, Karen Cunningham, said: “The reaction from the residents was truly amazing.

From wonderment to enlightenment, to having a flash back of youth, it was incredible. Many of them loved being wooed by a knight bowing before them with a rose or for the gentlemen reminiscing about their childhood playing in the woods.”

Tim Newson, son of one of the residents at the home, added: “Spontaneity is part of what your fantastic raptors bring with magnificent grace. For mum lying in a room their presence transforms the room into a live arena where anything can happen. At Gracewell of Maids Moreton the team are excellent and give very positive input.”

Member of the White Company, David Dyczek, commented: “We loved the time we spent with the residents, we shared laughs, chats and a great atmosphere. I believe that we took more from that gift than we gave.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 7

Care Home Sector Shows Signs of Slow and Steady Recovery from the Pandemic UK care home operators are set to see occupancy rates slowly rise and profits steady as the impacts of the pandemic show promising signs of receding and demand for beds remains strong, according to leading global property adviser Knight Frank’s 2021 UK Care Homes Trading Performance Review.

The report, which collates data from across the UK care home sector and surveys operators on their individual performance, including 98,000 beds across 781 towns and cities, points to signs of stabilising occupancy rates across the UK in the latter half of FY2020/21. This follows a predictable fall in occupancy during the first few months of the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw rates drop to 79.4% from 87.9% the previous year.

Given the resilience of the sector despite unprecedented circumstances, Knight Frank is confident this steady recovery will continue, with its research indicating operators are experiencing increased demand for beds and a corresponding backlog of potential residents, in addition to average weekly fees increasing by 6.7% year-on-year.

As the impacts of Covid-19 filtered through operators’ accounts and occupancy fell during the pandemic, sector-wide EBITDARM as a percentage of income fell from last year’s level of 26.8% to 26.2% in FY2020/21.

However, Knight Frank expects profitability will likely to be sustained amid the easing of nationwide lockdown restrictions and the resurgence in occupancy rates. Furthermore, 11% of operators surveyed reported an EBITDARM margin of over 40% of income this financial year, signalling many operators’ capacity to adapt and withstand the challenges of the pandemic to deliver strong financial results and a continually high standard of care for residents.

Nevertheless, the 2021 Care Homes Trading Performance Review also points to numerous unresolved challenges including the extent of how future government support, such as the adult social care infection control

fund, will aid the sector and affect long-term profitability trends in addition to concerns around rising staff and property costs.

Knight Frank’s research also highlights vast disparities between the profitability of newer and older stock with margins falling from an average of 31.4% for newer homes to 25.2% for older stock. This demonstrates how the profitability of the sector, and the wellbeing of residents, hinges on the refurbishment of older stock and the development of new and high-quality care assets.

Julian Evans, Head of Healthcare at Knight Frank, commented: “Against the backdrop of the pandemic it’s encouraging to see the start of a rebound in the care home market. Rising occupancy rates and stabilising profit margins across the sector are an indicator of sustained demand for high-quality beds, and this year’s UK Care Homes Trading Performance Review points to its resilience.

“But there is no doubt that significant challenges remain. The impact of government support on profit margins is still an open question and the disparity in margins between new and old units is a cause for concern given the proportion of care homes which are more than 20 years old.

However, if developers and operators focus on building new, high-quality homes and retrofitting older units, we remain confident in the future prospects of the sector.”

Runwood Homes Launches November Theme for its Effective Dignity and Wellbeing Campaign Each month, homes across the Runwood Homes Group pay particular attention to one aspect of dignity and wellbeing, as part of the organisations’ dignity campaign.

Runwood Homes’ Dignity Campaign aims to ensure that both residents and staff can enjoy an effective, whole-team approach to wellbeing.

Paul Gaskell, Runwood Homes’ Director of Wellbeing and Dementia Services, spearheads the effective and invaluable campaign, and supports those within the homes to bring each month’s theme to life, with residents’ wellbeing always front of mind.

The overarching theme for this year’s Dignity Campaign is ‘Living Together, Working Together’, and is all about residents and staff remaining united, living and

working together as one and building on meaningful connections.

The November theme for Wellbeing and Dignity is Arts and Crafts and focuses on people who live and work in the home getting creative together. The idea this month is to connect people through individual and collective creativity, promote and celebrate the uniqueness of each person and help residents to brighten up their home with their own personal and meaningful creations.

The campaign sees much success every year and is a true reflection of Runwood Homes’ efforts to always put residents’ wellbeing first, helping them to build lasting relationships with staff and support them in finding their place within the home to promote a sense of true belonging.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 9

Government Urged to Disclose Risk Assessment on Making Covid and Flu jabs Compulsory for NHS Workers The NHS Confederation is calling on the Government to publish details on how staffing levels across the NHS might be affected and how risks to patient care being disrupted would be mitigated when a mandate on workers to have their Covid-19 and flu vaccinations is introduced in England.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on its proposal to make vaccination against coronavirus and flu a condition of deployment for NHS workers recently closed and it is widely expected that a mandate will be introduced, with the Secretary of State stating recently that he is “leaning towards” making them compulsory.

Many health leaders can see the potential benefits of such a mandate and the NHS will act on the Government’s final decision, while being clear that introducing the requirement in the run up to, or during, the winter period should be avoided given the increased demand for patient services that is expected.

Leaders need to understand how national staffing levels could be affected if the mandate is introduced and what additional support will be offered so that they can plan accordingly.

A similar mandate for people working in or visiting care homes is due to come into full force next Thursday (11 November). It was reported last

month that 42,000 care home workers could end up leaving because of this. Also, nearly three quarters of respondents to a survey of over 7,000 care home staff revealed they believe staffing pressures will deteriorate further following the government’s requirement.

Around 90% of NHS staff have been double jabbed against coronavirus based on the latest figures and where vaccine uptake needs to increase within the local NHS sites, health leaders are continuing to support their teams, alongside following strict testing and infection control protocols. Last winter, around 80% of frontline health and care workers in England reported that they had received the flu jab.

Health leaders are concerned that any hit on NHS staffing levels as a result of a mandate could see patient care, including tackling the treatment backlog, responding to rising A&E attendances, primary care appointments, increased demand for mental healthcare, and ambulance callouts, becoming disrupted, as well as further pressure on remaining workers who are already reporting being close to burnout.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “Staff across the NHS recognise their duty to make sure they are doing everything they can to protect their patients, colleagues and themselves from

avoidable infections. This is exactly why the vast majority of health and care workers have been vaccinated against coronavirus already and why uptake for flu vaccinations nationally has consistently been high year on year.

“Mandating Covid-19 and flu vaccinations in the NHS could offer a further incentive for the remaining staff who are eligible but have not come forward yet to get jabbed. However, the impact this could have on staffing levels needs to be shared by the Government without delay.

“There are 93,000 vacancies across the NHS and at a time of increased demand for healthcare services, we simply cannot afford to see staff leave or be removed from frontline care.

“The Secretary of State has made it clear that tackling the treatment backlog is his key priority but if he is not careful, this policy could end up restricting the NHS’s ability to continue to do that effectively.

“We recognise this will be a difficult decision and our members will comply with whatever is decided but the Government must publish its risk assessment and set out how it will help mitigate any impact on patient care.”

Care Home Residents’ Inspiration is Down to a Fine Art Residents of two Dorset care homes have made ‘exhibitions of themselves’ in the name of art.

Watercolours, oil paintings, photos and tapestries were among the original works produced in-house and put on display at Colten Care’s Whitecliffe House in Blandford and Newstone House in Sturminster Newton.

At both homes, team members were encouraged to stage celebrations of art after seeing individual residents producing work themselves during lockdown and inspiring others to do the same.

At Outstanding-rated Newstone House, the catalyst was resident Rita Clay who told staff she was really enjoying doing art again after some time out.

Companionship Team Leader Karlene Duffy said: “Rita inspired other residents to be creative. So when we mentioned creating our own art gallery a small group of residents gave themselves a month to create as many inspired art pieces as possible.

“The result was tapestries, watercolours, button pictures, silhouettes and many more wonderful ideas. We used our cinema room as a gallery space for a whole week so that residents, their relatives and

our team members could all come in and see.”

Rita said: “It was so nice to see the effort all residents made. I was so happy to see many of my art pieces on display.”

There were similar sentiments from fellow residents Doreen Webb and Linda Porter. Doreen said: “It was wonderful and put a smile on so many people’s faces, including mine.”

Linda said: “It was nice to see something different and all the artwork created over the last month come to life.”

At Whitecliffe House, an equivalent celebration was held in the home’s main lounge following artwork produced by resident Jean Pilgrim, a former art teacher. Pieces by both residents and staff were featured.

Companionship Team Member Caroline Pugh said: “Jean painted exquisite watercolours in the past and became motivated recently to go back to painting once more. She started with some fuchsia from our garden.

As she described to another of our residents, having her pictures around her and in her mind, is like bringing her garden from earlier years into her room at Whitecliffe. It is a joy to see her discussing her love of colour and how certain natural pigments create the colours for the artist. We are all so happy that she has found the desire to paint again. It is so lovely when people are enabled to explore their art. We have residents who love to paint and draw and the lounge was quickly resplendent with original arts and crafts by our residents and staff members. It was amazing.”

PAGE 10 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

How A Tailored Regional Approach Is Tackling Critical Social Care Skills Shortages In The West Midlands

By Clare Hatton, Head of Skills Delivery, West Midlands Combined Authority (www.wmca.org.uk)

If nothing else, the global pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of the roles of health and social care workers. Despite this, the social care sector faces a critical skills shortage, with more than two thirds of care managers reporting limited services due to a lack of qualified staff. Impacting the sector’s ability to effectively operate, the shortage has already seen more than 5,000 requests for care being denied since the beginning of September.

Responsible for the West Midland’s £130 million Adult Education Budget since 2019, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has implemented sustainable solutions to regional skills shortages across all industries. Despite strong economic growth and improving employment rates, the impact of the pandemic has hit the West Midlands particularly hard, resulting in record-high vacancies in the care sector and more than 1,500 expected NHS vacancies.

Effective and adaptable training initiatives are needed to proactively fill vacancies, meet employers’ needs and ensure the continuous delivery of high-quality care. To achieve this, the WMCA has developed an agile and responsive skills ‘roadmap’ that offers residents the opportunity to upskill, retrain and move into care sector roles; all whilst supporting wider economic and sector recovery.

This roadmap provides training across all levels allowing upskilling and progression for those already within the sector and in turn creating greater availability of entry-level positions. This mobility, and the alignment of the programmes’ content with regional employer skills needs, are key to the roadmap’s success; meaningful engagement with employers throughout the training process allows local skill demands to be met and ensures a consistent source of qualified talent – a model that can be replicated in other areas.

SECTOR-BASED WORK ACADEMY PROGRAMMES In partnership with Jobcentre Plus, Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) help people enter or re-join the workforce, fully equipped with the skills and abilities tailored to the requirements of regional employers.

Offering a flexible opportunity for local unemployed people to retrain in a new industry, and with no cost to learners or partner employers, thanks to funding from the AEB, care-sector SWAPs engage with employers at all stages, from curriculum consultation to the guaranteed interviews upon completion. As a result, this collaborative approach helps participants gain a strong understanding of the realities of the sector whilst shaping and building the skills, attitudes, and experience that industry needs.

HIGHER LEVEL SKILLS TRAINING Whilst SWAPs provide a new wave of qualified entry-level talent, higher-level skills training is vital to address critical skills gaps amongst more senior positions such as care home managers. More upskilling opportunities address the higher-level skills scarcity and prevents career stagnation within the industry, simultaneously solving skills issues and presenting the sector as a more attractive, sustainable career choice.

It’s important to embed training at each level – a strategy we’ve adopted in the West Midlands which has seen opportunities to gain nationally recognised Level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications in care expanded. As a result, this builds a stronger and more resilient workforce, with the longevity to enhance existing capabilities and offer new pathways for existing employees, while also creating gaps for prospective employees to gain the entry level positions made available.

CHALLENGES FOR SMALLER EMPLOYERS Smaller employers face additional recruitment challenges, struggling more than their larger competitors to attract skilled staff and lacking budget to provide training in-house. Leveraging the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund is useful when addressing these issues, helping cover the costs of apprenticeship training for SMEs. The WMCA’s levy transfer funds – one of the largest in the country – has supported 56 health and social care SMEs gain the qualified workforce needed to maintain services, as well as helping over 300 individuals begin a new and exciting career via an apprenticeship.

The effective and adaptable training models provided by comprehensive skills initiatives offer a flexible solution to many employment challenges within social care. They also help develop a substantive and reliable talent stream, preventing future shortages or interruption to services. The success of these programmes demonstrates how a skills delivery system developed in coordination with industry partners can effectively and proactively meet sectoral needs, whilst providing residents with greater employment opportunities – a model that holds great promise for other areas facing similar critical skills shortages.

HC-One Homes Celebrate Bonfire Night HC-One care homes across the UK celebrated Bonfire Night on Friday 5th November 2021. A wide range of activities were held across the homes including Residents and Colleagues getting creative to create their own Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night artwork, showcasing their culinary skills making bonfire cakes, enjoying watching the firework displays, toasting marshmallows and indulging in hot chocolate to keep warm.

At Gittisham Hill House Care Home in Devon, a bonfire and fireworks afternoon was enjoyed by Residents and Colleagues, who had a lovely time making pretend fireworks and small bonfires from cardboard, small pieces of wood and brightly coloured tissue paper. Battery powered tea lights were added to create the flames.

Jill Watts, Wellbeing Coordinator at Gittisham Hill House, made a cake in the shape of a bonfire, consisting of chocolate fingers for the wood and dyed coconut for the grass. Everyone enjoyed indulging in having a piece of cake to eat with a cup of tea and even pulled crackers to mimic the loud bang of a firework!

Emma Monahan, Carer at Gittisham Hill House Care Home remarked: “It’s great to see everyone back together enjoying themselves, smiling and laughing!”

Colleagues across a variety of communities at Barton Brook Care Home in Salford, had a go at designing a bonfire picture to coincide with the festivities.

Colleagues enjoyed coming together and were very competitive, while Residents enjoyed some cake served with tea and coffee, and shared ideas of what to draw whilst watching the fun. There were some great pictures and ideas, and a tub of chocolates was awarded to the winner.

Michelle Labador, Home Manager at Barton Brook Care Home commented: “Colleagues said they enjoyed coming together and being competitive. It was a wonderful afternoon.”

At Daneside Court Care Home in Cheshire, Residents had a day of getting sticky and covered with chocolate. The themed ‘Bake Off’ was ‘Bonfire’ and Colleagues

helped Residents to get creative!

Colleagues baked some cupcakes and Residents got creative decorating them. It was chocolate galore, the Bonfire Night cupcakes were brimming with delicious chocolate fingers, Cadbury’s Flakes, chocolate Matchmakers and buttercream, all taking pride of place on top of each cupcake.

Each Resident made their own unique design as they tried to make realistic Bonfire Night cupcakes, and were all very eager to win.

Peter Cox, a Resident who lives at Daneside Court Care Home, won the ‘Bake Off’ and stole the judge’s hearts with the biggest smile on his face. All the Bonfire Night cupcakes looked great, but Peters stood out and looked very original.

Home Manager at Daneside Court Care Home, Samantha Farahat said: “With his ‘Smouldering Bonfire’ his cake stood out from the rest and was by far the winner and well deserved!”

At The Westbury Care Home in Wiltshire, Residents really enjoyed Bonfire Night. Residents got creative creating paint splatters using paint and a brush to create a firework effect on black paper. A Bonfire Night and Guy Fawkes display was created in the home for all to see. Later that evening Bingo was requested by Residents and then they had a singalong accompanied with a Bonfire supper which consisted of hot dogs, beef burgers, chips, baked potato and a vegan option.

Some of the Residents involved wrapped up warm and joined Colleagues in the garden under a gazebo, while others watched from their windows as the chimenea was burning safely.

There was a firework display which everyone enjoyed, and afterwards there was hot chocolate with marshmallows and a buffet consisting of sherry, Baileys, hot drinks, and a delicious selection of food to choose from. There was also a lovely cake decorated as a bonfire, baked by the chef. Residents enjoyed the fireworks, and said that the hot chocolate was delicious.

Moneypenny Launches Outbound Calling Service For UK Care Providers Leading outsourced communications provider Moneypenny has launched an outbound calling service to help time-poor UK care providers keep on top of customer care and recruitment.

The newly launched service has two key functions – to handle new customer enquiries requiring bed availability and care provision and to follow up CVs and providing first stage candidate vetting for current vacancies.

Stephanie Vaughan-Jones, head of the health and care sector at Moneypenny said: “We’re well aware of the huge demands on care home staff the moment – particularly when recruitment is still such a challenge. Our outbound calling service is designed to help care providers by alleviating some of the time-intensive every-day duties such as making follow up calls.”

The launch is particularly timely as the care sector faces the worst recruitment crisis it has ever seen.

Stephanie added: “People make evidence-based decisions when choosing their care provider, whether for themselves or a relative and

first impressions are often one of those factors. How you handle calls, including follow-ups, speaks volumes about you as a business and a care provider. It can make the difference between whether a new customer chooses you or a great candidate comes for interview.

“By providing call follow-up, we’re able to make sure that care provider’s very first impressions are as positive as possible and importantly, that we save time for in-house teams so they can focus on greater endeavour. Finding ways to help an already-stretched sector operate more efficiently is a key priority right now.”

Moneypenny’s outbound call service follows the recent launch of a dedicated call handling guide for care providers, which is intended to help review inbound call handling practices and find ways to improve

efficiencies and reputation.

Stephanie concluded: “Lots of care providers view answering the phone as something that just happens, rather than an important communications activity that requires a strategy of its own. We hope that the launch of our free guide and now our outbound calling service will really demonstrate that we’re here, ready and able to help the care sector – whether you’re an independent care home, a multi-site group or a domiciliary care provider.”

Moneypenny provides telephone answering, live chat, outsourced switchboard and customer contact solutions to hundreds of care providers across the UK, thanks to its dedicated team of 41 healthcare receptionists. In total, more than 13,000 businesses across the UK benefit from Moneypenny’s mix of extraordinary people and ground-breaking technology.

For more information about Moneypenny’s work in the health and care sector visit: www.moneypenny.com/uk/healthcare-answering-services

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 11

Spending Review a 'Missed Opportunity' for Dementia Research

Alzheimer’s Research UK has accused the government of leaving behind the nearly 1 million people with dementia after missing the opportunity to deliver on their pledge to double funding for dementia research.

In the Spending Review, the Chancellor announced plans to provide £95 million for the Office for Life Sciences for delivery of the government’s Life Sciences Vision but made no mention of their 2019 manifesto promise to double dementia research funding. The UK’s leading dementia research charity are now calling for part of the Life Sciences Vision funding to address dementia research.

The Spending Review, which sets out government spending for the next three years, was a prime opportunity to deliver on their promise to increase dementia research to £160 million a year.

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “The Chancellor today missed an opportunity to deliver on its 2019 manifesto promise to double dementia research funding. As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we feel this lets down the nearly one million people in the UK affected by this devastating condition. More than 50,000 of our campaigners have been loud and clear with the government about how much this increased funding matters to people with dementia.

“Dementia is the only major condition where there are no treatments to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Each year that passes without sustained, increased funding in dementia research means that more and more families will have to deal with the devastating consequences of the condition. This

means more memories lost, more heartache as dementia places a huge burden on our country, on our health and our economy.

“Our researchers have made huge progress over the last few years, but we need to go further. COVID19 has shown the role government can play in harnessing the power of research to tackle a major health challenge. We need to see that approach replicated in dementia.

“We are grateful to all our campaigners who wrote to their MPs, signed our petition and did countless other acts to put pressure on the government. We are inspired by their tireless commitment to dementia research, and we will use that strength to continue pushing for action for people with dementia. With our incredible supporters by our side, we will never stop working towards breakthroughs.”

Mariel Kirton’s Dad Ray was diagnosed with earlyonset Alzheimer’s at just 52. Ever since then she has strived to raise awareness and funds to improve understanding and support dementia research.

She said: “We have been fortunate that Dad continued to be the happy and loving person he has always been for a number of years following his diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2010.

However, as his condition has progressed, his mood has changed and he needs a lot of support to do everyday things, cared for by my mum and carers who come to their home. It is hard to see the changes in Dad, especially as he is only 63, and has been living with Alzheimer’s for so long now.

“That is why I support Alzheimer’s Research UK because I believe medical research can make a difference in the future, both in finding ways to diag-

nose people sooner and to find treatments to improve people’s quality of life but research needs funding. So today’s announcement is incredibly disappointing. Scientists are so close to making breakthroughs that could stop other families going through the heartbreak we have gone through but we need the government to support them in this groundbreaking work.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 13

NCF Responds to MAC Review of the Impact of Ending Free Movement on Social Care The National Care Forum has responded to the Migration Advisory Committee’s review of the impact of the ending of free movement for social care.

It’s response highlighted the current pressures on recruitment and retention in the sector, including the intense competition that social care faces from other sectors domestically, such as health and retail, and reiterates the challenges created by the joint forces of the pandemic and the changes to the immigration system. Some NCF members are now turning to overseas recruitment for the first time due to the difficulty in recruiting or retaining domestic staff, despite raising salaries. At the same time ending free movement has made it harder to recruit new European workers and increasingly, to retain European workers.

Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum (NCF) – the leading association for not-for-profit care providers says: “Ending free movement has had both short- and long-term impacts on the social care workforce. If things remain as they are over the next five years, with no additional measures by government to pay a fair price for care, address the workforce crisis in social care and ensure that care workers can be recruited from abroad if needed, we are going to see an increasingly worsening workforce situation and spiralling unmet need which ultimately puts more pressure (and expense) on the other part of the public sector. Ultimately, we face crisis in parts of the system as the capacity of social care services declines, eligibility criteria are tightened by Local Authorities and the reliance on agency workers increases. We need to see care workers added to the Shortage Occupation List for a time limited period to help deal with the current workforce crisis.”

Shaw Healthcare ‘Stars’ Celebrated at Prestigious Awards Ceremony Nine care sector workers were celebrated for their hard work and commitment during the Covid-19 pandemic at a national awards ceremony on November 4.

Staff gathered at Tortworth Court Hotel in Gloucestershire for Shaw healthcare’s 12th annual Star Awards.

Four of the individual winners are based in West Sussex, across three different homes – Warmere Court, Hillside Lodge and Deerswood Lodge.

Amber Porter, team leader at Warmere Court, was awarded the ‘Special Recognition Award’, Karla Bushby, team leader at Hillside Lodge, won the ‘Outstanding Non-Clinical Contribution Award’, and the two members of staff from Deerswood Lodge who were announced as winners were Sharon Matthew, domestic supervisor, who won the ‘Outstanding Service Contribution Award’ and Wan Nowakowski who won the ‘Outstanding Management Contribution Award’ for the second time.

Other winners included Wilbert Dabengwa from Ledbury Nursing Home for ‘Outstanding Clinical Contribution’, Amy Smith from Cartref in Powys for the ‘Outstanding Administrative Contribution’ award, Gareth Evans at Ty Bryngoleu in Merthyr Tydfil for ‘Outstanding Carer Contribution’ and Julia Dobbs from

Shaw healthcare’s head office in Cardiff for ‘Outstanding Regional / Central Support’.

The awards aim to celebrate the achievements of outstanding staff members across Shaw’s 80 UK facilities and all winners were nominated by colleagues and selected by a panel of Shaw healthcare’s executive team.

This year’s awards were also the first for Russell Brown as Shaw healthcare’s new CEO, as Jeremy Nixey steps down from the role after more than 40 years at the head of the organisation.

Mr Brown said: “It was truly fantastic to have staff members across the UK come together to celebrate what has become such an important event in the Shaw calendar.

“Our hardworking and committed staff have rallied through the pandemic and shown immense determination and compassion for our residents, so this year’s event was even more special – especially with last years’ awards ceremony being cancelled.

“We’ve had a fantastic, high-quality group of finalists and this year has been particularly difficult to pick our winners. It is true to say that every member of the Shaw family is a winner.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 15

RCN Scotland Analysis Shows Nursing ‘Shortfall’ in NHS Scotland at Record High New analysis by the Royal College of Nursing Scotland shows that the shortfall in Registered Nurses in NHS Scotland has risen to a record high.

Official figures, published by NHS Education for Scotland, show that the difference between the registered nursing establishment (the number of nurses who should be in post to run services) and the number of registered nurses actually in post stands at over 3,400 whole time equivalent.

This shortfall is at a record high and has risen by more than 2,000 since March 2015.

The shortfall in nursing staff fluctuates over the year however the trend clearly shows a rise in the gap between the number of nurses needed and the number actually in post.

In June 2015, there were 1,613 fewer Registered Nurses that the nursing establishment required. In June 2016, this shortfall was 1,914 and this rose to 2,375 the following June, 2,440 in June 2018, 2,897 in June 2019 and climbed to over 3,400 in June 2021. No figures were published for June 2020 due to the pandemic.

The shortfall from June 2021 contributes to nearly 5,000 nursing and midwifery staff vacancies within NHS Scotland, a figure which includes both registered nurses, midwives and health care support workers.

The analysis shows that, despite record high levels of nurses working for the NHS in Scotland, the shortfall in Registered Nurses has never been higher. Worryingly, the overall number of Registered Nurses in post actually fell by over 400 between March and June of this year.

The news comes as RCN Scotland members are voting on what next steps, they are willing to take, includ-

ing industrial action, over fair pay. Fair pay for nursing staff is needed to ensure we can recruit new nurses and retain the existing experienced staff needed to run services and help to reduce this shortfall.

More than 160,000 people from across the UK have signed a petition calling for the UK Government to fully fund a substantial pay rise for nursing staff as an indicative ballot for RCN members in England and Wales has also launched.

Commenting on the figures, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Interim Director said: “Despite the Scottish government’s talk about record levels of staffing, these figures show that the shortfall in Registered Nurses needed to run NHS services has never been higher.

“RCN members are telling us every day that there simply aren’t sufficient numbers of nursing staff and that this is putting them under significant pressure. As we head into winter and are trying to remobilise services, this should be a wake up call for the Cabinet Secretary for Health.

“Much more needs to be done to encourage our experienced nursing staff to stay and to ensure there is a robust plan to increase the future workforce. Implementing fair pay is part of the solution which is why RCN members strongly rejected the pay award made by the Scottish government earlier this year.

“RCN members across the England, Scotland & Wales are currently being asked what next steps they are willing to take. The fact that we are even considering industrial action shows the strength of feeling and the pressure that staff are currently under.”

FREE Care Home Guides from Business Companion We all know that running a care home is extremely challenging, especially in these unprecedented times. Thankfully, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), in cooperation with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has a series of free information resources designed to make managing your care home a little easier. This resource is available on the Business Companion website - the free government-backed website written by trading standards experts to help you understand the laws that affect your care home.

There are four key guides available on the subject of care homes: Fair trading focuses on the best way to serve customers and residents, along with understanding the importance of consumer rights and your responsibilities as a care home.

Care home complaints addresses the legal responsibilities of care homes in dealing with complaints from residents and their representatives, setting out in plain English the

procedures that should be followed in order to resolve complaints as efficiently and amicably as possible.

Web layout lays out the best approach to designing the website for your care home, covering the information that needs to be on it to conform to the law, along with a guide for website development.

Communications gives you the vital information you need to make the most out of communicating with residents and their families.

Want to learn more about these free guides and other free guidance? Business Companion is exhibiting at the Dementia, Care and Nursing Expo at the NEC, Birmingham, on September 15 and 16 and we look forward to meeting you. Visit Business Companion at stand B120 to receive wide-ranging, expert advice on best practices in the care homes industry.

Download your free guides at: www.businesscompanion.info/carehomes

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 Say hello looking for another to some Unsung Hero! previous (How we wish we could winners! reward you all!)

Care Home urst of Cloverfield Marion Brockleh

Thelma O’Leary of Fern hill House Care Home

A Super Deluxe Luxury Hamper for the lucky winner! ro r last Unsung He Martyn Davies, ou

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 by 12th November 2021 at

nominate@thecareruk.com

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 17

Care England Sets Out Its “Helping to Build Back Better” Campaign Care England, has appealed to the Government to involve providers in the Build Back Better plans for health and social care reform.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says: “The plan must adequately underpin the sector’s potential to support some of society’s most vulnerable. We are keen to work with Government to find a long-term sustainable solution for the sector, but are concerned that the £5.4 billion announced in September for adult social care over the next three years though the Health and Social Care Levy, as well as the £4.8 billion of new grant funding over the SR21 period for social care and other services, will not be enough to achieve the ambitions set out by Government”.

Care England has boiled down the plans to a set of ten key asks which relate to establishing a fair rate for care, ensuring a sustainable workforce and the National Insurance (NI) contributions. These key asks are aimed at putting central government on notice of the very real concerns the sector has in relation to Build Back Better: Our Plan for Health and Social Care, as well as presenting some pragmatic solutions to reprimanding these concerns.

Martin Green continues: “We hope that our key asks will represent an opportunity for meaningful co-production, all of which must be underpinned by adequate funding for the proposals, wider support for the workforce and parity with the NHS on National Insurance that only national government can address”.

Waterfield House Care Home Host Their First Annual Hadleigh Harvest Festival Staff and residents at Waterfield House were excited to host their first annual Hadleigh Harvest Festival at the home, on Thursday 28th of October.

The event was a wonderful celebration of harvest and Halloween, in a

Amanda Thackery, Home Manager at Waterfield House, commented: “It was lovely to see residents, relatives and staff truly being part of the community again after a couple of challenging years. We are finding new ways to live and work together in a very different way and all of us at

way that brought the community together. Residents, staff, their families

Waterfield House are very much looking forward to the future together

and friends, and members of the area were all warmly welcomed to enjoy

with our wonderful community.”

the day’s celebrations. The event was a huge success, with several games to play, including pumpkin putting, competitions such as dress the

Wellbeing Lead, Vicki commented: “It was a huge blessing to be able to invite families, along with the local community to our first annual Harvest

mummy competition, a teddy tombola and brilliant live music. The festival

festival. I am proud to be part of a great team that worked so hard to make

was also host to an impressive number of stallholders, many of which

this day so special. The weather was glorious, and we were able to support

were small businesses within the local community. Residents had so

local businesses. Laughter filled the air and fun was had by all.”

much fun browsing the lovely stalls, which had some wonderful things on

Waterfield House are committed to being an active member of the

offer. There really was something for everyone, of all ages, to enjoy and

community and look forward to strengthening relationships with those in

get involved in.

the local area now, and well into the future.

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

Lost In Translation: How Carers Can Improve Communication with Patients with English as an Additional Language The UK is made up of a vibrant mix of ethnic groups meaning that carers face challenges with communicating with those who don't speak English as their first language. How do these language barriers affect care and what translation services are on offer to support communication? Joe Miller, general manager of the Americas and Europe, Pocketalk (uk.pocketalk.com) looks at the issues that the care industry faces and the solutions on offer to help.

A GROWING DIVERSE NATION The latest stats on immigration show that there are now 9.5 million people living in the UK who were born outside of the country and are therefore highly likely not to speak English as their first language. Of these 11 per cent are over 65 meaning there are around one million people in the UK, approaching retirement age or retired, who were born in another country. As a result, it’s important that carers are aware of the challenges that can arise consequently for both the patients and their loved ones.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? Patients who have neurodegenerative diseases or are hard of hearing can already experience difficulties with verbal communication. When you add in the additional factor of English being a second language for some of these patients, communication becomes even harder.

Ineffective communication leads to confusion, frustration and upset from the patient and staff members. It makes it harder for patients to form relationships with staff and other residents in a care home setting. If a patient can’t converse with others it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness as they struggle to connect.

With dementia it becomes even more complex. Alzheimer’s Society found that as the disease progresses it's often the case that those who speak English as a second language revert to their first language.

CURRENT TRANSLATION SOLUTIONS Ideally those who speak English as a second language will have someone who can always communicate with them in their first language. However, practically it can be impossible to always have a staff member on duty who can translate 24/7.

One of the most popular ways to address this is the language line which provides access to translators over the telephone, who are available 24/7, and with calls answered within minutes it’s a convenient service.

However, a telephone can cause confusion for some. Others may also feel uncomfortable having sensitive conversations with a person they don’t know over the phone.

Translation agencies have team members who are available to visit care homes or accompany carers to home visits. But this service carries high costs making 24/7 access to translation not possible for many. The pandemic has also meant restrictions on visitors can impact this service.

CAN TECH BE A TRANSLATOR? One solution being explored by the care industry is the use of technology and the cost-effective role it plays in addressing the issue.

Google Translate is one platform that has been utilised that facilitates instant translation between patient and carer. That said, there are issues with the effectiveness of the translations. It doesn’t offer a high standard across all languages and it’s often those who speak minority languages that are most impacted by the disconnect. Google Translate also doesn’t always take into account regional dialects and slang.

Today there are digital translation devices proving to be a great success in care homes. These devices instantly translate a large amount of languages and tend to just need WiFi, mobile data or a hotspot.

Digital translators are also an effective way to help build relationships. We’ve found that digital translators foster meaningful conversations that allow carers to bond with the patient, which helps to create trust. It also allows patients to converse with other residents.

Of course, when it comes to language translation there is no one size fits all approach. Each care home, its team and residents will have different and individual needs. At a time when English as a second language is becoming more commonplace it’s great that there are options available to make conversation easier for both carer and patient.

Staff Across the NHS Recognise their Duty to Make Sure They Do Everything they Can to Protect their Patients Following reports in the media that the Government will mandate NHS staff in England to be vaccinated against coronavirus from next spring, Matthew Taylor, chief executive at the NHS Confederation, said: “Staff across the NHS recognise their duty to make sure they do everything they can to protect their patients, colleagues and themselves from avoidable infections. This is why the vast majority of workers have been vaccinated against coronavirus already and why health leaders will take forward this new requirement.

“Mandating Covid-19 vaccinations in the NHS offers a further incentive for staff who

are eligible but have not come forward yet to get jabbed at time when the virus continues to be a threat and the NHS is working hard to deliver its broader services for patients.

“For this reason, we are relieved the Government has listened to our plea to roll out the requirement away from what is expected to be the most challenging winter on record.

“This will also give leaders much needed time to continue to engage and support the remaining staff who have not yet been vaccinated and to understand the possible consequences at a local level.”

Freephone: 0800 917 7943 www.euroservice-uk.com sales@euroservice-uk.com

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Watch your resident’s eyes light up when the beautiful tea trolley arrives..! Or even used as a vending trolley, selling personal care products to residents or snacks/pastries to visitors or as drinks trolley for an afternoon tipple?

Your lovely trolley could do so much for you and your residents!

• We specialise in the sale and purchase of quality used wheelchair accessible vehicles and ambulances.

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Visit the website at euroservice-uk.com to see the full range.

PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

No Connection, No Protection: Dependable Connectivity Is Critical In Care Settings

By Paul Craig, Head of IoT at OV (www.worldov.com) From intelligent care planning and monitoring systems to the very latest health and wellbeing devices – new innovations are changing the very nature of care and paving the way for us to reimagine provision. Many ground-breaking care technology solutions involve the Internet of Things (IoT), which describes a network of objects, installed with sensors or software, that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems. IoT solutions depend on connectivity to work, be it data through a mobile network or Wi-Fi, so when investing in technology, patient safety depends on care providers building a highly reliable connectivity infrastructure.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for connected IoT devices accelerated across many industries, perhaps none more so than care.

Devices such as glucose and heart rate monitors typically connect to a

2G, 3G, or 4G network via SIM cards – like the ones we use in our phones – and automatically collect health metrics on the patient.

The introduction of lockdowns and social distancing has led to an increase in carers working alone, and therefore a rise in demand for wearable IoT devices that can protect unaccompanied staff while helping them to monitor residents. Staff can wear devices, that look like a watch, but feature an emergency button. So, if there is a high-risk situation involving either themselves or a resident, the employee can quickly call for assistance. The device will send an alert to either a colleague or the emergency services – depending on the individual settings.

Similar wearable devices can also be used to monitor residents’ heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure remotely. Using these sensors means key markers can automatically be recorded throughout the day, and if anything changes a carer will be notified in real-time.

Voice control technology can also be used in wearable devices or equipment placed in residents’ rooms. This provides voice connectivity which means if a resident has an emergency and cannot move to press a panic button, they can shout out, and the device will send an alert to a chosen contact.

These IoT devices help to streamline care services and enable workers to provide the best care possible to their residents – the result is person-centric, outcomes focussed care, that puts patients, carers, and families in control. But this can only happen when the device is connect-

ed to a live network.

When someone’s health, or safety, is reliant on the connectivity of such devices, avoiding network outages is vital. Connectivity providers that operate using a single network pose a risk, as there is no immediate backup if their service goes down, making it paramount that care providers opt for multi-network SIM connectivity. Multi-network providers work with an ecosystem of partners, so if one mobile network drops out, the multi-network provider can immediately tap into another network and continue providing connectivity to the SIM installed in the IoT device.

Wi-Fi is often the go-to route to connectivity, but due to the size of many care sites, there is a risk that there will be black spots, or weak signals due to the number of devices connected. Staff aren’t just confined to care homes either, carers working in the community need constant connectivity. So, if providers opt to use SIMs that tap into multiple networks, connectivity becomes seamless no matter the setting or location.

The UK’s population is ageing, and as life expectancy continues to climb, more and more patients will require care. Technological advances may help us find new ways of providing care to meet this demand, whether it be using IoT wearable devices to improve care outcomes and maximise the use of staff time or using connected devices in domiciliary care settings to allow people to keep living at home.

Roar B2B Launches National Care Awareness Survey In collaboration with National Care Association, The Care Worker’s Charity, and National Care Forum

ROAR B2B (organisers of the Dementia, Care & Nursing Home Expo and The Home Care Expo) have teamed up with the National Care Association, The Care Worker’s Charity and National Care Forum to release the National Care Awareness Survey.

The survey aims to gather honest insight from the care industry, raise the profile of carers and better represent small care businesses across the UK. Anyone working in the care industry is encouraged to fill in the survey and make their voice and opinions known.

“We’re pleased to announce the launch of this national survey, which aims to better understand and represent the feelings of care workers across the country. We’re providing a platform for care workers to raise their thoughts on key topics such as the national care reform and giving care owners and

small businesses an opportunity to have their say” Bradley Maule-ffinch, ROAR B2B Group Managing Director

REPRESENTING THE CARE SECTOR AS A WHOLE The survey is split into four key sections and asks for opinions on topics such as: representation of care workers, social care reform, vaccinations, sustainable care initiatives, industry events, care funding, and other challenges within the care industry. Many questions are open-ended to allow recipients to express their thoughts and feelings. Responses will remain anonymous; however, recipients will have the option to leave their email should they wish to enter the £200 Spa break competition - you can complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/82MNHSK

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 23

New Campaign to ‘Stop Covid-19 Hanging Around’ A new campaign has launched across digital channels, radio stations and newspapers, demonstrating the importance of simple ventilation techniques to reduce the risks of catching COVID-19 this winter.

An explainer film – to be used on NHS and government digital channels – has been released by scientists from the Universities of Cambridge and Leeds, in collaboration with the government, demonstrating the positive impact of reducing COVID-19 levels indoors by opening a window for just 10 minutes every hour when socialising with others.

Part of a wider campaign, including national radio and press adverts, the key message will be to ‘Stop COVID-19 hanging around’. The film clearly shows the difference in airflow and airborne particle movement when indoors in relation to COVID-19.

Voiced by Dr Helen Lawal, the film demonstrates how, in a home setting, someone infected with the virus talking and interacting with another person produces a build-up of COVID-19 particles in the air. These particles then linger in an unventilated room, like smoke, meaning the risk of catching COVID-19 is significantly increased. However, COVID-19 particles disperse quickly when good ventilation is introduced, even for a short period.

While the life-saving vaccines remain the best defence against COVID-19 – giving over 90% protection against hospitalisation from the virus – people can still catch COVID-19 even if they have been double vaccinated. With around one in three people with COVID-19 showing no

symptoms, it could be passed onto others without knowing. With fewer restrictions in place this winter, following the success of the vaccination programme, the act of refreshing air in the home when people have visitors is even more important for everyone to keep infections down.

Dr Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, said: “Small but important actions can help protect us against COVID-19.

Getting vaccinations, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and taking regular COVID-19 tests all make an important difference but it is also crucial that we don’t overlook the value of ventilation.

“People with COVID-19 release virus particles into the air whenever they speak, breathe or cough and these can linger in unventilated settings. With winter fast approaching and people spending more time indoors, it’s vital everyone understands the importance of using ventilation, such as regularly opening windows – even if just for a few minutes – to keep the air moving and prevent infections.”

The campaign comes as new research reveals almost two-thirds (64%) of the public didn’t know that ventilation was an effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at home. And only around a third of people (29%) are currently ventilating their home when they have visitors over. Only 3% of those surveyed continued to ventilate their homes for a period after their guests left.

In the run up to Christmas, as people spend more time socialising together indoors during the winter months, the potential for breathing in infectious COVID-19 particles will increase. The research showed that more than half (52%) of people will welcome an additional three people per week into their homes who do not live with them, and almost a third (30%) of households stated they will be entertaining more people in their homes than normal in the run up to Christmas.

As well as opening windows for a few minutes every hour to dilute virus particles, other simple actions the public can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 include wearing a face covering over the mouth and nose in busy indoor spaces, such as public transport or shops. In

addition, the government advises everyone to continue taking free rapid lateral flow tests regularly, particularly before mixing in crowded indoor spaces or visiting vulnerable people. Testing is the quickest and easiest way to find out if someone has the virus, even if they show no symptoms.

Professor Stuart Dalziel, from the University of Cambridge who was part of the team that helped create the experiment, said: “This experiment clearly shows the impact that ventilation can have on dispersing built up COVID-19 particles in the home or indoor environment. With smoke representing COVID-19 particles moved around with the air, you can see that these particles hang around in the air when we are indoors in a room without ventilation.

“However, these particles disperse much more quickly and leave the room when we let fresh air into the room, so the chance of others breathing them in is greatly reduced. We hope that this experiment helps people understand the impact that opening a window, even a little, can have on reducing the risk of inhaling COVID-19 particles, if present, when around others indoors.”

Dr Helen Lawal, the GP and TV Doctor who voices the film, said: “As we head into the colder months, we will of course be wanting to meet up with friends and family more inside our homes, especially in the run up to Christmas. As cases of COVID-19 increase, however, it is incredibly important to remember the simple actions we can take to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19. Make sure you open your windows for a few minutes at a time to dilute virus particles that could build up if you have guests that are carrying COVID-19.

“Also please remember these additional actions that will keep us, and those around us safe: wear a face covering; continue to take regular rapid lateral flow tests to help give you peace of mind that you’re not spreading the virus; get a PCR test if you have any symptoms, and get your COVID-19 vaccination booster if you’re eligible.”

Visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

“… Never Did I Think An Apron Could Be Game Changing, But I Do Now!” These are the words of a Limon Attire customer, Alexandra, about their specially designed Dining drApron®.

The rest of her note read - "I can't tell you the difference it has made at mealtimes! We have no more arguments, nothing has seeped through, comes up brilliantly and, most importantly, Mum can put it on herself! Until Mum fell ill, never did I think an apron could be game changing but I do now! Sometimes it really is the little things in life."

Barbara Lewis designed the Dining drApron® for her mother who had dementia and was having difficulty eating. She didn’t want to ask her stylish mother to wear an ugly, demeaning bib so she designed an attractive and practical apron for her to wear at mealtimes.

Mum was quite happy in an apron to protect her clothes; she had worn aprons all her life and there was no stigma with them.

They have no unnecessary straps to get tangled in the wash, fit neatly around the neck and have a hidden towelling layer to soak up spills and, best of all, they are attractive.

Barbara was inspired to make them with the pattern facing Mum as she had seen her interacting with the design and realised how frustrating it must be to see everything in her closest environment upside down.

Wearing a Limon Dining drApron® a person can retain their dignity, identity and individuality whilst protecting their clothing. There are lots designs to choose from to suit differing interests for both men and women.

Go to www.limonattire.com to learn more and see the other helpful products they make.

Looking for Christmas Gifts?

A Limon Dining drApron® is perfect.

With a hidden towelling layer, it offers a dignified and attractive means of protecting clothing from spills and it makes a beautiful and practical present.

The lively patterns face the wearer and are intended to spark conversation and memories, as well as entertain.

Lots of gorgeous patterns to choose from.

Go to www.limonattire.com/dining-drapron to see more.

PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

Unpaid Carers Worried About “Financial Strain” and Reduced Access to Support Over one in five unpaid carers (21%) are worried they may not cope financially over the next 12 months, reveals new research from the charity Carers UK. This is on top of deep concern about practical support where just 13% of carers are confident they will get the practical support they need in the next 12 months.

A survey of over 8,000 people currently caring unpaid for family or friends, the majority of whom provide well over 50 hours of care every week, reveals the huge personal and financial cost of caring for a loved one. Nearly one in four carers (23%) do not have enough money to cover their monthly expenses. Many carers are worrying about how they will cope this winter face rising energy prices and increases in the cost of living.

As well as providing significant levels of care themselves, almost two thirds (63%) of carers are also using their own income or savings to cover the cost of care, equipment or products for the person they care for. On average carers spend an estimated £1,370 a year on services or equipment for the person they care for.

The situation has got worse during the pandemic with over one in three carers (36%) saying that their financial situation has worsened since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and a quarter (25%) are spending more on equipment or products for the person they care for.

As a result many are struggling financially and unable to save for their

own retirement. Almost two-thirds of carers (65%) say they are worried about their ability to save and plan for the future.

The financial strain is also damaging carers’ mental health with over half (52%) reporting they feel anxious or stressed about their finances, and over one in three carers (35%) providing more than 35 hours of care a week said they have been or are in debt.

Carers are still having to take on more hours of care for the person they care for, with 55% of carers having reduced or no access to day services and a third of carers reporting reduced or no access to paid care workers.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “We are seeing unprecedented levels of stress where financial worry is piling yet more pressure on carers. With low levels of services, carers are going to be facing an extremely difficult winter with the rising costs of living, increased energy prices, a social care staffing crisis and a chronically underfunded system.

For years carers have been propping up our health and care system at a huge cost to their own personal health, finances and ability to stay in work. Throughout the pandemic they carried a huge load, with 81% taking on more care for relatives and 72% unable to take any breaks at all from their caring role. They desperately need support to regain quality of life and enable them to continue caring. The Government must

recognise the toll being placed on unpaid carers and ensure that social care reform delivers for carers.

As it stands, providing unpaid care is pushing thousands of families into poverty and will have a lasting impact on their finances and quality of life. Carer’s Allowance the lowest benefit of its kind must be reviewed. The Earning Threshold of Carer’s Allowance must be increased to ensure that carers are able to choose to work and are protected from financial hardship.”

Read the report here.

Carers UK estimates the number of unpaid carers increased by 4.5 million at the height of the pandemic to 13.6 million[1]. Unpaid carers saved the UK economy £193 billion a year during the pandemic[2].

Carers UK is urging the government to urgently put in place the financial and practical support that carers need. The Government planned social care reform must deliver for carers ensuring they are able to access breaks from their caring role and rely on quality service to enable them to have a life outside of caring. It must also recognise and reduce the costs associated with caring.

Too many carers face a financial penalty for caring, the Government must review carers benefits and support as part of social care reform.

‘Spook-tacular’ Halloween Parade at Gracewell of High Wycombe Residents and team members at local care home, Gracewell of High Wycombe have marked Halloween appropriately, with a week consisting of fun and spooky workshops, activities, games and parades.

Gracewell of High Wycombe's resident-centred approach delivers high quality care, tailored to the individual and their personal needs. The home offers nursing, dementia respite and palliative care, as well as independent living.

Last week, the appropriately decorated Gracewell of High Wycombe celebrated Halloween. Residents were able to participate from the beginning of the week in themed sessions, from crafting and decorating pumpkins to a Halloween singer entertainer show and socials in the spooky decorated lounges.

The showpiece occasion occurred last Friday, when members of staff provided a ‘spook-tacular’ afternoon of fun for the residents.

The parade was arranged by Alex and Jelena, Activities Coordinator and Home Admissions Advisor at the home respec-

tively. Pumpkin carving and costume competitions were fiercely contested between residents in good spirits, whilst each floor was judged on its own Halloween themed decorations.

After an awards ceremony, the evening transcended into a sing-along after party. Residents enjoyed doughnuts, trick or treat feasts and cups of tea, whilst singing their favourite songs of times gone by, including karaoke renditions of Elton John and Elvis Presley.

Jelena Boughton, Home Admissions Advisor at Gracwell of High Wycombe, said: “We had such an action packed, entertaining and interactive week to mark Halloween. It was a well thought out and organised week that culminated in an afternoon the residents and members of team won’t forget. I’m unsure as to what Elton John and Elvis Presley have to do with Halloween, but the residents loved singing their songs- and that is all that matters! Our attention now turns to Christmas, and ensuring it is a memorable one for our residents here at High Wycombe.”

Wonderkin UK, Managing Director, Marites Allen, Talks About Smart Digital Incontinence Aid & Providing Convenience & Confidence in Chronic Care Management Care-giving, in real-time, is an issue that has been looked at again and again in chronic care management- it is not enough to look at if care is being given effectively, but also with efficacy and assurance- to both patients of care and those of the carers. Since the Covid-pandemic, the issue of time, lack of resource, and the disproportions of high quality care are at the heart of this matter.

Wonderkin UK, a brand of digital incontinence pads, and app, is now changing the game quickly by elevating the status quo, and creating wonders through providing convenience and confidence through their digital technological products. Wonderkin UK’s, Managing Director, Marites Allen, tells us in the following interview how products such as Wonderkin’s digital incontinence pads and app are ensuring a better quality of life, for all, as we age; and how we all should think about, our own, not so distant future, when approaching the subject matter of implementing technology into taking care of the elderly and those in care homes and facilities.

Q: HOW DOES YOUR NICE CARE SMART INCONTINENCE PADS AND MONITORING SYSTEM WORK? MA: Smart phone (Smart Mobile Devices) are used as the medium- to which it sets alarms and signals a disruption in the homeostatic condition or the patient. Unlike the regular brands that mainly functions as only a pad, Wonderkin's Bluetooth feature (enable) makes safety ( Provide Real-Time Alert) precautions a function (Compare to other incontinence aids) that no other pads on the market currently offer. With the Nice Care Smart Incontinence aids Real-Time Monitoring Technology and Bluetooth enable sensors, Wonderkin offer carers in elderly care facilities to be notified of the patient's void, sleeping posture, and inactivity in real-time, hence, effectively easing the care-giving process especially pressure care.

Q: WHAT KIND OF ‘REAL’ DIFFERENCE IS A PRODUCT LIKE NICE CARE DIGITAL INCONTINENCE PADS AND APP MAKING TO STAFF AND PATIENTS IN CARE HOMES AND CARE FACILITIES? MA: Real differences are only felt and seen, through another key factor: prioritisation for care staff. A good example would be body rotation and diaper change, where though they are seemingly simple tasks, it takes workflow,

task management, pad stock management to keep it all together and ticking along. The difference with a simple product like pads going digital is that carers are able to keep up and be informed of patients in real-time.

Aside from prioritizing tasks, costs of pad consumption are cut down dramatically, making not only ‘cents’ financially, but ‘sense’ for the environment. Our pads are 70% biodegradable and hence, when you think about it, if every pad can be used to its full potential, with the patient not having skin irritations and rashes, by the way, the product is not only addressing financial costs to institutions like care homes, but also, providing a corporate social responsibility to those who use them. In Japan, for instance, our products have reduced pad consumption from 30K to 20K in facilities.

It is not just about minimising the use of disposable wastes, but improving the quality of sleep for patients, and giving them more dignity, (of not being checked upon constantly) by reducing the number or times a change has to occur during the night.

Q: WHAT OTHER ISSUES DOES WONDERKIN AIM TO SPEARHEAD WITH ITS DIGITAL INNOVATIONS? MA: Another common issue for patients is communication- between their family members and the carers or care home. Our digital innovations give personalised health insights, powered by data that can be easily provided and accessed by both parties. Data protection and that data is being stored securely is paramount to us, and this type of application if it is to be applied to chronic care management. Hence we employ Amazon Web Services (AWS) as our Cloud System provider, which adopts world-class, highly secure data centres utilising state-of-the-art electronic surveillance and multi-factor access control systems. Different access rights are given to various account types within our system, including super admin, general admin, nursing home, nursing home manager and nurse accounts. The data transmission from the Sensor to the Hub is encrypted and contains no client’s data.

For more information or enquiries on Wonderkin’s emerging technology and latest innovation solutions to care-giving in residential nursing and care homes visit: www.wonderkin.co.uk or contact maritesallen@wonderkin.co.uk

PAGE 26 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

Bridgwater Dementia Care Home Wins National Award for Outstanding Palliative and End of Life Care work incredibly hard to offer the highest standard of palliative and end of life care.

“Covid made everything more challenging in the care sector, so it is fantastic to receive this recognition for the amazing work my team do at Avalon.

“I am very proud that their care and compassion in delivering end of life care has been acknowledged in this way.”

Paul Teasdale, director of Camelot Care, said: “GSF accreditation is all about delivering compassionate and ethical care for the dying, and demands a very high level of commitment to the comprehensive, evidence-based quality improvement training programmes run by the national GSF centre.

“You only have one chance to get end of life care right, so this accreditation is a great reassurance for the families of our residents and reflects the genuine dedication of the Avalon team.”

Julie Armstrong-Wilson, Lead Nurse for GSF said: “Congratulations to all 10 organisations that have successfully achieved accreditation.

“The GSF team are so very proud of all our award winners, as there has never been a more important time to ensure we deliver quality end of life care. Well done!”

Avalon Nursing Home in Bridgwater has been awarded a national Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award for its delivery of end of life care during the pandemic with an impressive score of 56 out of a possible 57.

The award will be given as part of the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Virtual Awards on 11 November, which recognises health and social care providers delivering quality care in the final year of life.

Avalon is one of just 28 care homes, retirement villages, and domiciliary care agencies to receive the prestigious GSF quality hallmark across the country during the virtual ceremony.

The Gold Standards Framework Centre provides expert training for frontline staff in health and social care to enable a ‘gold standard’ of care for people nearing end of life.

Before the pandemic hit GSF provided face-to-face workshops which they adapted and moved online to adhere to COVID-19 regulations. The training was a huge success, enabling both families and patients to discuss end of life care planning and what matters to them at the end of life.

Jessica Hawker, manager of Avalon Nursing Home, said: “Our guiding principle at Avalon is to support our residents as we would support members of our own families, so we always

Caddick Construction Completes on £15m Specialist Dementia Care Home gressed. Caddick Senior Contracts Manager Chris Allott said: “This is a

Work has completed on Vida Court, the new 100-bed specialist dementia care home in Harrogate which will welcome people living

fantastic home from home environment for families looking for the

with dementia from across the UK.

very best care for their loved ones. It has been a very rewarding proj-

The home has been built on behalf of specialist dementia care

ect to work on knowing we are bringing these much-needed facilities

provider Vida Healthcare, which was established to transform the care

to Harrogate when demand is so high.”

available to people living with dementia in the UK. The company

Vida Court welcomed its first staff members in September, and the

already has two purpose-built care homes – Vida Hall and Vida

first residents will settle in later this month.

Grange. The Group offers its residents state-of-the-art facilities in a

James Rycroft, Managing Director at Vida Healthcare, added: “Our

“home from home” environment, as well as offering respite and day

residents deserve the very best and we have seen firsthand the posi-

care for guests.

tive impact that good design can have on people’s lives. Vida Court is a

The multi-million-pound facility on a 3.5-acre site off Beckwith Head Road, will be home to 100 residents in eight self-sufficient houses, all with en-suite bedrooms. Communal and social facilities on offer will include a newsagent, coffee shop, private cinema and sensory gar-

dens.

Although the18-month build experienced challenges due to Covid19 and social distancing restrictions, the scheme has swiftly pro-

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national facility which will pioneer dementia care with its unrivalled facilities and surroundings, all designed to support our residents as they come to terms and adapt to living with dementia.”

FORTUNA.BAMBACH YOUR ONE-STOP SOLUTION

Fortuna.Bambach, based in Enfield, is London's largest independent living centre.

We supply everything from daily living aids to highly specialised equipment and services, so we can offer a ‘one-stop shop’ to nursing and residential care homes, local authorities, hospitals and individuals.

Our team of Trusted Assessors and technicians can offer expert advice, and work closely with Occupational Therapists (OTs), and other healthcare professionals to provide individual solutions. Not only do we sell and rent out a wide range of high-quality products, we also provide high standard aftercare including maintenance, LOLER testing and a comprehensive range of training courses.

We provide a range of solutions at competitive prices, so that you don’t have to worry about ensuring that your equipment is safe and compliant.

✓ Wheelchairs, walking aids, seating, profiling beds, daily living aids and more ✓ Rental Options ✓ Adaptations - grab rails, stair lifts, level access showers, ramps, wet rooms ✓ Moving & Handling equipment and training ✓ Maintenance, Repairs and LOLER testing

ORNAMIN: TABLEWARE WITH HIDDEN FEATURES

Ornamin, a market leader in eating and drinking aids, who supply more than 2,000 care institutions worldwide have – in collaboration with Occupational Therapists (OTs) and nurses - developed a range of intelligent and functional tableware for people with cognitive problems or limited motor skills in their hands or arms.

Their range includes mugs with a unique cone-shaped interior design, - which help those with limited neck and arm movement or anyone who is bed bound to drink without assistance - plates and bowls that are non-slip with a sloped base, making it easier to trap the food (useful for those who have problems using their hands), and non-slip grip cutlery that provides a firm hold for a user with clammy, shaky or numb hands.

The stylish designs helps remove the stigma of using ‘special’ tableware, which in turn improves dignity and independence, while also easing the support needed from families, carers or care home staff. All of the products are made using high quality materials which are 100% recyclable, plus they’re durable, light to lift, quiet to use, break-resistant, and BPA FREE.

DRINKUP21: THE HANDS-FREE DRINKING SOLUTION

Drinkup21, is an innovative hands-free drinking system, which can dramatically improve the health of those at risk of dehydration.

This simple but effective product works on the same principle as a cup and drinking straw, but has been designed to enable anyone who cannot lift a cup to drink without assistance (even when arm function is completely lost), making drinking easier, improving fluid intake, and reducing the workload of carers.

Drinkup21 consists of a 1 litre bottle with a cap, a body (holder), a multi-positioning clamp and a flexible arm assembly. It also includes a Consumables Parts Pack containing a drinking tube, bite valve (mouthpiece), elbow connector. A tube cleaning brush is also available.

It can be secured to beds, tables and wheelchairs, and used with water, fruit juice and thickened fluids that contain higher nutritional content, thus providing a simple solution to the serious issue of dehydration in the elderly and those living with disabilities.

Drinkup21 is beneficial for those with conditions including spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, the effects of stroke, dementia, and those who do not recognise the need to drink.

For advice and information: Fortuna.Bambach, 4, Northgate Business Centre, Crown Road, Enfield, London, EN1 1TG. Visit: www.fortunamobility.com

www.fortunamobility.com/ornamin | www.fortunamobility.com/drinkup Email: info@fortunabambach.com Telephone: 020 8805 2020

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

RAF High Wycombe Runner Takes on Punishing 105km Challenge Fundraiser A Senior Aircraftman from RAF High Wycombe is taking on a gruelling challenge to raise money for Royal Star & Garter.

SAC Jessica Webster will run 105km (65.2 miles) in 24 hours on a treadmill and nearby park, starting at 6am on Wednesday, 17 November.

She is hoping to raise £1,000 for Royal Star & Garter, a charity that provides loving, compassionate care to veterans living with disability or dementia, with Homes in High Wycombe, Solihull and Surbiton.

The 27-year-old’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather have all served in Army or RAF, and SAC Webster chose to raise money for Royal Star & Garter because of support it provides the country’s military family: “I really love what they stand for and what they do. I like the fact that they’ll be there for me in the future if ever I need them.”

The challenge will take place on a treadmill at the station’s gym hall, and on open space at nearby Walter’s Ash.

Taking part in endurance challenges is nothing new to SAC Webster, who joined the RAF in 2017, but this is the most daunting. She said: “I ran the 340km distance from RAF High Wycombe to Edinburgh, but that was over a one-month period. So I think this will be my toughest challenge. I know it’s going to get harder as I tire, and I imagine there will be a few tears! I know I’ll suffer and be in pain, but I’ll have a lot of support, and I’ll keep reminding myself of the end goal and why I’m doing it, so I’m confident I will complete it.”

Lauren Baker, Senior Community Fundraiser at Royal Star & Garter, said: “This is a seriously demanding 24-hour challenge, and I want to thank Jessica for taking the time to train, fundraise and run for Royal Star & Garter.”

To sponsor SAC Webster, go to: https://gofund.me/ca555b7e

Local Care Home Shines Bright for Festival of Lights Residents at Ashcombe House in Worting had a brilliant day on Thursday 4th November as they marked the start of the Hindu festival of Diwali, popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’.

The home was decorated with battery operated candles to represent ‘diyas’ which are small oil lamps which are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, the lamps help Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes.

The afternoon saw an Indian Dance performance complete with drummer in the homes lounge before the duo headed off to dance in rooms for individuals making

sure no one was left out of the celebrations, residents enjoyed moving to the music alongside the dancer Maria.

Nurse Anita prepared traditional Indian dishes including a range of warming curries, spicy samosas, crispy bhajis with lime pickle and chutneys followed by traditional Indian sweet, laddoo for the staff to sample and enjoy.

Louise Lambert General Manager at Ashcombe said: “To celebrate Diwali at the home was fantastic, the colourful glow of the candles and lamps created a very wonderful atmosphere alongside the dancing and music everyone had a fantastic time.”

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 31

Stockton Care Home Residents Share Their Memories of the War Residents at a Stockton care home have shared their experiences of what Remembrance Day means to them and how they will mark it in 2021.

Remembrance Day takes place every year on November 11 and has been observed since the end of the First World War to remember armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

Amongst those living at MHA Reuben Manor, a residential and residential dementia care home for 83 residents are some, who not only remember the Second World War, but have also given their services to the British Army in various roles.

June Challenger was nine years old when the Second World War started and still remembers places like the cinema in Norton being bombed and her parents making ends meet with very little food.

The 92-year-old added: “I do remember quite a bit from the war and luckily we were okay and didn't get affected too much.

“We did hear about bombing in nearby villages where people died and I remember being told to go to bed in the shelter rather than my actual bedroom.

“My husband served in the war, I found out after I met and married him that he spent six years as a corporal in the Coldstream Guards.

“Prior to moving into MHA Reuben Manor, I would always make sure I would visit the memorial service.

“I am looking forward to Remembrance Day and will be doing what I can to support the home with the service.”

Christopher Michael Jordan, worked as a tank driver for six years and says servicing in the forces helped him give some “direction” in his life.

Residents at Rueben Manor share their experiences of the war and what Remembrance Day means to them.

From left to right June Challenger, Christopher Michael Jordan, Ada Trotter and Winifred Bruce

The 75-year-old added: “I had six great years as a gunner and tank driver and it definitely helped me to get on the right road in life.

“The experience helped me to progress in my role, I was well trained and thankfully was able to give a good account for my job.

“Remembrance Day is very important to me, I like to remember those who served in all wars and helped contribute to keep our country safe.

“I struggle to stand for long periods, but will definitely have my poppy

on and contribute towards the service.”

Ada Trotter, another resident who has been with MHA for nearly four years, spent six years as a corporal in the army and served in places like Egypt and Beirut.

The 99-year-old said: “I always get sent a box of goodies every year from the Royal British Legion, something I have been a part of for 32 years.

“I still remember my time in the army and understand the importance of Remembrance Day. “I can’t wait for the service the home will organise and like previous years I will lay a wreath in the garden.”

Winifred Bruce has been living at the home for three years and worked as a receptionist for the Royal Air Force and spent time in Northern Africa.

Speaking about her time she said: “I enjoyed my time with the Royal Air Force and it was a great experience.

“I was 18 years old when I was stationed out in Northern Africa and I met some really friendly and amazing people.

“I will be wearing my poppy with pride and can’t wait for what the home has planned.”

Julie Peyton, home manager said: “It’s wonderful to hear our residents' memories of the war.

“It makes our remembrance day celebrations even more special knowing the contribution they and so many others have made to the war effort and it is an honour to have them living at Reuben Manor.”

Resident Brian Participates Virtually for the Bomber Command Memorial Service Ethelred care resident Brian Hilson Recently participated in a virtual memorial service on behalf of Bomber Command.

Matt Rowe, who is the Welfare Support Executive- East of England/ Community Engagement Worker – Cambridgeshire for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund emailed Etheldred to inform them if any of their residents would like to watch the Bomber Command Memorial Service there is a virtual link, they can watch on Sunday 31 October at 12pm.

Matt had linked up with Etheldred before as on 27th November 2019 Matt had arranged for Junior officers from the 16 Squadron RAF Wittering to come and meet the Veterans of Etheldred House. All the junior commission officers had just started their flying training, and all were looking forward to it. It was a very moving and memorable day for everyone involved.

The service is to commemorate all those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War.

The Bomber Command Memorial, which is held in Green Park, London, pays tribute to the 55,573 men of Bomber Command who were killed during the Second World War. To mark the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Britain and to commemorate all those involved.

The service was conducted by Reverend (Squadron Leader) Chrissie Lacey, Station Chaplain, RAF High Wycombe. Accompanying the service were stories of those who served in Bomber Command by RAF Author and Historian Steve Darlow who also had information about how the Fund is supporting Bomber Command veterans today to live in comfort and dignity in their own homes.

Brian was especially interested in participating in the service as he was in the Airforce as an aircraftman.

In 1951 while doing his three years of National Service in Bridgenorth in Shropshire Brian made many wonderful comrades two especially called Bernard & Ken where they became great friends.

Brian has a picture of himself with his comrades in 1952 and underneath the picture everyone has signed their name, this is very special to him.

Brian was an excellent carpenter and as a hobby he used to make bird boxes and donate them to all the nurses and doctors thanking them for their hard work.

The service was very moving for Brian as it would have been for many people watching and taking part.

The staff at Etheldred House made sure Brian’s environment was perfect for him. He proudly wore is poppy that he was given, a poppy wreath hanging in his room with the British Flag!

Care Home Residents Weigh Anchor and Take to the High Seas Residents at Bernard Sunley, the Woking-based care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, have taken to the high seas, sailing around the Mediterranean before heading off to the Caribbean, via Japan.

Throughout the cruise, residents have virtually visited different countries all whilst staying safely inside their specially decorated ‘Cruise Lounge’. They have been on excursions, tried new culinary delights, made and received country-specific souvenirs and enjoyed delicious cruise-like cocktails and tipples.

Following the success of their popular ‘2020 Around the World Culinary Experience’ activity, which saw residents enjoying new culinary dishes from around the world each month, Bernard Sunley’s Manager, Andy Cumper, decided to utilise one of the lounges at the care home. They used decorations to create an authentic travelling and cruising environment for residents. The Cruise Lounge has a holiday atmosphere and through clever imagery, gives the residents – or Cruise Passengers – a realistic cruise experience.

During lockdown last year, the idea of bringing global experiences to our residents was a runaway success. “It provides another focus to the day for residents, their relatives and the staff here,” said Andy. “We’re always looking for ways to engage and delight our care home community and knowing how well this was received last year meant we couldn’t wait to cast off and start travelling again.”

The international voyage began back in January and has continued each month, giving passengers the opportunity to experience different cultures, sights, traditions and customs. To make the virtual trip even more realistic, each trip begins with a video of a cruise boat sailing and then docking into port. Residents then go on excursions, taste the local delicacies and choose their own keepsake souvenirs.

So far, passengers have sailed throughout the Mediterranean, docking in Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, France, Monaco, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus and Tunisia.

Cruise Passengers were also treated to an excursion to landlocked Jordan and

visited the ancient city of Petra, which has been inhabited from as early as 7000 BC. When HMS Bernard Sunley made port in Italy, passengers found themselves moored in the Port of Civitavecchia. They were taken on a virtual coach trip and visited beautiful Rome which was first known as The Eternal City.

Using imagery and videos, residents took in all the historical sites and admired the stunning architecture.

Tour stops included The Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, The Vatican City and Spanish Steps, plus a look at the 2,200-year-old Bocca delia Verita, also known as the ‘Mouth of Truth’, which was featured in the 1953 film Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Andy Cumper, said: “Our Cruise Passengers have had a lovely year visiting a vast array of international countries and learning about different cultures and civilisations.

Taking part in the cruise and visiting all the different destinations has been very stimulating and everyone has enjoyed the escapism – visiting sunnier climbs when it’s been raining outside. The virtual trips were great for reminiscing and sparked a lot of conversations about past holidays and brought back lovely memories.”

Andy concluded: “We’ve not stopped yet. Our next destination is the Caribbean.

We’ve already visited the shores of Jamaica, where we tasted delicious Jamaican food and learnt about the island’s natural beauty and history. Our passengers heard all about how the Spanish colonised the country after Christopher Columbus arrived there in 1494. In addition, how in 1655, the British conquered Jamaica and established many coffee, sugar and cocoa plantations.

“All the passengers are looking forward to visiting our next destination, Barbados.

Whilst enjoying themselves in the Cruise Lounge, one passenger asked, “How do we know that the ocean is friendly?” Nobody knew, until he said, “It’s easy, it waves.”

That had everyone laughing, which has been a common theme throughout the international journey. It’s great to see and hear everyone having a fun time.”

PAGE 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

Health Secretary Urges Vulnerable People to Get Covid-19 Boosters Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid has called for the UK to come together to help vaccinate those most vulnerable to COVID-19 with booster jabs.

He called on families and friends to support elderly loved ones and those most at risk of the virus to get their vaccines urgently to ensure they are protected over the winter months – which will save lives, reduce the pressure on the NHS and ensure the UK can continue to live with COVID-19 without restrictions.

It comes as almost 10 million people in the UK have received their top-up jabs, with seven in 10 over 80s and three in five over-50s in England already boosted.

NHS England will be inviting another three million people who will become eligible for their booster next week. More than 13 million invites, including texts, letters and emails, have already been sent to eligible people in England so far asking them to book their booster online through the National Booking Service. The additional letters due to land next week will mean around 16 million invites have been sent in England since the NHS booster programme began.

COVID-19 booster vaccines have been delivered or booked in at every older adult care home in England where safe to do so, with almost nine in 10 care homes already visited.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Almost 10 million people in the UK have received their COVID-19

booster and third jabs – a phenomenal achievement in under two months. As we approach this milestone, I want to thank those who have come forward and urge everybody across the nation to get vaccinated, get protected and get boosted.

“We know immunity begins to wane after six months, especially for the elderly and the vulnerable, and booster vaccines will top-up their protection to keep people safe over the winter.

“I strongly urge everybody who is eligible for a COVID-19 booster or flu vaccine to take up the offer as soon as you can. For those not yet eligible, please help your parents, grandparents or vulnerable loved ones get their jabs – it could save their life.

“And if you haven’t yet had your first and second vaccines, it is not too

late – the NHS will always be there to welcome you with open arms.

“This truly is a national mission. If we all come together and play our part, we can get through this challenging winter, avoid a return to restrictions and enjoy Christmas.”

The National Booking Service will be updated tomorrow (Monday 8 November) to allow those eligible for a booster vaccine – people over 50 and those most at risk of COVID-19 – to pre-book their jab five months after their second dose.

People will still receive their vaccine six months after their second dose, but the change will speed up the vaccination programme by allowing people to receive a jab the day they become eligible, rather than waiting for a convenient appointment.

People will also be able to book by calling 119 and can get vaccinated at hundreds of walk-in sites across the country six months after their second dose without an appointment. Those eligible can use the NHS online walk-in finder to locate the most convenient site.

The latest evidence from SAGE shows that protection against symptomatic disease falls from 65%, up to three months after the second dose, to 45% six months after the second dose for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, and from 90% to 65% for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Protection against hospitalisation falls from 95% to 75% for Oxford/AstraZeneca and 99% to 90% for Pfizer/BioNTech.

Salutem Services Scoop Top Prizes In Photography Competition

Riverside Walk by Megan Gwyer (Cwmbran)

rapher of the winning picture, said: “I’m so happy that our picture received third place in the photography competition. We had a marvellous time on the walk, and that joy was caught on camera.

“At Cwmbran, we want the individuals we support to have fun and live their best lives, so trips and special events help us to get everyone in good spirits.

“I’m delighted that this picture of our lovely riverside walk spoke to the judges and represents HumanKind across the whole of Salutem.”

John Godden MBE, CEO of Salutem Care and Education, said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part in our photo and video competition.

“We saw so many examples of HumanKind and what it means to our team. It’s fantastic to see so many people living the Salutem values. The pictures really captured a lovely moment. Very well done.”

Ladies on the Pier by Emma Mann (Morley Road)

Cwmbran Day Opportunities in Cwmbran, Morley Road care home in Tiptree and Oxclose Lodge care home in Nottingham were celebrating after receiving third prize in a photo and video competition.

The services, which are part of Salutem Care and Education and aim to empower the individuals they support to enjoy the freedom to live fulfilling lives, scooped the prizes with photos of the individuals supported by the service.

The competition brief was to show what HumanKind, the premise at the very heart of Salutem, meant to staff and the individuals they support through a photo or video.

The winners received a Fujifilm Instax Polaroid camera, and the top three entries were also presented with a printed canvas of their winning photo to display at their service, as well hanging at the Salutem

head office in Windsor.

Megan Gwyer, Service Manager at Cwmbran Day Opportunities and the photog-

Home Spa by Remi Fox Novak (Oxclose Lodge)

Legrand launches Legrand Care, Its New Global Brand Specialising in the Assisted Living, Health, and Social Care Sectors Legrand, global specialists in electrical and digital infrastructures launches its new consolidated brand for the Assisted Living and healthcare market called Legrand Care. This new powerful brand allows the company to be stronger in the international market of connected care, taking advantage of synergies and improving the value of products and services for the care sector.

Legrand Care was born from the integration of the brands that make up the Assisted Living and Healthcare (AL&HC) business unit of Legrand: Intervox, Tynetec, Aid Call, Jontek and Neat. “The coming together of five highly regarded, customer centric, long established assisted living and healthcare brands into Legrand Care is a significant milestone in our journey”, Chris Dodd, CEO of Legrand Care, states.

Likewise, Arturo Pérez Kramer, who has assumed his new role as Deputy CEO of Legrand Care formerly CEO of Neat, explains "that this relevant union of forces responds to the objective that Legrand established in 2020: To improve people's lives". This great challenge "is the essence of our commitment and our consolidated strategy in the new brand, Legrand Care," Pérez adds.

Caroline Mouminoux, Sales Director of Legrand Care and Silver Economy manager in France, formerly Silver Economy representative for Legrand France and Director of Intervox, declares that they are “very proud of this announcement” and that, with the launch of this new brand, “Legrand confirms once again that assisted Living and healthcare is a strategic market for the Legrand group, and we see this as a great opportunity to address some of the social and economic challenges this sector faces”.

This alliance reinforces Legrand's strong commitment to “the connected care market and the silver economy and opens the doors to accelerate developments and innovation”, Íñigo Ruiz Cossío, Director of Product and Marketing of Legrand Care says. Thanks to the creation of Legrand Care, more than 40 years of knowledge and experience of the members of this division are put into joint value “under a common

strategic vision, with a coherent image in the market, the five brands will cease to operate as segmented entities and will concentrate their strengths to position Legrand as the leader in connected care worldwide”, Ruiz highlights.

In this sense, Mouminoux affirms that "this new Legrand Care division is excellent news for all our customers, partners and stakeholders in the health and social care sector and will give us even more capacity for innovation, to anticipate technological challenges and will allow us to confirm that we are a key player in this market".

All the members of this division feel very motivated by this alliance and share the deep conviction that our shared resources, solutions, interests, and vocation will make them stronger and will allow them to work together in the development of “proactive and preventative agendas, always placing people at the heart of our services. We will be more innovative because we will concentrate our efforts into achieving our shared objectives”, Ruiz remarks.

Dodd assures that all members of this new brand firmly believe that "this strategic union will facilitate the fulfilment of the mission and vision of this entity": • Mission: A tireless commitment to truly understand customer needs, enabling innovative digitally connected care solutions to be delivered. To be the technological partner of clients, offering comprehensive and fully managed solutions that allow them to efficiently deploy improved care services.

• Vision: To empower and help people live the healthiest and most fulfilling lives they want in the place of their choice.

“Together we will be better able to channel our combined resources into new product development and will continue to remain nimble and be proactive to the changing needs of our customers with the strength, resources and quality controls of Legrand, the global specialist in electrical and digital infrastructures in support”. Dodd concludes.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 33

CQC Reports On Safe Use Of Radiation In Healthcare Settings The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have published its latest annual report on its work to enforce the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations in England.

The regulations aim to protect people against the dangers from being accidentally or unintentionally exposed to ionising radiation in a healthcare setting.

A small proportion of errors happen when healthcare providers are using ionising radiation when diagnosing or treating people, and the report focuses on what the CQC found from inspections of healthcare providers and from reviewing the errors they notified us about between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021.

The report also provides data on the number and type of statutory notifications of errors. There was less activity across all types of imaging in 2020/21 because of the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Over 34 million diagnostic imaging examinations were carried out on NHS patients in England, and of these, 23 million used ionising radiation.

During 2020/21, the CQC received 499 notifications of errors, which is a small proportion of the total activity. Of all notifications received, 329

(66%) were from diagnostic radiology departments, 35 (7%) were from nuclear medicine and 135 (27%) were from radiotherapy departments.

A key source of errors continued to be when referrers requested imaging for the wrong patient. The report also found that inadequate checks about the patient’s identity or mistakes by the operator were

causes of errors. Although notifications relate to incidents where there is risk of harm, the majority do not result in harm to patients.

For some of these inspections, we made recommendations for improvement or took enforcement action. Areas identified for improvement included the need to ensure that procedures, protocols and guidance for staff were up-to-date and effective, and to strengthen training and supervision arrangements. In some cases, we found insufficient support for staff from medical physics experts.

Inspectors also saw how COVID-19 had exacerbated pre-existing staffing problems. Staff shortages and recruitment difficulties were affecting the ability of departments to maintain their regulatory compliance.

The report includes practical actions for IR(ME)R employers to improve compliance with the regulations. It also shares examples of the steps some providers have taken in response to errors to improve quality and safety. It is important that healthcare professionals learn from these examples and identify where they can make improvements in their own services.

Newcastle Care Home Residents to Take Part in Pandemic Art Project Kenton Hall care home in Newcastle has signed up for a creative initiative that will include artwork telling the story of older people’s experiences during the Covid pandemic.

The home, in Kenton Lane, is taking part in the Home Comforts artistic project, which will involve artist Sharon Bailey building positive and meaningful relationships with older people, their families and care workers during an eight-month period.

A key aim will be to demonstrate the value of care home residents participating in the Arts and celebrating and sharing the creative achievements of care homes in the wider community.

The scheme, which is financed by Newcastle City Council with Public Health Covid Recovery funding, and supported by Newcastle University, also will focus on: •Finding new ways to integrate the arts into care home settings to help benefit older people longer term •Attempting something more challenging to address the key issues that have come to the fore during Covid for people living and working in care homes

It also will involve using different artforms and techniques to explore

their stories and life experiences.

Steve Massey, operations director at Solehawk, said: “An important part of the culture at our care homes, including Kenton Hall, is organising a wide range of activities to boost residents’ mental and physical well-being.

“The Home Comforts project shows how beneficial it is to collaborate with external organisations and individuals to add new dimensions to what we can offer.

“It will give our residents and staff the opportunity to learn new arts skills, which can continue to be used even after the project has drawn •Delivering high quality arts activity that is accessible to people at a time when seeking out such opportunities is difficult.

Elements of Home Comforts will encompass residents helping make artworks that tell of their experiences, including during Covid, which will be shared with others in the community.

to an end.”

Sharon Bailey said: “Artistic and creative engagement can prove an effective means of expression by stimulating memories and helping forge relationships and friendships within a care home setting.

“Older people have fascinating stories to tell and their reminiscences and experiences deserve to be shared with the wider community.”

PAGE 34 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

Overhaul of Training Programme Solidifying Knowledge Within Incoming Carers and Senior Roles The first phase in a complete overhaul of training at a specialist home care facility has been completed, aiming to help incoming staff pick up the tools needed to hit the ground running and expanding the specialised knowledge of senior figures.

Meddyg Care, which has two dementia specialist care homes in Criccieth and Porthmadog, has revamped its induction programme to help new health care assistants develop the relevant skills and information needed to provide the highest level of care to residents.

The alteration of the training programme is the first step in a full redevelopment of Meddyg Care’s training systems, with the second phase including the relocation into a purpose-built training facility.

The site, which will be developed next door to the company’s head office in Porthmadog, is due to open in the winter.

Training and development manager Samantha Bowley said: “Our care homes aim to provide the highest quality specialist care to those with dementia and as a result, we wanted to revamp the training programmes to be more directly tailored to that mandate.

“Our new programme is split across three major areas, with each one aimed to help different learning styles benefit as well as provide a wellrounded base of knowledge in a manageable manner.

“Ensuring staff are well-prepared when they walk through the doors of our care homes is one of our top priorities, as is the continuing development of all our carers.

“We ease everyone into the main systems and operations at our facilities as well as ensure they are meeting all the required regulations

to progress towards gaining a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in care.”

The programme, which runs across eight days, takes new employees through a wide range of topics to ensure they can hit the ground running in their position from the start of their employment.

Among the additions are workshops focusing on dementia and the role it plays when it comes to the care of residents, personal care techniques, and conflict resolution and awareness.

Staff also spend time at the facility they will be based in to meet the residents they will be working with and the areas and processes specific to each care home.

Samantha added: “These workshops aim to mix more theoretical exercises with practical activities so our carers can understand the importance and right practices to undertake.

“They also get to meet the residents and start developing a bond of familiarity and care with them, which becomes vital once they begin working in the homes.”

Alongside the overhaul of the organisation’s induction programme, Meddyg Care has also increased the depth of specialised training amongst the home’s senior staff.

Eight employees across the two homes will undertake the Royal College of Nursing-accredited best practice in dementia care learning programme run by Stirling University.

The training will also be managed by Samantha, who will lead the seminars as a local approved facilitator.

Samantha added: “Dementia care is a field which is constantly developing, and it is vital to implement the latest knowledge and skills within the industry.

“The course run by Stirling University is a perfect example of how our experienced staff members can continue to add on to their knowledge and themselves professionally, which is a top priority of ours.”

For more information about Meddyg Care, visit https://meddygcare.co.uk

Care Team Celebrate Over 100 Years of Service A team of care workers is celebrating this month after discovering that between them, they have over 100 years of service, working with the same company.

The team of seven Managers and Care Workers have worked for Radis Community Care, providing care and support in the home across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire for decades. Sara Haigh, Kim Rause, Kathy Illsley, Tracy Lowe, Claire Hall, Charlotte Hunter and Lisa Crane have all worked for Radis for at least eight years.

Lisa Crane has worked with Radis for 16 years, starting as a Care Worker in 2005 and working her way up toRegistered Manager of Clarence Park Village in Malvern and she’s also the Support Manager for the area. She told us: ‘When I first started at Radis, I had no idea I would still be with the same company all these years later. I love my job; my team and I are delivering vital care and support both in the community and here at Clarence Park. We get so much satisfaction from knowing that we’re

‘100 years is a long time and it’s testament to how much I love my job and the company. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to support many clients who are over 100, so to have collectively reached that milestone makes me really proud. The job is perfect for me because I’m making a difference in my community but I’m able to fit my working hours around my children.’

In their time working together, the team have walked for miles through snow to reach some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. They’ve been supported by the emergency services to reach clients by boat in the floods and of course battled through the coronavirus pandemic.

Lisa added: ‘We all love what we do but we are also a really tight knit team – of making a difference to people’s lives every day.’

Sara Haigh has been a Support Worker with Radis for 14 years and works alongside Lisa at Clarence Park, she told us:

Holding Fire Doors Open Legally Fire doors, which are part of fire safety provision within care settings can pose a barrier to the mobility and wellbeing of residents.

Residents can feel isolated and alone as the closing action of the fire door closer fitted to their room door doesn’t allow them to keep their door open. They are unable to interact with staff and other residents as they walk past their room, which can impact on their mental wellbeing. Gangways with fire doors and closers are also hard to manoeuvre if you are frail.

Don’t be tempted, though, to use an object or door wedge to hold fire doors open, this is a breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and you could find yourself facing a heavy fine or even a custodial sentence.

However, there are ways of legally holding fire doors open, which enhance the independent mobility of the elderly without compromising your fire safety integrity. Certified fire door holders and retain-

course we support our clients, but we also support each other to make sure we’re always delivering top quality care. Here’s to the next 100 years!’

ers can be fitted to fire doors, enabling them to be pinned open.

Fitting battery-operated door retainers, such as Dorgard, Dorgard SmartSound and Freedor SmartSound could not be easier and they provide you with a legal solution to holding your fire doors open. Easily installed by your handyman they can be fitted to existing fire doors. These devices ‘listen’ for the sound of your fire alarm and on hearing it will automatically activate and allow your fire door to close, preventing the spread of fire.

Fitting Dorgards on fire doors along corridors will empower your residents to independently move from one area to another, increasing their independence as well as contributing to good mental health.

To ensure that you can fit the right type of fire door retainer to suit your needs Dorgard have developed a range of products. Dorgard original is best suited to small or medium settings with low to normal noise levels, whereas Dorgard SmartSound can provide the right solution for noisier environments where the enhanced sound recognition is beneficial. Dorgard Pro offers the ability to manage up to 500 fire doors and gives you a ‘one glance’ check system, ideal for large premises.

Holding fore doors open gives you the added benefit of increasing ventilation as well as reducing common touch points, which can prevent the spread of viruses.

If you would like to find out more about Dorgard or to discuss your needs further with our knowledgeable customer care team please call 0800 612 6287 or visit www.safelincs.co.uk/dorgards.

Lancashire Care Homes Celebrate their Vaccination Rates Longridge Hall Care Home and Ribble Court Care Home near Preston are celebrating after all of their staff received their second COVID vaccinations.

The homes, which specialise in residential, dementia and short-term respite care, have achieved recognition for their 100% vaccine uptake.

Longridge Hall Care Home was issued with an award for achieving a 100% staff vaccination rate by Director of Public Health, Dr Sakthi Karunanithi and Louise Taylor, the Executive Director of Adult Services and Health & Wellbeing for Lancashire County Council.

The news comes ahead of the Government’s deadline of November 11 for all care home staff to be double vaccinated, excluding those with medical exemptions.

Tracey Hartley is manager of Longridge Hall Care Home in Barnacre Road, which is part of the Sandstone Care group of homes.

She said: “We are delighted that all of our dedicated and caring staff have been double vaccinated, all ahead of the Government’s deadline.

“Everyone who has received their second jab has also been booked in for their six-month booster.”

Sam Smith, Registered Manager of Ribble Court Care Home in Much Hoole, a nursing home specialising in complex care, said: “We are proud of our high standards and want to deliver the best possible care to our residents, which is why it is important to us to ensure that all our staff are vaccinated.”

Steven Hamblett, Senior Operations Manager for the Sandstone Care Group, said: “At Sandstone Care Group we work closely with Public Health, Local Authorities and the Care Quality Commission to implement all guidelines regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our dedicated home managers work hard to ensure best practice is followed throughout each home and by every member of staff.”

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

Carer’s Challenge to Minister over Ed Balls Documentary Invitation to debate future of social care A care provider, whose homes appear in a new TV documentary on the crisis in social care, has challenged the Government to debate the issues raised in it.

The first episode of Inside the Care Crisis with Ed Balls will be broadcast on Monday evening.

Now Mike Padgham, whose Scarborough homes appear in the twopart documentary, has invited both Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Social Care Minister Gillian Keegan to meet and thrash out the issues shown.

“The documentary exposed a social care system in meltdown but now we need to hear what the Government intends to do to address the crisis,” said Mr Padgham, Managing Director of Saint Cecilia’s Care Group.

He is hosting an event to mark the documentary, which will include excerpts from both programmes and a question-and-answer session with presenter Ed Balls and the production team. He has invited the Secretary of State and Minister to attend, on 3 December.

Mr Padgham allowed a crew into his nursing and care homes in Scarborough as part of the two-part BBC Two documentary on the challenges facing the social care sector.

He hopes the programmes will prompt the Government to tackle the under-funding and staffing crisis in the care of our oldest and most vulnerable.

“The result is an unflinching, two-part documentary that shows, warts and all the challenges facing social care at the moment,” Mr Padgham added.

“But we have to move forward and tackle the very real challenges that social care faces. As providers we have many ideas and suggestions and need the Government to listen and take action.

“By inviting the Secretary of State and Minister to the screening event we hope to open constructive dialogue, offer solutions and discuss the many issues that the two programmes show.

“To begin with we want to see the Government delay the introduction of compulsory vaccinations for care staff until April as they have done for NHS staff.”

The crew filmed in Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home and Saint Cecilia’s Care Home in Scarborough in the midst of Covid-19 restrictions during the summer to provide an in-depth and “immersive” view of the current

state of social care.

“Above all, I think the documentary, over its two parts, poses the question: what value do we place on the care of our oldest and most vulnerable? Mr Padgham said.

“It challenges the Government over what it plans for social care and we hope it sparks it into taking action.

“I am grateful to our residents, their relatives and our staff for agreeing to take part in the documentary. Doing things like this does bring with it risk but we wanted to show the blood, sweat and tears that is shed to provide care in 2021,” he added.

“We did so to show people a snapshot of the situation. We were very careful; everyone gave consent and all the crew were tested and wore full PPE. “Care providers are working extremely hard to provide the best possible care in a sector that has seen more than £8bn cut from funding since 2010. Some 1.5m people are living without the care they need and we have 120,000 staff vacancies across the country. Things are only going to get worse.

“The staffing crisis has been exacerbated by Brexit robbing the sector of overseas job applicants and people finding other, less stressful and better paid work elsewhere.

“The million people receiving care at home and in residential homes, the 1.5m who can’t get the care they need and our amazing staff all deserve better.

“If this documentary can help get the crisis in social care higher up the political agenda and bring about some positive change, it will have been well worth it.”

Cleva Launches to Bring Fintech Revolution to the Care Sector Cleva, a fintech developed for the home care sector, has launched its payments system for home care agencies – bringing a safe, quick and easy way for carers to shop and handle expenses for people under their care using a single card, and removing the hassle and admin of using cash.

The new system brings proven technology developed by a leading UK-fintech to a whole new market, enabling care agency staff to spend more time looking after the clients they care for, and ensuring transparency of payments for both those under care and their families. Cleva is available for care agencies today and additional information can be found at www.clevacard.com.

Cleva provides every client with a digital wallet which can be loaded and monitored by them and their family. Each care worker then has a single Cleva Mastercard prepaid debit card which they can use for all of their clients, and an app which allows them to select a client’s digital wallet and spend on their behalf.

Until now, carers have had to juggle petty cash, paper receipts and allocating correct change for each of their clients – which is complex and time-consuming to manage when buying items for multiple clients at once.

“The core business of care agencies is to look after their clients and dealing with petty cash means they have less time to do that. In particular, when looking after multiple people, the manual payment reconcilia-

British Lion Egg Products Gets Cracking with Newest Member Eleven of Britain’s largest processed egg suppliers are now signed up to the Lion scheme, after Chippindale Foods, a leading supplier of free range eggs, became the latest to gain Lion accreditation.

British Lion egg processors now account for around 90% of all egg processed in the UK, making it easier than ever for retailers, food manufacturers and caterers to source independently audited egg products processed to the highest standards of food safety.

Established in 1930 as a mixed family farm, Chippindale Foods now provides British Lion eggs in liquid and boiled form, as well as Lion shell eggs, to the food manufacturing and foodservice industry.

The company can now capitalise on research that shows Lion recognition has increased beyond 80% in the last year, with more than three quarters of consumers stating that they would be more confident buying food with a British Lion mark on the packaging[1].

Claire Anderson, General Manager of

Chippindale Foods said: “We are extremely excited to gain Lion accreditation because it means we are offering our customers egg products that meet the highest food safety standards, as well as being able to meet the growing demand for Lion egg products. Our company ethos is about providing the highest quality British free range and organic egg products, so it was an easy decision for us to sign up to the British Lion processing standards.”

Andrew Joret, Chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, said: “We’re so pleased to welcome Chippindale Foods as our newest Lion Egg Processor member. This is great news for users of egg products, whether retailers, food manufacturers or foodservice, who want to be able to source eggs that have been processed to world-leading standards of food safety.”

For more information on Chippindale and other Lion egg suppliers, including the products available please go to www.egginfo.co.uk/british-lionegg/products/product-suppliers [1] Consumer research into attitudes towards eggs and egg products, 3,000 Nat rep UK 16+, September 2020

tion alone creates piles of unnecessary admin,” said Tom Bishop, CMO at Cleva. “We built Cleva to solve this issue using the same fintech approach which has revolutionised payments for consumers in the UK. Cleva delivers a better way, saving time and hassle for carers while also giving peace of mind to agencies, their clients and their families.”

Cleva significantly eases agencies’ time and cost of managing a remote team of care workers by providing the care agency with a comprehensive web-based management system that allows full oversight of all payments and usage. The prepaid debit cards can be activated, deactivated and topped-up with funds without the need to divert the care worker to visit the local office.

Security features include a range of payment restrictions, preventing payments being made across certain controlled areas including gambling and adult services, alerts when payments are made on the card, and full oversight of card usage by both the client, their family and the care agency.About Cleva Cleva is the first fintech developed specifically for the care sector bringing a safe, quick, and easy way for carers to make payments and buy things for the multiple people under their care all using a single managed prepaid card - removing the hassle and admin associated with using cash.

Cleva brings proven technology developed by a leading UK-fintech to the care sector, enabling carers to spend more time looking after the clients they care for, and ensuring transparency of payments for both those under care and their families. Cleva is available for care agencies today and additional information can be found at www.clevacard.com.

The Cleva card is issued by Transact Payments Limited pursuant to licence by Mastercard International Incorporated. Transact Payments Limited is authorised and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.

C&S Seating Ltd is 30 Years Old! Since 1991, C&S Seating has been providing postural control equipment to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and medical equipment services nationwide and supply regularly to the NHS. 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 - 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. Soft Knit material provides maximum comfort – ideal for the colder seasons and can also fit snug over our waterproof rolls for maximum protection.

The Carer Reader Exclusive Celebrate 30 years with C&S, when you purchase a Waterproof or Soft Knit covered T-Roll or Log Roll you can purchase a spare cover for just £30.00 inc VAT. This offer will run until 21st December 2021.

Quote offer code CARER30 when placing your order.

It is recommended you seek professional advice to select the correct product depending on your needs. Please visit our website for full returns policy and further information.

Contact us on 01424 853331 or visit 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.

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Uniquely Adapted Clothing By Adaptawear At Adaptawear we specialise in uniquely adapted clothing for day and night. Our garments are designed to help improve independent and assisted dressing, removing the limitations of conventional clothes.

A key product in our night time range is the Iona Nightie; fully opening at the back and at both shoulders, it can be put on from a lying or seated position. It ensures dignified toileting due to it’s open-back with generous overlap.

Another unique product to Adaptawear are the All-InOne Pyjamas, these feature shoulder to ankle and between the legs zips. These pyjamas are designed to enable carers to dress a person from a lying position.

They are suitable for people who have a tendency to inappropriately disrobe and help avoid picking and smearing behaviour. They also allow easy and quick access for toileting.

Our day time range is particularly popular with those who can independently dress with a few discreet adaptations. These include; velcro/magnetic shirts, front fastening bras, pull on elasticated waist trousers and discreet open back day and nightwear. Adaptawear clothing can help improve the life of those living with a variety of conditions and many of our items are available with VAT relief.

All items can be found at www.adaptawear.com or call 0800 051 1931 for more info.

Don’t forget to use code CR10M at checkout for 10% off your order.

Jolly Trolley Brings Therapeutic Activity and Entertainment to Patients That Are Isolating The Jolly Trolley® is an essential for any care establishment as it promotes social interaction between the service users and their carers. This innovative system is fully mobile and battery operated, allowing residents who may be unable to leave their rooms to also be included with ease.

The Jolly Trolley® comes complete with its own videos, quizzes, karaoke and other content, but personal music, photos and films can then be added from a USB stick to really bring out the magic!

Don’t just take our word for it here are just some testimonials from our very happy Health and Social Care clients:

The Power of Scent It has been known for many decades that fragrance has the power to evoke emotions and memories, whether it is smelling a perfume that reminds you of an occasion in the past or a loved one that perhaps wore the fragrance or bought it for you, scent can bring back all of those happy memories and occasions.

Your olfactory system is responsible for your sense of smell. Often called the “emotional brain”, it can instantly prompt powerful responses and memories. For instance, the scent of lemon might make you think of the lemon tree in your back garden growing up, but for another person it might be associated with the cleaning products their parents used in their childhood home.

Having lost both parents to dementia, I remember going to see my mam in her care home and presenting her with a perfume that she wore occasionally for special occasions, at this stage she did not know my name, but I sprayed the perfume into the air and within seconds she told me what the perfume was and then over the next 30 minutes she was reminiscing of the times gone past, this had the same effect when we played her music to her, the memories and emotions came flooding back.

Whether you use essential oils, fragrance oils or a mixture of both the scent can play a major part in your wellbeing and mood, for instance the aroma of fresh citrus and fresh green notes will make you feel uplifted, awake and fresh,

Chester Park- Megan Allan, Activities “The fact that we can upload what is relevant to the specific Individual is so meaningful for that person and I can assure you we have shed some tears being able to be part of that residents memory journey. It has been an amazing addition to our care home – from staff and residents – thank you.”

Pennine NHS Trust - Beech Ward“we have been able to provide therapeutic activity & entertainment with ease to patients that are isolating” To see what the Jolly Trolley® can do for you, call us for a free demonstration on 0800 093 8499.

while rich fresh floral notes will give you a feeling of happiness, and spring and summer, while oriental will give you a feeling of warmth and a relaxed state of mind.

At scentworks we offer a substantial range of essential oils, fragrance oils and formulations of both to suit all environments and needs whether it is for communal areas, washrooms, waste areas, offices, personal rooms, entrances etc. Our oils are all manufactured within the UK and are all IFRA controlled and compliant.

Our scent diffusion equipment is discreet but also stylish, very quiet and very low maintenance, requiring only 1-2 service visits per year on self-replenished units which helps to keep costs to a minimum, from as little £1 per day.

We have a selection of scent diffusion equipment with a wide range of coverage from small tabletop units suitable for an office environment, floor or wall mounted options for medium sized areas and up to larger units that connect directly to an air conditioning system above a roof void. All our scent diffusion equipment is programmable, which means that once set up you can just enjoy the fragrance not having to worry about switching the machine off as it will happen automatically.

We offer a wide range of pricing solutions, whether this would be renting or purchasing of equipment along with fragrance and equipment packages, we are totally flexible to suit your requirements.

Visit www.scentworkssolutions.com or see the advert on page 12.

MOWOOT II for Constipation Free Life MOWOOT II - a novel noninvasive and non-pharmacological solution to chronic constipation Developed by a team of medical professionals, MOWOOT II performs gentle abdominal massage that speeds up intestinal transit in the sufferers of chronic constipation.

Clinically proven and sideeffects free, MOWOOT II Chronic Constipation Therapy System fights constipation effectively, safely and comfortably without laxatives, enemas or colon cleansing supplements.

Comfortable to use MOWOOT II treats and manages chronic constipation in people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease and medication-related constipation problems. MOWOOT II also combats idiopathic chronic constipation of menopausal and post-menopausal women and elderly people.

In a published clinical study*, MOWOOT II increased evacuation frequency, softened stools, improved regularity, reduced gasses and bloating and relieved

abdominal discomfort. Results showed that as many as 72.2% patients experienced increased bowel movements, 77.4% patients manifested reduction in constipation symptoms and 81.0% patients enjoyed better quality of life.

10 – 20 minutes per day of abdominal massage with MOWOOT II demonstrates improvements with significant results noted within days after the first treatment. Regular applications ensure positive health benefits and better quality of life.

MOWOOT II – effective, safe and comfortable solution to chronic constipation!

* McClurg D; Booth L; Herrero-Fresneda I. Safety and Efficacy of Intermittent Colonic Exoperistalsis Device to Treat Chronic Constipation: A Prospective Multicentric Clinical Trial. Clin Trans Gastroenterology 2020; 11(12): e00267.

Contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 www.win-health.com

Specialist Dementia Bathroom Design Guide Launched by AKW AKW, a leading provider of accessible home solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of a new guide to creating dementia-friendly bathrooms.

Produced with advice and support from specialist dementia design advisers at the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), it offers best practice guidance on designing this important space.

The bathroom is one of the most challenging and dangerous places for a person with dementia and Dementia Friendly Design aims to compensate for the changes people experience when living with this condition. Importantly, a dementia-friendly bathroom doesn’t need to cost more than a standard bathroom adaptation, but the products and guidelines regarding colour etc. need to be followed to ensure maximum safety and comfort.

Lynsey Hutchinson, Senior Interior Designer at DSDC, University of Stirling, comments: “The bathroom, despite being one of the smallest rooms to design in any building, is one of the most complicated. Indeed, there are at least ten tonal considerations within a bathroom or shower room. These include tonal contrast

for surfaces / critical planes such as walls, floors, doors, skirtings, sanitary ware and toilet seats which should achieve a minimum contrast of 30 points LRV (Light Reflectance Value) in order to see one object against another.”

Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW explains why the new dementia guide has been developed: “We have worked with the University of Stirling to translate the complex issue of dementia into practical design points that can be easily applied in any bathroom adaptation. The guide details the seven major dementia challenges that impact bathroom design and gives specific advice on what to install and where, to help overcome these issues.

From flooring colour to lighting placement, the guide has it all.”

For health and care professionals, specifiers, relatives, contractors and social landlords wanting to find out more, AKW’s Guide to Creating Dementia-Friendly Bathrooms is available to download from https://www.akw-ltd.co.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2021/08/3121AKW-Dementia-guide-12pp_LR.pdf See the advert on page 9 for further details.

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.

Visit www.yeomanshield.com for details or see page 10.

Scrubs UK and Uniforms UK

Scrubs UK and Uniforms UK are part of Uniform Group UK Ltd suppliers of Medical and Healthcare Uniforms. Our main aim is to provide the best products at the most competitive prices and are proud to be an ‘NHS approved supplier’.

We pride ourselves on our excellent reputation and customer service and firmly believe that building relationships with our customer is key to offering the best service possible.

Our uniforms meet infection-control requirements and offer the best in durability and comfort. We stock a wide range of styles, colours and sizes to suit everyone.

Our own brand ‘Scrubs UK Premium’ range is one of our best sellers offering all day comfort together with durability and of course style!

WE ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SEND YOU A FREE SAMPLE OF OUR SCRUBS UK PREMIUM SCRUBS SET PERSONALISED WITH YOUR LOGO FOR YOU TO SEE FOR YOURSELVES!

Renray Healthcare Renray Healthcare has been producing high quality furniture for over 50 years and is one of the UK’s largest and leading suppliers to the healthcare sector. Whether you require a fast efficient delivery of quality furniture or a full room installation and fitting service, we have the experience and resources to handle your contract.

We manufacture and assemble our products in our own purpose built factories in Cheshire and Europe to British Standards. Hence we are able to ensure your furniture is produced to the highest quality, working with you to plan and meet your projects time schedule and budget.

We understand you are purchasing furniture that is fit for purpose, stylish and will continue to perform well into the future, which is why we design and build our

We stock all major brands including, Cherokee, Dickies, Behrens, Alexandra, Koi, Orange Standard, Simki and Skechers.

Healthcare uniforms come in all shapes and sizes, and we sell them all!

We can also provide you with your catering staff, maintenance and reception uniforms.

PERSONALISATION OF UNIFORMS IS OUR SPECIALITY! All embroidery is carried out in-house so we are able to react quickly to your order.

For a limited time, we are offering FREE EMBROIDERY SET UP (normally £20) to all new customers.

You will always speak personally to a member of our team when you call who are more than happy to help you with your requirements.

Call today on 01270 814141 or visit www.scrubsuk.com or www.uniforms-uk.com See the advert on page 20.

furniture with you in mind.

Telephone: +44 (0)1606 593456, Email: info@renrayhealthcare.com, www.renrayhealthcare.com or see the advert on page 3 for details.

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

CATERING FOR CARE Has The Pandemic Created A Permanent Change In The Way Catering Operates?

Rupert Lynch, Client Relationship Manager and Executive Chef at allmanhall, the independently owned food procurement expert, discusses whether the pandemic has led to permanent changes in the way catering operators work. Have caterers adapted and improved their operations as a result, or are they likely to return to the old ways of doing things.

REVIEWING STAFF AND OPERATIONAL PROCESSES

Circa 18 months since the start of the pandemic, catering establishments are now well versed in the intricacies of ‘Covid compliance’.

Kitchens have adapted to an ever-changing environment that was outside of their control and devised systems that could cope with the guidelines laid down by the Government. Following the relaxing of all rules in England, catering teams have undertaken risk assessments to ascertain whether all or some of the changes made over the previous year are required or whether they could adapt and implement some of the ‘enforced’ changes to enable a better and more efficient operation.

Catering teams are still hesitant to make too many alterations, but many have relished the ‘new normal’ and many changes will now become permanent. These include the way the canteen or foodservice facility is laid out, how food is served (self-serve or served) the number of items on the menu and myriad of other changes that albeit were previously enforced, have now proved to be highly beneficial. For example, structuring lunch

service in schools, care homes and offices, to enable reduced volumes in canteens has been substantiated as a very successful practice, however this does have an impact on staffing hours in order to cope with the longer lunch service.

Another benefit has been the introduction of split services, utilising servery counters to mirror a like-for-like service across the canteen, the offering has been reduced. In some instances, this has meant the lunch period allocated has been maintained, but at the same time held additional costs despite no increases regarding labour hours or shifts.

One key consideration caterers have had to deal with was addressing the risk of a complete kitchen shutdown due to one or more staff testing positive. This has been a very real concern and limitation; a number of kitchen teams we have spoken to have stated they will be maintaining a ‘bubble’ status, whilst still trying to ensure an element of flexibility.

Keeping teams working in bubbles has so far meant that some catering teams have been able to maintain a service even during the “ping-demic” of summer 2021.

The indication at the time of writing is that many are looking to revert to pre-pandemic operational processes for their foodservice, including the use of crockery and cutlery in place of disposables.

SUPPLY CHAIN CONSIDERATIONS

Supply chain challenges and disruption continued into the summer period and has been further exacerbated by the shortage of HGV & LGV delivery drivers and issues surrounding availability of product. Catering operations must ensure they have adequate stock going into the autumn and are going to need be prepared to change menus, last minute.

Service level agreements with suppliers are now subject to increased scrutiny and operators are going to fair best by being understanding of

Major NEW Product Launches Make a Change for the Better!

Keeping healthy is increasingly seen as a social responsibility with many consumers now being motivated to protect their health not just for themselves but also for the ‘greater good’. In research that Major carried out, a staggering 93% described strengthening their immune system as important. That’s why at Major they have been busy creating an industry first… A gravy which

not only tastes amazing but is a great source of Vitamin D! Major’s Instant Gravy is allergen free, suitable for vegetarians and vegans, meets 2024 salt targets and is available in two varieties, perfect for meat and poultry dishes.

Want to find out more and try for yourself, simply drop us an email at: higham_ferrers.samples@givaudan.com or give us a call on 01933 356012 quoting The Carer for your free sample.

See the advert on the previous page for details.

the situation, aware that they may not receive deliveries within their agree window. From allmanhall’s insight into how both clients and suppliers are adapting and planning ahead, it seems that the majority of catering teams are managing this well, communicating, showing flexibility and placing orders day 1 for day 3 as a minimum.

HYGIENE

By their nature, kitchens are designed with good hygiene in mind and the pandemic forced an even more rigorous cleaning regime. Areas to keep a focus on are key touch points, cleaning regularly and deep cleaning the whole kitchen area at least once a week. A number of clients have spoken of the changes they have made to their shift and staffing requirements to facilitate this, and the extra training that has been required, too.

OPPORTUNITIES AND THE FUTURE

The majority of catering operators allmanhall has spoken to have indicated they will revert back to pre-pandemic levels and processes for some operational activities, notably the way the menu is designed. During the pandemic, menus were reduced to cope with the extra demand on staffing levels and time taken to pre-package food for delivery across campuses, for example.

That said, having discussed this with a number of catering teams, they have largely indicated that although there will be more choice back on the menus, they will tailor it in such a way that the production methods are no more labour intensive than they have been over the last 18-month period.

Operators have taken this opportunity to review their existing procedures and practises and implemented changes that they may have been previously considering, as improvements.

See the advert on the facing page for details.

Cracking New Egg Dishes For Care Homes from Chef Martin McKee

Martin McKee, former NACC Care Chef of the Year, has created a series of new recipe videos showing how British Lion eggs can be used to create exciting, creative, and nutrient dense dishes to support the needs of care home residents.

The recipes have been created to reflect the growing trend for menu simplification that has emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting staff and skills shortages, as well as incorporating nutritious ingredients in an original way.

The five recipes have been developed in association with a specialist dietician to meet various nutritional requirements of residents, including undernourishment, dementia and dysphagia. The dishes include both savoury and sweet recipes and include Chicken and Leek Stuffed Mushroom; Deconstructed Spanish Omelette; Smoked Turkey, Cranberry and Egg Fried Sandwich; Lemon Meringue Pie; and a Custard Filled Doughnut.

All the recipes are designed to serve 12 or more people and are easy to follow.

British Lion eggs are approved by The Food Standards Agency to be eaten runny or

even raw by vulnerable groups, including care home residents. Before the change in advice for Lion eggs, care homes had to restrict the way they served eggs, but the change in 2017 meant that care home residents could once again enjoy a dippy egg, and benefit from a range of other nutritious, and delicious egg-based dishes.

Martin said: ‘’Eggs are a must on care home menus and are a fantastically versatile ingredient. I have created a range of savoury and sweet recipes, calling on familiar favourites with a modern touch. The recipes I’ve created highlight the nutritional benefits of eggs, as they contain key vitamins and minerals and are high in protein which is essential for care home residents’ diets. I have also ensured that the recipes are straightforward and easy to replicate so that they can be enjoyed in care homes of any scale.”

The video recipes are available to view on British Lion eggs YouTube channel and can also be found on www.egginfo.co.uk/tv See the advert on page 32 for further details.

PAGE 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL A Person-Centred Approach To Mobility and Hygiene across care settings and need to encompass both physical and cognitive capabilities determined through individual assessment. Assisted hygiene solutions are designed to allow you to work in an ergonomically sound position, to reduce the risk of injury, whilst supporting a beneficial interaction with your resident.

Caregiver safety is paramount, and factors, which affect the risk of musculoskeletal injury, should be considered, such as: • The number, type and functional mobility levels of residents being transferred or participating in hygiene routines • The inadequacy (or absence) of suitable equipment • Restricted spaces • Lack of education and training for care skills To mitigate these risks, evidence has demonstrated that education alone is insufficient. Use of the right equipment improves caregiver safety and reduces injury-related costs for the organisation.

Understanding functional mobility, combined with selection of appropriate equipment to support your resident and caregiver can assist in addressing this challenge.

Visit www.arjo.com or see the advert on page 22.

Maintaining a level of independence and involvement in activities of daily living for those in your care can be a challenge.

Using the Mobility Gallery™ assessment tool (figure 1) allows you to understand a person’s functional mobility, the level of assistance required, the risk to the caregiver and the importance to stimulate functional mobility.

Person centred care places the resident at the centre of all we do. This assessment tool helps to optimise the mobility of the resident, improve dignified care and reduces the risk of injury to both the resident and the caregiver. Promoting mobility is the driving force behind The Positive Eight™ philosophy shown in figure 2.

When looking at specific hygiene tasks, needs differ significantly

Waterless Bathing Products Could Help Nurses Reduce the Risk of Infection Transmission

By Yvonne Carter, Clinical Director at GAMA Healthcare (https://gamahealthcare.com/) and previously Head of Infection Control at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (www.royalfree.nhs.uk)

For both nurses and carers, helping patients with their personal hygiene and bathing are essential components in quality of life and quality of care. Bathing has been argued to have a strong effect on patient well-being and patient comfort.

For immobile patients, sometimes, a body wash in bed is the only option.

Traditionally, the bed bath is performed with water and soap. However, alternatives are increasingly used in health care. Washing without water is one such alternative that has been claimed to provide several advantages, such as improved hygiene and skin condition. In practice, it is fast, minimises discomfort and results in less mess. In two studies, nursing staff have significantly preferred washing without water over traditional bathing.i Built on the experience from GAMA’s founders, the Carell wipes are an easyto-use bathing solution to clean, moisturise and refresh. Delivering a full body wash in a single product and no need to spend time gathering supplies. They contain aloe vera and active moisturisers to promote healthy skin. They're dermatologically tested, alcohol, lanolin and paraben free with a patented skin-pH neutral formula.

SPEED AND EFFICIENCY Wipes replace the need for traditional cumbersome patient cleansing methods, which include preparing bowls, washcloths, soap, lotions and water. They require no towel drying which decreases waste, increases staff compliance and may save money. A time in motion study comparing traditional bed bathing with waterless bathing in elderly care wards was carried out in practice, finding that staff saved 40 minutes whilst delivering care to six patients.i

In the previously mentioned study, it was found that the experience was preferred by patients and improved staff practice due to the simple one pack one person formulation.i The drying time for the wipes is minimal, reducing the need for abrasive towelling, whilst the wipes themselves are soft. A study showed the prevalence of skin abnormalities in the traditional bathing group increased overtime, whilst the waterless bathing group observed a decrease in abnormality prevalence.i Additionally, another study showed a significant difference in skin dryness, favouring the waterless group.ii

INFECTION PREVENTION Carell wipes also remove the risk of microorganism transmission associated with wash bowl contamination, risks from re-using washbowls between patients, spillage, non-drying of washbowls or less than effective decontamination between washbowl uses. Improved patient cleanliness reduces the number of microorganisms present to transfer to healthcare workers, visitors and the environment The wipes are designed for use on each area of the body and can be used and disposed of safely, breaking the chain of transmission via bath basins. Once waterless bathing has been completed, wipes can be resealed in their original packaging and safely disposed of. This reduces the risk of outbreaks and HCAIs associated with drainage systems.

A randomised trial into the cost-consequence of washing without water revealed there is no difference in costs verses traditional bed bathing, making waterless washing the more efficient alternative.i Find out more about Carell Wipes and access to dedicated training/resources on waterless bathing https://gamahealthcare.com/carell i https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25173772/

PATIENT COMFORT AND PREFERENCE

ii https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-017-0425-4

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.

Haigh - Discover the Benefits of Disposable Bedpans Working with care operators nationwide, Haigh helps simplify pad and pan disposal. Clients have reduced or eliminated waste bag collections, resulting in cleaner, nicer sluice rooms. Haigh can minimise the hassle involved in change, with delivery planning, installations, staff training, and ongoing servicing capabilities; so you can focus on infection control and a great patient experience.

The Haigh team has been working alongside care providers to adapt to new ways of delivering maintenance, service and user training to fit with on site teams and the additional constraints that the latest infection control and test procedures bring. This has been well received, for example one

multi-site care operator has also achieved significant operational cost benefits by moving a wide rage of maintenance services inhouse, including waste disposal, and benefited from the expert support that Haigh have provided.

With an in depth understanding of the end to end process for patient waste disposal, right through to the point where it is no longer the responsibility of the site, we know what is best for drainage and compliant effluent as well as the importance of reliability of the waste disposal machines themselves. For more information on how the Haigh team can help improve your pad and pan disposal processes please call or email the team at info@haigh.co.uk

PAGE 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL Power Driving Productivity In today’s world, the cleaning industry faces complex challenges and increased demands where cleaning is about keeping people safe.

Increasing productivity is the key to meeting these demands and increasing standards.

The new NX300 Pro Cordless network from Numatic delivers professional level cordless performance to a versatile and expanding range. Quicker, safer and more convenient, switching to Pro Cordless raises productivity levels, saving time and money.

An extensive research and development programme utilising the latest battery technologies has resulted in the newly developed 30 cell design, delivering a 60% increase in available energy. The

NX300 battery pack has been engineered and tested for extended commercial use.

Investing in the right cordless network will drive cost efficiency and return on investment. Networked solutions reduce purchase and maintenance costs. Users can specify and ultimately reduce charger and battery requirements, delivering up to a 50% savings compared to stand-alone cordless fleets. The NX range includes both cylinder and back-pack vacuums while floorcare is covered with the ever popular TTB1840NX scrubber dryer and the newest additions with the 244NX compact scrubber dryer and RSU150NX Sanitise Pro. To find our more visit: www.numatic.co.uk/nx300

Brookvale Care Home Relies on Rensair to Deliver 24x7 Clean Air

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

Air purification specialist Rensair has supplied Brookvale care home, located in Prestwich near Manchester, with portable, hospital-grade air purifiers to help prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

Brookvale is a care home for adults with learning and physical disabilities, providing a calm, relaxed place to live and visit.

“That calm and tranquility was challenged when the pandemic hit”, said Carl Richmond, CEO at Brookvale.

“It became clear that we needed to put measures in place to ensure that we’re better equipped to deal with further potential outbreaks.”

After conducting research, Brookvale sought advice from Rensair and, following a site visit to assess communal areas and occupancy levels, received a proposal based on the company’s modular, portable air purifiers. Rensair's patented technology, originally developed to meet the strict air quality requirements of Scandinavian hospitals, has since been adopted worldwide by doctor and dental practices, care homes and hospitals, including several NHS trusts.

“Rensair’s pre-Covid experience

with hospitals added credibility and we had some prior knowledge of UV disinfection because of our hydrotherapy pool”, said Carl. It stands to reason that trapping pathogens with HEPA before destroying them with UVC light is more effective than fly-by-kill methods on moving targets.”

In a test to determine the Rensair unit’s performance in reducing the concentration of Covid-19 particles in the air (using MS2 bacteriophages as a proxy for SARSCoV-2) , the Danish Technological Institute recorded a particle reduction rate of 99.98 % in 15 minutes and above 99.99 % in 30 minutes. Furthermore, the test reported 100% elimination of virus particles on the filter, with zero traces detected.

“We now feel that the health of those within our care at Brookvale is properly protected and their families are reassured”, concluded Carl.

“Equally important is the protection of mental wellbeing. For our clients, that means being allowed to continue their scheduled activities as well as enjoying unrestricted family visits.”

See the advert on this page for details.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 45

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Keeping Care Homes Hygienic Textile Services Association provides support for care homes looking to improve laundry hygiene bagging soiled items, separate storage areas for soiled and clean textiles,

The Textile Services Association (TSA) has released guidance aimed at the care home sector to help explain how laundry helps control infections and how commercial laundries can help to raise hygiene standards.

This is part of the ongoing effort the TSA has made during the pandemic to help encourage high standards for hygiene in a number of sectors, including healthcare and hospitality. The advice is based on research carried out by De Montfort University, in association with the TSA, which was aimed at determining the survivability of coronaviruses on various fabric types and laundry processes.

This research demonstrated that while model coronaviruses can survive in water at 60°C for ten minutes, when combined with the agitation washing machines impart and detergent, no trace of the virus was found at 40°C and above. However, other pathogens like C.difficile, B.cereus, E.faecium and so on will require further thermal disinfection.

For care homes looking to maximise their hygiene, the knowledge that professional wash processes effectively eliminate the infection risk from pathogens and coronaviruses is good news. However, it was also determined that the tested strain of coronavirus can remain infectious on polyester fabric for up to 72 hours, and 100% cotton for 24 hours. It’s also possible for polyester fabric to transfer the virus to other surfaces for up to 72 hours.

With this in mind, the TSA recommends that care homes review procedures for laundry, including the loading and unloading of washing machines and the handling and storing of soiled and clean textiles, focusing on the need to reduce the chances of cross contamination. While each care home will have its own processes, common areas to focus on include

FowlerUK are Back!

Revolution Max Ltd has a change of name and owner. We’re pleased to announce that Revolution Max Ltd will now be known as Fowler UK (Trading) Limited and is back in the hands of the original owner, David Fowler. Fowler UK are a nationwide supplier of commercial laundry and

ensuring that collection and delivery times for laundry are different, and putting in rigorous procedures for sanitising all at risk areas.

The pandemic has hugely increased the importance of maintaining the strictest hygienic standards in care homes. While some care homes may be able to implement the kind of systems required to guarantee the safety of their laundry needs, from resident’s bedsheets, clothes etc. to staff uniforms, the services offered by commercial laundries provide a simple solution to these logistical issues.

The TSA has created a technical bulletin outlining the government’s advice, as well as breaking down the kind of steps care homes should consider as part of any risk assessment they take to improve the hygiene of their laundry procedures.

As well as this, the TSA will be running an interactive webinar later in the year allowing operators to ask a panel of industry experts questions related to laundry hygiene.

The bulletin can be downloaded on the TSA’s website, from the healthcare section of the documents library, and further details about the webinar can also be found there.

The TSA is the trade association for the textile care services industry.

The TSA represent commercial laundry and textile rental businesses.

Membership ranges from family-run operations through to large, multinational companies.

Visit www.tsa-uk.org for more information.

catering equipment.

With a team of fully trained, gas certified field-base engineers, FowlerUK are a one-stop-shop for all your servicing and maintenance requirements. We also offer tailor made finance packages to suit any budget.

Contact us today for further information on 01200 444430 or by email sales@fowleruk.com.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 47

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Forbes Professional Ensures That Care Homes Meet Stringent Industry Requirements For any care home, there are key considerations when it comes to their in-house laundry operation.

Firstly, the process must be entirely compliant with CQC and the Department of Health, secondly it must adhere to the industry’s stringent WRAS requirements. In order to maintain the requisite hygiene control levels, is imperative to source appropriate commercial laundry equipment. It is also essential to ensure best practice through the sorting, segregation, transportation, processing and storage of all laundry items.

The Department of Health’s Technical Memorandum (HTM) 01-04 requires that, for appropriate decontamination of linen, care homes must employ both thermal and chemical disinfection. Care homes also need to ensure that staff are trained in using the laundry equipment. Should the CQC find that a care home falls short of these requirements, the home may be placed into special measures, shut down or prosecuted.

LaundryTec

LaundryTec is the culmination of 40 years’ experience in the laundry equipment market by its founder Jeremy Hartigan.

Based in Chester we offer support for our own Lavamac brand and all other makes.

Uniquely LaundryTec will offer support for any laundry equipment, with reliable, cost-effective after sales support across the UK via our in-house service department Supported by Alliance Laundry (The World’s Biggest manufacturer) we distribute the Lavamac range of equipment that’s unique range of features include, Data Tracked Operation, Auto-Weight loading, Automatic chemical control, Simple to use controls and market leading efficiency in energy consumption make it a market leader The Air Sourced Heat Pump Dryers cost less to dry

WRAS deems all care homes to be high risk Category 5 for the water contamination risk and washing machines therefore need to include a backflow prevention system. It is therefore imperative to use commercial laundry equipment.

Forbes Professional is currently celebrating 95 years of service. A well-established family business with a nationwide infrastructure, Forbes provides care homes across the UK with highly efficient WRAS and CQC compliant laundry solutions. Proud partners of market leaders Miele, they offer the highest quality of both product and service. Forbes has a team of qualified in-house and gas-registered engineers, and all work is fully CHAS approved. They carefully specify the right equipment for each requirement and support clients with comprehensive user training and an inclusive same/ next day service response. info@forbes-professional.co.uk Telephone 0345 070 2335 18kg of washing than boiling a kettle!

Auto- Chemical control and Auto weight Control calculates the energy required to the actual load and can control the chemical usage and offer reduction of up to 50% in chemical usage!

Every replacement machine includes Installation, commissioning and as standard 24 months Parts and Labour Warranty.

CMM customers will receive a 36-month warranty as Standard.

If you want a friendly amenable face that can deliver on their promises let LaundryTec offer you the kind of support we offer Bupa, Care UK, Abbey Healthcare, and many others to your home?

From Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) to fully comprehensive cover and reactive support properly maintained, and supported laundry equipment should be a cost effective, relaxed part of the care homes operation?

Check out our website www.laundrytec.com to see what of customers say info@laundrytec.com

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

LaundryTec Ltd offer a unique approach to laundry equipment

We don’t want to replace equipment or sign you into a long-term agreement.

LaundryTec want to support your existing equipment, through PPM, Gas Safe Compliance and Quality emergency support.

Quality, Innovation and Support

BEFORE

We are also Lavamac distributors

www.laundrytec.com

0151 317 3127

AFTER

info@laundrytec.com

PAGE 48 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

NURSE CALL AND FALLS PREVENTION

Why 4,438 Daily Falls In UK Care Homes Deserve Our Attention

A recent report,’ “Responding to falls in care homes: two innovations” by Dr Mark Hawker and River Rea from Involve, discusses how best practice in post fall management can provide time and cost savings to the wider health and social care system.

Combining benefits of assistive lifting technology and video-based clinical support could return costs savings of up to £3,911 per fall, whilst also safeguarding residents’ lives.

Across the 15,000 + care homes registered by the Care Quality Commission there are between 270,000 – 1,620,000 falls per year. As one of the most frequently reported accidents among residents, falls represent a pressing issue for providers of care, particularly as demand for places is expected to rise as the population ages.

Author, Dr Mark Hawker says, “the risk factors for falls in care setting are diverse and the multiplicity of elements influencing the likelihood of falls makes them incredibly difficult to eliminate entirely. For the individual, the consequences of a fall are numerous and distressing, while the repetitive lifting requirement of carers puts them at risk of musculoskeletal injury.

“The pilot studies we’ve examined demonstrate that by giving care home staff the tools to empower safe lifting reduces the time residents spend on the floor after a fall waiting for an ambulance and help to arrive. Organised and safe post fall care is better for the resident and more cost effective for the NHS.”

The report goes on to discuss the importance of reducing the risk of spreading infectious diseases by eliminating avoidable contacts. There are clear benefits of using technologies that reduce the number of external contact such as those that would be required to pick up a resident following a fall. While difficult to quantify, the reduction of contacts with healthcare workers such as paramedics, GPs and district nurses with residents is seen as essential during a pandemic.

Mangar Health CEO Simon Claridge adds, “we have been working with NHS Ambulance Trusts for nearly 20 years and yet this report has been incredibly eye opening for us. We know lifting fallen care home residents is a daily challenge to prioritising ambulance calls, yet equipment and technology could easily lift the considerable pressures they are under and save the NHS millions annually.

“We would like to call on NHS England, NICE and CQC to review the dynamics involved in a resident fall detailed in this report and consider alternative care models in a post pandemic environment.”

Anyone wishing to receive a copy of the report should email hello@involve.vc.

For more information email cbirt@mangarhealth.com Mangar Health Tel: 01544 267674 See the advert on the facing page for more about Mangar.

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Fall Savers®, are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years.

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers®. The NEW Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad. This results in less work for nursing staff, improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads. Wireless advantages include the ability to

use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices.

Benefits include:

Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems A variety of options, including: Call button Pager Floor sensor mat Wireless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR SENSOR PAD The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors.

Features include:

Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately): Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details or visit www.fallsavers.co.uk.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 49

NURSE CALL AND FALLS PREVENTION The New MPCSA11 from Medpage Medpage is a family ran company, with a huge heart and resources gathered over our 35- year trading history. The majority of the technologies we design, manufacture and distribute originate from enquiries received from healthcare professionals and personal family care observations. Our product portfolio provides a wide variety of care solutions for epilepsy, dementia, senior care, special needs and sensory loss.

Our latest innovation, currently in use in several Hospitals, presents an effective fall monitoring, detection and reporting solution. The MPCSA11 is a complex software driven sensor monitor made to be user and operator friendly. This device has already proven successful in hospital and care home trials by reducing

patient falls while also reducing false positives from a safe patient.

The device can monitor and interact with up to three sensor products: bed and chair occupancy pressure pads, PIR movement detection sensors and proximity signal products.

In use, a patient or resident rising from their bed would be considered a falls risk, but what if they are simply moving to sit in a chair close to their bed? A standard bed monitor would raise an alarm alerting care staff, who would arrive to find the person safely seated. The MPCSA11 would only generate an alarm if the person was out of their bed or chair for a selectable time duration. Learn more www.easylinkuk.co.uk/mpcsa11 Or see the advert on page 2.

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes Quiet and calm care homes ensure that residents are able to live in a more relaxing and pleasant home environment. Similarly, carers and staff find that they too benefit from reduced stress when working in a home where noise levels are kept to a minimum.

There are many environmental factors that can affect those sensitive to their surroundings, particularly those suffering from dementia, these can be fluctuations in ambient temperature, light, and of course noise.

Repetitive and high levels of noise can originate from a number of internal and external sources, for example, telephones ringing, loud conversations in corridors, and call bells sounding, often one of the largest contributors to increasing the levels of stress and discomfort in residents.

A published study by the University of Stirling stated that unanswered Nurse Call (Call Bell) alarms can be one of the most common causes of stress in dementia sufferers. The University recommends “fitting call alarms which alert nurses but do not resonate throughout the whole building. Alarms can be particularly disconcerting as they may encourage the person with dementia to respond or investigate what the matter is. At the very least the loss of sleep will compromise a person’s ability to concentrate. It can affect their attention levels and capacity to cope, as well as being detrimental to their overall state of wellbeing.

Personal paging systems are preferable to bells and buzzers.” Modern Nurse Call systems can incorporate a number of methods to reduce their impact in a care home. These include zoning whereby there are sepa-

rate alarm types used depending upon the location of the call. In these circumstances, dementia sufferers and those vulnerable to noise can be located in one “zone” whist less vulnerable residents live in an alternative “zone”. Each “zone” can operate different call tones, warning lights or other methods to alert when help is required Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tranquil environment for residents. Pagers have been around for many years, are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise, and can be added to most Nurse Call systems. Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning, e-medication, etc. Many Courtney Thorne clients are now utilising the “Go” app with their Nurse Call system. With the “Go” app, nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets, alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home.

Calmer residents ultimately means that staff are less stressed also, this creates a happier workplace where morale is greatly improved, staff are retained and CQC ratings improve. Clearly, the positive ramifications of a quiet Care Home run deep. Get in touch today to find out how we can help your home become a quieter, calmer, and more tranquil environment.

For more information email us at: info@c-t.co.uk

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

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

PAGE 50 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

NURSE CALL AND FALLS PREVENTION

NURSE CALL

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.

Nurse Call Systems from Alarm Radio Monitoring Alarm Radio Monitoring (A.R.M) is a UK based manufacturer of wireless Nurse Call and Staff Alarm systems; offering a comprehensive range of Nurse Call, Staff Alarm, Fire Alarm, and Door Access bespoke systems.

With over 28years experience in the design & development of wireless Nurse Call & Staff Alarm systems, A.R.M has established itself as a key player within the wireless solutions market to the public and private healthcare sectors.

Wireless systems can be fitted while your home remains operational, so you do not have to close rooms off and they offer greater flexibility and ease for future expansion.

Care Homes choose A.R.M nurse call systems because they: • are quick and simple to install.

• make it easier for staff to identify the source of calls because they give full text descriptions.

• give management the tools they need to monitor and control best practice. The system provides a full audit trail of which buttons are pressed and response times.

• failsafe eg alerts you in the event of a system fault or batteries are running low.

• carry a year’s guarantee.

• are supported 24/7, 365 days a year by specialist engineers over the telephone or online.

Take the ongoing cost out of your operation with our unique return to base service exchange policy and low cost of ownership along with flexible finance options.

No matter how demanding your environment, A.R.M believes everyone - whether you’re a customer in a care home or team member - should be within safe reach.

NEW PRODUCTS

NEW - Glove friendly, touch screen display.

Bed Angel – see advert on this page Our new and innovative falls detection system The Bed Angel ensures overnight bed monitoring and protection against falls, wandering and confusion.

For further details: 01568 610 016 or email sales@arm.uk.com

Edison Telecom - Specialist Solutions For Your Nurse Call Systems 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 extension 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

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 51

CYBER SECURITY

Why Cyber Insurance Should Be Part of Your Risk Management Programme As our reliance on the digital world increases it is no real wonder that cybercrime is on the increase, and this has been clearly evident in the last twelve months.

For the opportunistic cybercriminal, it’s been a good time to commit cybercrime, as we have moved away from our usual routines and reliable systems, leaving an exploitable gap in our security as we quickly adapted to new ways of working.

According to Police data analysed by cyber security company Nexor, there was a 31% increase in cyber related cases over May and June last summer. The most common attack occurred through email or social media, and accounted for 53% of all attacks on businesses, leading to substantial multi-million pound losses. Healthcare, financial institutions, manufacturing, real estate, and education were the most targeted industries.

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2020, released by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) revealed that nearly half of all businesses in the UK had reported cyber security breaches or attacks in the last 12 months but only 32% have insurance against such events.

Whether a big or small-scale event, a cyber-attack is likely to have serious consequences for any business – shutting systems, deleting data, preventing data access or stopping them from trading altogether.

Dealing with the fall out of a cyber-attack can be complicated and stressful, not to mention time-consuming and potentially expensive.

TYPES OF CYBER ATTACK Cyber-attacks can take many forms, all engineered to get the victim to disclose information or take action, or to infect systems with malicious software. Phishing, malware attacks and ransomware pose a threat to all businesses.

It’s common to think that cyber threats against businesses come from unrelated hackers, cyber-attacks or ransomware and are big events, but sometimes they can be more subtle and come from sources a little closer to home.

employees, your reputation and may ultimately affect the future of your business.

Having a comprehensive contingency and business interruption plan in place along with adequate insurance will help you to address and quickly overcome any fallout from a cyber-attack. A robust plan is vital to make sure you meet your legal obligations regarding data breaches and to reassure your customers.

THE BENEFITS OF CYBER INSURANCE

There are four categories that cyber threats against a business typically originate; insider threats, human error or negligence, external threats and third-party threats.

Wherever the threat originates the bottom line is how you to respond.

Have you thought about how you would continue to run your care home if you lost access to all your data? You could lose access to client records and supplier data, order information, diary appointments, financial data, your website and more. If you are held to ransom for access to patient files, the financial consequences could be significant.

Additionally, you may be affected by reputational damage, which could affect existing relationships and damage future prosperity.

You may need to rebuild and replace lost systems or create a new website. And, if a data breach occurred you are likely to face significant fines from the Information Commissioner’s Office.

All of the above will require money, time and resources and need to be addressed in a timely manner to help you retain customers,

Cyber liability insurance is a must for any care home business because it provides you with protection and peace of mind, should the worst happen. It will help against denial of service, which may occur with ransomware, the recovery from computer virus damage, which may have resulted in a significant loss of data, and other data breaches such as the loss of a memory stick or laptop.

Getting assistance quickly and from reputable, knowledgeable and reliable sources will be key in ensuring your business can continue to operate with minimal disruption.

If your care home holds data on a computer system, even with antivirus software in place, you can still be vulnerable to a breach.

Cyber liability insurance is relatively inexpensive and will provide you and your business with complete reassurance in the face of a data breach crisis.

Every business is different and will have specific needs, so make sure you get advice for your unique situation and requirements.

Don’t wait until you have experienced a cyber-attack to put measures in place, be proactive and help protect your business now.

Barnes Commercial Insurance Broker are specialists in arranging robust insurance for those operating in the care home sector. As independent advisers they provide impartial advice on the best solution for your specific needs.

Telephone: 01480 272727 Email: enquiries@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk www.barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk

Specialist care home insurance We arrange tailored insurance programmes for care and nursing homes, hospices and domiciliary care providers, for both staff and business owners.

Our extensive knowledge of the care market will help to ensure you have the right protection in place for now and, for the future.

Secure robust cover that’s right for your business.

CALL NOW FOR A QUOTE

01480 272727

Impartial advice from experienced advisers

Exceptional service from a dedicated account executive

Let us help you to protect your business with a no obligation risk review today!

Market-leading products from A rated insurers

Send us an email: Visit our website: Follow us:

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Guidance on risk management solutions including H&S and HR

enquiries@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk www.barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk/care /barnes-commercial

Barnes Commercial Insurance Broker is a trading style of Barnes Commercial Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN: 844370. Registered address: 3 Fenice Court, Phoenix Park, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambs, PE19 8EW. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 11909011.

PAGE 56 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Is It Time To Upgrade Your Workforce Management Technology?

Covid-19 has undeniably challenged care homes and will permanently reshape how many operate. The pandemic sparked the biggest and fastest transformation of the workplace.

Automation, digitalisation and innovation to fit with this new world is happening at a pace that we have never seen before. It’s clear that things are not going to simply return to the way they were, instead we all need to look to the future and re-evaluate systems and processes. Here are five areas that workforce management technology could assist your care home.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Workforce management technology gives you the ability to better manage the health and safety of your employees. You have the tools to ensure optimal shift patterns and rotations that take into account health and safety requirements, procedures and regulations. Your system can tell you things like - who is working where and when? Who in their teams they have been in contact with? If they have been self-isolating - when will it be safe for

them to return to work? Do they need a return-to-work interview? At the touch of a button, you have all the information you need to need to answer these and multiple other questions.

Workforce Planning & Optimisation Workforce management planning and decisions require accurate realtime information. It is extremely difficult to manage your workforce effectively without having detailed information on employee time, attendance, absences, activities, skills and scheduling. This pandemic has led to an extreme disruption around workforce management planning and optimisation. Care homes now need to find ways to ensure that their workforce is optimised under different conditions and a good system can automate many of these processes for you.

Giving employees Control The most successful organisations today are the ones that are putting their employees in control. They view them as their internal customers and are dedicated to serving their needs as well as the needs of the business.

By doing this, they foster a culture of empowered, engaged and motivated staff who are more satisfied, productive and loyal. With the use of selfservice solutions, employees can easily organise and manage their own time, attendance, schedules, annual leave, absences and personal details.

This in turn reduces queries, calls and emails to line managers, HR and Payroll Departments.

MANAGING NEW WAYS OF WORKING

As we move to a post Covid-19 world, it’s expected that new business priorities will lead to the reshaping of teams and upgrading of workforce procedures and policies that will take into account new ways of working. In order to do this, you will require reliable workforce data to determine budgets and costs. Having a proper handle on workforce costs and productivity will be critical to the smooth operation of your care home.

To find out more about how Softworks solutions could benefit your care home visit www.softworks.com or see the advert on page 15.

Even before Covid-19, employers were realising the benefits of introducing more flexible working options. Benefits including; increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and attracting and retaining talent. A good system will give you a fully automated way to record hours worked, maintain flexi balances and manage planned/unplanned absences. Employees can log attendance on a PC, tablet or mobile either by time or by honour-based email timesheets. No need for spreadsheets and no manual processes saving time, eliminating errors and reducing administration.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

everyLIFE Challenges the Status Quo Event season is in full swing and the team at everyLIFE Technologies are enjoying every minute of it.

Seeing customers, colleagues and peers face to face is a welcome return to normal and everyLIFE has a lot to talk about.

COVID-19 caused many new issues for the social care sector and highlighted many more that have been battled behind closed doors for some time, which the wider public knew little about.

Taffy Gatawa, Chief Information & Compliance Officer at everyLIFE explored these issues and examined what they mean for social care both now and in the future in her keynote speech, titled “An Uncomfortable Truth: Social care deserves more” at The Care Show earlier this month.

Looking forward to the event, Taffy said “We see so many hardworking professionals dedicate themselves to caring for others on a daily basis. There are common barriers that they have to try to overcome to provide the level of care that they want to, their frustration and disappointment is palpable. We want to do everything we can to help enable the best

All Your Care Home Needs Meet Matt Oxley, the man on a mission to help care homes save time and money.

Making healthcare simple: that’s Matt Oxley’s mantra. And as CEO of Wippet (having previously been a director at Four Seasons Healthcare and Barchester Healthcare) he’s just launched a one-stop shop that allows healthcare providers to order everything they need in one place from trusted and vetted suppliers.

Matt is available to talk about how he’s revolutionising healthcare with new website Wippet, which offers carers everything they need, from everyday essentials such as incontinence pads and wipes to bigger items including furniture. Users can compare products and read reviews, then complete their purchase in a few clicks – all in one place. Wippet is quick, easy and user-friendly, saving precious time that can be used to care for people.

Matt came up with the idea for Wippet as the Covid pandemic hit and disrupted

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Just think of a giant Andr Android oid tablet built into a solid oak surr surround, ound, on a base that houses a lar large ge battery to allow you to use it all day long and smooth running wheels for easy movement between rooms care rooms in your car e home. !

supply chains - with shortages in vital products adding to the stress for carers who were already under immense pressure. A meeting with childhood friends John Barrowcliffe - an ecommerce expert - and David Meikle - a marketing expert - led to the three deciding to leave employment for entrepreneurship, and build a marketplace for the care sector.

Matt’s career spans more than 25 years and has held senior leadership positions for some of the industries' most established brands such as Nuffield Health, BMI, Four Seasons Healthcare and latterly Barchester Healthcare - where he experienced first-hand the huge cost and complexity in managing a fragmented supplier market. He’s perfectly placed to talk about how Wippet can help reduce cost and pressure for staff in care homes.

“From the smallest residential home to the largest healthcare group, we know that time spent on unnecessary admin is ultimately time that cannot be spent delivering care – and that’s a major problem,” says Matt.

“Wippet offers a simple one-stop shop, where you can consolidate all your transactions into one place.” https://www.wippet.com/See the advert on page 17 for further details.

Customers and suppliers can also register their interest at www.wippet.com

How to enhance your residents residents experience --!!

Imagine a piece of e equipment for your car care home that can enhance the experience of your ts mentally y,, rresidents esidents mentally, physically and also emotionally Inspir Inspired ed Inspirations have been working dir directly ectly with car care e homes in developing their interactive touch scr screen een activity tables over the last few years, to pr provide ovide a range of scr screen een sizes and units to suit every car care e setting. setting.!!

care possible, regardless of location, setting and need.” everyLIFE’s steely focus in its support of the care industry and the people cared about extends to its digital care management platform, PASS. The platform’s newest feature, PASSreporting, uses Artificial Intelligence to track and collate recorded care activities, turning this raw information into actionable insights that carers and care managers can easily apply to enhance the care they provide and the operational efficiencies of their organisation.

Duncan Campbell, Commercial Director at everyLIFE, is excited by the opportunities PASSreporting offers “Care professionals gather a huge amount of information whilst they are with the people they care about, PASSreporting automatically interprets this and flags crucial moments that matter in someone’s care journey, from an increased dependency on care, to an increased likelihood of a fall. It has also been designed to highlight and support the operational needs of care organisation, including staff training requirements and simplified CQC visits, ultimately helping to save time and money.”

To find out more about PASSreporting see the advert on the facing page.

Mentally - Brain training apps, memory apps, quizzes, board board games, rreasoning easoning challenges. challenges.!!

Exercise Physically - Exer cise for the elderly online coordination, increased classes, hand eye coor dination, incr eased movement to move hands around around a large large screen.! screen.!

Emotionally - Reminiscence tours on Google Earth, past and present YouTube present clips on Y YouT ouT Tube of ! hobbies or interests, interests, religious religious services and Group Group ZOOM calls to loved ones who cant get to visit in your residents residents person!! person!! !

“We now, “W We use it daily da and would not be without ut it now w,, even the residents residents find nd it easy and fun to use.

Registerred ed Manager r,, Thank you!” Sandie Evans, Registered Manager, Oakland’’s Ca Car arre e Home, Crickhowell Oakland’s Care !

are made to or derr, if you’d like to All tables are order, enquire on a price guide and time scales for enquire deliveries, just visit their website www .inspir spiredwww.inspiredcom or scan the QR code on the inspirations.com right. For general enquiries, please email ! ! info@inspir ed-inspirations.com! info@inspired-inspirations.com!

“This amazing bit of technology is making a huge di!erence di!e !errence to our ou ur rresidents” esidents” Melanie Dawson, Manager, Manager r, The Lawns L at Heritage Manor

“W We’ve noticed notice ed that quieter rresidents esidents who didn’ “We’ve didn’tt interact too much with others have suddenly been mor re e ac active ctive and mor re e vocal.” Lindsey more more Davies, Home e Manager r,, Cwrt Enfys Manager,

The scr screen een is 5mm temper tempered ed glass for your rresidents esidents safety and sealed against fluid uid ingress ingress meaning a spill of a cup of tea won’ won’tt ruin your ! equipment. It also means an easy clean solution to stop cr cross oss contamination using any normal surface cleaner cleaner.! rr..!

See the advert on page 48 for details.

! !

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76 | PAGE 59

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Reliant Care Solutions Ltd 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.

For further information visit www.rcscare.net or call 03333 444 562.

Empowering Your Ambition with Xledger

Changing your finance system is not something you do every day. However, the benefits of taking this leap can advance the success of your care home – with greater insight and automated processes for your team, now and into the future.

Xledger is a leading provider of cloud-based finance software. It helps over 10,000 organisations in 50 countries streamline, digitise and automate their finances.

Accessible at any time, on any web-enabled device, Xledger has the tools to slice and dice your data and to

easily drill down from consolidation to individual level transactions. Its automated software can reduce the amount of time you spend on repeat invoices and expenditures. Xledger also prides itself on delivering a quick and simple implementation process with no requirement for a new IT infrastructure.

Ultimately, the 100% cloud solution helps you to reduce costs, run a leaner, more efficient finance department and understand key financials in real-time.

This gives you the opportunity to add real value to your organisation and frees up your time so you can focus on delivering the best care for your residents.

Xledger will be exhibiting at The Care Show 2021 (Hall: 3A, Stand: F64). Xledger Senior Consultant Peter Hucker will also be hosting a session on the morning of Day 1 of the event, entitled Modernise Your Finance System: Why, How and What to Avoid, which is taking place in the Business Compliance Regulation Theatre.

To book a demo or arrange a 1-2-1 meeting at the Care Show 2021, you can contact them by emailing mail@xledger.co.uk or call 0117 457 3293.

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

PAGE 60 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Why Now Is The Moment To Embrace Digital Health Technology As Part Of The Care Home System

By Axel Nordberg, Essity Global Brand Director (www.essity.com) As we emerge from the depths of a historic pandemic, the words of Florence Nightingale have never rung truer for carers around the world. From adapting to PPE requirements to abiding by social distancing, Covid-19 has forced all carers to relearn key parts of their trade to keep their residents safe and healthy.

Naturally, this has not come without a cost. According to our data at Essity, the pandemic has had a detrimental impact on either the physical health, mental health or emotional wellbeing of more than eight out of ten of the UK carers surveyed. Every carer said their role had changed, with 95% working longer hours to manage urinary incontinence, cleaning and sterilising responsibilities – the highest of any country in Europe. Ultimately, the bravery of our frontline heroes can only endure this emotional and physical toll for so long.

In the face of adversity, however, we must look forward. The development of digital health technology – and the appetite to integrate it into care homes – is accelerating at an exceptional rate, and the industry is realising that it is an essential component of a more efficient, higher quality future for care.

TAKING THE CHANCE TO CHANGE

The pandemic has provided the care industry with a moment to step

back and evaluate how it operates. Alongside the long-term impacts of Covid-19, an ageing population will soon demand a new delivery of care – with care homes unlikely to be able to accommodate every patient that needs their service.

For many, home treatment will become the practical solution. In recent years, digital health technology has made this process safer and more comfortable for those who require care, their families, and their carers. From medication reminder apps and ECG wearables, to information-sharing software that lets nurses access patient data remotely, innovation is delivering products and solutions to cater for home care.

As more care organisations integrate digital health technology into their operations, they build the infrastructure for a digital future of care.

With over a third of carers wanting the government or private companies to invest in more technology, there is a clear appetite to make that next step forward from those that matter.

IMPROVING DIGNITY AND COMFORT THROUGH TECH

To bring the power of digital health technology to life, it is important to discuss it in the context of the real, day-to-day issues putting an insurmountable strain on carers.

Managing urinary incontinence – an important yet challenging aspect of a carer’s day-to-day role – has had both a physical and emotional impact on the carer during the pandemic, with the rate of resultant exhaustion (25%) and resentment (13%) rising by 19% and 10% respectively since 2019. It’s not just the carers that are impacted – 80% of carers find it hard to maintain the dignity of those suffering from the problem.

Deploying technology to address these issues can be life-changing for carers and those needing care alike. However, the UK is currently lagging behind. Only 27% of UK carers said that they have access to

sensor technology to support incontinence care, compared to the European average of 32%.

Reusable sensors, such as our recently launched TENA SmartCare Change Indicator, can track when a patient needs changing and provide app notifications to their carers, ensuring instant attention and avoiding unnecessary checks. With 71% carers currently struggling with the time required to make frequent checks associated with urinary incontinence, this technology is invaluable to the efficiency of their role.

ENABLING A BETTER TOMORROW FOR CARE

The value of digital health technology in the management of urinary incontinence is just one example of the impact it can have in a care environment, albeit a strong one: 98% of UK carers say that it helps them feel better about their role.

This figure alone highlights the value of digital health technology in enabling carers to react to health issues sooner and in a smarter way. By integrating technology into the care routine, any decline in the residents or loved one’s well-being, however slight, can be tracked and used to notify those that can provide the necessary support. As patterns appear in their personal data, it even has the potential to allow carers to predict and prevent various health issues.

As an industry, we must continue to work together – as innovators and carers – to co-create digital health technology solutions that will have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. The pandemic has provided the care sector with an opportunity to engage in digital transformation and provide its frontline heroes with the technological support they need to keep those in care, safe, healthy, and happy. Better connected care will deliver better care, for everyone.

Empower Your Care Teams With Flexible Digital Care Management Nourish Care is a Digital Care Planning provider that works with a range of different care services, including residential, nursing, dementia care, learning disabilities, large care groups and more. The app-based system is made up of digital care plans, custom interactions and personalised timelines for everyone within a care service. The digital platform allows care teams to record at the point of care, and analyse data over time to tailor care plans to the individual’s needs. The most important goal for Nourish is to enable carers to spend less time on admin, and more time providing face-to-face, person-centred care.

Nourish were one of only two software providers to be assured by NHSX for its DSCR (Digital Social Care Records) Digital Purchasing System (DPS) at launch, and were also the first to be certified by the Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB), with whom they worked very closely to define a new set of standards for interoperability across the care sector.

Some of the most recent additions to the Nourish platform include a Medication Module that allows care providers to streamline medication management. The app also now has an additional option to use Nourish Insights - a powerful reporting and analytics feature that allows care owners and managers to closely track and monitor trends within those they support, to continue to improve the delivery of care.

To learn more about the Nourish platform, you can visit them at The Care Show on 13th & 14th October at stand H82. Founder and CEO, Nuno Almeida will also be delivering two talks on the 13th, including Accelerating Quality Improvement by Empowering Circles of Care and Digital Social Care Records - Joining Up Care.

You can also contact Nourish to book your free personalised demo by visiting www.nourishcare.co.uk or calling 02380 002288.

PAGE 62 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Check EU Employees Right To Work, Warns Bizimply Care employers will need to keep clear records of their team members’ immigration and right-to-work status as the UK moves into the post-Brexit ‘hostile environment’ from 1 July. Care workforce specialist Bizimply is warning businesses that they need a clear and accessible record of every employee’s status in order to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.

Under UK law, employers face imprisonment and unlimited fines for knowingly employing someone who does not have the right to work in the UK. Employers using Bizimply’s suite of workforce management software can easily and confidentially record all the necessary status confirmation and supporting documentation for employees, and make it available to check if required.

Employers can be jailed for five years and pay an unlimited fine if found guilty of employing someone who they know or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to work in the UK.

Details of the Settled Status regulations are at www.gov.uk/eusettledstatus. An employer toolkit is at www.gov.uk/government/collections/eu-settlementscheme-employer-toolkit See the advert this page or visit www.bizimply.com

Global Software Solutions

Leecare is a leading UK and international aged care sector software system. The Platinum 5 (P5) system supports all CQC standards for optimal resident and operational management.

Designed by aged care expert staff and tailored specifically to aged care organisations, P5 assists with predicting, recording and providing evidence for all resident and business needs in one user-friendly system. Leecare’s comprehensive software suite encompasses all clinical and managerial requirements on one platform assisting with the management of clinical risk and freeing up more time for staff to spend with residents all whilst exceeding CQC requirements.

WHAT MAKES US THE EXPERTS?

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

Our extensive sector knowledge and experience as a result of more than 28 years in the aged care business, positions Leecare to be the software solution of choice across five continents. Our global client base is built of 900+ government, small independent services, and multi-facility corporate organisations in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, and China.

Our senior management team have years of collective experience working in, consulting to, and managing care organisations. This has led us to develop the P5 suite – an unparalleled clinical, care, lifestyle, medication, operations, and financial management software solution specifically created for the health and social care sector.

CUSTOMISATION

Leecare’s comprehensive Platinum 5.0 program is easily customised to meet specific organisational needs. Offering as much or as little flexibility as desired, P5 assessment content across the suite and linked Apps can be modified to provide clients with reassurance that the software is fit for purpose.

Integral to the program is a specialised form and report builder which enables easy tailoring of the program. Organisations can build or modify assessments, monitoring charts care plans and reports as well as change default and individual resident settings ensuring optimal function and success.

Visit www.leecare.co.uk for further information.

PAGE 64 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

PROPERTY & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

The Vocabulary of Leadership

By Peter Bewert, Managing Director at Meaningful Care Matters (www.meaningfulcarematters.com)

Leadership! It’s a word that is commonly stated in many different situations. It comes up in personal, professional, social, family, and many other aspects of life. But what does it really mean and further still, what does it really do? Some would say that leaders are part of a bureaucratic chain that seeks to control the lives of us mere minions, conforming us to societal rules made by leaders who are above the leaders, and the bigger leaders beyond that… bureaucracy at its best! So, many self-help and leadership books assert we must ‘tap into the leader within’, well, what happens when one struggles with deciding what to have for breakfast and praying that we simply make it through the day without inadvertently telling someone to ‘go away’ (usually said with a more uncouth colloquial vernacular in one’s head and on occasions, out loud).

As human beings, we complicate many things all too frequently and most of the time unnecessarily. Leadership is simple. The test of a good leader is whether that person inspires you to make a change to better yourself as a person. Leadership, therefore, is about engagement, interaction, relationships, and connections which are meaningful and that matter. We all have the ability to tap into the leader within. Just as we all have the ability to use our leadership to inspire and empower, or to create a feeling of disenchantment around us. Over 25 years of working in health and social care, I have learnt 4 top motivators of emotionally led leadership. If we embrace these top four principles, we will undoubtedly influence positive cultures where people are real, people are genuine, and people can connect meaningfully: 1. Know Yourself: When we know ourselves and how we like to interact and engage with others, this is the first step to authentic meaningful relationship. This is the foundation of leadership.

2. Know your communication style: Knowing the way you like to give and receive information is important. This allows us to develop our communication styles where we are not so strong and in which others may have as their preference. This allows for better understanding.

3. You are not an oracle: Being open to other ideas and ways of thinking are essential. We don’t know everything and, sure, we can bring our best to the table, but when we truly listen to the collective thoughts and ideas of those who we engage with, that’s how we move from good to great.

4. You have a heart for a reason: People are driven by the heart and soul of their emotions. The difference between good leaders and great leaders is understanding emotional intelligence and the impact of emotions on people

and their actions. This means being open to feelings and emotions and learning to not only recognise them, but to also speak the language of feelings.

Culture is an umbrella term outlining the societal norms and behaviours which govern our behaviours. One could argue culture designs us and, in part, this is true. However, culture is shaped by the people within.

Leaders have the ability to impact culture. The question is, what influence will we exert on moulding our cultures of the future? I would like to think we are all seeking for a better world for ourselves and future generations to experience. This can only come when we embrace agile, emotionally intelligent framework, and this has to come from our leadership styles in action. Feelings, actions, interactions, and knowledge will shape our cultures of the future; we are the designers of the culture we wish to see.

Good leadership begins with self. It empowers self and others to be the best version of ‘me’ and embrace the unique individualism that comes from the diversity of beliefs and cultural practices.

So, what are you going to influence today?

Peter Bewert is the Managing Director at Meaningful Care Matters, a leading care and organisational development group that specialises in helping health and social care providers to access a variety of support services. The group helps to facilitate the creation, reinvigoration and sustainable implementation of person-centred care cultures where people matter, feelings matter, and we are ‘Free to be Me’. Contact the team on admin@meaningfulcarematters.com.

The Social Care Sector Faces The Most Unprecedented Workforce Crisis And Needs Urgent Government Support It is clear that care providers are struggling to recruit and this is due to a combination of factors including low wages, the pandemic, Brexit-related workforce changes and the implementation of the double vaccination policy. This is against a backdrop of an increasing number of adults who need support across the country.

Aston Brooke Solicitors working in conjunction with Care England, the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care, has urged the government to provide more support to stem the workforce crisis in adult social care.

Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England said: “Quite simply care providers are at breaking point. The writing is on the wall and without immediate help, as given to the NHS, the social care sector will crumple and not be there to support the NHS over the winter let alone in years to come”.

Care England wrote to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, outlining the crisis in the sector and the steps required to be taken by government with immediate effect.

This included: • Expanding the social care workforce by recruiting an additional 35,000 to 70,000 workers from abroad to combat the effects of the mandatory vaccination.

• Reducing the qualifying level for overseas recruitment for social care staff (£25,600).

• The inclusion of all care workers to the Shortage Occupation List and reducing the salary threshold for immigration • Waiving the Immigration Skills Charge for care workers

• Fast-track system to grant visas under sponsorship licenses for people working in social care • Bonuses/increase pay • Direct support to help fund those suffering from PTSD • The need for the continuation of COVID funds.

Martin added: “We have done an enormous amount of work on what could and should be done to help the adult social care workforce and hope that we can look to the government for support.”

Following the footsteps of Care England, a ground-breaking report by Community Integrated Care has found that the social care sector losing more than 34% of its employees every year and having 112,000 vacancies presently, this research brings into stark focus the roots of an unprecedented workforce crisis.

The social care sector is anxiously awaiting the government’s response on this pressing issue.

Aston Brooke is working tirelessly to address the recruitment crisis by assisting care providers. If any care providers require further information, please contact Mr Kashif Majeed at km@astonbrooke.co.uk See the advert on page 27 for further information.

Skills, Knowledge, and Confidence Delivered Online Covid19 reminded us all just how important the NHS and care home staff are to our society. We are grateful for their hard work and bravery, and feel honoured to support them through our Laser Care Certificate course and CPD short courses. Working in the care sector is certainly demanding, so our objective is to make it convenient and straightforward for workers to upskill and acquire confidence in the process.

The Laser Care Certificate course provides knowledge to cover every standard included in the official Skills for Care specification. Every lesson includes bespoke video tutorials specifically for the Care Certificate course, as well as reading materials and good practice examples. Furthermore, a mandatory quiz at the end of each lesson (which requires a 100% pass mark) ensures both competence and confidence.

Managers are able to create their own accounts to enrol staff on the course and track their progress. All of the content is accessible remotely via computer, smartphone or tablet, enabling care professionals to make progress towards the certificate in a way

that suits their circumstances.

Additionally, Laser delivers CPD short courses to equip staff with highly-relevant skills and knowledge so they can tackle new challenges or progress in their career. Two courses in particular – ‘Causes and spread of infection’ and ‘Infection control and prevention’ – were very popular during the pandemic.

Unlimited use subscriptions are available at affordable rates, for organisations wishing to take advantage of a large number of short courses.

Whether you are an owner, manager, or independent learner, please don't hesitate to get in touch for a free demo of the Care Certificate course platform, and/or the CPD short course offering. The Laser Learning team can be contacted on info@lasersys.co.uk or +44 (0)1753 584 112.

See the advert on page 11.

PAGE 66 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 76

PROPERTY & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Will Care Homes Face an Uncertain Future Without Further Financial Support?

By John Rozenbroek, CFO/COO at Capify (www.capify.co.uk) Care home workers have been at the forefront of the battle against coronavirus, and the sector has faced incredible challenges throughout this pandemic.

Reduced revenue due to a drop in the number of residents; an increased need for workers; high staff turnover and the additional cost of PPE and other safety measures within care homes has had a significant impact on cash flow for these businesses.

The pandemic has highlighted just how crucial care homes are and the important role they play in supporting our loved ones at the end of their lives. However, there are fears now that without further financial support, the sector will suffer, and so will the level of care residents have access to.

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease and the country starts to reopen, do care homes really have everything they need to recover from this crisis?

THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Unlike NHS-run hospitals, care homes are often privately owned businesses and therefore their revenue comes from patient fees. In an effort to help the sector in its recovery, the Government announced additional financial support for care homes, including a £600 million adult social care infection control fund. However, this funding was distributed across local authorities and deployed at their discretion, and therefore wasn’t readily available to every care home business.

Boosting cash flow was the top priority for 57% of businesses in our recent survey, proving there is still huge demand for working capital.

For adult care homes having working capital to ensure high-quality care can be given to all residents and that they have the staff needed to deliver this is absolutely key. Cash in the bank is a necessity.

On top of all of this, the pandemic has put enormous pressure on workers within the care sector and as a result, many businesses have experienced high staff turnover and sickness, leading to a shortage of key skills. The State of Health Care and Adult Social Care report gives an indication of the toll the pandemic has had on the social care workforce with 7.5% of working days lost to staff sickness, compared with 2.7% pre-COVID-19.

But it's clear that SMEs, and especially those within the care sector are still in desperate need of finance this year despite the huge

amounts of money that have been lent through the BBLS and CBILS. The Pay as You Grow scheme will provide some welcome relief for many businesses, but it does not address the fundamental issue, which is that SMEs still need finance.

The majority of the UK’s ‘big banks’ are much happier lending to larger businesses with a long track record of profitability. But that doesn’t help SMEs and the impacts of the pandemic will have damaged the chances of many smaller businesses getting finance from a big bank.

That’s where I think the fintech industry will need to step up more than ever before to help companies bridge the gap. There’s already been huge growth with more and more business owners looking to get finance more quickly; with a simpler approach and with more flexibility.

For these reasons, I expect 2021 will be a big year for alternative lenders with the support for the care sector set to be high on the agenda.

Capify is an online lender that provides flexible financing solutions to SMEs seeking working capital to sustain or grow their business. The fintech company has been operating in the UK market for over 13 years and also has a sister company, Capify Australia, which provides similar services to Australian SMEs for over 13 years.

For more details about Capify, visit: http://www.capify.co.uk

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

We have organised over £1.8bn for clients in the past 30 years, providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt, ease cashflow and develop businesses further.

From helping clients make their first purchase through to allowing groups to grow significantly in size we

assist at every stage of your business expansion.

Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements.

Call us on 01242 227172 or e-mail us at enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.net

Selling by Auction Is the Fastest and Most Certain Way to Complete a Property Transaction

Owing to the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic, Charles Darrow Auctions is experiencing increasing demand from business owners looking to sell their Care Home premises by auction.

While government support continues, property availability is still low. However, market demand from buyers searching for former Care Homes for either investment purposes or alternative uses is high.

We are seeing sellers successfully take advantage of the high levels of market demand right now, rather than waiting to join what is likely to become a saturated market, with an anticipated influx of commercial property likely to be hitting the market in the first quarter of 2022.

To satisfy this demand, we are looking for entries into our next auction and will consider all types of Care Home.

Our company ethos is to achieve the best price possible by providing the most up to date accurate marketing advice to our clients.

Lucy Fuller, Auction Surveyor at Charles Darrow commented “An auction sale can often take as little as

four weeks from instruction to an exchange of contracts, whereas a standard Private Treaty sale is currently taking on average four to six months to reach exchange of contracts, with no guarantee the buyer will not withdraw from the transaction at any point in the process.

Our auction process allows people to seriously commit to a purchase when bidding, as contracts will exchange instantly to the highest bidder at the fall of the gavel”.

Sadly, a lot of business owners around the UK are now in some form of financial distress and with this likely to worsen as government support is withdrawn, a quick method of sale is likely to be required by many of them before the year end.

We believe that selling by auction is truly the fastest and most certain way to complete a property transaction and we would love to have the opportunity to discuss your marketing options with you.

If we can help you, please contact the Auction team at Charles Darrow on 01626 572894 / 01626 330022 or visit www.charlesdarrow.co.uk/auctions