The Carer Digital - Issue #79

T H E P U B L I C AT I O N F O R N U R S I N G A N D R E S I D E N T I A L C A R E H O M E S

W W W. T H E C A R E R U K . C O M

The Carer Digital

THECARERUK

THECARERUK

Issue 79

All Adults to Be Offered COVID-19 Boosters by End of January

All eligible adults in England aged 18 and over will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine by the end of January, and the UK’s minimum gap for Covid booster jabs will be halved from six months to three, after the government accepted advice from its vaccines watchdog to speed up the programme to limit the spread of the Omicron variant.

Vaccines will also be offered first to those most at risk from Covid-19, including: • Frontline health and social care workers • People 16 and over who have a health condition that puts them at high risk from

Covid-19 • People 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from Covid-19 or who live with someone who is more likely to get infections Following advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), everyone who is currently eligible will be able to book their jab from three months after their second dose, meaning an additional 7 million people over 40 are now eligible.

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PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

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

We are faced with the prospect of another difficult winter for the sector as the spectre of a new variant grows daily.

So far and very fortunately (at the time of writing) no deaths have been linked to this new variant named Omicron. However, it has sent shockwaves through the country and mandatory masks are now required in shops and on public transport.

The most vulnerable in the country are set to get four coronavirus jabs, as are frontline health and social care workers, in a race to stop the spread of the Omicron variant.

This really could not have come at a worse time with the sector struggling with staff recruitment and retention. Not only residential and nursing care staff, but also home care staff as well. The social care sector in England may have lost up to 70,000 workers across all settings in the past six months, according to analysis of government figures by the Nuffield Trust.

The think tank found staff numbers reported by social care providers fell from 1,584,535 in the week ending 27 April 27 to 1,542,590 in the week ending 26 October.

That decrease of about 42,000 staff may actually be in the region of 50,000 to 70,000 workers when adjusting the data to account for the fact that a changing number of providers across all care settings submitted data over this period, the Nuffield Trust said.

The government, to give credit where credit is due, has intervened swiftly, and at this stage we can only hope that the variant will be less serious than the first wave.

There are indications from various experts around the world that at this stage it is not proving as deadly.

Another story in this issue is an ADASS survey which reveals a rapidly deteriorating picture of Social Care Services (see page 17).

The survey praises the “magnificent efforts by the committed, courageous and compassionate people working in social care” who are delivering extraordinary amounts of care and support, but warned that services are failing to meet everyone’s needs and older and disabled people are suffering.

The ADASS is urging the government to fund a £1,000 winter retention bonus for all staff, which I think is a wonderful idea and one that I hope the government seriously considers. Pre-pandemic the sector was already facing staff shortages to 100,000 a day, and the Government’s “no jab, no job” policy has added many more thousands to that shortage, possibly as stated above anything between 50,000 and 70,000.

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Peter Adams

EDITOR Peter Adams SALES EXECUTIVES This new threat comes at a time of year when families hope to get together. The pandemic has been truly awful for those living in residential and nursing care who were cut off from families.

We have published over the years numerous studies which have shown a correlation between loneliness and deteriorating health.

Social isolation is estimated to be an equivalent early death risk factor to smoking 15 cigarettes each day, making it worse than more broadly publicised factors such as obesity and lack of exercise (Campaign to End Loneliness). A ‘high-degree’ of loneliness has also been found to double the risk of a person developing Alzheimer’s disease (Age UK).

So once again we have to be vigilant that this new variant doesn’t have unintended consequences.

As I said last week, I continue to be delighted to see how popular our “Unsung Hero” award is! We had a wonderful response and watch out for our printed issue soon, and of course our website, where we will announce a lucky winner of a luxury hamper just in time for Christmas!

And please do keep your stories 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 at editor@thecareruk.com

Sylvia Mawson David Bartlett Guy Stephenson TYPESETTING & DESIGN Matthew Noades PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Shelly Roche Published by

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 3

All Adults to Be Offered COVID-19 Boosters by End of January (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) To speed up the vaccination programme, around 400 military personnel will be drafted in to support deployment, with 1,500 community pharmacy sites, additional hospital hubs, and pop-up sites opening in convenient locations across the country. More than 3,000 sites are already open in England - more than double the number in February.

Payments to GPs, community pharmacies and primary care staff will increase to £15 a dose until the end of January. To increase capacity on Sundays, when many community pharmacists are not normally open, the NHS will offer an additional £5 a shot.

To ensure the most vulnerable are prioritised, the NHS will also offer £30 extra for vaccinations delivered to those who are housebound until the end of next month.

More than 18.2 million life-saving top-up jabs have now been given across the UK, with 318,671 recorded yesterday. The daily number of jabs has gone up a third since the start of November.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Since we learnt of the new Omicron variant a few days ago, our strategy has been to buy the time we need to assess it while doing everything we can at pace to strengthen our defences.”

“Our best weapon to fight the virus is to get as many jabs in arms as possible. That is why I asked the JCVI to urgently look at expanding and accelerating the vaccination programme in light of the Omicron variant.”

“Thanks to their rapid advice we are now able to put our booster programme on steroids – and protect even more people even more quickly.”

“We have set an ambitious target to offer booster jabs to all adults in England by the end of January, while ensuring those most vulnerable to the virus will continue to be prioritised for their booster, and having the gap between second doses and boosters. This is a national mission and we all have a role to play – so step up, roll up your sleeves, and get protected when the time comes.”

CARE WORKERS URGED “GET JABBED TO SAVE LIVES” The pledge by the government follows a call urging the minority of “vaccine-sceptic care workers” in Wales to get fully jabbed as a matter of urgency.

Mario Kreft MBE, says it is now a “life or death” decision because of the potential dangers posed by the newly-identified Omicron super variant of Covid-19.

Mr Kreft is calling on care workers and other to go for their booster jab as soon as they are eligible.

Mr Kreft said: “Having a booster jab is the one thing that people can

do to play their part to combat this horrible super variant.

“Our staff have been heroic throughout the pandemic and they have risen magnificently to the unprecedented challenges of keeping people safe.

“This is the time when the whole community can do their bit but it’s especially important that people who work in care homes or in domiciliary care have their third jab.

“The reason it’s so important for people in social care to be triple jabbed is blindingly obvious because by definition they are looking after the most vulnerable people in society, those who more often than not have serious underlying health conditions that make them uniquely susceptible.

“Overwhelmingly, the staff working in social care have now had all the necessary jabs but there is still a small minority that have not been fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all in some cases.

REAL ISSUE OF CONCERN “It is their right not to be vaccinated but it’s now a real issue of concern with the new Omicron variant which appears to be so much more transmissible.

“It presents a whole set of new risks for care homes and domiciliary care so it’s imperative we all do the right thing.

“The vaccine programme has been fantastic. Most people have got their residents boosted and the majority of staff have also had the third jab so that’s been a big success.

“It’s vitally important that those remaining people in care homes and domiciliary care workers who’ve been sceptical are encouraged to get their jabs.

The government move follows updated advice published Monday 29 November 2021 by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), who advised that the offer of a booster jab be extended to people aged 18 to 39 in priority order by age and clinical risk.

The JCVI advised that those who are immunosuppressed and have received a third dose of the vaccine will also be offered a fourth dose to boost their defence.

BRILLIANT WORK OF THE NHS Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup said: It’s truly a testament to the brilliant work of our NHS and its volunteers that over 18 million booster jabs have now been provided across the UK. We’re now asking them to undertake another big and critical step up in the programme, with millions more boosters being offered over the next few months.

Getting your jab is the most important thing you can do ahead of Christmas to keep yourself safe from the virus – do not delay in booking as soon as you’re eligible.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: The NHS Covid vaccination programme was already in its most complex phase and staff are now working at breakneck speed to respond to the new variant and the expansion of the booster programme, which has already administered more than 15 million doses across England.

MOST VULNERABLE FIRST The NHS will roll out this latest phase of the programme to the most vulnerable first, offering the booster jab to those over 40 who would have previously had to wait six months, before moving on to younger age groups – there is no need to contact the NHS, we will contact you when it is your turn to book in with the NHS working hard to ensure every adult who is eligible is offered a chance to book in for their booster by the end of January.

The first UK real world study from the UK Health Security Agency published showed that boosters give over 90% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 in adults over 50, reinforcing how vital the boosters are keeping people safe ahead of winter.

These findings show that two weeks after receiving a booster dose, protection against symptomatic infection in adults aged 50 years and over was 93.1% in those with Oxford/AstraZeneca as their primary course and 94.0% for Pfizer-BioNTech.

More than 50.9 million first doses and 46.3 million second doses have been given across the UK. The latest evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) shows that protection against symptomatic disease from the Delta variant falls from 65%, up to 3 months after the second dose, to 45% 6 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.

Vaccine confidence is high, with data from the Office for National Statistics showing nearly all (94%) of those aged 50 to 69 say they would be likely to get their COVID-19 booster if offered, with the figure rising to 98% for those over 70.

The government has launched a nationwide advertising campaign, encouraging people eligible to get their booster and flu jabs to protect themselves and their loved ones and help reduce pressures on the NHS. This includes outdoor billboards, broadcast and community radio and TV.

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

Putting Winter Planning Into Action

By Barry Price, QCS Care Specialist (www.qcs.co.uk) With the advent of Storm Arwen, we can definitely say winter weather has arrived. And with it a reminder of the constant risk of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow. Providers should have already created their winter contingency plans. But what planning points should they pay particular attention to when preparing for inclement weather?

Firstly, and most crucially, winter planning needs to be centred around the business continuity plan. It’s all about knowing the business, the business location and being able to effectively forecast what to do when bad weather hits. Whether it is snow, floods or power cuts - they all need to be taken into consideration and adequately risk assessed.

What’s critical to remember is it’s about ensuring people aren’t left in vulnerable situations, and managers not only support their service users but their staff too.

The same planning principals apply to both residential, supported living and domiciliary care, whether the business is in one place or spread out over a larger geographic area.

If a sudden spell of bad weather comes in, staff need to know what to do.

CARE PLANNING A key element is care planning, looking at vulnerable service users and reviewing their risk rating. The QCS business continuity plan has a dedicated section which outlines policies and procedures for supporting service users during adverse weather conditions.

It covers vulnerability levels, contingency measures such as providing medication support in an emergency situation, and in domiciliary care and supported living settings, who to call when service users can’t be reached. Each service user is assessed in terms of risk and vulnerability. The plan defines who, in the event of bad weather, can check on them and provide support – whether its family, neighbours, or friends. If no one is available, then the next step would be to contact social services or police. In cases such as Storm Arwen providers should also seek advice and guidance from local authority civil emergency planning teams.

COMPLIANT AND SAFE VEHICLES It’s important to check that vehicles are road worthy and winter ready – for community-based staff who drive to support service users as well as residential care staff who commute to work.

For those who drive for work providers should check that the MOT is valid, the insurance is up-to-date and staff have breakdown cover (in my experience, many don’t due to the extra cost). All vehicles should have a first-aid kit and a professional car winter kit, which includes everything that’s needed if a member of staff breaks down in the middle of nowhere – from a thermal blanket and water, to a torch, a spade and a high-visibility vest.

Contingencies should be in place for when they might be needed. It’s important to think outside the box.

For example, I have known some providers who have used 4X4 vehicles in the winter when heavy snow prevents staff from getting to work.

Check with staff that they can get to work in rural areas, which might experience more severe weather conditions than urban locales. Think about the process and action plan when staff do not respond or turn up where expected.

SUPERVISION Supervision Contracts need to be in place to ensure harmonious working relationships between staff and managers are maintained and strengthened. The contracts provide the ground-rules and include a section on work-life balance. This is where managers can discuss personal and health issues to provide an overall picture of the staff member’s home life.

Understanding a person's life away from a care setting means you can provide better support. Many working in the sector face a raft of challenges. Some, for example, have elderly or sick relatives a home. Others have young children at school and can't therefore work outside the normal working hours. It's only by giving care staff a safe platform to talk openly about their problems that Registered Managers can put effective programmes in place to address them.

By identifying challenges experienced by staff, managers have a better idea of what’s coming and can adjust plans accordingly. If a spell of bad weather hits, and local schools are closed, they will know that staff without childcare will be affected and so can put contingency plans into action.

Wellbeing of staff, particularly in the challenging winter months, is critical. Make sure that they have everything they need and address their concerns. Set up one-on-one awareness meetings with staff to discuss their health and mental wellbeing worries and develop a wellness action plan as an extension of the supervision plan.

Create a buddy system and nominate Mental Health First Aiders to be the first point of contact for any employee experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. Inform staff of self-referral portals to NHS counselling services. Talk about the measures in winter planning sessions. Many people struggle at Christmas so it is a good time to make sure staff feel valued.

STAFFING LEVELS Winter season pressures often impact staffing levels – from no-shows due to bad weather to family care taking precedent. Providers need to ensure staffing levels are sufficient to meet requirements and have a strategy in place via business continuity planning.

Understand staff members personal circumstances and the implications for the service. For example, if a staff member has elderly relatives that they care for or children at school, they might need to be back at home straight after their shift.

Providers can publish future rotas for a longer period than usual to make staff aware of when they are working. A contingency rota will help ensure that all shifts can be covered. If a provider uses an agency, they need to find out what contingencies they have in place to deal with winter weather related issues and ensure supply.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION Ensure there are emergency preparedness kits in place in the event of an evacuation. If policies determining what items should be included in the grab bag were developed previously, make sure the grab bags are fit for purpose and up to date. Suggest staff try putting in place emergency evacuation plans and strategies at home, especially if they have young families or care for elderly relatives.

Collect feedback, make tweaks if necessary and update policy and bags. Make sure they are placed at the exit. Some service users might benefit from their own bag if they have specific health or medication needs.

Someone who is Autistic, for instance, will likely better deal with the situation if supported with a social story and a bag containing key items.

As part of the business continuity plan, and fire risk assessment, develop Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP). These need to be kept up to date. Develop a list of places of safety such as hotels where service users can be taken.

CHECKLIST FOR PROVIDERS: 1. Review QCS Winter Planning Toolkit 2. Review Business Continuity Plan 3. Make sure staff are aware of the Business Continuity Plan and what to do in an emergency such as a severe storm or power cut.

4. Remind staff of appropriate policies such as: • Adverse Weather Policy and Procedure • Supporting Service Users During Adverse Weather Policy and Procedure • Business Continuity Plan Policy and Procedure • On-Call Policy and Procedure 5. Are emergency grab bags accessible and all PEEPS up to date? Try testing out your emergency evacuation plan at a team meeting.

To find out more about QCS please contact their team of advisors on 0333-405-3333 or email: sales@qcs.co.uk.

Together with Music to Continue Singing for Another Three Years On the first anniversary of Intergenerational Music Making’s (IMM) national music programme, Together with Music, HC-One are thrilled to announce that funding for the campaign will continue for another three years.

A Together with Music relationship, introduced through our digital platform, begins with the virtual exchange of a song, providing an inherent opportunity for individuals to share stories, identity and culture through music. Throughout the pandemic the programme has connected isolated people – both those deemed clinically vulnerable, and therefore self-isolating, or living in shelter networks – with their local community groups such as schools and care homes.

Supported by funding from HC-One, Britain’s largest care home operator, IMM and Together with Music will continue to empower communities to deliver community-led health and place-based solutions to integrated care.

Both IMM and HC-One hope the campaign will ultimately nurture and develop connections between staff and the wider community, reintegrating care homes after the pandemic forced their temporary disconnection from the wider community.

To celebrate their partnership, Together with Music hosted a special nationwide event for HC-One homes this month. A jam-packed hour of interactive music saw residents enjoy a live performance by Horsell

Junior School in the South East of England, a ‘Name that Tune’ quiz with a 1960s and 1970s theme, and a lively singalong with The Beatles’ ‘All you need is love’ and Louis Armstrong’s iconic ‘What a wonderful world’.

Charlotte Miller, Founder and Director of IMM said: “We are truly grateful for HC-One’s support, which will help sustain and grow this

programme nationally. Like HC-One, we also believe in promoting a culture of kindness and connection between care staff, residents and the communities they form part of.

“These values which we have in common, and on which Together with Music was built, can help ensure that our vision of a post-pandemic UK – built on strong intergenerational community connections through music – can become a reality.”

Dr Chai Patel, Chair of the HC-One Foundation, said: “Together with Music is a very exciting project which demonstrates how valuable integrated community-led innovations are in supporting people to feel connected and well.

“While Residents in HC-One homes have continued to receive consistent high-quality care and support, there is no denying that care homes everywhere have been separated from their wider communities as a result of Covid-19. Together with Music has not only made sure that care homes could continue to connect with their wider communities, but has encouraged new meaningful, intergenerational, connections which will outlast the effects of the pandemic.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with Together with Music for another three years, using music to bring kind care to more people in more locations across the UK.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 5

Government Takes Decisive Action Against New Covid Variant Temporary and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant in the UK will come into force on Tuesday, the government has confirmed.

From 4am Tuesday 30 November face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt from doing so.

All travellers arriving into the country from 4am on Tuesday 30 November will be required to take a PCR test on or before day 2 and self isolate until they have received a negative test result. These PCR tests can be purchased from private providers. Free NHS tests are not valid for this purpose.

Under the UK presidency an urgent meeting of G7 health ministers will also be convened on Monday 29 November to discuss the developments on Omicron.

This update adds to the measures rapidly implemented earlier this week to prevent the spread of the new variant including travel restrictions and meaning all close contacts of anyone who has tested positive for the Omicron variant are required to isolate for 10 days regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.

Responding to the No 10 press conference on the new COVID-19 omicron variant, Dr Layla McCay director of policy at the NHS Confederation said: “There is still much we don’t know about the new omicron variant of

coronavirus. It is reassuring to see the speed at which scientists across the globe are working to understand it, and the speed at which local public health teams are working to contain the two case we have identified so far in the UK via contract tracing.

“Health leaders are already very worried about what winter will bring to the NHS as they are seeing record levels of demand for their services including rolling out the vaccination programme. As Government has announced, the wearing of face coverings in retail settings and on public transport will help to limit the spread of this new variant and others. It may be wise to go further.

“In addition, we can all help to reduce the spread of this disease by regularly testing ourselves, wearing masks in enclosed spaces and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated. It is imperative we all make sure we have two doses of coronavirus vaccine and booster or third dose when invited. It is also important to support people to enable them to isolate when needed.

“As we learn more about the omicron variant, it is critical that there is clear communication with the public about what is needed from them and why. Now is not the time for ambiguity.”

Barchester Healthcare Supports Carers' Rights Day Staff from three Barchester Healthcare homes in Dorset joined together to support Carers' Rights Day alongside Prama care and the Leonardo Trust.

The Carers Information Day organised by Prama saw a host of stands come together to showcase the support available to all the wonderful carers in our communities. Barchester Healthcare supplied goody bags for the Leonardo Trust to give out and a number of other businesses provided some treats to go in them as well.

Home Services Advisors from local Barchester homes manned a stand at the event to give out information and advice to attendees on Barchester's services.

Lester from Kings Park in Ferndown talked about their Community Café which runs on the 3rd Tuesday of each month and Sophie Payne from Upton Bay in Hamworthy discussed the wonderful events they have running throughout December as well as their carers' café. Lucy said "It was lovely to see some of the carers who come to our support groups at Kings Park here at Carers Rights Day finding further advice and support."

Home Services Advisor from Moors Manor, Michelle Venn, commented: "It has been a wonderful day, it is lovely to hear each and every story from the commu-

Moors Manor Care Home in Ringwood was represented by Michelle Venn, she

nity. Carers do an amazing job and we welcome them along to our homes to

discussed the home's Community Café which runs on the 1st Tuesday of each

carry on these conversations and for us to support them and thank them for all

month along with its Christmas Fete which will be held on 11th December. Lucy

that they do. Thank you to Prama for organising a brilliant event."

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

How Horses can Help People Living with Dementia Equine therapy can be used to improve everyday life for people living with a variety of conditions. In this article, Katie Allen-Clarke from the leading equestrian sports network Horse & Country (https://horseandcountry.tv), explains how horses can be a positive influence for people living with dementia.

The deep connection between horses and humans spans over centuries (The Horse). And in more recent years, the creatures have been used to improve our wellbeing in the form of equine therapy.

Equine therapy has been found to be beneficial for people living with numerous physical and mental health conditions, including autism, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, and more (FEI). It’s also proven to be particularly beneficial for people living with dementia, as it has been found to improve mental and physical health in a number of ways.

Interacting with horses improves communication skills People with dementia often find it difficult to communicate exactly how they're feeling or what they need. Dementia makes it challenging for people with the condition to comprehend language and find the right words, which can be distressing as it can make them feel out of control.

The good news is that equine therapy can help in this regard. By interacting with horses, people with dementia can practice communicating clearly with an appropriate tone. This can also be beneficial for dementia carers to take part in, as it demonstrates the importance of patience and calm communication (Equus).

Equine therapy encourages physical activity Exercise is good for all of us, but it can be particularly beneficial for

Caring for horses boosts confidence Dementia has more of an impact on self-esteem than many of us realise. In fact, it's sadly fairly common for people with the condition to lose confidence in themselves and their abilities (Alzheimer's Society).

This insecurity and lack of self-esteem can lead to anxiety and depression, so it's important to look for ways to help people with dementia boost their confidence.

A great way to do this is by using equine therapy. As horses can sense how humans are feeling and respond to this in their behaviour, it forces the therapy patients to practice their leadership skills and develop a more authoritative, yet calm tone. And as the horse begins to respond to their command, this will boost their confidence even further.

Horse therapy can improve people's mood People living with the condition often experience negative moods, stemming from insecurity and frustration. The good news is that equine people living with dementia. Despite the condition being largely associated with memory loss, there are a number of physical side effects which come with it, such as loss of balance, weak muscles, and trouble sleeping (WebMD).

The good news is that by staying active, it's possible to reduce the severity of these side effects to prevent them from getting in the way of day-to-day life. Taking part in equine therapy is a great way for people with dementia to get exercise that is enjoyable and not too strenuous, such as by walking and grooming the horse.

therapy has been proven to help with this. In fact, research has found that encouraging people with dementia to interact with horses, by walking, feeding, and grooming them, can improve their mood (Science Daily). As well as giving them a positive boost, the study also found the participants who spent time with horses were less likely to resist care later in the day, which was beneficial for both the patients and their carers.

While there is no cure for dementia, interacting with horses can certainly help improve the lives of people living with the condition.

Giving Tuesday: Charity Seeks New Volunteers to Help Veterans Royal Star & Garter is welcoming volunteers back into its care homes, after pandemic restrictions are lifted.

The charity, which has Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe, is using Giving Tuesday, on 30 November, to appeal for people who would like to offer companionship and one-to-one support, as well as helping with wellbeing activities and outings.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving when everyone, everywhere is encouraged to do something to support the good causes that mean so much to them.

Volunteers have played a valuable role in the care provided by Royal Star & Garter, from supporting residents on a one-to-one basis or in small groups, to helping them with activities or attending outings.

While volunteers did continue to help during the pandemic with activities such as interactive Zoom choirs, the Covid-19 outbreak meant they could not come into the Homes and help as they had before.

But all that is changing, with Royal Star & Garter asking people to register their interest in volunteering, with a view to starting in the New Year.

The charity is looking for: •Friendly Companions: to spend time with residents on a one-to-one basis, chatting, doing puzzles and reading a newspaper, helping residents stay connected to the outside world

•Wellbeing Assistants: helping to support the in-house Wellbeing team with activities such as music, arts & crafts, quizzes and debating, and inspiring residents to join the fun •Outings Assistants: helping on lively and engaging day trips, outings and other activities outside the Homes Volunteers will receive training and support, make friends, share in a wide range of exciting activities and outings, and learn new skills. They will be able to see first-hand the huge impact volunteering has on the lives of residents.

Pauline Shaw, Director of Care at Royal Star & Garter, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming back volunteers into our Homes, as they make a huge impact on the lives of our residents, and form genuine, loving friendships. The rewards for volunteering are enormous, and volunteers have said how much they get out of it.”

All prospective volunteers will need to apply for a role online and must be double-vaccinated, participate in regular testing, and wear PPE as directed by staff.

To register your interest, and find out what volunteers are needed in our three Homes, please go to https://starandgarter.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer/

Robust Testing for Airborne Illnesses Urged Across the Care Industry This Winter to Protect Residents and Staff Airborne illnesses beyond COVID-19 and influenza must be part of prevention strategies in care homes to reduce hospitalisation of residents this winter, according to healthcare company Abbott.

While the nation is increasingly familiar with COVID-19 symptoms, as well as influenza, there are airborne diseases that are also putting people at risk. Respiratory Syncytial Virus – known as RSV – is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While COVID-19 and influenza testing are becoming common practice, visitors entering care homes with RSV may go undetected.

The vital role testing plays in protecting both care home residents and staff is supported by Care England, the leading representative body for care providers in England.

"It is helpful to raise awareness of other airborne diseases that care home staff, residents and visitors might be unfamiliar with. Before the pandemic, not many people had heard the term ‘coronavirus’, but increased awareness has helped most understand why safety precautions and testing are of paramount importance in the care sector," commented Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive at Care England.

"We are fully aware of the immense pressure care homes are under as we head into the winter season, but the first line of defence against lesser-known airborne diseases – like RSV – is ensuring care staff are aware of it, increasing education on the symptoms, and ensuring testing is in place wherever possible," added Green.

RSV symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, temperature, sore throat, and wheezing[i]. For those aged over 65, RSV accounts for 175,000 appointments with general practitioners, 14,000 hospitalisations and 8,000 deaths per year in the UK[ii]. There are currently no specific treatments for RSV infection and management is purely sup-

portive through oxygen supplementation; therefore, prevention of contracting the disease is essential.

To detect RSV, care home providers should look to utilise kits that scan for airborne diseases – like Abbott’s ID NOW – a portable instrument used for front-line testing in health settings. It quickly provides results for COVID-19, influenza A & B, strep A and RSV, with positive results shown in a little as five minutes, and negative results in 13 minutes.

Gabriela Zackova, director of Dementia and Wellbeing at Loveday & Co Care Homes has recently added an ID NOW testing device. Gabriela said: "We’re excited to be using this point of care test for our staff, residents and their visitors. Last year, winter was one of the hardest times for our sector, not only due to the increased pressure to keep people safe, but also for our residents, who were separated from the people they love which had a significant impact on their wellbeing and mental health."

"ID NOW is a small, lightweight machine, about the size of a toaster, that will allow us to make even better decisions about risk levels for numerous viruses, enabling us to provide a more robust screening process for everyone at the facility."

Abbott has been a global leader in COVID-19 testing throughout the pandemic.

"While many staff and visitors will self-test for COVID-19 at home before entering the premises, it is vital precautions are taken for other airborne illnesses. By utilising a diagnostic testing device on-site, we can slow the spread of illness, better protect vulnerable residents, and minimise the risk of catching potentially life-threatening illnesses this winter," added Sam Lloyd, general manager, Infectious Diseases at Abbott’s rapid diagnostics business in the UK and Ireland.

For more information on Abbott’s ID NOW testing instrument, visit: www.Globalpointofcare.abbott/idnow

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 7

Evidence to Support Mandatory NHS Staff Vaccination Not Good Enough says Lords Committee The House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee has published a report on the Department for Health and Social Care‘s (DHSC) proposed legislation to require all NHS staff working “face to face” with service users to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The report raises several concerns about the quality of evidence supplied to support the proposed legislation and criticises the lack of clarity about how key expressions used in it are to be applied in practice.

Issues raised include: •The lack of a thorough and detailed Impact Assessment to accompany the legislation. The explanatory material provided by DHSC does not include the level of detail required to enable Parliament and the wider public, including those directly impacted, to understand the effects of the legislation on the operational effectiveness of the healthcare system. While there are clear societal benefits from the vaccination programme, the increase in protection from vaccinating the last 8% of health workers may be marginal and the explanatory notes (Explanatory Memorandum) that accompany the legislation are silent on any contingency plans to cope with the 5.4% NHS staff losses which may result when the Regulations take effect in April 2022.

•Whether the benefits are proportionate. DHSC figures estimate that of the 208,000 currently unvaccinated workers in the sector, this legislation will result in 54,000 (26%) additional staff being vaccinated and 126,000 (61%) losing their jobs because of non-compliance with the requirement to be vaccinated. Given the legislation is anticipated to cause £270 million in additional recruitment and training costs and major disruption to the health and care provision at the end of the grace period, very strong evidence should be provided to support this policy choice. DHSC has not provided such evidence.

•Lack of clarity on key expressions. The Committee’s report criticises the DHSC for failing to include in the legislation practical detail about how key expressions such as “face to face” or “otherwise engaged” will be applied, but instead referring to guidance to be produced in the future. DHSC indicates, for example, that those who do voluntary work within the health and social care sector, and those who do maintenance work separate from providing healthcare such as installing IT equipment will also need to be vaccinated.

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, Chair of the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee said; “In our 10th Report on the preceding Care Homes Regulations, we said that if the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) decided to extend its mandatory vaccination policy, we would expect to see a more effectively argued case for it: unfortunately, the Explanatory Memorandum (EM) accompanying this instrument is just as superficial.

“DHSC has published a very broad-brush document they call an Impact Statement, but this is no substitute for a thorough Impact Assessment which should have been integral to the policy development process.

“We fully support high levels of vaccination, but DHSC is accountable to Parliament for its decisions and needs to give us a clear statement of the effect of these Regulations, the effect of doing nothing and any other solutions considered, so Parliament fully understands all the consequences of what it is being asked to agree to. This is particularly important when the NHS is already under such pressure.

“DHSC has provided no single coherent statement to explain and justify its intended policy, and this undermines the ability of the House to undertake effective scrutiny of the proposed legislation.”

Leatherland Lodge Care Home, in Thurrock, Essex, Receive Mayor’s Certificate of Recognition Leatherland Lodge are honoured to receive the Mayor’s Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor Sue Shinnick.

The award was presented to Kerry Cooper, Home Manager.

Kerry was nominated by someone within the community for the support and contribution she, and the home, gave during the pandemic. The kindness, generosity and selfless actions of Kerry, and the entire team at the home, were so greatly appreciated by those in their community, that they were requested to receive civic recognition from the Mayor of Thurrock.

As a token of appreciation of this honourable recognition, the home received a certificate and letter from the Mayor.

Kerry Cooper, Leatherland Lodge Home Manager, commented: “My team and I feel so grateful to have received the Mayor’s certificate of recognition. Though the pandemic brought with it some unprecedented challenges, everyone at Leatherland Lodge worked so hard, focusing on goodness and kindness always. To have this recognised means so much to us here at Leatherland Lodge. We are proud to display our certificate at the home for all to see.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 9

Health Secretary Defends Social Care Plans Saying ‘Everyone Will be Better Off’ Health & Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid has defended the government’s health and social care plans after critics said they would hit those less well off.

Mr has said “everyone, doesn’t matter where they live in the country, will be better off” under the Government’s new social care plans.

The government has however have faced mounting criticism for changes to proposals which critics have said will mean poorer recipients of care, including those in the north of England and in areas with lower house prices, will be hit hardest by a cap on costs, amid reports that senior Tory MPs were urging the Prime Minister to ditch the plans or risk being forced into a U-turn.

Sir Andrew Dilnot, who made previous care cap proposals, said those with fewer assets would see no benefit from the government’s plans.

Tory MPs in the government’s ‘red wall’ seats in the north have threatened to oppose the plans when they are voted on this week in Parliament. t Mr Javid, speaking on The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One said that Sir Andrew was

only comparing his own proposals with the Government’s plan.

The Health Secretary said: “No-one will have to pay more than £86,000, doesn’t matter who they are, where they live in the country.”

When questioned that that not everyone has assets of more than £86,000, Mr Javid replied: “That’s where we’ve set the cap, so to protect you from catastrophic costs, because most people’s care journey is not that long, most people’s care journey is a couple of years.

“But one in, I think it’s around one in seven people, have costs higher than £86,000.

“What we have also done, which is very different to what Andrew had set out in his original plans, is we’ve got a much more generous means test.

“So what our plans mean, taken together, is that everyone, everyone – doesn’t matter where they live in the country – will be better off under the new proposals that we set out, versus the current system. Everyone will be better off.”

Porthcawl Care Home Residents and Staff Celebrate Dog Show Residents and staff at RMBI Care Co. Home Albert Edward Price of Wales

Dylis and added: “We hope that this will be the start of an annual show in the

Court, in Porthcawl, have recently joined forces to launch their first Dog Show

Home, and hopefully it will grow each year. The Dog Show has been a great

at the Home. The staff brought in their pets, who competed in a range of dif-

success and we’ve been thrilled with everyone that took part in it, both dogs

ferent categories, including fastest retriever, temptation alley, egg and spoon,

and their owners. Indeed it’s been an amusing and fabulous afternoon, and the

and musical hoops. The winners and all participants received rosettes and

residents loved it!”

certificates at the end.

The Home’s Dog Show judges were 85 year old resident Mollie Gould and

The staff at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court are fully aware of the benefits that pets can provide to their residents. The Home welcomes therapy dogs

soon-to-be 90 year old resident Dylis Waddington, with the support of Gillian

regularly, who not only bring joy and a sense of calm to the residents, but also

Thatchell, member of Therapy Dogs Nationwide. Dylis Waddington, who

benefit their mental health and wellbeing by boosting their activity levels,

always had dogs and keeps treats for any dogs that come to Albert Edward

reducing stress and combating loneliness.

Price of Wales Court, said: “It has been a marvellous experience. It was so lovely to see my friends, the dogs! I can’t wait until next year.”

Mandy Kilpatrick, one of the Home’s Activities Coordinators, agreed with

Activities Coordinators Mandy Kilpatrick said: “A lot of our residents at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court had pets before moving in, and they have fond memories attached to dogs. It’s also a good way of helping them to remember.”

PAGE 10 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

Flexibility In The Care Sector

By Anne-Marie Perry, the Founder of CareMatch (carematch.ltd)

Nearly the entire world has undergone some form of workplace transformation over the past 18 months. During 2020, the ONS reported more than a twofold increase (12.4% to 25.9%) in the number of Brits working from home. The physical constraints of a lockdown ushered in a new age of hybrid flexibility for many millions of workers.

Research from Capita, suggests that the flexibility of work, which was a necessity, is now here to stay as 76% of organisations have put in place a hybrid working programme for employees moving forward.

The care sector, however, has never been flexible nor has it fully embraced the positive revolution of flexible working. If anything, flexibility has decreased for care as the workforce has been stretched thin by a mass exodus of professionals moving away from the industry and a weakening flow of new hires.

Full-time social care workers have always been under strict timetables and ram-packed schedules with little lenience. Over the past year and a half, full-time carers have become tied to demanding positions where a choice of working hours is not an option due to the shortage of staff. The impact of which has been hugely detrimental as, according to a UNISON study, approximately more than two thirds of care workers have seen their mental health decline because of the strained working conditions over the last year.

Why should the workplace revolution be felt in other sectors but not in care?

There is potential to provide greater flexibility through technological coordination. A major problem the care industry faces is how to distribute the workforce efficiently. There is a surplus of those willing to care but

full-time care givers find their time monopolised by less-specialised requirements which could easily be fulfilled by someone closer to the start of their care journey. Although the benefits of full-time staff are clear, and most in the industry recognise this fact, a solution to the current crisis could be found by bringing in a new wave of part-time workers to lessen the burden on existing carers.

Even as little as four hours a week of part-time help among a few people could free up two days' worth of work for a full-time carer. The work itself may be something as simple as cooking a meal or lending a hand with the laundry. The vital aim though is to prioritise the precious time of the most skilled and experienced members of the social care workforce.

Critically though, flexibility for care givers needs to be founded on the needs of those who are receiving the care. It’s all well and good pushing a flexible work model to improve the working conditions of carers but if it results in a drop in the standard of care then it defeats the true purpose of the industry.

User-friendly tech options for care receivers can ensure this doesn’t happen.

These services can unite individuals with a support network, often in the local community, which provides multiple choices for help at different times. Instead of having a single carer with timetabled visits, those in need can reach out to a carer when they need them most and not when it has been arbitrarily assigned by the local council.

The lack of proactivity being shown by the care sector to move with the times and provide the flexibility being offered most of the UK’s workforce is cause for concern. By embracing a less strict model of work, the sector can improve its working conditions, and stop the slowly trickling loss of competent workers. To achieve this, there needs to be a greater use of community networks. Neighbours, friends and family members of those in need to be united and coordinated by personalised technology.

This isn’t a call for everyone to adopt the ‘spirit of Blitz’ and pitch in wherever possible. It’s a call for a long over-due restructuring of what has been an unrelentingly inflexible sector (for those who work in it and those who receive its services) and a call to re-build our communities.

Forget the Tea Dance, it’s Don and Doreen’s ‘D’ Dance!

A pair of lifelong dance fans enjoyed a chance to trip the light fantastic once again thanks to staff at their Dorset care home.

Fellow residents Doreen Webb and Don Skilling were treated to a starburst afternoon on the ‘dance floor’ at Colten Care’s Outstandingrated Newstone House in Sturminster Newton.

Knowing both of them have an interest in dancing, team members transformed the dining room into a Strictly-style ballroom complete with lights, sparkle and smart speaker.

The music featured waltzes, tangos, quicksteps and salsas.

Companionship Team Leader Karlene Duffy said: “Don was a ballroom instructor at his father’s dance school in Blackpool while Doreen also has a passion for ballroom.

“She loves all things Strictly and used to dance regularly with friends and family.

“She asked recently if she could go to a dance. We wanted to make that wish come true for both by holding a special afternoon in recognition of their love for sparkles and beautiful dance moves.

“Instead of a ‘tea dance’ we renamed it a ‘D-dance’ in their honour.

We invited all our residents to join in or just enjoy the music.

“Don taught us some moves while Doreen encouraged all her friends at Newstone to come along and share her passion.

“It was amazing. Don took great delight in showing us what to do. He certainly let us know if we put a foot out of place. Everyone loved it.”

Doreen said afterwards: “I had a wonderful day. I laughed, danced and enjoyed an afternoon with everyone. I will never forget it. Thank you!”

Don said: “I just went with it and the moves came back to me straight away. It was wonderful to dance again.”

Among the other residents who came along was Rita Clay. Earlier this year, Rita took part in an online dance session with former Strictly Come Dancing pro Robin Windsor, specially arranged by Colten Care for residents at various homes.

After seeing her moves on the day, Robin told Rita she was “good enough to be in next year’s Strictly”.

North Wales Staffing Provider Taking Radical Steps To Address The Care Sector Staffing A North Wales specialist health and social care staffing provider is taking radical steps to help tackle the rising demand for care workers in the face of sector-wide staffing shortages across the UK. Enhanced Healthcare, which supplies temporary healthcare staff across North Wales and England, will invest £100,000 to train job seekers aged 18+ who would like to retrain for a career in care. The staffing provider says this will pay for 100 job seekers to retrain with their industry-leading ‘Pathway into Care’ course.

The Colwyn Bay-based business is partnering with care homes across North Wales to deliver the comprehensive and fully accredited course, which is designed to give real-world insight into the practicalities of being a carer within a supportive learning environment.

Set over five weeks, the Pathway into Care course starts with four days of theory-based classroom learning, designed to prepare candidates who are new to the care sector for support roles within a care home setting.

Delivered by experienced healthcare practitioners who will share their own valuable real-world experience, the course will include interactive activities including dementia simulation, practical training in moving and handling, basic life support, and the realities and importance of infection control.

The classroom element of the course will be followed by a paid and fully mentored 30-day work placement at one of the North Wales care homes which is partnering with Enhanced Healthcare to deliver the course.

Director of Enhanced Healthcare, Chanel Williams said: “As far as we are aware, no other UK agency in our sector offers this level of support or upfront investment in their healthcare assistants.

“By funding all training ourselves rather than expecting our candidates to pay, and then offering flexible hours and paying our staff more generously, our ambition is to dismantle the very real barriers to entry to a career in care, which have held the sector back for far too long.”

Natalie O’Brien, director of operations for Enhanced Healthcare said: “There’s no disputing that care work can be demanding, and it’s not going to be the right career option for everyone. But the flip side of that is that it can be incredibly enriching, rewarding, and progressive.

“Attitude is far more important than experience. By offering the right candidates the best possible training and support, we can help them to kick start what could become a hugely rewarding career and vocation.”

Enhanced Healthcare was launched in 2021 by Chanel Williams, a former care worker who went on to work in HR and management. She says Enhanced Healthcare prides itself on being an advocate for continued personal development, and fully supports flexible working to allow for part time study and career progression.

Haley has worked with Enhanced Healthcare since it was launched, having worked with Chanel and Natalie previously in the sector. The registered general nurse started her career in healthcare when she was 19, and worked as a carer for ten years before deciding to enrol on a nursing degree. “After a few false starts and frustrations, that first job I got as a carer is when things started to fall into place for me. It felt like I had found my direction in life, and had a real career to pursue. As well as being able to support myself with part time work whilst I was studying, care work gave me a great grounding in a lot of valuable skills, and the ability to adapt to so many nursing situations. Yes, it can be challenging, but it is hard to think of many more rewarding career options. I’ve worked with so many great people over the years.”

With a first cohort due to start their training mid-December, Enhanced Healthcare says it has already had significant interest from workers leaving the seasonal hospitality sector, which has just entered its winter low season. Once the initial training and month-long placement has been completed, care workers registered with Enhanced Healthcare can earn up to £19 per hour. Qualified nurses earn up to £46 per hour.

The first Pathway into Care course stars on Monday 13th December 2021, with subsequent courses running throughout 2022. With limited places available, job seekers who are interested in finding out more should contact Enhanced Healthcare as soon as possible by calling 01492 459 896, or by emailing register@enhancedhealthcare.co.uk. Candidates must complete their registration prior to their course start date.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 11

Social Care Sector Loses Up to 50,000 Staff in Lead Up to Winter Months The social care sector in England may have lost up to 50,000 workers across all providers of care, heaping pressure onto burnt out existing staff and restricting access to care in the leadup to a very challenging winter, analysis from the Nuffield Trust reveals today.

Providers of home care services could be acutely affected with the number of staff recorded as working in registered providers falling by around 11,000 (2.5%) in the six months to the end of October. This shortfall is fuelling an invisible care crisis in people’s own homes with many unable to access the care they need, increasing care burdens on unpaid carers and impacting hospital discharges.

Figures from experimental data published by the Department of Health and Social Care is likely to substantially underestimate the true fall given not all providers submitted data during that period.

Shortages of workers in home care are already having an impact on care with ADASS reporting 1.5million hours of home care unable to be delivered between August and October this year due to lack of staff.

A Chart of the week and accompanying blog published by the Nuffield Trust confirms a deepening workforce crisis within social care, a sector that employs some 1.5million people. Analysing experimental data published by DHSC to monitor the impact of the pandemic of the social care workforce, it finds: • The number of staff reported by those providers of social care that submitted data fell by 42,000 in the 6 months to the end of October 2021.

• Adjusting the data to account for the fact that a changing number of providers across all care settings submitted data over this period, the fall in staff numbers would be more likely in the region of 50,000 to 70,000 workers.

• A reduction of staffing within this range would represent the workforce shrinking between 3% and 4% and puts providers, and burnt out staff in a very difficult position ahead of what is expected to be a very difficult winter.

• The workforce shortages estimated in this analysis, across social care providers, are within the range of other evidence suggesting that the vacancy rate

had increased by half, from 6% in April to 9% in October.

• Across home care providers specifically, a fall of 11,000 staff during this month period is consistent with estimates from Skills for Care. However, the experimental data is likely to substantially underestimate the true fall given not all providers submitted data during that period.

• Adjusting for home care providers that did not submit data, based on assumptions on size of providers, could lead to fall in staff of 30,000.

The reasons behind staff leaving in different types of providers vary, for example any impact of the mandatory vaccine policy would at present only impact care home staff. However, if the government’s estimates that another 35,000 home care staff could leave their posts due to mandatory vaccination from 1 April 2022 are accurate, we estimate that as many as 110,000 people could lose out on home care as a result.

Home care providers currently face a toxic mix of workforce challenges, including an increase in staff self-isolating with Covid, staff sickness from flu, rising energy costs, delays in processing driving applications, routes to overseas recruitment cut off, while at the same time they are struggling to compete with other industries offering higher wages or Christmas sign-on bonuses.

While the home care sector needs strategic reform as part of the government’s strategic vision for social care, this winter crisis needs immediate and radical thinking. It must now urgently consider policies that include competitive recruitment and retention packages and fast visa routes for overseas staff, alongside developing a long-term workforce strategy.

Nuffield Trust Deputy Director of Policy Natasha Curry said: “Gaps in workforce data supplied by providers of social care services means there is uncertainty over the scale of the staffing shortages across this fragile sector.

“But this analysis does paint a bleak picture of a deepening crisis just as over-stretched care staff

prepare for what is expected to be one of the sector’s most difficult winters. Unless further and immediate action is taken, it’s likely we will see even more care staff leave the sector this winter at the worst possible time.

“While there has been much attention over winter pressures in hospitals, and even to some degree care homes, a shortage of staff providing care within people’s own homes has been an invisible problem.

“The home care system is at the point of breaking this winter. There will be far-reaching consequences for people and health and care services if no urgent action is taken. Unfortunately, more people will be unable to access the care they need, more pressure will land on unpaid carers, and problems getting people into appropriate care settings when they come out of hospital will be exacerbated.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 13

New Carer’s Allowance Benefit Rates and Rise in Earnings Limit, but Worries About the Future The Government has announced the amount benefit rates will increase from 11 April 2022.

This includes the new earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance which has also been increased by CPI which we estimate would be from £128 to £132 per week. This is important but doesn’t wholly compensate for the rise in the National Living Wage. With the National Living Wage rate currently at £8.91 per hour, a carer can work for 14.36 hours per week and still retain Carer’s Allowance. Although this £4 rise in the earnings limit is important, with the new National Living Wage rate at £9.50 per hour, carers working hours would have to fall below 14 hours – to 13.89 hours per week – in order to still retain Carer’s Allowance.

The penalty for carers is significant. Going even £1 over the earnings limit means the carer loses 100% of Carer’s Allowance – which is the harshest withdrawal rate in the benefit system. Earlier this year, when the National Living Wage rates were announced, Carers UK had warned that without any change at all in the earnings limit, this would have reduced carers’ working hours even further to only 13.47 hours per week.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “Whilst we are pleased that the earnings limit has risen, it has only done so in line with CPI and not wage inflation which we know is far higher. This will mean many carers making tough decisions to either reduce work or leave work altogether.

“Despite the rise, carers are still losing out on working hours year on

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK said: “Carer’s Allowance still remains the lowest benefit of its kind for which carers need to provide at least 35 hours of care per week although we know that many provide round the clock care. They see it as insulting that the benefit rates are so low and especially since the care they provide is equivalent to £193 billion for a year during the pandemic. Health and social care would have collapsed without unpaid carers’ support. What’s even more worrying is that despite this rise, carers have been telling us that their costs have increased during the pandemic.

“Our State of Caring 2021 survey found that one in five carers said they may not cope financially over the next 12 months, one in four (23%) may not have enough to cover monthly expenses. 36% of carers say year as increases have not kept pace with the National Living Wage or average wage rises. This is completely counter to the Government’s objective to make work pay. What we need urgently is a system that legislates for a year-on-year rise, in line with at least 16 times the National Living Wage.

“This would allow carers to remain in work which is so important for carer’s income and finances in the short and longer term – and many also want to work.

“The rate of Carer’s Allowance is set to rise has been announced as 3.1% in line with CPI from £67.60 (2021/22 rates) to an estimated £69.70 per week (2022/23) – a rise of £2 per week.

their finances have got worse during the pandemic and we know that as health and care services are stretched, carers have greater costs.

“We urgently need to see a rise in carers’ benefits that better recognises the support that carers provide. We cannot continue to value unpaid carers so little within society by keeping Carer’s Allowance as the lowest benefit of its kind. Scotland has introduced a Carer’s Allowance Supplement which would normally be worth £231.40 every six months, but they have doubled this to £462.80 due to extra costs faced by carers in the pandemic. Sadly, this leaves carers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland even further behind. We’re asking the Government to do the right thing and recognise carers.”

Staff and Residents at Local Care Home Receive Booster Vaccinations Residents and team members at Barchester’s Cheverton Lodge care home, in Islington, are delighted to have received their third booster Covid-19 vaccinations at Whittington Health Trust Vaccination Team.

General Manager, Earl Elliott said: “We’ve all been through such a difficult time over the past 18 months but the vaccine has been so important in helping us get our residents’ lives back on track. I am so proud of the team and how they have worked together and continue to do so and we are all so grateful to be prioritised to receive the booster vaccine first. We’re not com-

pletely back to normal yet but we know the booster vaccination is vital to help us keep everyone safe.”

Maria Martinez – Sanchez life enrichment coordinator at Cheverton Lodge said: “We know that Covid isn’t over and we still need to be careful and follow the guidelines, but there is a huge sense of relief now that we have had our booster vaccinations. We know that this will help keep our residents safe and allow us to enjoy more trips and entertainment over the winter months.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 15

MPs to Examine How to End Staff Drain from NHS and Social Care Reasons behind staff leaving the health and social care sectors and how to tackle them will be examined in a new inquiry. Workforce recruitment and training will also be explored.

The Health and Social Care Committee says it has heard repeatedly that more staff will be needed to meet future demand and deal with the backlog caused by the pandemic. Existing staff shortages affect the current delivery of services to patients.

Evidence has cited poor workforce planning, weak policy and fragmented responsibilities as contributing to a workforce crisis, exacerbated by the lack of a national NHS workforce strategy.

It has been estimated that by 2030/31, up to almost half a million extra health care staff would be needed to meet the pressures of demand and recover from the pandemic – the equivalent of a 40% increase in the workforce.

Solutions to be considered include reducing the training period for doctors, removing a cap on the number of medical places offered to international and domestic students, and the ideal balance between the domestic and international recruitment of health and social care workers.

Health and Social Care Committee Chair Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP said: “We are facing a workforce crisis in health and social care of such proportions that it risks undermining every plan to tackle the backlog, meet the demands of an ageing population, and fix social care.

“It is deeply disappointing that the government yesterday rejected the chance to overhaul workforce planning to make sure we are training enough doctors and nurses for the future so this new inquiry will look in detail at every aspect of staff training, recruitment and retention to help make the momentum for change unstoppable.

“Welcome though the new funding for the NHS is, without staff to spend it on we risk disappointing patients and demoralising staff.”

The Workforce recruitment, training and retention in health and social care inquiry builds on recommendations of previous reports, Social care: funding and workforce published last year and Workforce burnout and resilience in the NHS and social care published in June.

Bexhill Resident Receives Photo Album Showing Changes to Heritage Garden he Once worked at 50 Years Ago A resident of a Bexhill care home has been issued a photo album showcasing the changes to the updated garden at a home he once worked at.

Henry Griffiths has a 50-year affiliation with Methodist Homes (MHA) which runs MHA Richmond care home, where he currently lives.

To mark his association with the charity, he was presented with a photo album of MHA The Wilderness, a historic garden in Croydon, south London, where he began his working life.

The seven-acre garden is situated behind MHA Hall Grange care home and was recently renovated with the help of a National Lottery Heritage grant and opened up for residents and the local community to enjoy once again.

Henry started working as a gardener at MHA Hall Grange in 1961 and played a big part in developing The Wilderness when he was there.

He then moved into Richmond Grounds, near to the home in 1993 and continued to look after the garden until shifting to MHA Richmond, in Bexhill 18 months ago, culminating into a 50 year affiliation with MHA. Mr Griffiths was presented with an 18 page picture book showing the recent changes after he was too ill to attend the unveiling presenta-

who was “over the moon” when he received his surprise gift.

The 93-year-old added: “The album is great, the garden looks amazing and it’s brilliant to see it being utilised to its full potential.

“I was over the moon when I saw the book, and to see something I started become what it is today was nice.

“It’s a very popular location, you do get a lot of people wanting to see it and it’s great for residents and visitors.

“It would have been nice to see it in person, but unfortunately due to my health I have not been able to go for at least ten years now.

“There is a lot more to it now than there was before, it’s a real community hub for those close to it and long may it continue.”

Dionne McEwan, home manager at MHA Richmond said: “Henry was really proud when he was given his book and even though I was not there for the whole ceremony, my colleague Leah told me he was very happy.

“I was asked by the staff at MHA Hall Grange to keep it a surprise, tion.

Staff members from MHA Hall Grange personally visited Mr Griffiths,

and I am sure Henry enjoyed it.

“I think it’s a great initiative shown by the home and to give Henry a lasting memory of what the garden looks like is a nice gesture.”

PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

The Importance of Person-Centred Care for People Living with Dementia

By Julie Booth, Consultant Nurse for Dementia Care at Exemplar Health Care (www.exemplarhc.com)

For people living with dementia, person-centred care should be at the heart of all care planning and delivery.

Person-centred dementia care focuses on knowing the unique person through meaningful relationships, that foster choice, independence, purpose and belonging.

In this article, Julie Booth, Head of Quality at Exemplar Health Care, talks about what person-centred care looks like for those living with dementia, and how to foster a person-centred culture for dementia care.

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL As Professor Tom Kitwood famously states, “when you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia.”

This statement broadly supports the principles and ethos of personcentred dementia care – that the individual living with dementia is more than their symptoms or diagnosis.

People living with dementia should never be defined by their diagnosis.

All too often we hear phrases such as: “Mrs Smith has dementia so therefore can’t do this or understand that” or “well, Mr Jones is acting that way because he has dementia.”

For people living with dementia, person-centred care should be at the heart and centre of all care planning and delivery, especially when someone moves into a care home setting.

Although the principles associated with any effective model of personcentred dementia care should include knowledge and understanding of dementia and the impact the disease process can have on brain functioning, it should also include knowledge and understanding of each individual’s personality, life history, health and wellbeing.

PERSON-CENTRED CARE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA Person-centred care is an approach that centres care around the individual, promoting the ethos that every person living with dementia is unique.

Person-centred care values choice, dignity, respect and purposeful living, honouring personal preferences and goals, and promoting meaningful relationships and communication across all care partners.

It’s important to know and understand each individual’s beliefs, values, interests, abilities, both past and present, which can then inform the subsequent interactions and experiences each person has when living in a care setting.

A quality person-centred care model should also include an understanding of and reference to social psychology. This is important in under-

standing the impact that a new environment and day to day interactions surrounding the person living with dementia can have on their overall wellbeing.

If the right approach is taken, by trained care staff, then the care home environment can be both supportive and enhancing for those living with dementia.

However, if a person-centred approach isn’t taken, care home environments can become institutionalised and damaging, in particular when routine and task driven practice takes precedence over the promotion and delivery of personalised care.

CARE PLANNING TO PROMOTE PERSON-CENTRED DEMENTIA CARE Care homes should ensure that they have a care model that can encompass all aspects of person-centred dementia care. This will enable staff to gather all the critical information they need to know about each individual before they actually come into the care setting, as they are then admitted and on an on-going basis. This is to ensure that the care can be adapted and developed as the individual’s needs change.

This approach should be done both with the person with dementia as well as their loved ones and current care givers, so that everyone can feel part of the process.

Regular review of all care plans is vitally important, and common practice would be to review each individual’s care on a monthly basis, determining if needs have changed and adapting new care plans that better meet need but don’t detract from the need to remain personal to that individual’s life history and personality.

This should always be done by involving the person with dementia and their loved ones as much as is possible, finding the best way for each individual to engage with them and have meaningful interactions and discussions.

This could involve staff adapting their styles of communication, to better enable the person with dementia to interpret and understand, or choosing different times of the day to have the conversations, when someone is more receptive and able.

The main aim of the care we provide should always be to maintain and facilitate as much independence as is possible, and as dementia progresses this may mean adapting certain activities to be able to better meet people’s needs, whilst maintaining meaning, participation and enjoyment.

MAKING A HOUSE A HOME Often, when an individual moves into a care home setting, the new home does not immediately feel like a home, the walls and décor don’t seem familiar.

It’s important that at least one small space feels more familiar to that person. The care home team should encourage people with dementia and their loved ones to bring items of furniture, mementos and photos that were present in their previous home setting, that can be used to make bedrooms feel more like a place to call home.

The care home should provide an environment that facilitates orientation and independence as opposed to confusion and reliance on others.

Some of the ways that care homes can do this are: signage that appropriately indicates where things are (including important rooms such as toilets, bathrooms, bedroom and dining room) communal areas decorated in such a manner as to further aid orientation and reduce confusion and visual disturbance - for example, avoiding patterned carpets that may trigger the illusion of insects or mice running around which can be unsafe.

People with dementia should be encouraged to participate in the everyday tasks they would normally be doing in their own home such as cooking, washing up, cleaning, folding laundry and gardening.

This will help to foster a sense of “home” and belonging and give more meaning to each day and to where they are and why they are there.

The development of this sense of daily routine will help people with dementia to establish themselves in their new home, and provide further cues to aid orientation to time and place and improve things such as eating and drinking, physical and emotional wellbeing.

TRAINING FOR CARE WORKERS A quality person-centred care model also acknowledges that professional carers also need support and training to be able to effectively meet the needs of those living with dementia.

Training programmes should include an in-depth understanding of what dementia is and how it can impact the brain and the overall functioning of an individual. This should be coupled with an understanding of the different types of dementia and how they can differently affect the brain and in turn how symptomology can differ between different types of dementia.

Training should also include the development of knowledge what person-centred dementia care should look and feel like, through the eyes of each individual based on the premise of “would the care I am delivering be good enough for me and my loved ones.”

To ensure that the best training is being given, ongoing support and supervision is also vital for carers. This can be done through individual clinical supervision, but it can also be done through group reflection, facilitating group discussions and allowing a staff team a sense of ownership of the care they are delivering.

Teepa Snow has a powerful and passionate quote that tells us, “Dementia doesn’t rob someone of their dignity; it is our reaction to them that does.”

Any care setting that is delivering a truly person-centred model of dementia care will have residents who feel valued, and whose distress is understood from an individual perspective. This will be based on a deep understanding of the known information of each person’s history, cultural identity and beliefs. This enables professional carers to try to interpret the world through the eyes of the person living with dementia and in turn adapt and shape care based on empathy and compassion.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 17

Snap Survey Reveals a Rapidly Deteriorating Picture of Social Care Services A snap survey of the state of social care services has revealed a rapidly deteriorating picture of hundreds of thousands of older and disabled people left waiting for help despite record increases in care being provided to people in their own homes.

Directors of social services across England are expressing unprecedented alarm at the findings as winter approaches. They say the government must act to stabilise the care system. The survey by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has found: •Almost 400,000 people are now waiting for an assessment of their needs or service; •More than 1.5 million hours of commissioned home care could not be provided between August and October because of a lack of staff, despite record growth in provision; •One in two councils has had to respond to a care home closure or bankruptcy over the past six months.

Stephen Chandler, ADASS president, said: “This survey confirms our worst fears. Red lights are flashing right

across our dashboard.

“Despite magnificent efforts by the committed, courageous and compassionate people working in social care who are delivering extraordinary amounts of care and support, services are failing to meet everyone’s needs and older and disabled people are suffering.

“The government must now acknowledge the scale of the crisis and step in with emergency funding and measures to ensure we can get through the winter ahead.”

“The survey findings come ahead of the expected publication of the government’s white paper on reform of adult social care. ADASS is calling as a priority for action to raise the pay and status of care work and put it on a professional footing in the long term.

“The findings suggest, however, that immediate steps must be taken to stem the loss of care workers to other sectors to ensure services can be maintained. ADASS is urging the government to fund a £1,000 winter retention bonus for all staff.

Responding to the survey Danny Mortimer chief executive of NHS

Employers and deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation said: “Despite a record increase in home care provision, there is huge pressure on adult social care staff and services this winter.

“For the NHS, it will take the backlog caused by the pandemic even longer to clear if we don’t immediately tackle the pressures facing social care.

“For social care more generally the government must act immediately to stem the loss of more care workers this winter and the social care workforce should be awarded a £1000 retention bonus.

“In the longer term, Government must immediately publish their longpromised White Paper, along with a long-term health and social care workforce plan.

“Staff in the social care system are working flat out to ensure people get the care they need. The challenges they face have been unsustainable for some time. There can be no further delay.”

Greensleeves Care Highly Commended in the Care Awards for Employer of the Year The highly reputable Great British Care Awards are a celebration of excellence across the care sector and Greensleeves Care was nominated by a frontline colleague in our London region, which makes the commendation in the Employer of the Year category even more meaningful.

The panel explained Greensleeves Care’s High Commendation, saying: “A fantastic leadership team that empowers its teams to make local decisions and take real ownership of their homes. We loved how they had supported staff mental health in the last 18 months during a very challenging time by bringing in a new confidential staff wellbeing system, ensuring staff are supported and invested, putting their wellbeing top of their goals.”

This week saw Greensleeves Care also receive an Investors in People’s Gold

accreditation. Only 17% of organisations achieve this recognition which is a huge honour and testament to those who work for the Trust.

Paul Newman, Chief Executive of Greensleeves Care, said: “Our team of high-performing and dedicated colleagues are essential to the delivery of high-quality care. Both of this week’s accolades are recognition of how our colleagues feel inspired to go above and beyond in their roles. We congratulate and thank them on these award-winning achievements. We continue to expand the work that we do and are always on the lookout for likeminded individuals who share our values and want to forge a career in the care sector.”

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

Double Award Win for Notts Dementia Specialist at Industry Awards NOTTINGHAM-BASED dementia care specialist Church Farm Care has scooped two awards in the East Midlands at The Great British Care Awards.

Patrick Atkinson, director, and Helen Walton, head of operations, have beaten tough competition from across the region to clinch the ‘Care Employer Award’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award’ respectively for their dedication and hard work throughout the pandemic.

The Great British Care Awards are a celebration of quality in care and pay tribute to individuals and services that demonstrate outstanding excellence. The awards are made up of 21 categories, which represent the wide variety of areas within the social care sector – from specialist services through to residential care and more.

Helen said: “I’m honoured and humbled to receive this award. I love what I do, and I am incredibly proud of the role our homes play in ensuring a gold standard of care to our family members – particularly over the past two years as we’ve navigated the Covid-19 pandemic. I would like to thank everyone at Church Farm Care for their support and

would also like to congratulate Patrick for his win, his leadership throughout the pandemic has been second to none.”

Patrick said: “We’re incredibly proud of the work that Helen puts in every single day. Her dedication to our family members continues to impress us all every day and she truly embody our ethos that people matter.

“The past couple of years have challenged the care sector and the way we operate in ways we couldn’t have imagined, but the way our employees have pulled together and formed an amazing, committed team has been incredible to see. While I’m over the moon to have received this award, every single member of the Church Farm team is an award-winner in our eyes and I’m delighted with the outcome of last night’s event.”

Church Farm Care were also a finalist for serval other awards this year. The team members who were nominated were: •Laura Redford – ‘The Social Care Nurse Award’ •Maggie Griffiths – ‘Care Home Registered Manager Award’ •Angela Lewin – ‘The Care Home Activity Organiser Award’

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Watch your resident's eyes light up when the beautiful tea trolley arrives! Euroservice trolleys can also be used as a vending trolley or to sell personal care products to residents. How about a delicious snack/pastry trolley or even a drinks trolley for that afternoon tipple?

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PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

Muted Welcome for Care White Paper Care providers have given a muted welcome to reports of a long-awaited White Paper on the future of social care.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) has welcomed news that the White Paper will set out a vision for the future.

But ICG Chair Mike Padgham said social care needed urgent measures now, including more “boots on the ground” to cope with a crisis in the sector today.

He said: “There is much to be welcomed in the White Paper, including plans to invest in extra care housing and in new technology.

“However, there is no promise of any more funding, which is what the sector needs today and tomorrow to be able to deliver the care we need.

“We understand that many of the measures outlined are looking to the future, which is good, but what we really need is action today.”

Main concern is the lack of any new funding for the sector on top of the £1.8bn a year, over the next three years that the Government pledged earlier this year. Industry experts say social care needs an extra £10bn a year.

Mr Padgham said recent days had exposed the current crisis in social care after ADASS reported that services are “rapidly deteriorating” with half of councils responding to a care home closure or bankruptcy in the last six months.

Mr Padgham backed ADASS’s call for an immediate £1,000 bonus payment to help retain staff. ADASS found that some 400,000 people are now waiting for an assessment for their care needs.

Trade union Unison reported that there are currently not enough care staff to look after care and nursing home residents even during their final hours.

Mr Padgham said the sector urgently needed more “boots on the ground” to cope with the ongoing staffing crisis, alongside the extra pressures of winter and Covid-19, including the new variant.

“Before the pandemic there were more than 100,000 care staff vacancies.

“The Government’s “no jab, no job” policy has added many more thousands to that shortage – maybe as many as the 60,000 the Government itself feared.

“We were already in the eye of a perfect storm, with exhausted and burnt-out carers battling to provide the best care they can as winter sets in; the impact of “no jab, no job” and an inability to recruit from overseas because of Brexit. “Today’s White Paper is welcome but it is short of support for the here and now, which is what care providers are having to face.”

Some £8bn has been cut from social care since 2010 and pre-pandemic some 1.5m people were not getting the care they needed.

The ICG wants to see urgent support for care staff, starting with the payment of a staff bonus, to get more people into the sector to provide care.

Further ahead, it wants to see root and branch reform of the care system to revolutionise the way we look after older and vulnerable people and reward those who provide the care.

The ICG wants to see: • A root and branch overhaul of the way social care is planned and funded • NHS care and social care merged and managed locally or nationally • Extra funding for social care, funded by taxation • Dementia treated and funded like other high priority illnesses • A fixed percentage of GDP to be spent on social care • Proper pay, conditions and career structure for carers

The Access Group Wins Award Recognition for Covid-19 Care Sector Support The Access Group has won a prestigious award for its response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the care sector after quickly adapting its efforts towards supporting the sector.

The business technology specialist’s health and social care division, which provides software solutions for more than 10,500 care locations across the UK, won the award for the best response to the Covid-19 emergency at the Care Sector Supplier Awards.

The Access Group was praised for adapting its focus to providing support for the whole care sector on a free Covid-19 support hub, allowing customers and non-customers to access the latest advice, news and support, as they navigated through Covid-19.

Alongside the support hub, a free downloadable guide was created which included key information on infection control, business continuity advice, and detailed the software modifications put in place to help care organisations reduce the spread of Covid-19.

The Access Group’s product specialists also provided more than £80,000 worth of free consulting direct-

ly to its customers to help support their operations during the pandemic, and further support and donations were made to the Care Worker’s Charity.

Steve Sawyer, Managing Director of The Access Group’s health and social care division, said: “Our strategy right from the initial outbreak of Covid-19 in the UK was simply to provide as much support to the care sector as possible. As the situation unfolded, it was evident that care organisations were going to be significantly impacted by the pandemic and it was an easy decision to adapt the way we support the sector, offering care providers additional resources for them to be able to focus on providing the best care possible.

“This award is testament to a whole team effort, from development quickly adding new product features, our market specialist team creating nearly 50 pieces of invaluable content in just three months, to sourcing face masks and other PPE, and providing free consulting from our product specialists to help support our customers’ operations during the pandemic.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 23

Spending on Children’s and Adult Social Care Not Enough to Support Everyone, Councils Warn Children’s and adult social care services could fail to support everyone they need to despite making up nearly two-thirds of councils’ total spending due to rising demand, increasing costs and inadequate funding, local leaders warn today.

New analysis by the Local Government Association shows that social care-providing authorities, who want to be able to support all children and adults to lead an equal life, are now spending more than 60 per cent of their outgoings on these essential services, underlining the urgent need for action to address immediate pressures now.

It comes as this year’s virtual National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCASC) opens today (Wednesday), featuring Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid, Chief Medical Officer for England Prof Chris Whitty, NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard and Children’s Minister Will Quince, among other high-profile speakers over three days.

The LGA, which represents councils, says serious questions remain about whether the expected £5.4 billion from the new Health and Care Levy over the next three years will be enough to pay for recentlyannounced adult social care reforms.

No funding was made available in the recent Spending Review to address immediate pressures on adult social care, including urgent action which is still needed on care worker pay and on staff recruitment and retention. The LGA says money raised from the new Levy should also be used to support frontline social care, to stave off the worst of the pressures and provide a degree of stability for the short- to medi-

um-term.

The LGA also says that as well as existing and future pressures on adult social care, spiralling demand on children’s social services and future cost pressures in children’s social care are set to increase by an estimated £600 million each year until 2024/25, with many councils finding themselves in the unsustainable position of consistently having to overspend their children’s services budgets.

Instead councils need the right level of funding to provide the early intervention and prevention support to stop children reaching crisis

point in the first place.

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Everybody who is in need of social care to live their best life, no matter their age, should be able to receive it.

“Councils want to do all they can to help people to live the life they want to lead, safe and well, but are now seriously concerned they may be unable to meet their full range of legal duties towards all those who need care and support.

“Steadily growing demand has seen councils with these responsibilities devoting nearly two-thirds of their total spending to both children’s and adult social care, which is simply unsustainable.

“There is a very real risk that local residents will feel they are paying twice with an increased social care precept on their council tax bills, on top of the new health and care levy, yet see their experience of social care services deteriorate due to dwindling resources.

“The Government’s imminent white paper on adult social care should set out precisely how money raised from the levy will address all of its reforms, while also diverting more money to the frontline to urgently meet immediate pressures, including on care worker pay and staffing.

“Children’s social care also needs an immediate funding boost to address a £600 million shortfall, amid spiralling demand and rising costs while we await the outcome of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care.”

“… 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.

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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.

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PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

Challenge to Govt After TV Care Documentary THE Government is today urged to respond after a two-part documentary exposed a crisis in the care of older and vulnerable people.

Mike Padgham, whose nursing and care homes appeared in the programme said: “The documentary has shown the country the terrible state social care is in – now it is over to the Government to show whether or not it cares about how we look after our most vulnerable.”

Mr Padgham was speaking after the second part of Inside the Care Crisis with Ed Balls was broadcast on BBC2 last night.

He wants to meet with Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Care Minister Gillian Keegan to talk about under-funding and the staffing crisis raised in the documentary.

“I don’t think anyone who saw the two programmes can be left in any doubt that the care of our most vulnerable cannot continue as it is any longer.

“It showed a sector starved of proper funding, unable to provide adequate care and with an under-valued, demoralised workforce.

“It posed the question: how much, as a society, do we really care about how we look after our most vulnerable? Well now we are going to find out.

“We have to have reform, meaningful investment and proper pay and conditions for the army of amazing carers who provide care.

“In a sense, Ed Balls, the programme makers and ourselves have

done our bit in raising this issue, now it is up to the Government to do something about it, urgently.”

Mr Padgham allowed a film crew into Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home and Saint Cecilia’s Care Home in Scarborough as part of the two-part BBC Two documentary, presented by Ed Balls, on the challenges facing the social care sector.

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. He has also offered to go to Westminster to meet with the politicians to make progress.

“We want to work with the Government to find solutions to the crisis and to find a way to improve the care we give to our most vulnerable,” he added.

Mr Padgham hopes the documentary will open people’s eyes and prompt the Government to tackle the under-funding and staffing crisis.

“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.

“The documentary can only be the start; it has to be the catalyst that begins long-awaited change to get people the care they deserve.”

Charity Diagrama Residents Attend Brands Hatch as Guests of Racing Events On Sunday 14 November Diagrama was delighted to take JJ, Kevin,

and joy at Brands Hatch, and creating memories for the future.”

and Edward, three residents from their Supported Living Service in

Eddie Hay, Development and Support Worker, Bromley Supported

Bromley to watch the Brit Cars event at Brands Hatch, as guests of

Living Service who went to Brands Hatch for the day, said, “JJ, Kevin and

Racing Events who provide motorsport hospitality.

Edward were delighted to have the opportunity to spend the day at

One of the residents who attended the Brit Cars event was thirty-year-

Brands Hatch. When the drivers realised what a car enthusiast JJ was,

old JJ, who said, “I have loved cars since I was about five and because of

they made a real fuss of him and let him sit in one of their cars which

this passion my Dad calls me a ‘car nut’ and he’s right I am. Kevin,

made his day. Days out are so important, and our heartfelt thanks go to

Edward and I had the most marvellous time and saw cars including

Gary Johnson at Racing Events who generously donated the tickets.”

Minis, Mercedes Fords and Ginetta. I even got the chance to sit in one of

After the excitement about the visit to Brands Hatch, Diagrama asked

the cars. The whole day was amazing, and I would love to do it again.”

JJ, Kevin and Edward, who share a home in the Supported Living

Gary Johnson, Partner, Racing Events, Brands Hatch, said, “Racing

Service, what type of day out they might like next and there was a

Events was pleased to be able to support Diagrama, providing some fun

resounding vote to attend a football club and see behind the scenes

HC-One Chair to Step Back to Senior Adviser Role After serving three years on the Board of HC-One, Sir David Behan CBE has announced) that he will be stepping back from his role as Chair by the end of the year.

Thereafter, he will continue to support HC-One as a Senior Adviser to the Board and Executive Team, and also enjoy more family time.

As Chair, Sir David: •directly led HC-One’s initial response to the pandemic.

•oversaw the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, James Tugendhat, and the development of his Executive Team.

•Worked with the Board to support the refinancing of HCOne through the injection of more equity from its shareholders, with Safanad taking majority control, and the consolidation and reduction of HC-One’s debt.

The refinancing marked another step in setting HC-One on course to deliver its strategy of better meeting the evolving care needs of the country, in particular the growing number of people living with dementia. As part of this strategy, HC-One has already announced increased pay to frontline carers and its significant investment in refurbishing over 200 local authority and NHS funded care homes.

Safanad, the HC-One Board and Management look forward to continuing to work closely with Sir David.

Commenting on the announcement, Sir David said: “It has been an honour to serve as Chair and sit on the HC-One Board over the last three years. Throughout this time, I have always been inspired by the bravery, commitment, and dedication of our teams.

“I look forward to continuing to advise the Board and

Management in supporting HC-One to achieve its mission to deliver high-quality care through kindness.”

James Tugendhat, CEO of HC-One said: “On behalf of everyone at HC-One, I sincerely thank Sir David for his exceptional service as Chair. His leadership and expertise have been invaluable in support of both our Residents and Colleagues. His steady hand and compassionate leadership at the height of the pandemic were critical, as well as his unwavering drive to deliver the highest quality care.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Sir David as our Senior Adviser and to building on our vision to be the kindest care home provider.”

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-

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.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 25

Staffing levels in Care ‘Dangerously Low’ says UNISON Survey Nearly a third (31%) of care staff say staffing levels are dangerously low, getting worse and negatively affecting the care provided, says a UNISON survey.

The findings are based on responses from more than 1,600 care employees and reveal some dying residents are being denied a dignified end to their lives. This is because there are not enough staff to sit with them in their final hours, says the union.

Other shocking consequences of the staffing crisis highlighted by the survey include people being left in dirty sheets, denied regular baths or showers, and not helped to dress until the afternoon.

An overwhelming majority (97%) of workers say their care employer is currently experiencing staffing shortages with burnout, overwork, and low pay (or better pay elsewhere) among the main reasons cited.

The findings were based on responses from care workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The majority (52%) work in care homes, with the rest providing support in other locations such as people’s own homes or in supported living accommodation.

Other findings from the survey include two thirds (67%) of staff saying they are thinking of leaving social care. The union says this is a disastrous but inevitable consequence of poverty wages, low morale and years of chronic underfunding.

Care workers who took part in the survey were asked to choose a statement that best described the situation where they worked. A total of 47% said staffing shortages are having a negative impact on the care

provided and 31% that staffing levels are dangerously low, getting worse and having a negative impact on the care provided.

This compares with 20% who said there are some staffing shortages but their workplace is managing, and 1% who said the situation is fine and there are no serious staffing shortages.

Of those thinking of leaving social care, the top reasons staff gave

were burnout, stress, mental health and wellbeing (30%), followed by better pay elsewhere or low pay (29%) and compulsory vaccination (14%). Other reasons for wanting to quit included poor treatment by their employer (11%) and overwork due to staffing shortages (10%).

Commenting on the findings, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Social care is experiencing an unprecedented staffing crisis.

“Care workers are leaving in their droves – burnt out from the pandemic, exhausted from covering under-staffed shifts and fed up with low wages.

“This is nothing short of a nightmare for families worried about the care of their loved ones, overworked employees struggling to cope and employers concerned they won’t have the staff to stay open.

“The care sector is desperately short of workers and can’t wait months for the government to come up with a solution.

“Ministers should give all care employees some early festive cheer and announce an across-the-board pay rise. This would persuade many on the verge of quitting to stay and encourage more people to think seriously about working in social care.”

This month, the government’s ‘no jab, no job’ mandate for care home staff in England came into force. Until Christmas Eve, care workers can temporarily exempt themselves from having the Covid jab. After this date they will require a formal medical exemption. UNISON fears the end of the year could see an exodus of staff, pushing the care sector

End Isolation in Care says Residents & Relatives Association The Relatives & Residents Association is calling for urgent action to end the discrimination against older people isolated in care. We have produced a video sharing the story of Frances, 100 years old, and the continued isolation she and others face in care homes across the country.

Whilst COVID-19 restrictions were lifted across England in July, people living in care have still been subject to Government guidance setting out restrictions on fundamental everyday decisions like the contact they can have with family and friends. The Relatives & Residents Association helpline continues to hear about the devastating impact this is having on older people’s wellbeing and on their relationships. Frances shares her frustration in the video at being unable to be a mother to her daughter due to visiting restrictions, proclaiming “I am mother, that’s my priority in life!’’

Frances, said: “I hope that very soon care homes will open up and families can all be together, before it is too late. There are still many rules and restrictions that don’t make sense. It doesn’t feel like my home. It feels like this Government doesn’t care what’s happening in care homes and we don’t matter because we’re old. How would they like it if they couldn’t go outside or see their families? Give me back

Linda, her daughter, said: “I have felt anger and frustration at the Government’s continued disregard of the human rights and equality of residents in care homes. I believe that the relatives of the people in care homes during lockdown will live with a legacy of guilt, anger, hurt, and with an emotional turmoil and pain that will never be erased.”

Helen Wildbore, director of the Relatives & Residents Association, said: “Frances’ story is a powerful reminder of the very real impact of rules written without respect for the rights of older people. Sadly, our helpline hears that Frances’ story is being repeated in care homes across the country. We must end this discrimination against older people, left behind as the rest of the country gets back to normal. The Government must urgently overhaul its visiting guidance and place my human rights and freedom the same as the rest of the country. I fought for our freedom!”

the rights of people using care at its heart.”

Watch ‘Living Through COVID in Care: Frances’ story’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0jEwOPiiDM

New Guidance on the Role Occupational Therapists Play in Adult Social Care Services in England The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has launched new guidance on the roles and responsibilities of Principal occupational therapists in adult social care services in England. Endorsed by Skills for Care, the guidance is supported by the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England, Chief Social Worker for Adults for England and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services in England.

Prompted by an awareness of the importance that lead occupational therapists play at strategic levels, this guidance provides a capability statement to be used as a foundation to bring consistency to job role planning across England. It can also be used to: • Demonstrate the role of the principal occupational therapist, support the development of new principal roles and amplify the important part occupational therapists have within social care.

• Highlight how principal occupational therapists can work alongside

Development Framework.

Commenting on the report, RCOT Chief Executive, Steve Ford said: “We know that despite the small percentage of occupational therapists based within adult social care in England, they are responsible for a high proportion of work and are essential in delivering key aspects of the Care Act. “As leaders within social care, principal occupational therapists can articulate to others the valuable role the profession holds working principal social workers and directors of adult social care to provide collaborative, person-centred, inclusive, and effective services.

• Align the roles and responsibilities of principal occupational therapists with the four Pillars of Practice as set out in the RCOT Career

alongside their principal social work colleagues. Their role as strategic leaders plays a vital part in bridging the gap between health and care that is so important to best meet the needs of people in receipt of services.”

The guidance is available to download from www.rcot.co.uk

PAGE 26 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

Collaboration Programme set to Transform Local Government Approach to Digital Care A group of local authority partners has agreed to undertake a unique digital transformation programme being run by leading transformation agency Rethink Partners, and the Local Government Association (LGA).

Rethink Partners will be delivering an exceptional programme in order to support 11 local councils, to realise their ambitions for care technology, adopting digital tools and solutions in adult social care.

Following on from the earlier Care Technology Support Programme, which Rethink Partners and the LGA ran in early 2021, the initiative will see councils being supported by the LGA and Rethink Partners to strengthen digital capability in local government.

The programmes being offered include ‘Strengthening Sector Capability’ where councils will receive direct bespoke support from Rethink Partners on all aspects of care technology, “Digital Leadership, with 2-2-1 mentoring and “Digital Platform”, which is a resource centre for everyone to access.

The Strengthening Sector Capability segment will bring together three councils to co-produce tools and content to share with the sector and develop a community of practice. Local councils taking part in the Strengthening Sector Capability programme include Birmingham City Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and

the front line. This programme includes coaching sessions for leaders/aspiring leaders within councils and an ongoing programme of support in addition to structured content and sessions.

The Digital Leadership programme includes Norfolk County Council, Hampshire County Council, Gateshead Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

The Digital Platform is an open-access website that will pool together all of the information from the masterclasses and other resources, both from Rethink Partners’ extensive collection of thought leadership artiDudley Metropolitan Council. Lincolnshire and Cornwall council have also agreed to take part.

Rethink Partners’ Digital Leadership Programme offers exclusive access to Rethink’s exemplar leadership. Their collective experience of working directly with councils has revealed that councils who make the most progress have effective senior leaders championing and engaging with the work, alongside effective digital programme leads / commissioners. We are therefore offering a digital leadership programme that works both with senior leaders as well as those delivering the work at

cles and external sources that will help councils expand their knowledge of implementing digital care technology and making lives better.

Abby Vella, Digital Lead at West Midland Adult Social Services, said: “It’s great to be part of this exciting new programme with Rethink and LGA. We’ll be working hard to create a masterclass and best practice for the sector. Digital access and inclusion for all is something I’m really passionate about and this is just another building block for local authorities around the country.”

To find out more about the masterclasses, please visit www.lga.rethinkpartners.co.uk

Rotherham Care Home Gathers Gifts for Kids’ Christmas Charity Moorgate Lodge care home in Rotherham is getting into the Christmas spirit by collecting toys for children as part of the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas campaign.

Staff at the care home are asking residents’ friends and family to donate new toys which will be delivered to children who may not receive gifts this year, when they are on planned visits to the home.

The home has placed a box in reception where donations can be made, and the team will drop them off by the charity’s deadline of 2 December.

Cash for Kids supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness and those who have additional needs. Mission Christmas encourages ‘secret Santas’ to buy an additional new and unwrapped gift which will be distributed to those who may be going without this Christmas.

Lisa Goodall, home manager at Moorgate Lodge care home, said: “At Moorgate Lodge, we think it’s important to be a good neighbour

within our community, and many of our residents have been concerned about how we can help local children who may not have much to look forward to this Christmas.

“We’ll have a box in our reception Monday to Friday, and we’re encouraging visitors and staff who can, to buy an additional toy to bring one along and brighten someone’s festive season.

“The collection is open until 2 December and we’d love to get a good haul for the kids.”

Irene Coggan, a resident at Moorgate Lodge, said: “I have lovely memories of Christmas and playing with my toys, and I know some children might not be as lucky and I was, so I’m really happy we’re doing something to help. Everyone deserves a merry Christmas.”=

Surrey Care Home Group Wins Prestigious Award for its Outstanding Response to COVID-19 A family-owned Surrey care group is celebrating after winning a prestigious award for its outstanding response to COVID-19 at the LaingBuisson Awards 2021.

CHD Living, which operates 13 residential facilities, two specialist rehabilitation centres and a domiciliary care business supporting over 800 people, was announced as a winner in the Outstanding Response to COVID in Social Care category.

The acclaim recognised the exceptional efforts of the care group and its workforce, who went above and beyond to ensure residents and relatives were kept safe, connected and informed during the pandemic.

With over 35 years of experience providing the best quality of care to local communities, the win acknowledges CHD Living’s standing as a major player in the industry and its commitment to providing superior levels of service and support to residents, relatives and their staff – whatever the circumstances.

Various initiatives, including the care groups renowned Adopt a Grandparent programme, which made international news headlines during the lockdown, were also rewarded with the accolade.

Created to pair isolated care home residents suffering from loneliness with volunteers from across the globe for regular video calls, Adopt a Grandparent was launched by CHD Living in March 2020. Providing the opportunity for participants to create positive connections when people

2021 presentation evening, which took place on November 18th at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

Discussing the achievement, Shaleeza Hasham, Head of Hospitality & Communications at CHD Living, said, “The LaingBuisson Awards celebrate businesses that set new standards of excellence within their industries, so we are delighted to have secured a win. It is a real testament to all the hard work and efforts of our incredible workforce, who have displayed outstanding commitment since the start of the pandemic.

“We are proud that our Adopt a Grandparent programme, which we are so passionate about, has been recognised for bringing people together during the pandemic, too.”

“We cannot thank LaingBuisson enough for their recognition and are very excited to see what the future brings,” Shaleeza concluded. needed them most, the programme proved immensely popular, garnering the support of 90,000 volunteers, including Hollywood celebrities.

Given its overwhelming success, Adopt a Grandparent is now an independent charity working towards ending loneliness for good.

Winners of the awards were revealed at the LaingBuisson Awards

The near future is already looking particularly exciting for the company, with CHD Living due to host its own inaugural awards in December.

Taking place on the 16th December at The Oatlands Park Hotel, the CHD Care Awards 2021 will honour and celebrate the hard work of CHD Living’s dedicated staff, whilst raising money for the Adopt a Grandparent charity.

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

Carers’ Fears Over Omicron Covid Variant Carers are calling for urgent Government support to protect the country’s oldest and most vulnerable as the new omicron variant of Covid-19 spreads.

They urgently need more “boots on the ground” to cope with the new variant, winter pressures and a massive shortage of staff.

Care provider organisation, The Independent Care Group (ICG) said today it was vital the Government stepped in to help care settings tackle the ongoing staffing crisis as the new strain and winter demands ramped up the pressure.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “Care settings have not eased down for a moment during Covid-19, not for a second, but they are doing so without any great support from the Government.

“Now, as we see the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant and winter starts to bite hard, we need some support, particularly with the ongoing staffing crisis.

“We need more boots on the ground and we need them today.

“Before the pandemic there were more than 100,000 care staff vacancies.

“The Government’s “no jab, no job” policy has added many more thousands to that shortage – maybe as many as the 60,000 the Government itself feared.

“As it has decided not to delay that in care settings – unlike in homecare and the NHS – we ask today, what are you going to do to help care and nursing homes get through winter, the new omicron Covid variant and the shortage of staff?

“We were already in the eye of a perfect storm, with exhausted and burnt-out carers battling to provide the best care they can as winter sets in; the impact of “no jab, no job” and an inability to recruit from overseas because of Brexit. “Now we have the new omicron variant on top, which means we have to be ever more vigilant, we must have some support if we are going to get through the next few months.”

Some £8bn has been cut from social care since 2010 and prepandemic some 1.5m people were not getting the care they needed.

The ICG wants to see urgent support for care staff, starting with the payment of a staff bonus, to get more people into the sector to provide care.

Further ahead, it wants to see root and branch reform of the care system to revolutionise the way we look after older and vulnerable people and reward those who provide the care.

The ICG wants to see: • A root and branch overhaul of the way social care is planned and funded • NHS care and social care merged and managed locally or nationally • Extra funding for social care, funded by taxation • Dementia treated and funded like other high priority illnesses • A fixed percentage of GDP to be spent on social care

Rotherham Care Home Residents in Fine Voice for Christmas Light Switch-On For weeks, the residents of the Moorgate Croft care home in Rotherham have been practising Christmas carols to join the town’s festive light switch-on, via pre-recorded video.

The home, on Nightingale Close which forms part of Moorgate Care Village, has taken up the opportunity to participate in this year’s light switch-on, on 26 November from 6pm. Singing residents from Moorgate Croft will be streamed to take part in the event to mark the official start of Rotherham’s Christmas celebrations.

The event will be the first of its kind since 2018, after bad weather forced its cancellation in 2019 and the pandemic curtailed plans in 2020.

Sheilagh Sweeney, home manager at Moorgate Croft, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic for our residents to be able to get involved with the festivities on the 26th. We absolutely love Christmas at Moorgate Croft,

so we’ve had a whale of a time practising our carolling the past few weeks!

“At Moorgate Care Village, we take great pride in being at the very heart of our local community and we’re really looking forward to being part of the celebration!”

Barrie Richmond, 82, a resident at Moorgate Care Village, said: “It’s lovely to be able to take part. We’ve all really enjoyed singing the carols and we’re looking forward to being part of the big show.”

As well as taking part in the official switch-on, the video of residents will be used throughout December on the Christmas bus.

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 30 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

Green Meadows, the £11m Extra Care Development on the Isle of Wight is Now Complete Southern Housing Group’s new extra care development, Green Meadows, has opened in Freshwater.

The innovative £11m scheme was delivered by a partnership including Southern Housing Group, Lovell Later Living, Isle of Wight Council and Funding Affordable Homes Housing Association.

A ribbon cutting event and tour was held on 10 November to mark the completion of 75 affordable rent and shared ownership apartments including 45 one-bedroom and 30 two-bedroom flats.

The Green Meadows scheme builds on the existing relationship of all the partners and is supported by Homes England. Appropriate housing for older people and people with care and support needs is in high demand on the Island with the Council highlighting the need for further new extra care homes in the future.

The scheme is owned and funded by Funding Affordable Homes Housing Association. Day to day management is provided by Southern Housing Group who will operate and manage the scheme as well as providing care and support to residents.

Naomi Keyte, Head of Care and Sheltered Services at Southern Housing Group, said: “We are thrilled to be part of this unique and highquality development supporting the Island’s community in the West Wight.

“Green Meadows provides older people and people with a care and support need, the opportunity to remain living independently in their own home with responsive care available 24/7 delivered by a dedicated

being supported to live affordably and independently in a home of their own, developing a new, thriving community that will provide long term jobs for local people are outcomes that we are all very proud of being part of.

“Extra care housing plays a vital role in enabling people to retain their independence in later life and we are committed to supporting our Partners develop schemes people need and aspire to.”

Leader of the Isle of Wight Council Councillor, Lora Peacey Wilcox, said: “Green Meadowsis another contribution to making the council’s Independent Living Strategy a reality.

“This new development significantly improves the housing offer for older and more vulnerable members of our community.

“Green Meadows will give Island people who are looking to move to extra care accommodation another, better option. I sincerely thank Southern Housing, Funding Affordable Homes Housing Association and team of staff based on site.”

Paula Broadbent, Managing Director of Lovell Later Living, said: “I am excited for us to have completed in Partnership, another vital extra care scheme on the Isle of Wight.

“Green Meadows marks significant progress in the response required to meet the needs for extra care across the island. It was a pleasure to see customers having moved in and settling into their new homes.

“The opportunity this development creates for local older people,

Lovell Later Living for their investment in our Island”.

Paul Munday, CEO Funding Affordable Homes Housing Association, said: “Our objective is to help fund and increase the supply of quality new affordable housing across the UK. Our funds are contributing to reducing the housing crisis across the country. We are delighted that this partnership successfully completed this wonderful new building and that the residents can now move in and make this their new home and community. We wish everyone well. ”

Leatherland Lodge Care Home, in Thurrock, Essex, Receive Mayor’s Certificate of Recognition Leatherland Lodge are honoured to receive the Mayor’s Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor Sue Shinnick.

The award was presented to Kerry Cooper, Home Manager.

Kerry was nominated by someone within the community for the support and contribution she, and the home, gave during the pandemic. The kindness, generosity and selfless actions of Kerry, and the entire team at the home, were so greatly appreciated by those in their community, that they were requested to receive civic recognition from the Mayor of Thurrock.

With over 30 years of experience, CWE can help you provide safe water systems for your care home, including:

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As a token of appreciation of this honourable recognition, the home received a certificate and letter from the Mayor.

Kerry Cooper, Leatherland Lodge Home Manager, commented: “My team and I feel so grateful to have received the Mayor’s certificate of recognition. Though the pandemic brought with it some unprecedented challenges, everyone at Leatherland Lodge worked so hard, focusing on goodness and kindness always. To have this recognised means so much to us here at Leatherland Lodge. We are proud to display our certificate at the home for all to see.”

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 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

New £15m Care Home Opens in Worsley New Care has opened the doors to a ‘new generation’ care home in Worsley, worth circa £15m.

Located on Walkden Road, on the site of the former Cock pub and hotel, the new care facility features 71 fully furnished bedrooms, each with a private en suite wet room, plus a selection of communal lounges, dining rooms and quiet reading rooms. It also has a nail bar, hairdresser, landscaped gardens and outdoor terraces to the first floor.

Bridgewater Manor was officially opened by Salford’s Ceremonial Mayor, Cllr John Mullen.

He comments: “The motto of the city is ‘Salus Populi Suprema Lex’ which translates to ‘the welfare of the people is the highest law’ and after visiting Bridgewater Manor and meeting the New Care team, I can honestly say that

this new care home will ensure the welfare of its residents will be its highest law too.

“The facility is stunning, but practical, and the attention to detail is impressive. The team is professional, dedicated and passionate and the residents will no doubt enjoy a very high quality of care at Bridgewater Manor.”

Dominic Kay, Chairman for New Care, adds: “It was a pleasure to welcome Cllr John Mullen to Bridgewater Manor to cut the red ribbon and officially declare the facility open. He enjoyed a preview tour of the care home and afterwards, spent time talking to the team, offering kind words, which was very much appreciated.”

Bridgewater Manor is New Care’s ninth care facility in the UK, and the first in Salford.

Vida Healthcare Secures New Certification Vida Healthcare has achieved certification against the Restraint Reduction Network Training Standards as assessed by the BILD Association of Certified Training.

These standards ensure the training is directly related and proportional to the needs of populations and individual people. Training should be delivered by a competent and experienced professional who can evidence knowledge and skills that go beyond the application of physical restraint or other restrictive interventions.

The certification not only improves training and practice, but it protects people’s fundamental human rights, improves the quality of life of those being restrained, reduces reliance on restrictive practices, and increases the understanding of the root causes of behaviour and recognition that many behaviours are the result of distress due to unmet needs.

To achieve the certification, Vida Healthcare had to complete seven rigorous stages, including initial eligibility, a familiarisation workshop, self assess-

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Our proven success is based on positive relationships with our clients, including some of the UK’s largest care

ment, and review of the evidence by a panel of experts, including people with lived experience.

Bernadette Mossman, Healthcare Director at Vida Healthcare, commented: “At Vida we recognise the need to provide the very best training, learning and development for our staff in order to deliver the highest quality care for residents. There is growing recognition amongst professional bodies and government departments that while the use of restraint may be necessary on rare occasions to keep people safe, it is also traumatic and must be minimised in therapeutic settings.

“We’re always looking for new ways to invest in our offering and secure accreditations which support the work that we’re doing. We’re so pleased to have achieved this certification for our Positive Interventions in Dementia Care (PIDC) programme, and we can’t wait to see the impact this has on our care offering and recruitment.” home groups. We listen to their individual needs and work with our wide range of suppliers, several of whom focus solely on the healthcare sector, to ensure that our bespoke service meets these needs every time.

Think of us as an extension to your team and the thread between you and your suppliers - allowing you and your team to focus on the care and wellbeing of your patients and residents.

We guarantee to save you time and money across many categories from food to planned preventative maintenance. By using our significant market leverage, we will reduce your spending with or without changing suppliers and promise to balance service, quality, and price to deliver a complete procurement partnership.

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Contact us for a free procurement health check and let us help you buy better! support@mypurchasingpartner.co.uk / www.mypurchasingpartner.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 35

A Guide To Living With Dementia and Incontinence As age is the most significant risk factor for dementia there is naturally expected to be a growing number of people with dementia as the population ages.

Let’s look at some of the statistics • It is estimated that in the UK, at least three to six million people, therefore 5-10% of the population, suffer from urinary incontinence • In 2015, the number of people with dementia was approximately 10.5 million in Europe. The number of affected people is predicted to increase to 13.4 million by 2030 and to 18.7 million by 2050 • There were an estimated 44.4 million people in the world diagnosed with dementia in 2013 and this figure is predicted to rise to 75.6 million by 2030 and to 135.5 million by 2050 What is clear from these statistics across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world is that the situation is only going to worsen not improve.

And it’s not just an older person’s problem as younger people can also develop dementia. Although it is less common, it is important to avoid associating dementia uniquely with the older people and overlooking the many younger people who also experience it.

Ontex understands that a review of numerous studies has demonstrated a correlation between increasing age and an increased preva-

lence of urinary incontinence and suggests that age is an independent risk factor for urinary incontinence.

Alex Shaw, Marketing Manager UK & Ireland for Ontex comments, “Ontex believes that dementia is not an inevitable consequence of ageing and neither is incontinence. Equally, incontinence is not an inevitable consequence of dementia, however in cases of advanced dementia, where sufferers are completely dependent, incontinence will unfortunately be inevitable.”

THE FIVE CONTINENCE ACTIONS To be continent you must be able to: 1. Recognise the need to pass urine 2.Identify the correct places to do so 3.Reach the correct place 4.Hold on until you get there 5.Pass urine once you are there If someone has a problem with any of these issues they are at risk of becoming incontinent. A person with dementia is more likely to have problems going to the toilet or suffer from incontinence than a person of the same age without dementia if they are unable to follow these five important steps.

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE IN THIS SITUATION • Be supportive and remember that the person may feel embarrassed and upset as they may not realise they have been incontinent • Look for the non-verbal signs that someone needs to go to the toilet • Try to offer prompts and reminders every few hours to use the loo • If someone has an accident they may try to hide wet clothing or bedding.

Discreetly deal with it to avoid further embarrassment.

• Try to encourage the person to drink six to eight glasses of fluid per day as it’s really important to stay hydrated • It’s also helpful to encourage a healthy, balanced duet with plenty of fibre • Consider practical things you can do in the person’s home such as placing a sign near the toilet entrance, a toilet seat or rail and things that might help at night such as a commode.

• Keep continence pads in the bathroom and bedroom.

HOW ONTEX CAN HELP Ontex specialises in products for continence management and has designed its products ranges around discretion and giving confidence to the user. The iD & Lille product range covers all types and levels of incontinence for males and females of all ages.

Approved by Dermatologists, the iD & Lille product range covers all types and levels of incontinence for males and females of all ages. The products deliver ultra-fast liquid absorption and keep liquid locked in the pad, as well as providing anti-leakage protection, odour control and breathable material for added comfort.

THE NEW ID PANTS RANGE The new look pants range now offers extra skin benefits by incorporating an improved top sheet with a mix of camomile, known for its soothing and calming properties, Vitamin E with antioxidant properties and zinc oxide, a natural purifying mineral component to help protect the skin.

See the advert on page 7 for details.

North East Care Home Gets New Name and New Lease of Life A Northumberland care home has been saved from certain closure and the loss of local jobs and services after a new provider stepped in.

Vital Care Services has now taken over the former struggling Baedling Manor at Front Street, Bedlington and have not only given it a new name but have also secured the home’s future and that of its 50 plus staff.

The 55 bed residential home has been renamed Birkinshaw Manor as a nod to John Birkinshaw, one of the area’s most famous sons who invented the wrought iron rails which were used on the Stockton to Darlington railway line – the first in the world.

And under the control of director and nominated individual Geetika Malhotra, the home is now facing a new and much more positive future.

“We are delighted to have secured this home and to have been able to protect important services for the local community, while safeguarding over 50 local jobs,” she said.

Although this is a new venture for the trainee lawyer, she is no stranger to the care business as her family have been operating care service across the North East for more than 35 years.

“I have seen my father, Bunty Malhotra, develop care homes since I was a child and I am very excited to now be able to follow in his footsteps but operate independently,” said Geetika.

Further investment in the home is now planned, with Geetika already holding a number of meetings with staff to take on their ideas and suggestions, who have welcomed the new regime.

Nicola Undeldorf, the registered manager for Birkinshaw Manor said that everyone “had worked very hard to make improvements in recent months as a team.”

“We are very pleased with the new vision and structure now in place as it is already making such a difference to staff morale and care delivery,” she said.

Geetika has been taken on board staff suggestions and is now also planning meetings with residents, their families and stakeholders.

“It’s very important to me that service users and staff feel that their opinions matter and that we can all work as a team to achieve the best outcome for our residents.,” she said.

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

Care Home Collaborative Set to Enhance the Lives of Care Home Residents Makes Key Appointments Ahead of Official Launch A new service dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for residents in care homes has now appointed a number of key posts and secured new dedicated accommodation for the central hub in Glasgow.

The ‘Care Home Collaborative’ – which will work with all 186 care homes and 6 HSCP teams across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde– has appointed Nurse Lead Carrie McCulloch to lead key workstreams in partnership with local HSCPs, care home teams and other key stakeholders to ensure care homes are supported to deliver safe, effective person-centred care. The overarching goal of the Care Home Collaborative is to help enable the best possible life for residents aligned to what matters to them.

Carrie has more than 25 years of experience in community nursing within specialities such as Tissue Viability and Infection, Prevention of Control which are two of the key areas the Collaborative will look to support care homes with.

Also joining the team is Janice Mitchell. Janice joins as Nurse Team Lead for Hub 5 and will act as a link between the Collaborative and HSCPs, understanding their unique challenges and fostering collaborative working relationships.

The new appointments bring the Care Home Collaborative team to 17, with a number of additional staff joining over the past month including Gillian Mackay, who has joined as Advanced Practice Care Home Dietitian and Stuart Wilson, Irene Delibozova and Carol Crawford who join as Care Support Workers providing peerto-peer support to care home staff.

The new team will provide professional support advice and guidance on a range of issues such as nutrition, infection control, tissue viability, engagement,

leadership and further education. All the work undertaken will have improving the lives of residents at its heart.

The new appointments will be based out of dedicated office spaces in Glasgow’s city centre at Clutha House. The Glasgow base will host up to 40 staff who will work across NHSGGC’s six HSCPs, providing multi-disciplinary support.

The Care Home Collaborative will officially launch in early 2022 but has already completed its first major piece of engagement work.

Commenting, Carrie McCulloch said: “Care homes provide a vital service to thousands of residents across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and they tend to face challenges specific to their sector. As we come through the pandemic, it’s clear that there’s an opportunity for us to work in partnership with residents, families, staff, care homeowners and other stakeholders to really listen and understand what additional support we can offer to build on what is done well and further develop the quality of person-centred care. It’s really important that we can respond with the right type of support tailored to their needs. It’s an exciting opportunity for all of us” Janice Mitchell added: “When we look at supporting care home residents, rarely are we looking at one single issue or challenge. We’re caring for people which means it’s so beneficial to take the Collaborative approach which will provide multi-disciplinary expertise to help provide support on any number of things – whether that’s nutrition and making sure residents have diets aligned to their needs and preferences, or infection prevention and control – where we’ll work with care homes to ensure they have the training and equipment necessary to keep residents families and staff as safe as possible, while also focussing on a high-quality care experience.”

Bringing Back Meaningful Moments: Care Consultancy's Gift of Time Advent Calendar Relaunched Following Last Year's Success

A leading care and culture consultancy has relaunched its Christmas advent calendar for the UK care sector following the success of last year, which enabled caregivers to 'open a window of possibility' throughout December.

The festive initiative was initially created to help boost morale following an exhausting year for the health and social care industry, which was largely spent protecting the vulnerable from the coronavirus pandemic. Now, Meaningful Care Matters' Gift of Time advent calendar is

back for a second consecutive year to enable caregivers another opportunity to take a moment and make a difference each day in December – and once again is free for all care providers and individuals to access.

Behind each closed door is a short, simple activity to partake in with those being cared for, with the aim of helping to brighten someone's day and make a real difference to their life. It could be anything from making a different kind of drink for someone to enjoy, taking the time to find out what someone's favourite piece of music is, doing some virtual travelling, or reading someone a story from their favourite book.

Explaining the reason behind relaunching the Gift of Time advent calendar, Peter Bewert, Managing Director of Meaningful Care Matters, said: "The festive season is generally centred on the theme of 'giving' and last year's success really drove home that message, helping to raise the morale of care providers and the people they care for significantly. This year, we intend to implement a meticulous focus on being kind, having fun, sharing memories, and looking after one another."

Part of Meaningful Care Matters' Meaningful Connections Community, a comprehensive online platform offering individuals and care providers an opportunity to learn and develop with like-minded

people, the calendar offers a simple way to spend quality time, kindness, and meaningful moments to those needing care this Christmas.

The first of its kind, the innovative platform is designed to enable global networking through the sharing of ideas, information and experiences, as the industry continues to acclimatise following the events of the past 20 months.

Peter concluded: "Please join us each day in opening a new window of possibility to change a moment and make a difference. Sometimes the gift of time is the most precious thing we can give. This might be for someone you support or one of your team members, or it could be for YOU, as you matter too!"

To sign up for free and find out what is behind the first door of the advent calendar,meaningfulcarematters.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=52b25ab14240879ff407ac387&id=222902b59e. Participants are also encouraged to share their daily activities across social channels using #MakeCareMeangingful #GiftofTime.

Alternatively, for more information on Meaningful Care Matters, visit https://meaningfulcarematters.com/.

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

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

NCF releases Impact Report 2020 – 2021 The National Care Forum (NCF), has announced the release of its Impact Report 2020-2021.

From the start of the pandemic, the NCF played a pivotal role in supporting care providers, both those within our membership and in the wider sector and the report covers some of the topics made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report highlights the significant impact the NCF team, our Board and our members made during 2020 to 2021, including: • Over the year, more than 3,000 people benefited from our weekly COVID-19 Members’ calls covering key topics including PPE, Testing, Vaccinations, Staffing and Recruitment, Visiting and Insurance issues.

• Media coverage across the year was unprecedented, and the NCF perspective was highlighted in 3,850 pieces of coverage across television, radio and press resulting in 794 million opportunities to see.

• Our #HeretoCare campaign challenged the media narrative to increase public trust in care homes. One of the legacies of this campaign was the bank of positive stories and case studies, which resulted in the Caring In Covid ebook.

Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the NCF said: “Last year was a very challenging year – it has been our privilege to serve and support our members and work collaboratively with the wider sector to help to navigate the chal-

lenges of the pandemic.

“Our thanks go to our partners who have provided a huge amount of support to our members and to our members themselves, whose individual and collective willingness to respond and deliver at a consistently excellent level has made the membership of NCF stronger and more resilient to whatever the future brings.”

The NCF is also pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Clark-Kuehn, Group Director of Care, Sanctuary Care to its Board of Trustees. Sarah joins the existing board comprising, Andy Cole OBE (Chair), Royal Star and Garter; David Williams (Treasurer), St Monica Trust; Dan Hayes, The Orders of St John Care Trust; Mark Adams, Community Integrated Care; Maria Ball, Quantum Care; Martin D’Mello, One Housing; Maxine Espley, Accord Housing Association; Mette Le Jakobsen, Surrey Choices; Richard Hawes, Elizabeth Finn Homes; Sue Porto, Brandontrust; and Oona Goldworthy, Brunelcare.

Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive Officer, said; “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the NCF Board. Her experience in her role as Group Director of Care at Sanctuary, the UK’s seventh largest care provider, will strengthen the already high calibre current Board. We are also very pleased that Dan Hayes, CEO, The Orders of St John’s Care Trust and Martin D’ Mello, Group Director of Care & Support, One Housing, were re-elected and will continue to serve as Board Members. “ More information about the NCF Board of Directors can be found here: https://www.nationalcareforum.org.uk/ncf-board-members/

Jason Statham Records Special Birthday Message for 100-year-old WWII Veteran and Superfan says: “I’m flattered you’re a fan of mine, but more than that, I’m a big fan of yours. And I’d like to say that being in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War is the real and true definition of what a hero is.

Thanks for your bravery. I send you lots of love on your big, special day.”

Joyce celebrated her birthday with other residents, who enjoyed cake and bubbly. Afterwards, the star-struck centenarian said: “I can’t believe it. Thank you to everyone at Royal Star & Garter for giving me a very happy day.”

The great-grandmother has been a resident at Royal Star & Garter since January 2019. She added afterwards: “I had a lovely birthday party. I don’t feel 100. I am very happy at Royal Star & Garter, everything is great.”

Hollywood star Jason Statham has sent a special 100th birthday message to a superfan and WWII veteran.

Joyce Ensell received the video message from the Hollywood hunk during a birthday party at Royal Star & Garter, in Solihull, on Monday 22 November.

She regularly watches the action-thriller actor’s high-octane films from her room at the award-winning care home.

Staff at the Home, which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, organised the video message. They also arranged for a life-sized cardboard cutout of the actor to take pride of place during the party, alongside a cake, flowers and a card from Her Majesty The Queen.

In the birthday message, Jason Statham pays tribute to Joyce. He

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 39

Unison to Consult CQC Members Over Strike Action Staff at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are to be balloted over possible strike action after being given no pay rise this year despite the significant rise in the cost of living, says UNISON today.

CQC staff – who inspect, monitor and regulate hospitals, care homes, GP and dental surgeries, as well as ambulance and mental health services – have, the union says endured years without a significant pay rise, and since the start of 2010 the value of their wages has fallen by almost 20%, says UNISON. UNISON submitted a pay claim for a 5% pay increase with several other unions* in June. However, all but the very lowest paid staff have been told that they are subject to the public sector pay freeze and won’t get anything this year.

CQC staff represented by UNISON have already shown by a clear majority that they are willing to take sustained action over their pay claim. They are to be formally balloted for action in the new year, with

UNISON national officer Matt Egan said: “These workers help to ensure the most vulnerable people in society receive safe and good quality care.

“It’s only right that the work and value of CQC staff should be recognised with a fair pay offer, given there’s a challenging winter ahead and how essential they are to the safe, efficient functioning of the health and care sectors..

“CQC employees are dedicated to their essential roles, so action is very much a last resort. But staff have had enough of years of falling pay. It’s not too late for the employer and the government to find a way for workers to be given the wages they more than deserve.

“UNISON is happy to work with the CQC to help it make the case to the Department for Health and Social Care for why a proper pay rise is the ballot opening on 21 January.

more than justified.”

Send a Card to WW2 Veteran and Centenarian Stan this Christmas A volunteer at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity in Doncaster and Thorne in South Yorkshire is asking people to help a 100-year-old veteran celebrate Christmas this year by sending him cards and well wishes.

Christmas, like all major festivals, is a time for family – and after the last 20-odd months of lockdowns and restrictions on seeing loved ones, it is perhaps more important this year than most others.

But not everyone has close family. Husbands and wives die, children and grandchildren move way, couples separate, and some people are left alone.

Stan Vickers, late of the Royal Artillery, is a case in point.

Stan, who celebrated his 100th birthday on November 19, lost his wife Marjorie a few years go and moved into The Laurels care home in Norton. Of course, no matter how much the staff there make him feel comfortable and care for him, it

is not where he lived his life with Marjorie and made so many memories.

One of those wishing Army veteran Stan well was Gary Cox, Divisional Secretary at SSAFA Doncaster and Thorne, South Yorkshire.

SSAFA has been providing practical, emotional, and financial support to our Forces and their families for over 136 years, and not just during times of conflict – and Gary wants you to help Stan.

Gary said: “Stan was fascinating to talk with, and although he had many stories about how he survived WWII and his daring exploits as part of the Royal Artillery, including a battle with Rommel’s forces, it became apparent that he is all alone with no surviving family. This, and the loss of his wife, tugs at his heart. It tugged at mine, too.”

Claire Simpson, Activities Co-ordinator at The Laurels,

added: “One of our weekly groups is ‘Reminiscence’, which is not only for our residents to chat about the past, but also to support each other to combat loneliness. This is one of the groups Stan enjoys most; he’s always got a story to tell.

“Music is also a big part of our activity programme here at The Laurels, and singing songs and also triggering memories leads to great chats – and Stan can definitely talk for England!”

Gary concluded: “The Armed Forces community is often called a ‘family’, and so I’m calling on this family and the many, many civilians who support our veterans and serving personnel to send Stan a festive card and let him know that he’s not forgotten this Christmas.”

If you can, then send a Christmas card to: Stan Vickers Laurels Nursing Care Home High Street Norton Doncaster DN6 9EU

Raising Spirits: Care Home Opens On-Site Pub for Residents A care home in Steyning has launched a mobile bar for residents to

as slips, trips and falls.

The bar was the brainchild of Irene Pudduck, who was deputy manager at the

enjoy as the cold weather sets in.

The ‘Croft Arms’ has opened at the Shaw healthcare-operated Croft

home before recently moving to another Shaw-operated home. Her husband, Ricki,

Meadow care home, providing residents the chance to have a tipple

designed the bar with donations from Howdens Joinery and the owner of local pub,

while chatting and playing various pub games with each other.

O’Connors.

The bar will offer the residents the chance to enjoy and create several non-alcoholic drinks. The idea came from a ‘mocktail morning’ that has

Carmen Flueras, service manager for the home, said, ‘You can see the resident’s faces light up when the mobile bar makes an appearance. The residents love to remi-

previously been trialled during a hydration week in June, which found

nisce about their visits to the pub or even working in them when they were younger -

that by engaging with residents to create the ‘mocktails’, they were more

it encourages interaction, and everyone has a great time.”

likely to increase their fluid uptake – reducing the risk of accidents such

Staff at Care Home in Northamptonshire Thanked for Long Service Staff gathered at a care home in Rushden for a celebration in recognition for their long service at the home.

Six members of staff at Victoria House celebrated between 21 and 44 years’ service – having transferred from Northamptonshire County Council in 2004.

Enjoying the celebrations and delicious scones freshly baked from the kitchen were Councillor Richard Lewis and CEO for Shaw healthcare, Russell Brown who presented staff with certificates.

Service manager for the home, Teresa Taylor, has worked for Shaw since 2009.

She said: “I am so proud of the staff here at Victoria House. The fact we have so many staff who have been here for so long is a testament to what a great team we have.”

Louise Mutton, a team leader at Victoria House, has worked at Victoria House for over 30 years and was thanked for her long service. Louise, who was a finalist at the recent Shaw Star Awards, is one of four family members at the home, with her son, Jacob, working as a maintenance operative and two of her relatives are residents.

She said: “Victoria House is one big family and I am proud to have worked here for as long as I have. It was fantastic for us all to come together and celebrate some great achievements, especially after such a challenging time for health and social care throughout the pandemic.”

NCF Counts Down to Christmas by Shining a Spotlight on Inspiring Care As Christmas draws closer and we begin to turn our attention to the festivities, an important part of the legacy of 2021 will be the role care providers have played in caring for the people who need them most in our communities.

The National Care Forum (NCF) have brought together a collection of members’ stories in the form of an online Advent Calendar. Viewers are invited to open a different door each day to see short video stories that show the incredible response from NCF members during 2021. The Advent Calendar shines a spotlight on how care workers and the communities they serve, have continued to deliver high quality care and support despite many of the challenges of living in a Covid-world.

Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive of the National Care Forum said:

“Through the collection of these Advent Calendar stories, the reader peaks behind the closed doors and experiences of what it is really like for care staff, residents in care homes, and people needing support in their own homes. These stories demonstrate how people’s lives are enriched by the role of those working in the care sector through their creativity, dedication and passion, and through their many skills and talents.”

The NCF Advent Calendar open’s today Wednesday 1st December and end on Christmas Day, with different stories featured each day. www.nationalcareforum.org.uk/christmas-advent-calendar

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

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 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

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 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL A Person-Centred Approach To Mobility and Hygiene When looking at specific hygiene tasks, needs differ significantly 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.

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 easy-to-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 compli-

ance 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

PATIENT COMFORT AND PREFERENCE 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/ 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.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 45

HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL Far-UV Sanitisation For Care Homes Means Staff, Residents and Visitors are Safer From Viruses, Bacteria and Pathogens An outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic is an increased need for safe, disinfected public spaces. BiocareUV have been working with the government, education and healthcare sectors to provide a solution to the ongoing health issues in the UK and the rest of the globe.

Our Far-UV products safely sanitise rooms and high touch areas leaving them free from pathogens, bacteria and viruses such as Covid 19, MRSA & Norovirus. The UV light at 222nanometers is safe to be around humans and animals whilst also being effective at destroying unwanted germs, leaving the room safer for your staff, residents and visitors in these uncertain times.

Manufactured in the UK with government support, BiocareUV strive to make day to day living safer. The products come in various forms, from a hand held Biowand unit which sanitises the area manually, to a Biolume which fits into the ceiling and sanitises the room throughout the day, BiocareUV have the right solution for you.

Businesses nationwide are struggling with the cost and inconvenience of absent staff members due to covid, flu or other winter viruses, BiocareUV can help to reduce this. The Biotile and Biolume products fit into the ceiling fixtures and are specifically timed to make sure the room is constantly sanitised, leaving it safer for your residents, their guests and your staff, significantly reducing the risk of staff illnesses and sick days.

Your residents are the most important part of your business and keeping them safe is your priority. Here at BiocareUV, the safety and wellbeing of everybody is our priority!

Ultraviolet light (light at wavelengths between 100 and 400 nanometers) has well-known disinfection properties and have been used for many decades in the food and water industry. Most UV disinfection systems use germicidal lamps of wavelengths 240nm-280nm, with the most common being 254nm. Unfortunately, exposure to 254nm UVC light also causes damage to skin and eyes in humans. However, recently published studies have demonstrated that UV light at 222nm has the same germicidal capabilities of 254nm light without damaging skin or eyes and has increased efficacy for killing bacteria and viruses. Regulations permit the use of UV at these wavelengths within occupied spaces, properly controlled. Our products & systems ensure those regulations are never breached.

“We’re justifiably proud of our products and our innovation and genuinely believe they will become a part of the global response to not just this pandemic, but how we deal with global health for the future” says Mike Humphreys, BiocareUV’s Operations Director.

BiocareUV are here to help, to learn more about the products visit our website www.biocareuv.com or get in touch with our team today by emailing sales@biocareuv.com.

BiocareUV – Your Health is Our Priority!

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 mov-

ing a wide rage of maintenance services in-house, 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 46 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

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 79 | PAGE 49

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Forbes Delivers a Streamlined Solution for National Care Groups

A national care group needs to know that they are delivering a consistently high standard of care and in order to do this they need to ensure that they are working with service partners that they can trust. When it comes to laundry provision, centralised procurement and management teams want to know that they will have access to a streamlined process for all account and service management.

Established in 1926, Forbes Professional offers a nationwide delivery of a local-based service, with the security and reliability that comes from being a multiaward winning, CHAS approved business. We have an expansive network of depots and field engineers including our own in-house Gas Safe engineers. This enables a highly responsive service and maintenance response, which is mobilised via a dedicated hotline at

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

our head office. We work closely with clients to devise the solution best suited to their requirements; conducting comprehensive site-surveys, offering detailed CAD designs and always specifying the most appropriate, industry compliant machines. We choose our manufacturers extremely carefully to ensure that we are offering the highest quality of both product and service.

For the care sector, hygiene is always of paramount importance and our commercial laundry equipment fully adheres to the relevant WRAS and CQC guidelines for infection control. We are proud to be Miele National Partner which enables us to offer market leading, energy efficient machines including a wide range of heatpump dryers.

All of our laundry equipment is available for rent, lease or purchase with maintenance. Our Complete Care rental solution gives access to premium equipment without upfront capital outlay and with no repair or replacement bills for the life of the contract. Clients are assigned a dedicated account manager who remains their point of contact, centralising all account management for a highly efficient process that keeps things simple for both procurement teams and care management staff. www.forbespro.co.uk info@forbes-professional.co.uk 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 50 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

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 79 | PAGE 51

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 52 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

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 79 | PAGE 53

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:

Support with claims

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 58 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

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

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.

Wippet Is The New Online Marketplace For The Healthcare Sector Wippet is the new online marketplace for the healthcare sector. The website saves care providers time, making it simple to source a wide variety of products, from beds to detergent. It’s also most importantly - free to the customer!

The easy to use platform allows customers to buy online using one login and one basket - and with one consolidated invoice each time customers place an order. By offering consolidated invoicing, Wippet not only reduces admin, it also reduces the costs, inefficiencies and errors that can arise from managing multiple suppliers and separate invoices.

What’s more, all suppliers on Wippet go through Wippet’s due diligence checks

The Carer Digital Now Available Weekly thecareruk.com/backissues

Our weekly digital edition supports the sector with all the latest news, expert advice and developments Sign up to get the latest edition direct to you at:

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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.!!

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. !

prior to being listed, to provide the assurance that customers can buy from known and trusted supplier brands - without all the usual effort.

Matt Oxley, founder and CEO of Wippet, says: “From the smallest residential home to the largest group, we know that time spent on unnecessary admin is time that can't be spent delivering care.

Wippet is here to lift that load. I don't believe there's a care provider out there that can’t benefit significantly from the efficiency Wippet brings. Our mantra at Wippet is to make buying in healthcare simple.”

To find out more about Wippet, its range of products and supplier brands go to www.wippet.com

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 79 | PAGE 61

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Global Software Solutions from Leecare Read all the latest stories online at: 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.

Mobile Apps which link to the program can also be modified at the push of a button. Layers of permissions built into the programme ensure staff can only read / write in particular resident files or assessments and do what they are mandated to.

Our comprehensive understanding of the legal and political environments that govern each of the markets in which we operate means we are able to expediently add required forms / functions to the program to ensure our clients stay abreast of any changes.

The Leecare platform incorporates a resident/clientcentric care system comprising over 150 aged / social care expert assessments and monitoring charts

designed with the latest evidence-based tools and the sector they serve in mind. We also provide over 100 meaningful, quality and system analysis ready reports.

One source of truth is ensured and duplication is eliminated through linked data which maps throughout all relevant assessments in the program.

Whenever an assessment is completed and saved the information entered will trigger a number of functions including the mapping of the information to another relevant assessment in the program, the generation of an automated progress note, a prompt to update a resident goal; the need to update other related clinical information in the program such as neuro obs post fall, the updating of any one of three different resident care plans, an update of relevant resident and management reports.

As the system can be used from any device and accessed via Wi-Fi from anywhere, data can be entered in a timely manner at the point of care or when it is convenient, streamlining and simplifying workflow for nurses and care staff be it assessment data at the bedside or downloading maintenance reports from the workshop.

Visit www.leecare.co.uk for further information.

www.TheCarerUK.com

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.

Visit The Carer website to see all the very latest news and developments from the care sector as it happens!

Sign up to get the latest stories delivered directly to your email at:

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

PAGE 62 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

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 64 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

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

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".

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

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.

PAGE 66 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79

TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Apprentices Key To Filling Gap In Health and Social Care Workforce

By Jason Whitehouse, Head of Health and Social Care, Realise (realisetraining.com)

With growing concerns about recruiting and retaining staff in social care settings, the need to train new staff and upskill existing colleagues has never been greater. Jason Whitehouse, Head of Health and Social Care at training provider Realise, investigates how apprenticeship schemes, other training and competitive pay can help address staffing issues in health and social care settings.

When it comes to recruiting and retaining staff in social care settings, the

UK is facing something of a perfect storm.

The effects of Brexit on the sector have been well documented. The UK care sector has been reliant on European workers for decades but migration restrictions has forced many people to return to their native countries.

The problems have been magnified by the pandemic, through people having restrictions on the number of care settings they can work in, the requirements of self-isolation policies and now the looming November deadline of mandatory Covid-19 vaccination for care workers.

The statistics paint a grim picture. The latest Skills for Care report shows around 105,000 vacancies being advertised in the sector on an average day, while staff turnover rates remain high at 28.5 per cent in 2020/21.

There is also no doubt in my mind that some workers are leaving the industry for jobs they perceive to provide better financial and career opportunities.

I’ve heard instances where people working in our sector have considered retail jobs as an attractive option because of improving pay and fewer responsibilities in those types of roles.

The tide can be turned and, for that to happen, workforce reform is essential and must happen now. At the heart of that must be extensive training and development opportunities to deliver the care needed and help wages compete with other sectors.

It’s vital that we make the health and social care sector appealing again and ensure that young people are fully trained so they have the best opportunity to have rewarding careers.

A recent survey has found that nearly half of social care employers are currently operating with, or below, the bare minimum of skills required to run operations successfully.

The Open University research found significant skills shortages, with 10%

of respondents reporting they lacked vital skills to run their operations successfully, and a further 34% saying they had the bare minimum of skills required among their teams.

This shows that we need a long-term plan that focuses on investing in employees and creating opportunities.

I believe apprenticeship schemes, as well as training and development programmes, can help provide a natural career path to those who are new to the sector.

From a business point of view, it makes sense for health and social care settings to take advantage of the current support available to them.

The worst case scenario is that 95% of the cost of the apprenticeship training is funded by the government and, for larger organisations, it can be completely subsidised by the apprenticeship levy.

The most exciting thing about our sector is that there’s a fast progression route with five different level courses that enables ambitious individuals to progress and develop quickly.

Quality work-based learning programmes are available at all levels, from Prepare to Work in Adult Social Care Level 1 through to Leader in Adult Care Level 5.

The hard work can’t stop there though. Once apprenticeships are completed, it’s crucial that staff are appreciated and rewarded with a competitive level of pay so that we keep pace with other sectors.

As well as keeping people in their current jobs, we need to encourage and inspire a new generation so that we have a continuous stream of talented workers coming through.

We can’t afford to wait any longer because it’s clear the sector needs support and I think these recommendations will tackle the most significant challenges currently facing the health and social care workforce.

Care Staffing Crisis Tackled With Comprehensive Recruitment, Retention, and Training Pathway Programme Staff shortages in the care sector are well-documented and Staffordshire-based Acacia Training has responded with the launch of a new Professional Care

Pathway programme.

Structured as a flexible six-year package, the training programme provides learners with the opportunity to

FUNDED LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA in ADULT CARE At Step Up Training and Care we offer: • Tailored learning journeys and programmes • A flexible blended approach of one to one, in-house, classroom, practical assignments and online assessment methods • Training that will lead to higher quality of care delivery • Training led by tutors and assessors who are specialists in health and social care • Level 3 diplomas that are accredited to Highfield Qualifications

T : 0121 794 1532 or 07384 698553 W : www.stepuptrainingandcare.co.uk E : info@stepuptrainingandcare.co.uk

progress to a Level 5 qualification with the option to additionally complete a teaching qualification in the final year. It is open equally to those new to the sector, those already following a career within it, and those considering a return to health and social care. For employers, the pathway commences at the recruitment stage making it the most comprehensive and advanced programme of its kind in the care sector.

Created in direct response to the needs of care employers, Acacia’s Professional Care Pathway has been developed to transform how care workers are perceived, through the raising of standards and provision of professional qualifications to degree level and beyond.

Lisa Davies, speaking on behalf of Acacia Training, said: “The pandemic shone a spotlight on the vital role of those working in care, but recruitment and retention combine to pose the sector with its biggest challenge of all and there are now in excess of 100,000 positions vacant.

“Care employers are under immense pressure to deliver their core services, yet they’re also battling to keep their existing staff empowered and invested in their careers AND attract new talent. They’re superheroes but they can’t do it all - our Professional Care Pathway addresses this.”

Starting with recruitment, the Professional Care

Pathway allows employers to hand their vacancies over to Acacia’s dedicated recruitment service to manage all aspects of advertising the vacancies, vetting applications and recommending an interview shortlist.

Acacia Training then delivers sector specific preemployment induction training for successful candidates before they commence on their professional career training.

The Professional Care Pathway not only offers flexibility to the learners but is also entirely flexible to meet the needs of the sector. Acacia’s first partner in the programme is Home Instead which provides care at home services nationwide. Lisa Davies concludes: “When Home Instead approached us to support on its recruitment and training needs, it quickly became apparent that the challenges it faces are far from unique.

“Acacia can relieve the pressure for care providers across areas including engagement, motivation and promotion. Starting with recruitment and onboarding, through our in-house careers guidance service, our impactful employee engagement strategies, and our rich heritage in all areas of care sector training, we can provide the most comprehensive and professionally focused recruitment, training and retention programme to meet the needs of every UK care provider.”

To find out more about Acacia’s Professional Care Pathway programme, contact the team on

Why Train Beyond the Care Certificate

It can be tempting to think that once the Care Certificate has been achieved it’s the end of training.

The Care Certificate can demonstrate that staff have the minimum level of required training.

Training to Level 2 and beyond will therefore improve abilities to cope with the challenges presented by working in a difficult sector. Obviously one of the most significant challenges was dealing with Covid but there will be new and different challenges ahead However, it is the clients who will benefit from the improvement that additional training will bring. Whilst these may include advances in the treatment of dementia, or changes to the legislative framework, there will undoubtedly be any number of other issues that will create new and complex problems that need to be dealt with.

So, if you think the Care Certificate completes all the training, it might be time to think again.

SO WHY CHOOSE STEP UP TRAINING AND CARE? We provide training services that will build implicit

trust, leading to confidence by clients looking to use your services.

At Step Up Training and Care, we know people are busy, work long hours and that a set 9-5 timetable will not work for most care homes and providers. We can tailor our learning programmes to meet individual needs, time our training to meet business commitments, working shift patterns and around family life.

Zoom Boom is here to stay, and we can accommodate teaching and learning through blended learning such as classroom, remote, assessor based, one to one training sessions. Our trainers have personal experiences of working in the health and social care sector, hence our flexible approach.

We empower people to learn.

Training beyond the Care Certificate - Can you afford not to?

Call 0121 794 1532 or 07384 698553 or visit www.stepuptrainingandcare.co.uk for details.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 79 | PAGE 69

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 emo-

tions 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.

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objecWe 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

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

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

tives of purchase, development and refinance.

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

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