The Carer Digital - Issue #108

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 Issue 108

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

THECARERUK

THECARERUK

THECARER_UK

Government to Delay Social Care Reforms Until 2025

The government has announced a delay in some of its social care reforms, in particular the right for “self-funders to take advantage of, typically lower, council care home rates, following concerns authorities would lack the workforce to implement the change.

In the announcement Minister for Care and Mental Health Gillian Keegan said that the government had dropped its original proposal to extend the right to have your council arrange your residential care, under section 18(3) of the Care

Act 2014 – to all self-funders, from October 2023.

Following a consultation, instead of all self-funders currently in residential care being allowed to approach their local authority from 2023, only those entering care after October 2023 will be able to do so for the first 18 months of the reforms’ implementation.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

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

A bit of a “mixed bag”, in the response to the government announcement (see our front page story) regarding delays in some of its social care reform. In particular, delays in the rights for self-funders to take advantage of lower local authority rates.

There are always two sides on every debate and we have printed comment from both sides. However, looking at it objectively I am of the opinion the government should never have made the announcement in the first place!

Of course I don’t know all the ins and outs surrounding the lead up to original policy announcement, but at that level it should have been fully costed and approved, and not been subject to objections from local authorities, who clearly saw the policy unaffordable to them, only for the government to backtrack months later.

How on earth did get to that situation?

In real terms it is another can being kicked down the road for 18 months, but I do see an unfairness in the current proposals. Instead of all self-funders currently in residential care being allowed to approach their local authority from 2023, only those entering care after October 2023 will be able to do so for the first 18 months of the reforms’ implementation.

In simple terms, a clear disparity between self funding people entering care after October 2023 and self funding people already in care who won’t qualify for another 18 months.

To my mind that just simply is not fair and the government have made a bit of a dog’s dinner of this whole policy, which when implemented will I suspect cause yet another storm!

Once again the Covid crisis rears its ugly head.

According to reports today, (July 13) an average of 351,000 people are being infected with the virus each day. The recent surge in cases has been largely driven by the Omicron sub-variant BA.5, which is better at spreading than previous strains of the Covid virus.

“This variant is particularly good at immune escape, causing an increase in re-infections in people in spite of vaccines and natural immunity, particularly over the past few weeks,” a leading expert said at the beginning of the month, and a large number of NHS staff are currently off work because they have Covid-19.

Some hospitals have taken the difficult decision to restrict visiting to prevent coronavirus from spreading among patients and staff while others are asking all visitors to wear face coverings.

Editor

Peter Adams

While that has not yet spread to other settings – work environments, for example, there are calls for everyone to wear a face covering if they are visiting a healthcare setting and in some cases requests consider wearing a face covering in crowded indoor public places, while cases of coronavirus are currently high.

I did see on a government website advice with simple steps everyone can take to keep safe. These include: • Get vaccinated • Maintain good hand hygiene • Stay at home and limit your contact with others if you are ill • Wear a face covering in indoor crowded or enclosed places • Meet others outdoors wherever possible • When indoors, increase ventilation and let fresh air in.

The care sector found itself caught in the eye of the storm when Covid first broke wholly unprepared. The sector, as we know, weathered the storm thanks only to great sacrifice and was, in my opinion, terribly treated with the way the government implemented is mandatory vaccine policy, which eventually it had to backtrack.

Once again in the coming issues we hope to include advice guidance and best practice from some of the industry experts on how to minimise/mitigate the possibility of infection within care environments.

Again we have received some wonderful and uplifting stories from care homes around the country, birthday celebrations, fundraising, sports events (particularly Wimbledon), singing and dancing - you name it we are receiving them at the moment. All feelgood stories which highlight the dedication, commitment and devotion staff display in every day improving the well-being of the residents so well done and please keep them coming to editor@thecareruk.com Also watch for our next printed issue - we are on the presses and out on Monday, July 25 when we will be launching our latest Unsung Hero award!

So please do get nominating!

The Carer is published by RBC Publishing Ltd, Suite 4, Roddis House, Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset. Contributions are welcome for consideration, however, no responsibility will be accepted for loss or damage. Views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team. Whilst every care is taken when compiling this publication to ensure accuracy, the publisher will assume no responsibility for any effects, errors or omissions therefrom. All rights reserved, reproduction is forbidden unless written permission is obtained. All material is assumed copyright free unless otherwise advised.

PUBLISHED BY RBC Publishing Ltd Roddis House, Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1LG

TELEPHONE:

01202 552333 (6 lines)

Fax: 01202 552666 Email: sales@thecareruk.com

WEBSITE: www.thecareruk.com EDITOR Peter Adams SALES EXECUTIVES Sylvia Mawson David Bartlett Guy Stephenson PRODUCTION & DESIGN Matthew Noades PRODUCTION & WEB ADMIN Charlene Fox Published by

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 3

Government to Delay Social Care Reforms Until 2025 (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) As part of a raft of reforms to the Care Act, announced in 2021, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it would extend the right for self-funding individuals to have their eligible care needs met by their local authority.

The delay follows a waring from local authorities that they did not have the funding or workforce to be able to cover implementation of the reform.

In a written statement to Parliament Ms Keegan said the that implementation of section 18(3) of the Care Act 2014 will be phased in.

Ms Keegan, minister for care and mental health, said: “This staged approach to introduction will allow individuals funding their own care to benefit from local authorities’ expertise in commissioning as quickly as possible, while allowing local authorities and social care providers to plan for this change and avoid unnecessary disruption to service provision.”

The reforms also include a new cap on care costs of £86,000, a new ‘fair cost of care’ and a more generous means-test.

PROJECTED LOSSES OF £560MILLION A YEAR In March, the County Councils Network (CCN) and LaingBuisson released research showing that unless the government provided more funding to councils to pay a new ‘fair cost of care’, the full implementation of Section 18(3) from October 2023 could see care providers across England face lost revenues amounting to £560m a year. The report concluded losses on this scale could cause a severe sustainability risk to care markets, with widespread provider failure, across the country.

The report calculated that an extra £854m a year is needed, at the bare minimum, to make the proposals workable by avoiding large-scale closures and to ensure ongoing investment into the social care sector.

In its response to the consultation in April, CCN specifically recommended the policy mitigation announced in the absence of a full delay to the implementation of 18(3), alongside significantly more funding to implement a fair cost of care.

Cllr Martin Tett, Adult Social Care Spokesperson for County Councils Network, said: “The announcement of a phasing to the implementation of Section 18(3) of the Care Act 2014 responds directly to the advocacy by the County Councils Network (CCN) and our research with LaingBuisson. This work showed that a full implementation of this new duty to arrange care on before of self-funders from October 2023 could cause major financial risks for both councils and care providers.

“CCN welcomes the government acting on our recommendation to, at the very least, implement section 18(3) only for new individuals entering the care system from October 2023. However, while this will help reduce the funding shortfall and better manage immediate demand, CCN still remain very concerned that funding provided to move towards a fair cost of care will be insufficient to off-set providers’ financial losses

from Section 18(3), impacting on their sustainability.

“Concerns on funding and implementation timescales of social care charging reforms, however, are not limited to the impact of Section 18(3). CCN’s report with Newton demonstrated that both the extended means test and cap are underfunded and create significant workforce challenges. It is vital the government re-examines both the quantum and distribution of resources for these reforms to local government so county local authorities do not face significant unfunded burdens and considers potentially phasing other elements of the reforms package so councils have more time to transition and prepare.”

CARE PROVIDERS “ANGRY RESPONSE” CARE providers have reacted angrily to further delays to promised reform and called on candidates for the vacant Prime Minister’s job to make social care a priority.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “It is no surprise, as every piece of social care reform that is put forward is always delayed, delayed and delayed.

“I would say to those who would be the next Prime Minister: unless you have a bold commitment to getting social care done, don’t bother to put your name forward.

“With a new Secretary of State and ultimately a new Prime Minister, we desperately need to see signs of change and a proper, binding commitment to reform social care once and for all.

“Many warned the Government that there was not enough money available to enable councils to pay a fair price for care and therefore make the changes fair for those who pay for their own care and fair to hardpressed and cash-strapped care providers who currently face great challenges just to survive.

“Now the whole thing is being kicked down the road for 18 months and we are no further forward.

“Unless the Government starts to reform and properly fund social care, we are never going to make any headway in making the system work for the benefit not only of those who are already receiving care but also for the 1.5m people who can’t get the care they need.

“On his first day as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson promised to get social care done. It is ironic that on what might well be one of his last, the Government delays another piece of reform.”

“LIMITING COST OF SOCIAL CARE” A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We’re limiting the cost of social care so people keep more of their savings and know they will not face spiralling charges if they need long term care in the future. Everyone who needs care will benefit from the cap on care costs that will be introduced from October 2023.

“We have worked with the sector to understand how best to implement changes to the charging system.

By extending self-funders’ rights to local authority commissioning in a phased way, local authorities will be able to secure affordable and quality care for all who need it, ensuring a smooth transition and certainty and stability for the sector during a time of reform.”

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

Sex and Sexuality In Adult Social Care Personal relationships are an important part of people’s lives, and that includes sexual relationships. When we talk about meeting people’s needs holistically to deliver personcentred care, we need to understand their relationship and sexual needs too. Abi Spence, Contributor on Registration and Inspection with Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) www.qcs.co.uk, the leading provider of content, guidance and standards for the social care sector, looks at some of the challenges around this sensitive issue.

Traditionally, within adult social care services, sexuality as a topic has been difficult for some providers to implement. We talk about meeting the physical needs of the people we support, and their emotional needs too. But when it comes to sexual needs, they may be skirted around for a number of reasons.

But if we are to deliver complete person-centred care, then we must understand and address the sexual needs of those we support, whilst ensuring individuals are protected from sexual harm and abuse.

But how should managers and social care workers approach individuals when talking about sex and sexuality?

In a QCS podcast on the topic of Relationships and Sexuality I hosted recently, which is out in July, I commented that “we are having a general chat about relationships and sexuality in social care and even saying those words ‘sexuality and relationships’ I struggle’. My point is that discussing sex is something we are often embarrassed by in our own personal lives. So talking about these issues at work can be even more difficult.

The podcast discusses how these conversations, when conducted correctly, are important to enable people who draw on social care services, to lead their life the way they wish and uphold their human rights.

BUT WHEN IT COMES TO SEXUALITY WHAT DO WE MEAN? The Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its 2019 guide, ‘Relationships and sexuality in adult social care services Guidance for CQC inspection staff and registered adult social care providers’ provides us with a definition: “Sexuality encompasses a person’s gender identity, body image and sexual desires and experiences.

This means people can have needs relating to their sexuality, regardless of their age, mental capacity or personal history.” it is useful to quote the guide here, especially as it says that it is important to recognise that sexuality can mean different things to different groups of people.

To recap, its guidance relates to: · sex, masturbation, sensuality, physical intimacy, romance and physical attraction · gender identity – the sense that we are male or female or not aligned with either gender · sexual orientation, including heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual · personal dress, body image, personal grooming and sexual expression.

SO HOW SHOULD PROVIDERS SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE THEY SUPPORT WITHIN THEIR SERVICES ABOUT THIS SENSITIVE ISSUE? Providers need to look at ways to cultivate an open culture for both staff and people who draw on care.

It’s only then they will create an environment where people feel comfortable to talk through relationships

and sexuality.

The goal is to help individuals feel more connected and empowered, to promote healthy adult sexual relationships in care, and spot any potential risks of abuse.

When individuals are open to receiving information from the provider and specialist resources, this will support their decision making when it comes to living their life the way they want to.

PUTTING GUIDANCE IN PLACE Skills for Care, a QCS partner, worked with the CQC, and released their “Supporting Personal Relationships” guide, which is downloadable from their website. Other learning resources on the subject were developed in collaboration with Supported Loving and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care CQC, quoted on the Skills for Care website, says: “People must be empowered to speak about relationships and sexuality, in order for them to articulate their needs and feel valued. It is not good enough to put this issue in a 'too difficult to discuss' box. It is particularly because these topics are sensitive and complex that they should not be ignored.”

It's agreed, then, that sex and sexuality isn’t an easy topic for most. But the provision of good clear guidance helps us know what best practice looks like. Managers, then, can help their staff by thinking about what they need to know and understand about sex and sexuality, and then put learning materials and best practice guides in place.

The Skills for Care content is designed to help employers understand what staff need to know about personal relationships, and how they can create a workforce development programme for their organisation.

It recommends that, “to minimise risk and increase positive experiences for people who draw on care and support services, social care organisations need to adopt a proactive approach to supporting relationships and this starts by having those relaxed, frank, and informative conversations. “ The guidance states that effective adult social care leaders should “develop a culture, an environment, care planning and processes that support people’s sexuality and relationship needs and keep them safe.”

It goes on to say that organisations that are led by a set of values of person-centred care, which are promoted in their recruitment and work practices, “have a strong basis for protecting people’s rights, as well as protecting them from harm.”

Although these conversations need to begin at assessment, we don’t want to just go in with a list of questions and run down it in a ‘tick box’ approach. We may be supporting individuals in their 80s, who are reserved, who maybe hid their sexual preferences throughout their life, and any suggestion of relationships and sexuality could cause them embarrassment.

During the talk with my guest, we agree that building relationships and trust is key. After all, the assessment process deals with a wide range of sensitive issues such as personal care, continence etc. Training is given to staff to ensure they handle these areas sensitively. And the same applies to the area of sex and sexuality — it is the basis of good outcomes.

Delivering a holistic approach to person-centred care, then, should encompass positive personal and sexual relationships, and beyond that, enable individuals to express themselves, their gender identity, preferences and wider sexuality. It is about allowing those we support to make their own choices, and supporting them to live out these choices safely. Resident managers should build a confident, knowledgeable, and supportive culture for people and staff to enable this to happen.

You can listen to the podcast where Abi and her guest, Dawn Wallace, spend time unpicking this sensitive issue further for free here: www.qcs.co.uk/thecarer-podcast Skills for Care Supporting Personal Relationships resource can be found at https://tinyurl.com/5xkcmjza

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 5

200,000 Covid-Related Deaths Must Serve as Important Reminder, says BMA Over 200,000 Covid deaths have been recorded across the UK, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

A total of 200,247 Covid deaths have occurred, with 294 in the last week.

The figures include deaths due to Covid-19 as well as those involving the virus.

Analysis of registrations figures for England and Wales for the pandemic to date shows that, in the first wave, 91% of people died directly as a result of Covid.

Since Omicron became the dominant variant that figure has fallen to 68% of Covid deaths, with 60% of deaths due to the virus in recent weeks because of the reduced severity of the strain and the success of the vaccine rollout.

Responding to news Professor Philip Banfield, BMA council chair, said: “Today marks a deeply tragic milestone for our country as it is confirmed that 200,000 people have lost their lives to this devastating virus. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of those who have died, each of whom have suffered an irretrievable loss.

“This terrible loss of life must serve as an important reminder that Covid-19 has not gone away and remains a serious threat to public health. It is vital that the Government ensures that the public are well informed of the risks of Covid-19 and the steps they can take to protect themselves and others, especially at

this time of rising Covid infections.

“Health and care settings must be safe for staff and patients and the Government must support this by bringing back mask wearing for patients, ensuring regular NHS staff testing and making sure that staff have access to high quality PPE. The Government must also reverse its deeply damaging decision to end Special Covid Leave which provided vital support to healthcare staff if they needed to self-isolate or became unwell with Covid or long Covid.

“The families of the people who have lost their lives to Covid, as well as the healthcare workers who have spent over two years working in the most harrowing situations, deserve answers and the nation needs assurances that we will never experience tragedy on this scale again. It is crucial that the Government demonstrates that it has a strategy to deal with both the immediate pressure of waves of heightened infection rates and the longer-term impact of Covid, including the disproportionate impact on different groups in society, underpinned by appropriate investment.

“We look forward to working with Baroness Hallett and the public inquiry to represent the frontline doctors who have sacrificed so much in the battle against Covid-19 to ensure that lessons from the pandemic are learnt sooner rather than later.”

Care Home Workers Take on Mammoth Charity Cycling Challenge Staff from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes up and down the country have taken on a gruelling 211 mile cycling challenge from Bradford to London to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

Over four days, from July 5th- 8th, a team of care home workers cycled from Yorkshire to London, stopping at 15 care homes and one hospital across all four of Barchester’s divisions to meet well-wishers, have a wellearned break and refuel before continuing on their way.

On 8th July at 11am the tour stopped at Chorleywood Beaumont in

Chorleywood where they hosted a lovely BBQ with entertainment and a raffle to help raise funds. Residents, their friends and family and staff from the home all got together to pass on their good wishes and cheer the cyclists on to victory.

Ramona Stanciu, General Manager at Chorleywood Beaumont who took part in the cycle challenge, said: “I am so very proud to have taken part in this challenge with my Barchester colleagues, it is no mean feat to cycle so far. Everyone has certainly shown their mettle. It was wonderful to see many supporting the cyclists as we passed through, all of our residents and staff enjoyed being our support crew for this leg of the Tour and cheering us on our way.”

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR EMAIL AT WWW.THECARERUK.COM/SIGNUP

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

Dehydration In Care Homes: Don’t Let People Die Of Thirst

By Jo Jacobius, Communications Consultant for the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (www.twha.co.uk) Fluid intake is fundamental to health and well-being. Yet in care settings where water should be readily available, hydration is all too often not prioritised not because people don’t care but just because they are sometimes not trained to understand that many people in care, especially those with cognitive impairment, need to be reminded to drink and importantly need to be helped to drink.

It pays to hydrate people. It is scandalous that in the UK today, vulnerable people are dying of thirst. Apart from the human misery caused by dehydration, it costs the NHS and care homes dearly due to illness that can result from dehydration. Older people admitted to hospital from residential care settings have been found to be 10 times more likely to be dehydrated than those admitted to hospital from their own home. The consequences of dehydration include cognitive impairment, lack of balance leading to falls, constipation, UTIs and respiratory tract infections. Lack of fluid can even cause fatalities.

Perhaps because hydration is a basic right, research has been limited and continuous training on this aspect of care is lacking. The situation may have worsened during the Covid pandemic, where care has been hindered by lack of visits from relatives who often are the first to note a cognitive decline that may result from dehydration.

Drinks are not the only means of delivering fluid. Soups, fruits, and vegetables for example, all have a role to play. One of the best means of hydrating people healthily however is water.

Some solutions are simple. In some care homes, water is often provided in plastic jugs where the fluid becomes unpleasant to drink and may be left out of reach. Even when the vulnerable person can reach, those who have dementia don’t have the trigger mechanisms to know they need a drink unless encouraged. Coloured drinking cups along with encouragement to drink, and improved palatability of the water

catering staff, care assistants and carers.

Fluid charts aren’t the answer either. They can be overly complicated, misunderstood, and not completed properly. Phillipa AtkinsonClow, general manager of the WHA, said: “There is no substitute for reviewing the client’s symptoms. Is the mouth dry? Are lips cracked?

Does the tongue look wrong? Is the urine dark in colour? These obvious symptoms can often be addressed by simply offering fluids and noting if the symptoms quickly clear. Often they do.”

If your care home uses water dispensers, these may come in a variety of formats: bottled water coolers, mains-fed (bottle-free coolers), integrated tap systems in the kitchen area, or other forms of water station or water fountain. Whichever you choose, hydration must be delivered safely so you need to ensure your system is provided and maintained by a WHA-Safe supplier. WHA stands for The Water Dispenser & Hydration Association, the body that trains and annually can help.

A report resulted written by Dr Lisa Wilson for the International Longevity Centre, Hydration and Older People in the UK: Addressing the Problem, Understanding the Solutions, concluded that hydration policies should be “mandatory with practices in place to monitor and evaluate these to ensure they are being carried out effectively”. Good hydration practice, it said, “must become a part of regulated and inspected care issues”.

Some hospitals have hydration champions or nurse leads. Care homes might wish to consider having a champion to ensure correct training. However, this individual is not present all the time and so a culture of hydration should be built into everyone’s job: managers,

audits suppliers to ensure good practice. They also have a Find a Member section so you can check if your dispensers are WHA-Safe.

Phillipa Atkinson-Clow adds: “It is essential to provide convenient and safe hydration. Potable water must be on hand. Risk assessments are necessary. Whatever the means of providing water or other fluids, there is a need to service the machines or taps and sanitise touch points, although increasingly touchless machines are becoming widely used”.

Staff need to be well-hydrated too. Hydration breaks should be as much a part of working life as handwashing.

The problem of dehydration is easily identified: it’s one of the cheapest forms of preventative treatment. Don’t risk clients dying of thirst.

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR EMAIL AT WWW.THECARERUK.COM/SIGNUP

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 7

Thyroid Problems in Later Life Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia

Researchers from the US and Taiwan have found a link between having an underactive thyroid in later life and an increased risk of developing dementia. The findings were published in the journal Neurology today (Wednesday 6 July).

What did the scientists do? Researchers looked at the links between thyroid disorders and dementia in 15,686 people who were enrolled on the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database.

Of this group of participants, 7,843 had a new diagnosis of dementia, and the other 7,843 had no diagnosis of dementia at the start of the study.

The researchers adjusted the results to take into account other known risk factors for dementia, including high blood pressure, diabetes, hearing problems, heart disease and depression.

What did the scientists find? People aged 65 and over with a history of hypothyroidism – meaning their thyroid gland is underactive so they are not producing enough thyroid hormone – had an 81% increased risk of developing dementia compared to people without thyroid problems.

Those aged between 50 and 65 years with hypothyroidism did not have an increased risk of dementia.

People who had hypothyroidism and took medication for this had the strongest association with an

increased risk of dementia.

Our expert comment: Dr Sara Imarisio, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Research has found links between having multiple health conditions and an increased risk of dementia, but we need to know more about the causes of these links. This study used data from a large group of people from Taiwan and found that an underactive thyroid can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia up to 81%. The study did not look at the reasons for this high correlation and future studies should investigate this further.

“If you are worried about your thyroid, it is best to arrange an appointment with your doctor who can do some simple tests to check that it is working properly. You can also see information and support on the British Thyroid Foundation website for people affected by thyroid problems.

“This study highlights an important area of future research as in the UK, two in 100 people have an underactive thyroid, so this increased risk needs to be better understood. Through funding the brightest minds in dementia research, we hope to unpick these causes and progress towards finding life-changing treatments in the near future.”

Residents from OSJCT Spencer Court Care Home Help to test Blenheim Palace’s Accessibility Features Care home residents from the Orders of St John Care Trust’s Spencer Court, including a former tour guide, recently visited Blenheim Palace to help inform the large visitor attraction’s accessibility plans.

The trip was arranged by Dorte, the Home Manager and Lorraine, who is a Volunteer at Spencer Court, situated in Woodstock. Lorraine is also a Palace Host, helping with tickets, passes and working alongside the information desk. Before becoming a Palace Host, Lorraine was a Tour Guide. She started in 2007 so her knowledge of the Palace is extensive.

Lorraine is also one of the Palace’s accessibility champions, and in addition to enjoying a nice day out, this was a key aspect of the tour. She took the group on a guided tour, inside and outside the Palace to test out wheelchair access across different areas of the Palace. Lorraine said: “Blenheim Palace has a stairlift taking wheelchairs and pushchairs onto the second floor, and slopes for the bottom levels. But until someone has real experience of going around the Palace in a wheelchair, and shares that experience with us, we can’t tell how straightforward it will be. It’s been really valuable to hear feedback from the residents and their carers.”

This was the second tour Lorraine organised for Spencer Court residents, and Dorte and Lorraine plan to have more trips for more residents soon. The Palace currently offer free walk-in passes for the locals so they’re hoping they can invite residents’ relatives to come next time. The Palace has also supported the home by donating several garden planters made at their own sawmill.

Lorraine became a Volunteer for the Trust earlier this year. After the pandemic, she was aware that residents still weren’t allowed any visitors for a long period of time, so she wanted to help and be a friend to them.

Lorraine said: “It’s nice to bring both of my connections together and take some of the residents on a day out, whilst also bringing the community together. It’s also wonderful to see Janette, one of the residents, back at her former place of work, as we used to work together here as tour guides.”

Bill was another one of the residents who came along, he said: “I’ve had a magnificent day. Being in this beautiful garden whilst eating lunch has been my favourite part. I’ve been here many times, as I have lived in the area for around 70 years and I’m now 101.”

PAGE 8 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

A Day in the Life of a Care Manager Teresa Bennett-Johnson is the Care Branch Manager at Audley Copper’s Hill, a role she started in May 2021. She began her career in care at age 18 and through her experiences has become passionate about supporting people to maintain their independence as they get older.

WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE? It’s hard to tell you about my typical day because in all honesty no two days are the same as a Care Branch Manager. But a big focus of my day is working with the care team to map out our care schedules.

All our care support is planned around individual need, that means person-centred care planning, supervising staff, making sure our facilities are safe and building strong relationships with people we care for and their loved ones.

Another big part of my role is making sure our carers are continuing to upskill and that Audley has a real presence in an integrated care approach with local services. This means a training programme with lots of co-ordination for the team and building partnerships with other community organisations to establish the best care for clients.

Aside from this, you’ll catch me keeping on top of the admin, double checking we’re meeting and exceeding the standards set by our regulatory bodies and keeping in touch with the care and village teams.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CARE SECTOR? I started my career in biomedical science and through this worked with patients from a variety of backgrounds, with a range of experiences, but they all had at least one thing in common. And that was a desire to stay at home while they received care, regardless of the condition they were living with.

It was through this, and some time working within a palliative care team, that I saw the immense value in supporting people in their own home. This steered me to Audley Care. We enable people, both those living

in Audley retirement villages and the local community, to stay in their home, stay independent with the level of support they need.

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF THE JOB? I have a real passion for dementia care and in 2021 I started the Memory Lane Café. My inspiration was to create an event that was inclusive to all regardless of their condition. And this passion really translates through to the care we provide as a team. I remember one particular case where a lady we cared for, who’d had a fall, was only predicted to live for a few days in hospital. But, by being able to get her home with the right support she lived for a further two years.

WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE JOB? The nature of our work means that we have to deal with loss sometimes and that can be really difficult emotionally. And then, for me as a Care Branch Manager there are things which are outside of our control, like team illness or power/gas outages, which I have to manage. At these times it’s all hands-on deck and some quick thinking that’s needed, but all it does is underline the importance of the team.

WHAT WAS YOU EXPERIENCE OF COVID? Our Audley Villages locked down ahead of the Government guidance and put enhanced checks in place early and this really helped to protect many of the owners in our villages. We also had strict protocols for our care team working in the local community. The incidence of coronavirus stayed very low amongst our client base through the pandemic and many of our clients continued to get the care they needed.

As I look back on it, it was an incredibly heartening time. Our care team turned their hands to hairdressing, IT support and even some landscape gardening to help people during a difficult time.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO OUTSIDE OF WORK? I love being in my garden, I have a little vegetable patch and enjoy growing vegetable and tending to my flower beds. A few years ago my husband taught me wood turning, so I quite often spend my time making items like fruit bowls.

New Care Celebrates Ice Cream Month with Mr Whippy To celebrate National Ice Cream Month, care home operator New Care brought smiles to its residents and care teams across the UK with a surprise visit from Mr Whippy!

Covering just over 450 miles in two days, the ice cream van visited all 10 New Care homes across Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and Nottinghamshire serving more than 600 classic Mr Whippy 99s in cones or cartons complete with raspberry sauce and a Cadbury Flake.

Delighting everyone including New Care’s employee teams, the visit from Mr Whippy was a conversation starter, with residents reminiscing about their many fond memories of the ice cream van from days-gone-by.

“We used to listen out for the bell and loved a scoop of vanilla in a cornet, it was such a treat,” said Fred Crossley, “My children would hear the van’s merry tune and run to me for some coppers for their ice cream; they loved

the red sauce and a flake,” said Ann Chaloner, and, “It’s lovely, it takes me

straight back to my childhood,” added Peggy Steib, all residents at New Care’s 81-bed Grosvenor Manor care home in Chester.

“I remember Mr Whippy with a cone and flake,” said Felice, “They’re still my favourite,” and “I remember running really fast down the road to go and get one, it was always very exciting,” said Enid, both residents at The Hamptons, New Care’s 76-bed care home in Lytham St Annes.

Chairman at New Care, Dominic Kay, said: “Everyone loves Mr Whippy and when we discovered it was National Ice Cream Month, we wanted to surprise our residents and hard working team members with an impromptu treat. It was wonderful to see so many smiles and to hear all the fond memories from years ago.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 9

R&RA Calls for ‘Urgent’ Implementation of Updated COVID Guidance The COVID guidance for social care has finally been updated, which integrates many of the changes called for back in April by the Relatives & Residents Association (R&RA) on visiting.

The changes include: • The ‘one visitor’ rule during outbreaks/isolation periods is now clear that this means one at a time (not just one named person) • The one visitor at a time rule must now be ‘flexible’ to allow for visitors to be accompanied if they need support or for children to visit • During an outbreak, any changes to visiting must be proportionate and risk based • There is now flexibility in visitors wearing face masks: they can be removed where they hinder communication or when a visitor is eating/drinking A spokesperson for R &RA said: “When we called for these changes in April, we knew they had the potential to have a huge impact on older people’s lives. Strict rules on face masks are preventing families from sharing a drink or meal together – something so simple that brings joy and can make life feel ‘normal’ again. Our helpline continues to hear of the distress and confusion face coverings cause for older people, particularly those with hearing impairments or dementia, so flexibility and proportionate responses are key. That’s what the law has required all

along.”

“With so many care homes in outbreak, our helpline was also hearing from families locked out as only one named visitor was permitted. Urgent clarity was needed on this. The Department of Health and Social Care told us in March when they introduced the ‘one visitor’ rule that it was intended to be ‘one at a time’, to help reduce the burden on relatives allowed in during outbreaks (as the named ‘essential caregiver’). R&RA has been calling for this to be clarified since April. That it has taken three months is baffling. This will have caused irreparable harm to older people and their families, kept apart by poor drafting.”

“These changes must now be urgently implemented by all care homes. For many providers, these changes are old news and they have already been doing all of this. For those that aren’t, we need the regulator to step up and make sure it happens. And we must enshrine in law a right to a Care Supporter to ensure no-one is left isolated again in health and care settings.”

“Whilst these small changes are welcome and long-overdue, there is a bigger picture here. Of people living in care being the only group left in society still subject to COVID restrictions whilst the rest of the country is completely back to normal. Living under rules that have had a hugely damaging impact on lives, relationships and wellbeing. As people who live apart from their families and coming to the end of their lives, they should have been the first to regain their freedoms, not the last.”

Young Artist Designs a Warm Welcome for Belong Chester’s First Residents A talented young artist from Belgrave Primary School, Chester, has triumphed in a competition to design a welcome card to be given to the first residents of Belong Chester, a dementia-specialist care village with a fully integrated intergenerational nursery.

Naomi Shetty, aged 5, sketched a vibrant design, bringing it to life through colour and composition. The card created by Naomi features colourful homes, happy residents and celebrations to welcome them to their new home. The competition hosted by Belong, was run as a way of involving the community and personalising the welcome experience for customers moving into the village, which opens later this month.

When asked about what inspired her card, Naomi Shetty, pupil at Belgrave Primary School, said: ‘I thought the colours would make everybody smile and help them look forward to living in their new home.”

Having designed the winning welcome card, Naomi won a ceramics workshop for the whole class with acclaimed sculptor Brigitte Jurack, which was organised by Belong and Ready Generations to usher in the intergenerational nature of the new village. Brigitte Jurack was chosen for her experience in working with Belong through ‘Where the Arts Belong’, an arts collaboration run in conjunction with Bluecoat, Liverpool’s contemporary art centre.

The workshop that took place in the school involved Brigitte bringing in real fish, shells, and other objects for the class to examine and touch, inspiring them to experiment with the different tools to make

www.carehomebathroom.com 38 years of experience in providing bathing solutions for care homes Email:-dcs@carehomebathroom.com or call a human 07805 028950

1.

2.

3.

4.

NEW PRODUCT! The Ultimate all in one Shower Chair.

Probably the only chair you’ll ever need.

Showering Commode Toileting Transferring

We supply:-

MRP £298

Promo

£238 +vat

• Power Assisted Baths.

• Walk-In & Deep Soak Tubs.

• Level & Easy Access Shower Trays & Cubicles.

• Shower Seating.

• Grips, Grabs & Handrails.

• Shower Chairs.

• Thru’ Floor Lifts.

• Wetroom Materials & Products.

Call anytime 07805 028950

their own ceramic fish. The masterpieces that the class produced will go on to be displayed in the Belong village garden as part of a therapeutic nature walk.

Katie Buchanan, Belgrave School teacher, said: “The workshop really helped children to explore and develop their creativity. They built on their observational skills, using the real fish and other sea creatures to inspire them. Upon the classroom door opening, the aroma of the fish overpowered the room and the pupils became very eager to explore the pop-up ceramics studio that was set up for them. It was a fantastic, rich opportunity for all and we felt very privileged to have Brigitte in our school.”

Patrick Butler, general manager of Belong Chester, also commented: “We’re delighted to have had this opportunity to work with Belgrave Primary School and we’re looking forward to welcoming the pupils to see their tiles in situ and of course, we’re also very pleased with the cards that everyone submitted.

Everyone at Belong would like extend warm a welcome to the customers moving into the new care village and we hope the thought that has gone into their cards will help make their move feel that extra bit special.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 11

New Analysis Reveals Future NHS Beds Shortage

With England having fewer beds per person than comparable countries, new analysis raises big questions for incoming government over where investment should go to alleviate pressures in hospitals.

Research carried out by the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre finds that the next decade will see increases in demand for services from rising levels of chronic disease and a rapidly ageing population — putting pressure on hospital services that are already stretched with bed occupancy rates of close to 90%.

The analysis finds that even if the NHS continues to reduce the length of time people stay in hospital, 23,000 to 39,000 extra beds could be needed in 2030/31 to maintain pre-pandemic standards of care — a 20-35% increase. The Health Foundation indicates that the build cost could be between £17bn and £29bn, but cautions that this depends on a range of factors, with recent rises in inflation significantly increasing construction costs.

Over this decade, more hospital capacity will almost certainly be required to meet people’s health needs. The NHS has fewer beds per 100,000 popula-

tion and shorter hospital stays compared to other health systems in comparable countries. While this is a sign of efficiency, increasing demand is now causing critical pressures in hospitals.

But more beds are only part of the answer, and policymakers have choices about how to best meet demand for care: investments outside of hospital, particularly primary care and adult social care, are also needed to improve people’s health and reduce avoidable demand for hospital care.

There is no avoiding the need to expand health system capacity to meet people’s health needs in future, the Health Foundation argues.

Anita Charlesworth, director of research and the REAL Centre at the Health Foundation, said: “Our projections show meeting the future demand for hospital care could require a far larger increase in bed supply than we would expect under the government’s current hospital plan, and significant additional funding for the DHSC capital budget.

“At the moment, there is no national assessment of the amount of capacity the NHS needs. Hospitals are full, and long waits for ambulances and A&E are a reflection of the pressures on hospital capacity.

How quickly patients can safely be discharged plays a major role in the number of extra beds the NHS will need. The pressures hospitals face are linked to a lack of capacity in social and community care, making it hard to discharge patients. Policymakers need to look at capacity in the round, inside and outside of hospital, and set out a realistic plan for how the NHS will meet rising demand over the long-term.

“But whatever choices are made to meet rising demand, doing nothing isn’t an option.”

The Carer is published by RBC Publishing Ltd, Suite 4, Roddis House, Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset.

Contributions are welcome for consideration, however, no responsibility will be accepted for loss or damage. Views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team. Whilst every care is taken when compiling this publication to ensure accuracy, the publisher will assume no responsibility for any effects, errors or omissions therefrom. All rights reserved, reproduction is forbidden unless written permission is obtained.

All material is assumed copyright free unless otherwise advised.

Freephone: 0800 917 7943 www.euroservice-uk.com sales@euroservice-uk.com Manufactured in the UK

Celebrating 40 years of trolleys!

Providing practical and stylish trolleys to suit your needs.

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?

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

Euroservice trolleys are an attractive and practical alternative to clinical aluminium trolleys given that antibacterial spray can be used freely to sanitise them.

Get in touch with our friendly, experienced sales team

www.euroservice-uk.com

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

PAGE 12 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

The Future Challenges of the Care Industry - Complete The Survey Today!

Simply complete the survey and fill in your details to be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a Miele Triflex Vacuum Clean at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZL6QR73 The laundry room in any care home is a crucial part of the day-today operations. The job of handling both soiled and clean linen normally falls to the front-line care staff as very few establishments are big enough to have a dedicated laundry team or laundry manager.

Because soiled linen is a breeding ground for infection, the way this is handled by the care team is crucial to infection prevention and control in the care home and helps to protect both residents and staff alike.

As part of the mandatory training that is provided to all care staff on an annual basis, the handling of linen is described at length but in the everyday operation of a care home it can be difficult to ensure that the very highest of standards are being achieved. Space can be a limiting factor as many organisations have very small laundry facilities so being able to effectively separate clean and soiled laundry can be practically quite challenging. Time is also a major factor in the daily workings of the laundry room. Without a dedicated laundry team, front-line care staff are performing the duties of a laundry team as part of their daily tasks so being able to take the time and care over the specifics of the laundry operation is not always a priority.

At Miele Professional we understand the challenges that care staff face when it comes to providing the very best in infection prevention and control in the laundry versus the reality of providing high standards of care for some of our most frail, elderly people. Our laundry equipment is designed to help take some of the guesswork out of infection

high enough to thermally disinfect the wash.

Another benefit of the Miele Professional range is the connectivity. A new product due to be launched later this year by Miele will mean washing machines can be controlled by a smart phone resulting in no need to actually touch the display to select the desired programme and it can be programmed to 32 different languages, removing any issues with comprehension. They are also really quick too – reducing the turnaround time on laundry items whilst still providing the highest quality clean.

A CHANCE TO WIN A MIELE TRIFLEX VACUUM CLEANER!

prevention by providing you with the reassurances you need that the products are hygienically clean every time. Our Hygiene model Little Giant washing machines offer infection control programmes that ensure that the wash reaches the recommended temperatures and holding times to thermally disinfect linens. gets up to a temperature

The Carer and Miele are offering you the chance to win a Miele Triflex vacuum cleaner for taking part. We want to know what you believe are the future challenges of the care industry. With all of the changes that have happened in the last couple of years, what changes will be permanent and what will go back to the way it was before. Miele Professional in interested in hearing your views.

Simply complete the survey and fill in your details to be entered into the prize draw at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZL6QR73

Caring Homes Group Celebrate Princess Royal Training Award with HRH Princess Anne Caring Homes, an independent national network of residential, nursing and dementia care homes, celebrates receiving Princess Royal Training Award (PRTA) by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal for their commitment to training and development in 2021.

Alongside 47 other organisations, the Caring Homes Group was recognised by The Princess Royal Training Awards for its inspirational commitment to learning and development for the fourth time.

Despite facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, the organisations receivingthisstandard of excellence have created and delivered highly engaging training programmes which have resulted in significant and measurable impact.

Several of this year’s Princess Royal Training Awards recipients have innovatively used training as a way of addressing skills shortages and skills gaps in their sector.

In response to national skills shortages and increased pressure on the healthcare sector during the pandemic, Caring Homes created an in-house programme to train overseas recruits to become nurses and address a national skills shortage.

Liz Willis, director of learning and organisational development at Caring Homes, said: “We are delighted that our training programmes have been recognised in this way and that we have been included among those organisations to receive one of these coveted training awards for the fourth time.

“At Caring Homes, we wholeheartedly believe that investing in our colleagues, their learning and ongoing development is pivotal to the success of our organisation, the exceptional standards of care, safety and wellbeing we provide our residents and indeed the way in which we have risen to the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented.”

She continued: “As an organisation, we pride ourselves on our openness and transparency and as such we are always keen to share our best practice approaches and initiatives with the wider nursing community to enhance knowledge, improve the way in which care is provided and to ultimately promote patient safety and quality care.

“One way we have approached this is through sharing our Nurse Development initiatives at meetings involving Skills for Care, the Royal College of Nursing, and NHS Trusts.”

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, chief executive of City & Guilds said: “It’s fantastic to have seen so many organisations demonstrate a continued commitment to training and development as well as the positive and life-changing impact learning can have on people.

“It has been a real honour to celebrate the hard work and dedication to learning and development from all of our Princess Royal Training Award recipients this year.”

Open Community Garden Party Event At Ipswich Based Care Home An Ipswich based care home will be inviting members of the community to a garden party to help raise funds.

MHA Norwood will be organising the event in the garden at the home, in Park Road.

The event will take place on Friday 29 July from 2pm and will include a whole host of activities and events. There will be plenty of fun and games with beer pong, Connect Four, Jenga, basketball and skittles.

The purpose of the event is to raise funds for the home’s amenity fund, which is used for staff to organise activities and trips for residents.

Sergio Ishmael, activity coordinator said: “We decided to organise a garden party a couple of months ago and the proceeds from the event will go towards our amenity fund.

“It's an open community event and we have invited local schools and nurseries to come down and get involved.

“I am hoping for a lot of community support, and for those who do come to support the cause and at the same time enjoy themselves.

“We are blessed to have a large garden at the home, and it will be lovely to welcome the community in.

“A lot of family and friends of the residents are very excited and I want to thank the staff and volunteers who have put themselves forward to help out on the day.

“A couple of our volunteers will be performing some entertainment free of charge which is very nice of them and again highlights the importance of community support.

“The money raised will contribute towards us being able to continue organising events and activities that the residents enjoy.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 13

Rising COVID Case Numbers Causing Real Concern for NHS Leaders Responding to the latest ONS Covid infection survey Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said: “Covid hospitalisations are rising, and this is something which is of real concern to NHS leaders who are once again grappling with the fact that more people are needing care and treatment for coronavirus both in hospital and in the community.

“Cases going up also means that staff sickness and absences are increasing at a time when the NHS is already plagued by chronic staff shortages and carrying 105,000 vacancies.

“As the health service works to make continuing inroads into the elective care backlog with 6.5m patients now awaiting treatment, we need an honest and realistic conversation about what the public can expect from the NHS especially during Covid waves that disrupt its services.

“As we look ahead and prepare for a very difficult winter where high levels of flu and an autumn surge of Covid are now very likely, we must acknowledge that the NHS is already strained, under-staffed and underpressure.”

ARC England Launches Strategic Data Research Centre For The Learning Disability And Autism Sector ARC England (Association for Real Change), the only membership organisation dedicated to supporting learning disability and autism service providers, is launching the ARC England Learning Disability Research Unit, a major new strategic research programme to provide more and better data for the sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the social care sector and exposed the data failings and poor understanding that have hindered its development for years. The new initiative is designed to enable a step-change in the understanding and appreciation of the large but often neglected learning disability and autism sector within the broader social care sector. The research programme will allow new insight into the size, value, structure and dynamics of the sector, identifying best practice and innovation and providing a knowledge base to inform business planning and shape future policy-making.

The development and content of the research programme will be guided by a new Research Steering Group that will also providing core funding for the initiative. The Group, chaired by ARC England, is

formed of a cross-section of care providers and leading stakeholders and will meet for the first time on 11th August 2022, to confirm research priorities for the first 12 months. Amongst the new research projects being discussed will be a quarterly ‘CEO Confidence Index’ that will help track the health of the sector across a range of key indicators. The Steering Group will also act as a forum for discussing sector-wide issues and agreeing joined-up solutions.

ARC England has also set up a new Research Fund for individuals and organisations wishing to support this initiative. All donations will go towards increasing the scope and efficacy of the research programme.

Clive Parry, ARC England Director says: “A lack of timely and robust data has held back the development of the learning disability and autism sector for years. The launch of this major strategic research initiative is an important milestone that will help deliver the understanding and appreciation the sector deserves.”

Becky Hamilton, Director of Windward Day Services and ARC England Research Steering Group member, says: “Our position as providers enables us to fulfil a privileged role to people with lived experience of learning disability and of autism. Being involved in this initiative gives us a new opportunity to use our knowledge, skills and relationships to inform research which will ultimately enhance the wellbeing of the people we support.”

H.W. PICKRELL NEW & USED ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT AT AFFORDABLE PRICES • We specialise in the sale and purchase of quality used wheelchair accessible vehicles and ambulances.

• They can be bought as seen or refurbished and sign-written to your own requirements.

• Fully serviced, new mot & warranty • Engineers inspection supplied if required.

• Free delivery service available • All buses comply with new legislation • Lease hire and purchase available • Always large stock of accessible vehicles

Tel: 01268 521033 Mobile: 07860 894331 Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk Gardiners Lane North, Crays Hills, Billericay, Essex CM11 2XE All current stock available to view at www.hwpickrell.co.uk

For 10% discou nt on all woven an d iron-on nametapes, ad d CARE2022 at the checkout !

Valid to 31/10/20 22

PAGE 14 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

Experts In Older People’s Care Offer Advice On Avoiding Heatwave Dehydration With thermometers expected to soar over the next few days, nutrition and hydration experts at one of the country’s leading care home providers have urged families and friends to help support older relatives, friends and neighbours to avoid becoming dehydrated with a range of handy tips and advice.

To make it easy for everyone, Care UK has republished a free booklet which includes recipes that its teams are already using to help residents in its 152 care homes stay hydrated.

The recipes include a range of garnished flavoured waters, mocktails, strawberry iced tea and fruit puree drinks – all of which are tried and tested by residents living in Care UK homes.

As well as drinks, the booklet also helps people to find out more about how different foods can also help with hydration – this is of particular importance in those who may be reluctant to drink. For example, the book shows how a ripe tomato is actually 94 per cent water, cauliflower is 87 per cent and melon 90 per cent.

The booklet covers every aspect of hydration from why older people are more likely to suffer from dehydration to how to create safer drinks

Care UK’s Hotel Services Manager James Clear is proud of the booklet that he and his team have written in-house. He said: “Every single person working in our homes has a role to play in ensuring that people living there are properly hydrated. From a maintenance person sitting down with a resident for a mid-morning cuppa to a carer encouraging people to have a piece of fruit as a snack, every interaction helps.”

When asked what his top hydration tips were for those caring for loved ones in their own home, James said: “Think about presentation of their drinks. That might be making sure a favourite mug or glass is always used. If it can be done safely – give cold drinks a garnish with fruit slices or herbs. And for hot weather, make sure drinks are served nice and chilled. There’s research from the National Association of Care Catering which demonstrates seeing the condensation droplets running down a glass or jug can actually trigger our thirst mechanisms. But always be careful of any choking risk from ice or garnishes.” for people who have problems with normal swallowing.

Copies can be downloaded free of charge from the link on this page - https://www.careuk.com/help-advice/staying-hydrated-in-later-life

R. Sorbie of Abbey Health Scoops Lakeland Dairies’ Reimagine Colcannon Chef Competition £1000 Prize R. Sorbie of Abbey Healthcare scooped the Lakeland Dairies’ Reimagine Colcannon chef competition prize of a £1000 amazon gift card by creating ‘Molly Malone’s Colcannon’. A reimagined colcannon made by gently folding potato and cabbage with salmon and Lakeland Dairies Pure Irish Butter and Millac Gold Double for a deliciously creamy finish. The dish is then paned with flour, egg, and Lakeland Dairies Whole Milk before being lightly coated in golden breadcrumbs and beautifully presented in the centre of the plate, surrounded by mussels, red pesto and pancetta.

A highly commended place went to B. Gollan of Ivy House with his beautifully presented savoy cabbage wrapped colcannon that was the perfect accompaniment to his Ballotine of Pork fillet with new seasonal vegetables and a sage and Earl Grey jus. Further highly commended places were awarded to J. Nicolas, Waddesdon Church of England School, D. Gunn, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and S. Hawker, AbleCare Homes.

The Lakeland Dairies Colcannon Competition ran through March and April and was part of Lakeland Dairies celebration of their Irish provenance. The competition encouraged chefs to create a modern twist on Colcannon by exploring Lakeland Dairies range of high-quality professional dairy products; Lakeland Dairies Real Dairy Whipping Creams, Pure Irish Butters, delicious Milks and Millac Gold Double

Having a modern twist to one of the most iconic Irish dishes, Colcannon is a perfect way to showcase the extraordinary taste and fantastic functional performance of Lakeland Dairies’ dairy products.

We were delighted to have received so many innovative ideas based around this truly Irish traditional dish. The judges were taken with how beautifully presented Sorbie’s dish was and the imaginative way that he matched colcannon with delicious seafood. The name – Mollie Malone – was an ideal title for the dish.”

Lead Judge, Andrew Green, CEO of the Craft Guild of Chefs said: “It was a pleasure to judge such a range of diverse dishes. Sorbie’s take on this simple and popular dish has given Colcannon the modern twist that we were hoping to achieve. I am sure that it will prove an enormous success on any menu.”

Full List Of Winners: Judged by Lakeland Dairies and the Craft Guild of Chefs, the competition considered the creativity and visual appearance of the Colcannon dishes entered.

Jean Cattanach, marketing Controller at Lakeland Dairies says: “Celebrate Green is our way of shining a spotlight on our farming excellence on the island of Ireland.

Winner: R. Sorbie, Abbey Health Highly Commended: B. Gollan, Ivy House Highly Commended: J. Nicolas, Waddesdon Church of England School Highly Commended: D. Gunn, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Highly Commended: S. Hawker, AbleCare Homes.

Hit Song Inspires Idea to Keep Manchester Care Home Residents Fit and Active The Proclaimers’ hit song ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)’ has been used as inspiration by a Manchester care home to help keep its residents fit and healthy.

Atherton-based Chanters Care Home, which provides specialist elderly and dementia care, as well as looking after people with learning disabilities, is organising a challenge for residents to complete a total of 500 laps of the grounds.

The event will take place throughout July and to mark the start of the Commonwealth Games at the end of the month (July 28), there will medals for those who take part.

Residents at the home, on Tyldesley Old Road, are being encouraged to each complete as many laps as they can.

Activities manager Lyndsey McBride said: “The idea was inspired by the Proclaimers’ song ‘I’m Gonna Be’, which includes the chorus – ‘But I would walk five hundred miles and I would walk five hundred more’.

“Obviously, that sort of distance is not feasible for our residents, so we have used a bit of poetic licence and have set a target of 500 laps of our grounds.”

Home manager Anne Hargreaves said: “Our activities team is continually looking for different ways of encouraging our residents to remain active and get lots of fresh air.

“Setting a goal of completing 500 circuits of our grounds is a great way of encouraging those living at Chanters to take part in some exercise that they can enjoy at their own pace.”

The residents’ efforts will be sponsored to help bring in money for the home’s entertainment fund with each lap being a total of about 200 metres.

In the past the home, in its quest to help keep residents fit and active, hired a rowing machine, where the goal was for participants to row the equivalent of the English Channel.

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR EMAIL AT WWW.THECARERUK.COM/SIGNUP

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 15

Calls for Bolder Government Action to Address Health FREE COURSES Inequalities

A coalition of 47 organisations and charities are making a case for population-wide policies aimed at improving the nation’s health. The published statement calls on government to make prevention a key priority in its aim to level up healthcare across the country.

The call aims to highlight the disparity which reveals that people in the poorest areas of the UK die earlier than those in more affluent areas? Health is strongly influenced by the social, economic and environmental conditions we live in, meaning if you’re in a poorer household, you’re more likely to have a shorter life and spend more time in poor health.

Addressing health inequalities is a key part of the challenge we face in tackling dementia. The latest

evidence indicates that 40% of global dementia cases are potentially attributable to 12 modifiable risk factors that ultimately impact our brain health.

These include poor diet, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, all of which are known to be affected by socio-economic factors. Yet only a third of people in the UK are aware they can reduce their dementia risk – we need to change that and promote the benefits of looking after our brain health.

It is never too early or too late for preventive action on dementia. As part of our Think Brain Health campaign, we’re encouraging everyone to love your heart, stay sharp and keep connected.

With more than a million people in the UK expected to have the condition by 2030, it is more important than ever that we ensure the prevention agenda is a key part of the government’s Health Disparities White Paper.

Susan Mitchell, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we pride ourselves on being collaborative in how we work with each other and other organisations to drive change. Today we’re really proud to be joining other charities and organisations in calling for bolder action from the government to level up health and wellbeing across the country.

“It is deeply unfair that those in poorer areas have a lower life expectancy than those in more affluent areas. By adopting ambitious population-wide measures that involve government departments beyond health, and are backed with sufficient funding, we can improve the environments that people live in, and help individuals from diverse backgrounds to make positive changes to their lifestyle which can help support good brain health and reduce their risk of developing dementia.”

We hope this White Paper lays the foundation for a fairer, prosperous, healthier nation.”

An Introduction from MSD Independent I would like to introduce myself .

My name is Mark Durbidge and I have been in the Distance Learning environment for the past 12 years and have built this business to where we are today. I started originally with a market leading Company and moved on to starting my own business finding and enrolling people onto the courses.

Our job is to introduce people to our Free Courses for Care home and care agency staff including Free Dementia, End of Life, Medication and Falls Prevention courses plus many more .

We have enrolled over the years many people , and they have benefited in accomplishing a level 2 NCFE Cache certificate in one or more of our courses.

As with everyone else it took a downturn during the pandemic as we were unable to visit Care Homes or Agencies , so we started doing telephone and online enrolments. This proved very successful and we are continuing this service and now offering the original visits and group enrolments.

We had a new website built during this time which has also been a great success as it contains detailed information regarding the courses we have available from Mental Health, Mental Health First

Aid, Autism, Dementia, Medication, Business Administration.

Also our partner Colleges around the country supply experienced , qualified tutors to help where necessary students who may struggle a little. This is a great asset to people.

Once people are enrolled we always send out a hard copy of their chosen course and they have the option of writing out the assessment or electronically submitting to the relevant College. The courses have been developed to a very high and informative standard and are highly recommended

by Care Homes and Colleges alike..

These courses are free to people providing they complete them . Colleges do ask for a small admin fee from those who register and do not complete the course.

Please contact me direct if you wish to have more information . I can be contacted on my mobile number 07943 743748 or email me direct on mark@msdindependent.co.uk.

Alternatively our web site is www.msdindependent.com

for Care Home and Care Agency Staff

We are a company that finds learners for Colleges and Learning

Providers. MSD Independent offer market-leading fully funded

Courses for a wide range of Certificated Health and Social Care qualifications.

These cover a diverse mix of subjects, such as Autism, Mental

Health, Mental Health First Aid, Dementia Awareness, and the

Safe Handling and Administration of Medicines as well as many more. Also we have fully funded courses in Safeguarding, Business Administration, and Digital Services.

The courses are available

through several Colleges we work with so staff will get

access to qualified tutors to help them if needed, plus longer submission times than many providers.

Learners are able to further their own continuous professional

development which may also improve their career prospects and can then progress on to further qualifications in Health & Social care or other related subjects.

Visit our web site www.msdindependent.com Email mark@msdindependent.co.uk

Call us on 01656 502059 and speak to one of our dedicated Team We are here to help

PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

Staff-Short Care Firms Have No Time For Training Connect2Care’s latest research shows how misconceptions around apprenticeships could be impacting their potential to fix industry-wide staff retention problems Following the ‘Great Resignation’ of 2021 – when employees around the UK left their jobs in record numbers – a new survey has revealed that 100% of care managers continue to find it hard to retain staff.

Yet while almost 90% believe that further training investment would help with recruitment and retention, less than 40% of care businesses offer apprenticeships to staff at all levels. Over a third have been deterred from offering training opportunities for new and existing employees due to the time investment needed.

A further 37.5% of care managers are put off by the risk that an employee would leave after completing their training, even though more than 90% of people working in the sector have said they would be more likely to stay in a role if their employer invested in their training from the outset.

Commenting on the research, Jill Whittaker, Managing Director at Connect2Care, said: “Since the pandemic began, staff shortages have been rife across a wide range of sectors, culminating in the ‘Great Resignation’ of 2021. And the care sector is among the hardest hit.

“Yet while most care operators see the value in training when it comes to attracting and retaining staff, too many believe they don’t have the time to invest in this. But with the sector continuing to strug-

unlock skills quickly and fast-track staff into positions where they can make a real impact. New flexible training models under consideration by the Government are set to make this process even quicker. For example, front-loaded training will be invaluable in helping apprentices to hit the ground running and operate efficiently for their employers from the very beginning.”

The study showed that most care operators are interested in flexible training options, with 75% of employers in the sector saying they would consider front-loaded training to help speed-up the process. Over 90% of employees in the field would be more willing to start an apprenticeship or training course if they could condense learning into a shorter period.

Connect2Care has released a toolkit answering common questions about apprenticeships, with advice on how businesses can maximise them through flexible training options. gle with staff shortages, they can’t afford not to.

“As well as playing a role in attracting and retaining valuable team members, apprenticeships have always been one of the best ways to

Find out which apprenticeship pathway will work best for your business with Connect2Care’s See the Opportunity toolkit, which can be downloaded for free.

Visit https://connect2care.net/resources/see-the-opportunity/

Care Group Throws Wimbledon Party to Mark Launch of Tennis Charity Supporting Youth Players With Wimbledon concluding at the weekend, a South East care group has thrown a tennis-themed garden party to mark the launch of a new charity supporting young tennis players to chase their dreams – as well as helping those from low-income families gain access to funding to pursue the sport professionally.

Nellsar recently founded Tennis-Talents – a new charity in the process of registration with the Charity Commision, committed to giving young people the opportunities and skills to enjoy longevity in the sport in which they love, regardless of their financial background.

To celebrate the launch of the charity, which was spearheaded by the care group’s very own Alina Abagiu, Joy Cagande and Viv Stead, Nellsar hosted a special Wimbledon-themed party at one of their flagship care homes, Abbotsleigh Care Centre, in Staplehurst, Kent, which involved Pimms and strawberries and cream aplenty during a live big screen showing of the Grand Slam event. Residents embraced the Wimbledon theme, donning headbands and racquets in a backdrop of white, green and purple bunting – the associated colours of the tournament.

The event was also held to thank staff for all their hard work over the last two years, and gave the residents a chance to embrace the sport they loved playing in their younger years – with many having attended some Grand Slams themselves. In addition to Wimbledonthemed cakes and a BBQ, staff got into the spirit by dressing up as

their favourite players – with Nellsar’s Managing Director, Martin Barrett, being John McEnroe for the day.

Resident June Spencer said: “It was a lovely day all-round, especially the food and friendliness on offer. I enjoyed watching the tennis on the big screen – I wish I had taken the sport up when I was younger!”

Nellsar Recreation and Well-Being Champion Paula Smy, added: “It meant a lot to us to see the senior management team there having fun with us and the local community. It felt more like a family party than a working day – after all, it’s not every day you get to watch live Grand Slam tennis on a giant screen with strawberries and cream, in addition to watching local professionals in person!”

Amongst one of the charity’s inaugural members was Alessia Popescu, an aspiring 17-year-old tennis wonderkid from Kent, who is ranked third in the county and 700th worldwide.

Speaking after the event, Martin Barrett, Managing Director at Nellsar, said: “Myself, Alina, Joy and Viv are absolutely delighted to officially launch Tennis-Talents. As a family-run business, when someone is knocked down, we feel that we have a moral obligation to run to that person’s aid. Alessia’s situation was no different. The Popescu family have been our friends for many years, so when we heard the tragic news of Alessia’s father passing, we just knew we had to support her and her family in every way possible.

“We’re all so proud of Alessia for everything she has achieved so far in her career and we look forward to supporting her journey for many years to come. She’s such an incredible role model to everyone at Nellsar and we all cannot wait to get behind her and take the world of tennis by storm!”

Care Home Residents Take a Walk Down Memory Lane An Oxfordshire care home has launched a brand new, dementia-friendly corridor with a grand opening and ribbon cutting to commemorate the event.

Rosebank Care Home in Bampton specialises in dementia care and invited West Oxfordshire and Witney MP Robert Courts to celebrate the completion of the seaside-themed corridor with them.

The event was a huge success and celebration, which was attended by residents, their relatives, the home’s staff and the home’s new owners Robert Adams and Renos Sideras.

Gemma Foster who is the activities coordinator at the home led the redesign with input from the residents, she said: “Multi-sensory experiences are really important for people living with dementia, which is why our newly decorated memory lane is so stimulating.

“There is lots to look at, music that plays and even tactile elements that the residents can touch. It’s a treat for the eyes and the ears!

“Most of our residents have lovely memories of the seaside, which is why we settled on this theme. If anyone is feeling a bit stressed or overwhelmed, we take a walk down ‘Memory Lane’ and talk about memories and just escape for a little while.”

Memory Lane as it is affectionately known in the home has now been fully decorated and refurbished in a seaside and underwater theme. It features aquatic wallpaper, hand painted shells and fish and beach huts painted around doors.

Stimulating all of the senses is a vital part of dementia care, which is why the dementia corridor is such a valuable asset to the care home.

Jean McCrindle, 85 is a Rosebank resident. She attended the opening and has been enjoying the new corridor decor.

Jean said: “I think it is brilliant, very well designed. It has a lovely seaside feel with the sea and boats, it makes me smile every time I come down here and actually I find myself coming down here a lot more than I did before. I love walking down here, it’s very colourful and I love the things that are hanging from the ceiling.”

According to Alzheimer’s Research UK there are close to 10,000 people across Oxfordshire and The Cotswolds living with dementia.

Vanessa Lavender is Rosebank’s manager and has been supporting Gemma and the residents with the dementia-friendly refurbishment.

Vanessa said: “We are so excited to be able to open our brand new dementia corridor. It’s a complex condition which requires lots of stimuli, and this corridor delivers just that.

We hope that by having this asset available to us we can provide better care to our residents, and also help the people of Oxfordshire understand what works well for people living with dementia.”

She continued: “It was a pleasure to welcome Robert Courts MP to officially open the corridor. Our residents love a party, and love engagement from the outside world so it was a really successful day.

“The completion of this corridor will make a huge difference to our residents. It provides an escape, a different experience and is something that they have helped to sculpt and build which is just lovely for them.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 17

£7.5 Million Collaboration with NIHR to Fund Early Career Researchers in Dementia Alzheimer’s Society has announced a new collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) – a government funded organisation which funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research.

Together the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Alzheimer’s Society are investing £7.5m to support early career researchers (ECRs) in dementia. This important investment will fund 45 brand new post-doctoral positions to help develop the best and brightest researchers in the field of dementia.

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Society, said: We’re delighted to be teaming up with the NIHR to invest in the development of early career researchers who will become the future leaders in their field, and who bring fresh ideas and perspectives to dementia research.

'Dementia can be devastating for many, and we estimate that 1 million people in the UK will have the condition by 2025. Only through research will we be able to better understand what causes dementia and make the lifechanging breakthroughs that will help people with the condition live well, and eventually lead to a cure.

'Alzheimer's Society has funded research for over 30 years, playing a key role in some of the biggest dementia developments, leading to lifechanging impact for people affected by the condition.

'Through this partnership with the NIHR we are combining the lived experience of people with dementia, with expertise from a leading specialist in translational research to fund innovative research, which will pave the way for better treatments and care, as well as hope for the future.

'Partnerships like this one are just the start. The Government must honour their promise to double dementia funding, to help restore momentum in dementia research, following disruptions caused by the pandemic. Together we can create a better and fairer future for everyone affected by dementia.'

The early career researcher positions that this funding will provide will be within the 15 NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) across England. These ARCs are networks made up of NHS providers, universities, charities and local authorities that are geared towards translational health and care research.

With the collaboration of many different organisations, these ARC

networks play a crucial role in carrying out the research that is most needed by local people and has the biggest impact nationally.

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Executive of the NIHR, said: We want to improve the lives of people with dementia, and those caring for them, through innovative research that tackles a range of challenges around this disease.

'This new funding taps into the up-and-coming talent in the NIHR ecosystem, supporting fledgling dementia researchers from a range of disciplines to become the chief investigators of the future and building a solid foundation for the next decades of dementia research.'

The early career researchers funded by this initiative will be carrying out cutting edge translational research in some of the best facilities in England. Investments like this Alzheimer’s Society’s collaboration with the NIHR will not only fund innovative, ground-breaking new dementia research but will also springboard the careers of researchers who will go on to spend their working lives solving the biggest challenges that people living with dementia face.

Couple Celebrates 20-year Work Anniversary at Old Alresford Cottage Summer love is in the air at Old Alresford Cottage Care Home, where married team members Darren and Heath Saunders, recently celebrated their joint 20-year work anniversary. The management team at Old Alresford Cottage, in the heart of Hampshire, organised a celebration BBQ on 6th July, where current and previous staff members came together to celebrate Darren and Heath’s happy 20 years working together at the home.

Darren and Heath met in 1998 when Darren interviewed Heath to be a housekeeper in another nursing home, Darren comments: ‘That’s where it all started for us, when I interviewed Heath. On the 6th of July in 2002, we both moved over to Old Alresford Cottage. We just fell in love with it here, we were the first permanent night staff at the home and have been dedicated and loyal ever since. We both care so much about the home, we’re one big happy family.’

Sam Binfield-Woods, Deputy Manager at Old Alresford Cottage comments: ‘I worked with Darren and Heath on their very first shift, I was Team Leader at the time, and we got on well right from the start. 20 years later and we all still work in the same place, I’ve now been Deputy Manager for 14 years and the saying is true, time

Claire House - The Wirral

At Inclusive Designs we believe in addressing the needs of disabled people as a first choice, not an afterthought.

We manufacture outdoor furniture which is specifically adapted to accommodate wheelchair-users.

This creates a more inclusive environment - for patients, carers and visitors alike- no longer stuck at the end of the table!

We make a wide range of models to match your needs as well as matching them with traditional tables.

Our heavy duty wooden picnic benches are suitable and fully treated for long-term outdoor use.

All our stock is manufactured in the UK using red wood from sustainable sources.

We are also the trusted suppliers to the National Trust and many local authorities.

We offer free delivery to all parts of the UK.

lnclusiveFurniture.com

does fly when you’re having fun.’

On Valentine’s Day in 2006, the couple became the first same sex couple in Hampshire to enter into civil partnership, Heath adds: ‘We were also the first same sex couple in the county to get married, which we did on the 13th February, 2015, and then we were the first same sex couple to renew their vows which we did on the 5th October, 2016.’

‘The team at Old Alresford Cottage have looked after us with support and training over the last 20 years, especially throughout the Covid pandemic. We are, and will always be, very dedicated, caring and loyal staff.’

Michael Larmour, Manager at Old Alresford Cottage comments, ‘It’s been great working with Darren and Heath over the years, they’ve always been inseparable and work so well together. They are both true assets to our team here at Old Alresford Cottage and we’re forever grateful for their loyalty and dedication, especially following the challenges of the pandemic. We can’t wait to celebrate their next 20 years with us!’

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

Dementia Management Tool ‘Vera’ Launches on Apple’s AppStore Deploying the World’s Largest Music Catalogue from Universal Music Group Vera announces strategic collaboration with Universal Music Group, allowing its users therapeutic access to the world’s largest music catalogue

Music Health, a Music Wellness Technology innovator, has developed and launched Vera, an intuitive music intervention tool designed for the care of people affected by dementia. Through a strategic, industry-first agreement, Vera App users are able to access the entire catalogue from Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music-based entertainment company, to develop personalised music stations specifically designed to improve the lives of people living with dementia every day. As an exclusive launch partner, UMG brings a diverse and comprehensive global music catalogue to Vera users.

Vera is now approved by Apple for download via the AppStore in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA, with the crosssector Music for Dementia campaign welcoming the launch to help improve the lives of people impacted by dementia. The launch is the culmination of Music Health’s rigorous three-year development process which involved global research and development of the underlying technology that allows Vera to curate the perfect song at the right time for every individual listener.

The announcement follows the launch at Universal Music UK of the Power Of Music, a report from UK Music and Music for Dementia, which outlines a blueprint to use music to help transform communities and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing. It includes a commitment from Universal Music UK to develop a dynamic online resource which will serve as a music and dementia information hub.

Grace Meadows, campaign director, Music for Dementia, says, “Research shows that music is much more impactful for people living with dementia when it holds meaning and is associated with moments from someone’s life. In our recently launched Power of Music report, which sets out how we can be harnessing the power of music more to support health and wellbeing, we emphasised the need for a personalised approach to embedding music in health and social care, and the Vera App helps carers to do that.”

The power of personalised music to affect a significant improvement in cognitive function for people in dementia care is evidenced by international scientists and neurologists, including award-winning neuroscientist and best-selling author, Daniel J. Levitin; the late physician,

best-selling author and professor of neurology, Dr. Oliver Sacks; and Ronald Devere, M.D., director of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center in Austin, Texas.

Dr. Ren Minghui from the World Health Organization, says, “While there is no curative treatment for dementia, the proactive management of modifiable risk factors can delay or slow onset or progression of the disease. I urge all stakeholders to make the best use of these recommendations to improve the lives of people with dementia, their carers and their families.”

Vera analyses the age of the dementia affected person, where they grew up, and how they react to certain music. It uses these criteria to autonomously curate the right songs at the right times to effectively manage the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD).

More than 80 percent of people living with dementia experience BPSD, manifesting as agitation, aggression, depression, or confusion.

Vera stimulates the part of the brain responsible for long-term memory to help manage the impact of BPSD, easing the care routine of those living with dementia. Listening to personally significant music - all the noteworthy songs from our own life - is shown to effectively decrease the effects of BPSD helping to improve mood, cognitive function, motor functions and brain plasticity.

Vera curates songs from UMG’s unrivalled catalogue, the world’s largest, most diverse and culturally rich collection of blues, classical, country, folk, jazz, pop, R&B, reggae, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and soundtracks.

The songs are autonomously curated and played directly from the Vera app via speakers or headphones.

With more than 20,000 hours of observation and rigorous analysis, combined with research from the Global Centre for Modern Ageing, confirms that Vera has a significant positive impact on the quality of life of people dealing with BPSD. While not a cure, Vera is a tool that can temporarily improve the cognitive function and mood of the person living with dementia making it easier to care for them.

Stephen Hunt, Music Health co-founder, says, “We’ve built Vera to know and find the music that means the most and has the biggest effect for each person living with dementia. It acts like a music detective, that seeks out tunes that they used to love a long time ago but may have forgotten about, which their carers may have never heard of, and their families may not even know.”

Vera is a product of Australian collaborative innovation. Music Health credits Barossa Village, Dementia Australia, the Australian Department of Health and the Global Centre For Modern Ageing (GCMA) for helping realise the innovation since 2019.

The Department of Health provided a research grant in 2019, following Vera winning Dementia Australia’s Decoding Dementia competition.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to bring Vera to market thanks to our amazing partnership with Universal Music Group and the many care home and researchers that have made it possible. It’s thanks to their

early support for the concept that we’ve been able to deliver this foundational change to the daily lives of those living with dementia, here and around the world,” adds Hunt.

Michael Nash, UMG’s Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy, says, “From rigorous workouts to peaceful meditation to restorative sleep cycles, music is deeply integrated into numerous innovations promoting health and wellbeing. Now, scientists are finding that music is also a powerful tool for helping those suffering from the effects of dementia and memory loss. At UMG, we are working with a wide range of companies to develop therapeutical applications of music and we ’re proud to partner with Music Health on Vera to help improve the lives of so many around the world.”

Barossa Village, an aged care organisation, worked with Music Health to refine the app and validate the impact Vera has on people living with dementia. This included daily monitoring of the changes Vera had on the people being cared for at Barossa Village as listening sessions were integrated into the daily routine of care.

Findings from the studies showed an overall increase in quality of life for participants, especially after using Vera for several months. You can view a video of Barossa Village’s experience here.

“Vera provides playlists that are targeted and tailored to how each of our residents relates to their favourite songs. It’s an amazing innovation.

And family members love it as they can participate in a shared experience with mum or dad, grandad or nanna,” says Matt Kowald, General Manager, Integrated Care at Barossa Village.

Vera is currently in trials with BUPA, an international healthcare company headquartered in the UK serving more than 31 million customers across the world, as well as several of Australia’s most innovative health and aged care providers offering hospital care, residential care and community services.

Vera is available in the U.K. for GBP £69.99 for a 12-month care plan.

Visit www.veramusic.com for further details.

Hft Named As 12th Best Employer For Apprentices National learning disability charity Hft has scooped 12th place in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers Awards 2022, organised by the Department for Education.

The rankings, which this year had over 300 entrants, celebrate England’s outstanding apprenticeship employers and help future apprentices, parents and careers advisers to identify apprenticeship opportunities at the country’s leading employers.

“We’re proud that we have around 620 apprentices, which equates to 28% of our workforce,” says Kirsty Matthews, CEO of Hft. “Given the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in the care sector, linked to funding and the ability to pay competitive salaries, apprenticeships have enabled us to enhance our total reward package for apprentice applicants because candidates can undertake a formal qualification at no additional cost to themselves and this will ultimately enable them to be successful in their roles while progressing in their careers,” she adds.

Apprentices have had an extremely positive impact on Hft and the people it supports because they form a key part of the charity’s talent pipeline by bringing talent

into the organisation as well as improving staff retention.

Kevin Moyes, Chief People and Organisational Development Offices at Hft, says: “We know that colleagues who have been developed and grown in-house will often repay with loyalty and greater commitment.

“We have many examples of where colleagues have benefitted from an apprenticeship to achieve higher level qualifications in care which have, in turn, led to them being promoted into higher level positions.

“We also have cases of colleagues who have completed apprenticeships to gain leadership qualifications. In fact, one colleague at the moment is completing her level 7 Master’s degree as part of her CPD.” The Apprenticeship Employer Awards rankings were developed by the Department of Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the country’s top apprenticeship employers.

Still Going Strong After 38 Years Providing Specialist Bathing Solutions Not a lot has changed in the 38 years that I have been in the business of providing bathing solutions. In 1984, I sold my first Appollo seat lift bath. The bathtubs were made of GRP and the lifting power was hydraulic fluid power. The baths were basically oblong & white. Roy

lines that are more competitive.

A good distributor can now supply a much wider range of products, and manufacturers are buying in to this concept. A good dealership can offer a wealth of information and skill

Parker (of Parker Baths) had a tilting bath and then a height adjustable bath came along.

sets that will help the customer to make the right choices. That is why after 38 years in man-

Other than changing from hydraulics to electronic lifting, everything is more or less the same.

ufacturing assisted baths, I have now opened an online purchasing platform at www. care-

What has changed is the number of suppliers and the choice of manufacturer. Indeed the

homebathroom.com. We can now offer excellent prices on a wide range of products and

improvement in the supply chains has changed the market considerably. The customer is

help our customers make the decisions that are right for them. Visit our website today,

king, and I.T. has given the customer the power to compare all makes of bath along price

www.carehomebathroom.com or scan the QR Code on our ad on page 9.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 19

The Forgotten Workforce – Recruiting and Retaining Personal Assistants A survey by Think Local Act Personal and the Local Government Association reveals that people who draw on care and support are finding it very hard to recruit and retain personal assistants (PAs), and that this worsened during the pandemic period.

There are around 70,000 people in England who employ a personal assistant. PAs play a vital role in supporting people to have choice and control in their lives but are too often ‘forgotten’ within the wider social care workforce.

The online survey shows that recruitment and retention are getting harder, regardless of the additional pressures imposed by Covid. Low pay and poor terms and conditions are the primary drivers, alongside the effects of the pandemic and a shortage of workers across social care.

Key findings • 77 per cent of people who had needed to recruit a PA had found it more difficult and two thirds said people were taking jobs with better pay rather than PA jobs • 59 per cent think it’s harder to find PAs with the right skills, values or training • Low pay, poor terms and conditions and insufficient hours were key factors in PAs leaving.

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board said:

“It’s worrying to hear about the struggle that many who draw on care have in recruiting and retaining personal assistants and highlights the continued issue all areas of social care currently have with finding and keeping staff.

“Personal assistants are a crucial part of the social care workforce; they deliver brilliant care and support and hugely enhance the lives of the people they work for.

“The responses to this survey are stark, and clearly show how much more support is needed in this vital area of social care. Thank you to all of those who took their time to respond and inform us of their concerns within this critical service.”

Martin Walker, TLAP Policy Advisor for Self-directed Support said: “The experiences that people told us about and the wealth of detail in this report shine a light on part of the social care workforce who are too often forgotten.

“We know the Government is keen to increase the uptake of direct payments and a personalised approach in both health and social care, so we hope this report should stimulate some improvement for personal assistants and their employers.”

Stephen Firn OBE Appointed to New Executive Leadership Role at Cygnet Health Care Cygnet Health Care, one of the UK’s leading and largest independent mental health care providers, is looking to the future as it further strengthens its Executive Management Team with the appointment of Stephen Firn OBE to a new senior position leading its healthcare division.

Group CEO of Cygnet Health Care, Dr Tony Romero, will welcome Stephen as CEO of Healthcare in a move that will bring additional Executive-level, strategic focus to quality, performance and growth across its hospitals.

Reporting to Dr Romero, Stephen will be responsible for the group’s healthcare division whilst Gareth Williams will continue to lead Cygnet’s social care division as CEO of Social Care.

In the last five years Cygnet has steadily expanded through acquisitions and organic growth - investing in services, improving performance ratings and increasing its workforce to become a leading employer and provider of mental health, learning disability and autism services.

With a clear vision to always provide high quality care to service users and their loved ones, Cygnet’s five year strategy sets out its priorities to deliver excellence by investing in people and facilities that enable services, and those who stay there, to thrive.

Stephen Firn’s appointment follows the recent announcement that Cygnet’s Chief Operating Officer,

Mike McQuaid, will retire from the COO position in February 2023 after more than twenty years leading mental health and social care services across the UK. The two new CEO roles for each division will replace the one Chief Operating Officer position, recognising the unique offering of each portfolio and signalling Cygnet’s commitment to invest in its UK services according to sector needs.

Stephen will step aside from his current Non-Executive Director roles at Cygnet and Surrey and Borders NHS Foundation Trust where he is also Deputy Chair. He will take up his new role this autumn.

Dr Tony Romero said: “We have already benefitted considerably from Stephen’s knowledge and oversight as a Non-Executive Director and I am delighted that he will further strengthen our senior executive team with his expertise and leadership.

“Cygnet has grown over recent years and this appointment and new structure represents our absolute focus on quality across all facilities. Stephen is well-respected and brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of mental health which will be extremely valuable as we continually strive to offer the highest standards for those we are privileged to look after.

“With his strong values and passion for providing exceptional care, I warmly welcome Stephen to lead the healthcare services within Cygnet’s portfolio in this immensely important role.”

Stephen Firn OBE said: “I have been hugely impressed by the determination of everyone at Cygnet to provide high quality and safe care for people using mental health services. Each one of whom is a patient of the NHS. “I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to draw upon my 40 years of experience working in NHS mental health services to ensure users of Cygnet services receive treatment and care that is the equal or better of any in the country.”

WMAHSN Impact Report Reveals How Innovation Has Transformed Health and Social Care in the West Midlands The West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN) has released its 2021-22 Impact Report, highlighting the innovative solutions that have contributed to improving health and generating income growth across the West Midlands, and nationally.

Key achievements outlined in the report include over 1,255 West Midlands care homes engaging in the test and adoption of deterioration management tools to improve safety for care home residents.

More than 1,365 patients in the region are also benefiting from the prescription of PCSK9i inhibitors, a revolutionary medicine that helps lower cholesterol.

Over the last two years, the organisation has grown to support the efforts around delivering its strategic programme themes, which includes cardiovascular disease prevention, mental health resilience, and workforce innovation and transformation.

The new report highlights the WMAHSN’s ability to adapt and pivot its services to address the region’s shifting needs and priorities, includ-

ing supporting the region’s response to the pandemic. This not only demonstrates its ability to remain agile, but also how the organisation is uniquely placed to support the needs of its partners and future proof the region’s healthcare sector, for years to come.

Tony Davis, Director of Innovation and Commercial at the WMAHSN, said: “It is our mission to transform health and social care through innovation. Therefore, it is inspiring and positive to see organisations across the region adopting these innovations to respond to our complex health, and social care system.

“In collaboration with partners, and organizations around the West Midlands, we intend to keep strengthening our ability to work nationally, regionally, and locally, and maintain the environment we have helped create to improve the overall health and wellbeing of our communities.”

As the WMAHSN approaches its tenth birthday in 2023, the organisation continues to aid local health and care systems, looking at how its workforce supports NHS England and NHS Improvement, and the Office for Life Sciences priorities, ensuring that patients in the West Midlands have access to the best health and care services.

Key highlights from the WMAHSN Impact Report includes: · Four providers in the West Midlands have adopted HeartFlow, a

non-invasive, cardiac test for stable symptomatic patients with coronary heart disease. Over 5,000 scans were performed nationally during last year led nationally by the WMAHSN. · A 30% decrease in A&E visits from care home residents, across the West Midlands, as a result of the spread and adoption of deterioration management tools such as ‘Stop and Watch’. Over half of care homes (63%) in Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent have fully adopted the deterioration management tools. · The creation of the QI Notify-Emlap application and a pilot scheme in partnership with The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. The app supports clinicians to use their National Emergency Laparotomy Audit data more efficiently to drive their emergency laparotomy quality improvement work. Early results from the pilot suggests regular usage could reduce ‘Door to Theatre’ time. · Promoting alternative forms of treatment to those from an ethnic minority background, living with a learning disability or autism with the STOMP project. The project aims to reduce the over prescription of antipsychotics, often oversubscribed to these groups, by increasing medication reviews.

To read the full impact report, visit the WMAHSN website: www.wmahsn.org

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 21

New Campaign Supports Care Sector To Cut Energy Bills As the cost-of-living crisis hits Britain, a unique campaign has launched to support people who access and deliver social care to cut their energy bills. With disabled people frequently paying more than double the energy bills of the wider public, and many social care workers struggling with escalating prices, the Taking Charge campaign (www.TakingChargeEnergy.co.uk) offers vital free support at this most difficult of times.

Created by one Britain’s biggest charities, Community Integrated Care, Taking Charge is designed to support the social care sector to minimise the impact of the growing energy crisis.

Offering free live webinars, engaging videos, and a suite of accessible education resources, www.TakingChargeEnergy.co.uk gives people essential advice to save hundreds of pounds on their bills this year.

The programme has a vital purpose. Disabled people and people who access social care typically face far higher energy usage than the wider population. With many people using assistive technologies to live with greater independence, needing warmer houses or having around the clock support, there are multiple factors that see many people who access social care facing significantly higher energy bills.

Research by Scope showed that in February 2022 4.1 million disabled people were paying £300 more than national average household energy bill, with almost 800,000 people spending more than £2500 annually, compared to the then national average of £1200. These figures have inevitably increased, with the price cap for a typical UK household energy rising from £1,277 to £1,971 per year.

Similar cost of living challenges are also faced by social care workers. Sadly, despite its skill, accountability and impact, social care remains one of the UK’s lowest paying industries, due to funding con-

straints on the sector.

With the Taking Charge campaign showing ways that most households can reduce their energy bills by up to 23% by simply reducing wasted energy, and offering a raft of guidance on how people can buy better and be more energy conscious, participants can save hundreds – potentially thousands of pounds.

Despite the seriousness of the topic, Taking Charge takes a light, upbeat and inclusive look at how to save money. The campaign is led

by Oliver Thomason, who has a learning disability and works for Community Integrated Care. From creating a mock horror film, where Oliver shares the energy draining Vampire Devices lurking in most houses, to finding his perfect shower song, it offers a uniquely engaging approach to education. This inclusive approach means that the education is directly engaging to many people who have learning dis-

Edensor Care Home Wins Four Essex Care Sector Awards Edensor Care Home run by the charity Diagrama Foundation was thrilled to win four Essex Care Sector Awards 2022 at the Prosper Awards event at Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree on Friday 8 July.

The Clacton Care home which specialises in nursing and dementia care, won both The Dementia Care Award and The Making a Difference Award, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to care in Essex and these were followed by Edensor’s Manager Muhammed Neeliyath winning the Outstanding Leadership Award, and team member Annesta Horrocks, winning An Unsung Hero Award. In what turned out to

be a great day for Edensor, two further members of the team Pepa Georgieva and Dale Gould were commended in the Prosper Champion of Champions Award category.

David McGuire, Chief Executive, Diagrama Foundation, said, “I am so proud of the team at Edensor and am delighted that the exceptional care that they provide for our residents has been recognised by the Essex Care Sector Awards. There are many fabulous care providers across the county so for Edensor to have been recognised by four awards and two commendations is a real endorsement of the superb level of care and service they deliver in Clacton.”

abilities and require adapted information.

Throughout July, Community Integrated Care is hosting a number of fun and engaging free webinars on www.TakingChargeEnergy.co.uk for anyone who accesses or provides social care, and is inviting care services to download their free accessible and easy read toolkits.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, says: “As one of Britain’s biggest social care charities, we can see all too clearly the impact that the energy crisis is having on the social care sector.

We are proud to supporting people through these challenges with a such a creative campaign, that brings to life a range of practical ways that people can reduce their energy bills. Research shows that people who follow our guidance can save hundreds of pounds on their bills, so the potential impact of this campaign is huge.

Feedback on Taking Charge has been incredible. We have piloted this programme internally and 100% of our attendees have said that it has helped them to feel more confident in managing their energy bills.

We are excited to extend this impact by inviting anyone in the social care sector to join one of our free webinars and claim our accessible learning resources at www.TakingChargeEnergy.co.uk.”

Oliver Thomason, who has led the Taking Charge campaign, says: “As someone who has a learning disability, I am passionate about supporting the care sector through this difficult time. I have learned so much about energy usage through co-producing the Taking Charge campaign. I am sure that this project will make a big difference to people’s lives this year.

PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

Two Thirds of UK Care Home Staff Admit Resident Quality of Care and Nutritional Needs are Being Overlooked Due to Outdated Procedures

A new, independent survey commissioned by eProcurement technology firm Zupa, has raised several concerns from care home professionals across the UK, with 86% admitting that vital aspects of care provision are suffering at the hands of outdated and time-consuming procedures, with many staff struggling to fulfil their day to day roles.

The new data also highlights several care management challenges that need to be addressed to improve staff retention, morale and the overall quality of residential care.

The study, which polled hundreds of care home professionals across the country, found that two thirds of care home staff (66%), admitted the quality of resident care and the ability to cater properly for dietary and nutritional needs, are some of the key areas being side-lined as a result of obsolete practices. The study also revealed that more than half (54%) of care home workers felt staff happiness was overlooked, and 44% of workers attribute the high turnover of staff in the care industry to low levels of pay.

Specifically, 40% of care home workers felt they couldn’t provide the quality of care that they would like to due to the time they spend on admin. Over half (52%) of respondents, agreed that care home inspections simply add further pressure to their role, and would welcome a way to improve this process. More than a third of care home managers (32%) also said that keeping up with time intensive processes like day to day menu planning, allergens management, and recording resident data around nutrition and hydration, worries them. A further 41% were understandably concerned about the rising costs of food, energy and inflation, while 30% of care home workers identified supplier issues, food shortages and running out of supplies as a growing concern.

Importantly, 63% of care home managers link much of their day to day concerns to the wear and tear stresses placed upon their teams.

Lack of staffing and resource also continues to be a worry for the sector, with 67% of care workers citing this as a key challenge. Only 6% of care home professionals said there is nothing that worries them in the day to day running of their care home.

Lack of time available to improve day to day quality of care is a clear issue. When asked what aspects of their working day they would spend more time on if they could reduce the amount of paperwork, more than half (56%) of care workers say they would like to improve the standard of resident care if they had more time in their day.

Likewise, almost half (49%) of care professionals said they would improve staff satisfaction, suggesting that reducing admin would free up more time to focus on staff morale and happiness. A further 49% would like extra time in their day to be more creative with resident social events and 42% of care home professionals said they would be keen to spend more time on individual care planning.

Ollie Brand, CEO at Zupa explained: “Caring for the vulnerable and elderly is time-consuming and demanding. It requires specialist skills and knowledge. This study highlights that care home staff are having to deal with multiple challenges with little resource, and only so many hours in the day.

There is also a direct correlation between what worries care home staff day to day and the quality of care they are physically able to deliver. Patchy reporting, outdated processes and a heavily reliance on manual updates, simply adds to the frustration and puts greater pressure on already stretched staff.”

This latest research highlights a clear relationship between what aspects of care are being overlooked and what staff would prioritise if they had more time in their day. Almost three quarters (73%), of care home professionals who said they would improve staff satisfaction if they had more time, also said staff happiness is side lined. A further 55% of those who would like to improve the quality of resident care with more time, also said care quality is overlooked due to time wasted on outdated processes.

Brand added, “Lack of staffing and resource is still a key concern for care homes. It’s clear that in many cases, that the adoption of automated, fit for purpose technology could help alleviate many of these day to day pressures and interestingly, those care professionals who said they would implement new technology if they had more time, are most likely to say that staff happiness, productivity of staff and quality of care are being side-lined.”

On Tuesday 28th June at 2pm, Zupa will be delving into the outcomes of this brand new study in an invite-only webinar and asking ‘Can technology help create smarter ways of working?’. CEO Ollie Brand will be joined by Mark McCarthy, former Group Director of Sanctuary Care and now Zupa CFO, to discuss how care homes can effectively use technology to enable their teams to spend more time on the things that matter most.

Register today www.zupa.com/webinar/ to gain valuable insight from like-minded care experts and discover new ways of freeing up time and resource.

Anyone For Tennis? Local Care Home Residents Celebrate Watching Their Favourite Sporting Fixture Residents and staff at Hugh Myddelton House care home in Southgate were ready to watch Wimbledon with delicious strawberries and cream, all washed down with a glass of Pimms.

Tennis fans at Hugh Myddelton House were delighted to be able to watch this year’s 135th Championships. Residents and staff got together to watch the matches and celebrated by having afternoon tea whipped up by head chef Chris with traditional Wimbledon-inspired strawberry and cream treats.

Ramona Stanciu, General Manager at the home, said: “We’ve had a fantastic time celebrating the return of Wimbledon today, it is always a firm favourite with our residents. We’re planning on watching as much as we possibly can this year and enjoying every minute!”

Resident, Jean, commented: “I absolutely love watching Wimbledon, it is definitely my favourite sporting fixture. It was lovely to celebrate its return with all my friends here and to enjoy all the delicious party food.”

Care Home Residents and Local Beaver Group Come Together for ‘Memory Box’ Community Project Residents Signature at Camberley, have recently come together with the Farnborough Tenth Beaver Group to create ‘memory boxes’ as part of a community project.

Building on the group’s previous visit to Signature at Camberley prior to the COVID-19 pandemic for an arts and crafts session, Lia Thompson, Activities Co-ordinator at the care home, and Clare Hills, Beaver Leader, agreed it would be a wonderful idea for the two generations to come together once again.

The session, which was backed by the Co-Op Community Fund, a grant that supports projects across the UK, gave the local group an opportunity to visit the care home and spend some time with residents assembling and crafting memory boxes. Memory boxes can be filled with anything and everything from sentimental objects to messages and are increasingly being used to help remind individuals of loved ones or special memories from their lives. Particularly, they have proven to be extremely beneficial for older people or those living with dementia, offering familiarity, comfort, and a way to trigger memories from the past.

Together with residents at Signature at Camberley, eleven beavers and their three team leaders spent the evening completing seven boxes for those living at the care home. Included within each was a range of sen-

sory items, including seashells, lavender bags, old coins in a purse, maracas, sensory balls, bags of sweets, and postcards.

The session proved to be a huge success, with the two groups bonding over the memory boxes and spending valuable time chatting about the past and other interesting topics.

Reflecting on the evening, Lia Thompson, Activities Coordinator at Signature at Camberley, said: “It was a really special evening. It was great to see the residents interact with the children, having lots of different conversations and helping each other to create the memory boxes. You can see the benefits group session like this have on our residents, the children really brighten up their day.”

Clare Hill, Farnborough Tenth Beaver Group Team Leader, added: “The Beavers really enjoyed their time with your residents. It was so heartening to see the two generations interacting with each other and listening in to their different conversations. We were so pleased to be able to visit you all again – it has been over two years since our first visit back in December 2019, fingers crossed we'll be back before the end of the year!”

PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Wall & Door Protection Reduce Your Operating Costs!! for a Caring Environment For 55 years Yeoman Shield wall & door protection systems from Harrison Thompson & Co. Ltd. have been delivering healthcare providers with a solution to costly and unsightly impact damage to interior walls & doors. This proactive approach to impact damage can show a year on year saving on maintenance time and budgets.

Offering a comprehensive range which includes, protection panels, protection rails, handrails and fire rated door protection systems, offered in over 48 colours, gives customers a wide choice to realise functional and aesthetic requirements.

The ability to incorporate colours, signage and images, into Yeoman Shield’s core products can be beneficial to mental health environments be that creating a calming atmosphere or a practical assistance in wayfinding.

The Guardian Handrail can also be supplied in an anti-ligature option safeguarding service users.

Fire doors are never more important than in a residential setting catering for those more vulnerable.

Yeoman Shield offer a full fire rated door protec-

Opeque can assist in reducing energy bills, complying with legislation, managing health and safety and achieving a sustainable operation.

Over years, Opeque has worked with various industry sectors, from tyre manufacturing to laundries, schools to hotels and hospitals to care homes, optimising their manufacturing procedures and facilities mantion system that when installed can prevent compromising impact damage and by doing so extends the functioning lifecycle of fire doors.

To complement these products is the company’s newly launched Fire Door Services giving reassurance to the building’s responsible person by offering fire door assessments, remedial and door replacement works all carried out under FIRAS accreditation.

Tel: 0113 279 5854 | email: info@yeomanshield.com www.yeomanshield.com See the advert on page 10.

Inclusive Furniture • Consider the elderly • Make the products affordable • Make rental to events an option • Use sustainable products where possible We then thought we need to provide picnic benches and outdoor furniture for people who use wheelchairs. There is definitely a need for disabled, easy access outdoor furniture. All made robustly to take the knocks from wheelchairs and manufactured from sustainable wood from environmentally friendly sources. They also need to make the user feel inclusive.

Consort Claudgen launches Consort Connect app Consort Claudgen have launched Consort Connect app which allows users to have complete control over their heating remotely via their smartphone or tablet. The app is free and downloadable from Google Play or Apple Store. It can control Consort’s Wi-Fi enabled heaters and SL heaters connected to an SLPBWIFI wireless controller. It gives quick access to four operating modes and provides a 7day timer with twenty-four heating periods per day. It is easy to set up and users can configure the settings of all connected heaters on

the app. Users can also view the energy consumption statistics. Other features include a lock function, open window tracking and response capability, and custom automations. There is a selflearning control ability utilising occupancy and temperature sensors, however, this is only available on the SLPBWIFI controller and Consort heaters with Wi-Fi and occupancy sensor.

For more information, contact our sales at 01646 692172 or visit www.consortepl.com or see the advert on page 6.

Safeguard Your Care Home with InVentry Care homes are crucial for our society, so it’s important to ensure they’re a safe setting to help staff carry out the best possible care.

With many family members and friends visiting their loved ones daily, InVentry is essential to track who’s entering and leaving your care home. Visitors are met with a simple signing in process and their information is stored directly in the system. This not only allows you to track who is onsite at any given time, but it ensures an even faster sign in during repeat visits.

You can also ensure that the contractors you have onsite have the skills to do the job safely by asking custom questions before they sign in, with options to include documents they may need to read upon arrival, ensuring health & safety and the security of

your site is always maintained.

InVentry can even help you become CQC and Care Inspectorate Compliant as our software allows you to receive star-rated feedback from those who have visited your care home. You can store this feedback within your system and note any actions taken to improve your processes and procedures!

Head to our website: www.inventry.co.uk or see the advert on page 11.

Frail & Thinning Skin Can Often Lead To Skin Tears Fragile or thin skin that tears easily is a common problem, especially among older adults. Our skin becomes thinner as we age, or as a result of sun damage and lifestyle factors. Thin skin bruises and tears more easily of course. Certain medications, such as long-term use of topical corticosteroids can also weaken the skin and the blood vessels in the skin Can skin tears be prevented? YES! Use Limbkeepers premium skin protectors!

So why Limbkeepers Protectors?

Limbkeepers arm sleeves, leg sleeves, and gloves help protect fragile, thin, bruised skin on arms, hands, and legs, from abrasions, skin tears, and injury from impact. Our non-compression arm protectors and leg

protectors provide seamless, form fitting, cushioned comfort and can be easily worn under apparel without bulk.

Our versatile products help to reduce injuries, allow you to continue daily activities and maintain quality of life and independence.

Made in the USA and supplied from the UK, they are sold in pairs and assorted colours at affordable prices.

Limbkeepers are available in regular or lightweight arm, forearm or leg sleeves.

Limbkeepers UK Ltd, Demontfort House, 7e Enterprise Way, Vale Park, Evesham WR11 1GS For more information or to buy go to www.limbkeepers.co.uk See the advert on page 7.

agement.

Applying industrial engineering principles, we address productivity, resource efficiency, quality control, health and safety and asset management, bringing people, utilities, equipment, and buildings together to realise product excellence.

We have worked with many care homes to provide laundry services and water hygiene and it is from these close relationships that we believe we can further assist your CARE HOME to reduce operating costs. or see the advert on page 11.

07831 873355, email Call or Email NOW: admin@opeque.com or visit www.opeque.com See the advert on page 19 for details.

WHY CARE HOMES? Not long ago we noticed that in our local park there was adequate seating for the non-disabled but none for the wheelchair-user, the more we looked the more we saw a complete lack of effort in complying with regulations and laws specifically brought in to counter this ignorance and discrimination.

We decide to act, our plan was: • Make our products both 'accessible & 'inclusive'.

• Design furniture with the wheelchair-user in mind • Act within both the Disability Act and the Equality Act • Provide quality products for non-disabled and disabled alike.

...because not only is it their legal duty under the discrimination acts people who happen to use wheelchairs also happen to enjoy sitting outside in fine weather, they are also appreciated in public places as well as private homes & gardens and places where care is a first priority Peter Cubbin Inclusivefurniture.com inclusivefurniture@gmail.com https://inclusivefurniture.com 07775717880 See the advert on page 19 for details.

Health and Safety Matters – Keep Up to Date The National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services ( NASHiCS ) focuses on all health and safety matters affecting the social care sector. The association has goes from strength to strength and has a growing membership across many providers and organisations covering the UK. Keeping up to date regarding Health and Safety matters is vital. The more you know, the more you can plan and the more you plan, the less you are susceptible in turbulent times.

Through the association you can Network with colleagues responsible for Health and Safety, share your own ‘best practice’ experiences and hear how others have overcome challenges.

Attend dedicated events, on health and safety at special member rates; and participate in national and local Networkers, Conferences and Seminars, in-person or virtual.

Advertise job vacancies free; and benefit from special member offers and rates from suppliers of goods services and equipment.

Receive regular update emails covering latest

Terryberry - Be Recognised, Be Engaged Terryberry is a global employee engagement solutions provider, HQ in Grand Rapids Michigan with UK offices in Cheshire and Cardiff, we help companies of all sizes, across all sectors. A dedicated account manager is included as part of all our employee reward & recognition programmes, who are on hand to guide you through every stage of the process. We’ve helped companies such as Co-op, AstraZeneca, Coca-Cola, M&S, Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover & The White Company run successful Long Service Award and Employee Benefits schemes.

Visit our website: www.terryberry.com/gb to learn more about our 360 Recognition platform.

See the advert on page 21 for details.

developments and safety alerts/news; while giving access to current information, links on key safety topics; and monthly our highly praised e-News.

Matters cover range from fire safety, training, infection control, lone working, falls prevention, first aid to stress, legionella, case law, regulation, people moving people and mock courts to mention just a few. See our website for report on past events – www.nashics.org We have national links with other organisations, government bodies and enforcement agencies. Our aim is to promote and improve safety and health in care practice by providing a sharing and networking forum for debate, and discussion.

Joining NASHiCS is a great and easy way to keep informed and aware. Health and Safety is an essential and matters to everyone involved with social care now and in the future.

Find out more – administrator@nashics.org | www.nashics.org | 07840 160 030 See the advert on page 11 for further details.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 25

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Forbes Helps Care Homes Maintain Cash’s Labels- “The Name Critical Hygiene Standards Behind the Name” For the care sector, laundry has always been absolutely central to infection control. Furthermore, in order to ensure continuity of service, it is essential to have a reliable service partner in place when needed.

Any prolonged machine downtime can have significant operation implications for a care environment, so it is important to have access to a same/next day breakdown response. Home residents deserve the very highest standards and care operators need to source laundry equipment that is both cost and energy efficient whilst meeting the most stringent hygiene standards.

Forbes Professional is proud to be Miele‘s national distribution partner. This enables us to offer their new Benchmark machines, which truly set new standards in laundry care. Combining high performance levels with both user and sustainable efficiency, they effortlessly meet all of the challenges of the care sector’s laundry operations. Optimised and intelligent technology combines with simple connectivity for fast and efficient cycles whilst thermo and chemo-thermal disinfection enable the critical hygiene control.

Forbes offers prospective clients comprehensive site surveys and entirely transparent cost calculations.

Our in-house engineers fully install and commission all equipment as well as offering complimentary usertraining. Our ever popular Complete Care rental solution is a more sustainable alternative than outright purchase. It also gives care homes access to our multiaward winning service support at no extra cost for the life of the contract. www.forbespro.co.uk info@forbes-professional.co.uk 0345 070 2335 See the advert on page 14.

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 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.

Free Online PAT Testing Course Everyone can benefit from free training! Parker Bell offers a free online PAT Testing course, which is ideal Care Home Managers and maintenance staff. It gives you all the information about your legal obligations and responsibilities. It also covers practicalities such as: • Equipment needed • Full visual Inspection • How to do a PAT Test • What records to keep As a result of the pandemic, many have found their working environment has changed dramatically. You may no longer allow people/contractors on your premises, PAT Testing is straightforward to do and can be easily managed in house. Our free course will show you how you can PAT Test, and what’s more, the HSE say any competent person can do it!

How do you access the free PAT Testing Course?

It’s simple, just go to www.onlinepattestingcourse.co.uk. Here you will be able to access the course, you just need an email address to sign up. The course is made up of short modules and is simple to follow.

Who should do the course?

Probably everyone should do the course, as it shows you basic electrical equipment safety; which given the

amount of electrical equipment we now have in our homes makes sense.

Both employers and employees are responsible for inspecting and maintaining electrical equipment in the work place. So you should encourage all staff to do the course.

What equipment do you need?

Any competent person can PAT Test, however you will need to use a PAT Tester that give you and outcome Pass or Fail. It’s great if the PAT Tester has readings as well, but they are not essential.

How often should I PAT Test?

Frequency of PAT Testing is dependent on your Risk Assessment. You need to include the routine inspection & maintenance of electrical equipment in your Risk Assessment and the risk should determine the frequency. Factors affecting the frequency include: • What the electrical equipment is • How often its’ used • Where its’ used • Who uses it Want to discuss further?

You can call us on 01392 364933 or email sales@parker-bell.co.uk We are always happy to help!

See the advert on page 7.

Taking Care of Your Needs Passive fire protection needs to be at the forefront of all our minds but what is passive fire protection?

Passive fire protection assesses a building in detail, poorly maintained fire doors, voids in ceilings & service shafts and penetrations made in walls, floors or ceilings can become conduits through which fire and smoke can spread. By identifying these failures within the fabric of the building, specialist repairs can be made to reinstate the compartmentation of the building to maximise the time available to evacuate the property, and or prevent a fire from taking hold in the first place.

For many this remains a concern and knowing where to start can be stressful. It is important that you do your due diligence and you seek out a trained, competent, third-party accredited company to work with you and to discuss your needs.

We are often told how a client has struggled to secure the services of a passive fire contractor. We have found many companies would prefer to concentrate on large, long term contracts rather than smaller

At Cash's, we aim to capture, reinforce and communicate our clients’ brand equity through quality and innovation, from design to distribution.

Our product range fully caters for the needs of both small and large retailers and brand owners alike comprising of woven and printed labels, woven badges, care labels, branded and promotional swing tags, garment accessories, packaging and barcoding. Our ground breaking labelling and security technologies are also able to provide an unrivalled level of protection to our customers' brand

by assisting to combat counterfeiting and grey market activity.

Our industry leading eCommerce system is designed to reduce cost, improve efficiency and streamline supply chain management and will fully protect the integrity and accuracy of critical business data. The order entry process is very simple meaning suppliers and vendors can spend their valuable time on tasks other than ordering apparel labelling and accessories.

Visit www.cashslabels.com or see the advert on page 13.

Otiom, the World's First IoT Device Designed To Prevent People With Dementia From Becoming Lost

Although commonplace, wandering can be dangerous or even life-threatening for people with dementia, and the stress can weigh heavily on friends, family and carers. Otiom - is beginning to make a positive impact in the social care sector and is demonstrating its potential to be a gamechanger for the care of people living with dementia.

WHAT IS OTIOM? Otiom is a unique and discrete tagging device which people with dementia can easily carry. It utilises IoT technology to ensure reliable tracking indoors and outdoors, and has a long battery life.

THE OTIOM SYSTEM: Firstly, the tag: the monitoring device which is carried by the person with a tendency to wander.

Secondly, the home base: which is placed in the home of the person with dementia. The Otiom tag constantly communicates with the home base via Bluetooth while the person is at home.

Thirdly, the app: which is free on iOS or Android and allows an unlimited number of caregivers or relatives to operate the system.

The app allows caregivers to set a safety level depending on individual circumstances. The safety levels have been designed to cater for all stages of dementia. At its lowest setting, location data can only be accessed when carers are concerned about a per-

son’s whereabouts to manually raise the alarm. The fact that tracking is non-constant helps avoid any invasion of privacy for the person with dementia.

Otiom can be managed using a smartphone and a safety zone can be set outside the personal home or care facility where the person resides, including gardens or community areas. If the person leaves the safety zone, an alarm will be triggered and the Otiomapp will show the current location.

Please get in touch if you would like to learn more about Otiom.

Call: 0131 467 5764 Email: Mail@pentlandmedical.co.uk www.pentlandmedical.co.uk See the advert on page 9.

MOWOOT II Combats Chronic Constipation MOWOOT II is a revolutionary non-invasive and nonpharmacological solution to chronic constipation.

Developed by a team of medical professionals, MOWOOT II delivers gentle abdominal massage that speeds up intestinal transit in people with chronic constipation.

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

Comfortable during use, MOWOOT II treats and manages chronic constipation in people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease as well as helps to combat medication-related constipation issues. MOWOOT II also fights chronic constipation in menopausal and post-menopausal women and elderly people.

In a published clinical study*, MOWOOT II increased evacuation frequency, softened stools, improved reg-

ularity, 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.

In just 10 to 20 minutes per day of abdominal massage with MOWOOT II, significant improvements were noted only days after the first treatment, whilst regular applications of MOWOOT II delivered 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.

See the advert on page 5 or ontact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com

properties. We realised very quickly that we had an opportunity to provide a bespoke service for each of our clients taking care of individual needs. Over time we have become specialised in working within a live environment such as residential accommodation.

When the project is complete, it does not mean the end of our relationship, UK Passive Fire Solutions is part of East Riding Group Ltd. We can offer many other services to you such as UK Pest Control Service and our Hospitality, Kitchen & Hygiene Products (HKHP) UK Passive Fire Solutions work with you from start to finish. Call or email today to get more information and receive your information pack; email info@ukpassivefiresolutions.co.uk or call: 01262 469872.

See the advert on page 6 for further information.

PAGE 26 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

CONTINENCE CARE Top Tips For Healthy Skin When Living with Incontinence Healthy skin is a physical barrier against the external environment. The pH balance of skin should be between 4.5 and 5.5 to discourage bacterial growth.

HOW TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN A NORMAL PH BALANCE: • Prevent changes to normal skin pH by cleaning up quickly after each episode of urine loss.

• Choose mild skin cleansers, moisturisers and sealants.

• Be aware that perspiration, in combination with continence pads and briefs, creates an extra risk factor for skin problems.

DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN CARING FOR YOUR SKIN • Always use the pads prescribed for you and make sure that they are fitted correctly • Tell your nurse if your skin is wet when you change your incontinence pad • Tell your nurse if you have eczema or psoriasis or are prone to other conditions that affect your skin • Note the condition of your skin whilst using incontinence pads • Tell your nurse if there are any changes to your skin.

• This would include if your skin becomes red, sore or broken.

• Tell your nurse if you are using any ointments or creams

• Wash your hands before and after changing your pad • Don’t apply ointments or creams unless prescribed by your doctor or nurse.

• Don’t use talcum powder on your bottom or groin area. It can cause friction which may damage the skin and also affect how well your pad works.

• Don’t wear more than one pad at a time

Important advice Oil based barrier creams may reduce the performance of the pads. If barrier creams must be used, they should be applied sparingly and only on areas that require treatment. Used products should be disposed of in the appropriate manner, they cannot be flushed down the toilet.

The iD range of products is available to buy from www.id-direct.com or via Ontex - See the advert on page 7 for details.

Help To Manage Your Incontinence Issues Independently The Bendi Bag is ideal for wheelchair users who can sometimes find toilet access difficult The Comfort Leg Bag range comes in variety of materials from velvet smooth, real cotton and flock backing The Children’s Bag with smaller capacity and proportions comes with a discreet and secure twist tap that will not open accidentally while moving, or out and about

Urinary incontinence affects millions of people in the UK. Although a widespread problem, incontinence remains a taboo topic.

Embarrassment often stops people from talking about it, let alone feeling able to access products and services that can help them. So, without the correct help and support, the problem often remains unsolved, which has a negative impact on people’s lives.

COMFORTABLE AND EFFECTIVE Since 1976 Manfred Sauer have provided a range of innovative urology products to help sufferers of urinary incontinence. But unlike other providers, our products are often designed and tested by both end users and healthcare professionals to ensure effective and user-friendly solutions that work. This means your incontinence issues can be managed independently, without worrying about frequent emptying or toilet access and do not impinge on your ability to live life to the full.

Read about four of our most popular product ranges, which are all available on prescription.

SHEATHS We offer 5 types of urinary sheath to facilitate the drainage of urine away from the body into a drainage bag. They are made from either latex, or synthetic materials and available in a range of sizes. We also offer skin friendly tapes, straps and adhesives, hair guards, measuring tape as well as Preventox, which cleans and protects the skin, so you are always comfortable and have the best fit possible.

IQ CATHETER

LEGBAGS We supply four main types of leg bags with varying capacities.

Perfect for being outdoors, and packed full of unique features and benefits, you now have a choice when it comes to managing your incontinence issues.

The shape of our Discreet Thigh Bag allows for it to be worn high up on the thigh area and can even be hidden under shorts, skirts and even swimwear

Thousands of people across the country must perform Intermittent Self-Catheterisation (ISC) to effectively empty their bladder and having something that is simple to use, soft, flexible and easy to lubricate is essential. That’s where our IQ-Cath shines, plus, new for 2022 are male/paediatric and female single-use hydrophilic catheters which are immersed in saline and ready for immediate use.

Nephsys For people who have had a Nephrostomy, and tubes are already in place, our NephSys system can drastically improve their lives. As well as providing a secure and sterile solution, which consists of an adjustable, elasticated belt; drainage bags and suspenders to secure the bag to the belt in the chosen position, the system is also comfortable and discreet.

For help, support and advice, call 01604 595696, email helpline@manfred-sauer.co.uk or visit www.manfred-sauer.co.uk for more information about each product, or to order a free sample.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 29

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Exclusive Antimicrobial Scrub Technology Launched

by Grahame Gardner and Micro-Fresh ®

Grahame Gardner has unveiled a brand new Micro-Fresh® scrub top and trouser range which uses leading antimicrobial technology to stay fresher longer.

The range, exclusive to Grahame Gardner, incorporates cutting-edge technology Micro-Fresh® to help keep healthcare workers safe whilst maintaining unrivalled comfort.

The garment fabric, which is 65 per cent polyester and 35 per cent cotton, is incorporated with innovative Micro-fresh® technology at point of manufacture. The antimicrobial technology not only kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria beyond 50 washes but is also proven to reduce the spread of human coronavirus by 99.2 per cent.

With wash resistant antibacterial protection, Micro-Fresh® also boasts odour prevention, providing longer lasting freshness for the wearer. The scrubs are hypoallergenic, gentle on skin and vegan friendly.

The exclusive scrubs will stocked available in two fits – unisex and female – and the scrub top will be available in six colourways: Oasis, Navy, Eau de Nil, Bottle, Smoke Grey and Blue 18 each with a classic contrasting white trim The trousers will be available in Navy, Bottle and Black.

Grahame Gardner will also offer all six scrub colours in their Made to Order range with a bespoke choice of trim colour.

The scrub top design features multiple pockets, including two waterproof chest pockets and a wearers right hand hip pocket, which also has a pen divide and an elastic loop for a clip-on hand sanitiser. The trousers have a

drawstring waist, and also side and a back pockets.

A range of Micro-Fresh® tie back scrub caps will also be available in the same six colours to complement the scrubs, plus two additional colours – Black & Royal Blue Sarah Lowe, from Grahame Gardner, said: “We’re so pleased to reveal our exclusive Micro-Fresh® workwear range.

“These innovative garments harness leading technology to create scrubs that combine comfort with unique antimicrobial technology that’s proven to kill 99.9% bacteria – even after washing! We know there is the market for them and are confident our customers will appreciate the benefits this garment development bring. It’s been great to build a really positive working relationship with Micro-Fresh® and look forward to that continuing in the future.”

Chris Mellor-Dolman, head of marketing & business development at Micro-Fresh®, added: “The move to working with a brand such as Grahame Gardner, who uphold the highest standards of protection and hygiene with products for use in controlled environments, dovetails wholly with our ideology here at Micro-Fresh®.

“It’s reassuring to know that Micro-Fresh and Grahame Gardner scrubs are making a significant difference, protecting the health & wellbeing of much-valued medical professionals.”

For more information, visit: www.grahamegardner.co.uk/micro-fresh

Eliminate Odours and Sanitise Rooms with MAG Ozone

15 minutes is all it takes to remove bacteria, viruses and unpleasant odours from indoor rooms and spaces. Don’t just mask bad smells, permanently eliminate them with the MAG Room Sanitiser. It’s safe, it’s sustainable, it requires no chemicals, plus it’s quicker and 3,000 times more effective than other cleaning methods.

Hygienic indoor air quality is seen as an essential part of every business and we all have a responsibility to look after our staff, visitors, guests and clients.

Monkeypox, Covid-19 and other airborne viruses will continue to come and go so regular air purification is important as nobody knows what the future holds.

As well as sanitising the air and surfaces in a room, MAG’s sanitising machine guarantees to remove odours however strong including smoke, cooking, alcohol, body odour and incontinence. It’s used by care homes, hotels, pubs, restaurants and thousands of businesses in the UK and across the world.

How does it work? Ozone is safely created and destructed within your preferred time frame. Simply wheel the ozone generator into the room that needs sanitising,

Introducing The World’s First Movable Bedpan Disposer ® Panaway M1 It has been great to get back out helping some customers face to face again but we are also aware of ongoing restrictions and the many pressures facing all.

Haigh's product development has continued regardless and with the launch of the Panaway M1 mobile bedpan disposal system, the team has also made a virtual 3D version for you to view from your smartphone via the link / QR code below.

Bedpans, commode pots, kidney dishes & urine bottles are simply and efficiently disposed using Haigh's proven technology now in an easy to deploy, mobile, plug and play format.

Panaway M1 gives unprecedented flexibility when it comes to bringing the infection prevention bene-

fits of disposable medical pulp to your site, as well as the sustainability and cost considerations associated with using very little electricity and no hot water. A perfect solution as an emergency stand-in when a bedpan machine or washer is unavailable or as a cost-effective solution whilst migrating a site to a disposable system.

If you or your colleagues have any questions or would like to know more, please feel free to email or call us.

For more information about renting, purchasing or a trial of Panaway® M1 contact Michelle Marriot on +44 (0)7500 626463 or email info@haighmed.com or visit www.panaway.com

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

plug in the machine, start the cycle, leave the room and when you re-enter you will be pleasantly surprised by the extra fresh fragrance. It’s very simple, completely safe and free product demonstrations are available across the UK. Ask about our 5 star feedback and testimonials. Andrew Morgan, Managing Director of Morgan Care shares “Great sales experience with a pre-order demo and very efficient order & delivery service. Would have no hesitation in recommending MAG Ozone”.

For more information contact MAG Ozone Ltd on 01353 883025 or sales@magozone.com Did you know the MAG Group also provides commercial washing machines and tumble dryers? Find out more at www.maglaundryequipment.co.uk (Link: https://maglaundryequipment.co.uk/product/ozone-sanitation/ mag-ozone-generator )

PAGE 30 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry.

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.

Why Infection Control Is Just One of the Benefits of Outsourcing Laundry Care homes are facing many challenges, from infection control and Covid, to staff shortages and rising energy costs. Richard Page, UK Head of Care Homes at Elis (uk.elis.com), explains how making a simple change to how laundry is processed can have benefits that extend far beyond infection control.

How the laundry is managed can have a bigger impact on the care home than is sometimes realised. It may impact infection control standards and compliance but also staff availability, running costs and capital expenditure, how smoothly the care home can operate, the satisfaction of residents and families, space availability and even the quality of the bedlinen and towels.

While traditionally care homes often handled the laundry themselves, many are now recognising the advantages of outsourcing to a specialist, as is the norm in many other sectors, including the NHS and hotels.

Here are the top six ways that care homes can benefit from outsourcing to a specialist care home laundry provider, like Elis.

1 – INFECTION CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE It is essential to maintain high standards of infection prevention and control; an important part of care homes’ CQC inspection.

However, when laundry is done on site it can be difficult to consistently follow the strict procedures that help prevent cross infection and ensure compliance with the Department of Health’s HTM 01-04 regulation. Requirements such as the full segregation of clean and soiled items, the validation of wash processes and the stringent handling and transportation procedures can sometimes be difficult to maintain, especially when space is limited.

Outsourcing to Elis ensures immediate compliance, both now and in the future. With experience of working for hospitals and care homes across the UK and the world, Elis ensures that infection control is built into every process. It is accredited to the highest European standard in infection control (BS EN14065) and expert at laundry compliance, so care homes don’t have to be.

2 – RELIABILITY, SIMPLICITY AND PEACE OF MIND When a care home runs its own laundry it can be hard to avoid machine breakdowns, or even fires, and unexpected staff absences.

They all create extra pressure and make it hard to maintain standards.

With a network of laundries across the UK, each with multiple state-of-the-art machines, back-up facilities and stock and its own delivery fleet, Elis provides a guaranteed, reliable service, day after

day. The local Elis laundry collects soiled items, hygienically launders and maintains them and returns them to an agreed schedule.

Elis uses the latest technology in all aspects of its service, with tiny 2d Barcodes on linens and on special residents’ clothing bags, enabling meticulous tracking of items and meaning lost items are a thing of the past. Residents have their own dedicated bags, into which garments are placed, so Elis knows exactly where each resident’s items are in its fully tracked service.

3 – COST REDUCTION AND CONTROL Using the Elis service can be a more cost effective approach to care home laundry. It can free up care home capital, as there is no equipment or linen to buy and can provide efficiencies and cost savings because Elis operates on an industrial scale and passes savings on to customers. With competitive fixed priced contracts and no risk of unexpected laundry costs, the service also helps with cost control.

The usage of linens is tracked to provide complete cost transparency and there is flexibility to adjust quantities if demand changes.

Care homes can benefit from taking a look at their in-house laundry costs, including staff, water, electricity, gas, detergent, machine rental and breakdown costs and comparing with the cost of an Elis laundry service.

4 – FREEING UP TIME AND SPACE With staff shortages and illness, outsourcing laundry can also have the benefit of freeing up staff to focus on other tasks. It also significantly reduces the time that management need to focus on laundry.

It takes away the hassle and provides a simple, reliable solution.

The removal of in-house laundry equipment also frees up space for other activities or even for another bedroom.

5 – HOTEL QUALITY Items are provided on a cost effective rental basis, with no large up-front costs. High quality linen creates the perfect centrepiece for each resident’s room and fluffy white towels create a homely feel.

Bed linen and towelling are professionally finished using specialist driers, ironers and folders, to give a hotel-like quality, while every item of residents clothing is carefully washed and fully CQC compliant.

6 – EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY Elis is able to use gas, electricity and water more efficiently than individual homes, and so partnering with Elis means that care homes are choosing a more sustainable approach to laundry. Elis is Carbon Trust accredited and the first laundry and textile services company in the UK to state its intent to attain Net Zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Elis partners with thousands of care homes around the world.

From small independent homes and hospices to large care villages.

Elis provides solutions for linen and residents’ clothing, workwear and uniforms, chefs’ wear, table linen and kitchen cloths. Elis also provides washroom, mats and floorcare services.

For a trial without commitment email uk-carehomes@elis.com or call 0808 1969160 or for more information https://uk.elis.com/en/sectors/health-social-care/care-homes

CATERING FOR CARE

An NHS Chef’s Guide to Budget-Friendly, Nutritious, and Delicious Meals

Matt Willis, Co-Head Chef at Clacton Hospital, NHS Property Services (NHSPS) (www.property.nhs.uk) shares insight around the challenges of hospital catering, and how best to manage budgets while cooking delicious and nutritious meals for staff and patients.

Catering for hospitals comes with its challenges. It is often a balancing act between having nutritious, healthy meals, while also making sure they are within budget and not wasted. And most importantly, the meals must be enjoyable for patients and staff.

HAVING A SEASONAL MENU A big part of saving money and having a tasty menu is making sure meals are seasonal, freshly made and locally sourced. The patient menu is set by dietitians, so it must be adhered to for patients to get the nutrition they need. One way of ensuring this is cooking food from scratch. This can make a huge improvement to the quality of food. In our hospital, for example, making food from scratch allows us to significantly reduce salt out of the diets and ensuring that there are no pre-made or pre-packaged foods in every meal.

Using local suppliers is important, as the produce is fresh, and it is a more sustainable way of picking up ingredients needed for the daily menu. It is also great for altering the menu on the day – whether that is down to weather changes, or we have had requests to change up the menu. Ultimately, it is most important to provide people with the food they want. By going local, this can be done in a budget-friendly and sustainable way.

CATERING FOR EVERY NEED It is important to know who you are cooking for. With so many patients and staff, catering for all comes

with challenges – for example, there are 14 official allergens we need to consider. However, it also encourages creativity and to think more about what people want to and can eat. For example, providing an alternative menu is helpful, such as kosher, allergen-free, or needing softer foods. Ultimately, it is important to keep patients happy.

REDUCING FOOD WASTE Another important part of catering and sticking within budget is reducing food waste. In a hospital, if there are two portions left over on a counter, it cannot be saved for later and unfortunately it goes to waste. To prevent waste, we must consider portion control. This can be challenging as patients need a nutrient rich diet and to feel full for a sustained period of time. Where possible, always aim to prepare smaller portions, and if people are still hungry, recommend a snack like fruit or something to keep them going. In our hospital, I encourage the team to manage portion control – it is a crucial part of our training.

Leftovers can encourage you to be fun, creative and make simple foods delicious. Reducing food waste will also have a positive knock-on effect on budget, meaning that money won’t be wasted and can be continued to be spent on getting the best produce.

My top tips to reduce food waste and budget are: • Make a fish pie with leftover fish, with a quick sauce and mash potato ready for next day lunch service.

• I often put lamb in the slow cooker – if there is any leftover it works well in a lamb salad wrap.

• Leftover spaghetti Bolognese works a treat as a topping for jacket potatoes, or chili con carne! I also put it over chips sprinkled with cheese on top under the grill.

See our Catering for Care feature on pages 34-37.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 31

CATERING FOR CARE Carte D’Or Launches The Perfect Base To Create Flavour-Filled Desserts For Your Residents To Enjoy The key to a delicious dessert is the right ingredients. As a chef, you need quality, adaptability, and versatility, to create efficiency in the kitchen and variety on your menu. Carte D’Or have got you covered with all this and more, with their range of powdered dessert bases offering endless possibilities for your dessert menu.

Carte D’Or have teamed up with Aaron Watson, Head Chef at Primrose Bank Care Home and winner of the NACC Care Chef Of The Year 2021, to demonstrate just how adaptable, controllable and reliable their range can be.

Alongside Executive Chef at Unilever Food Solutions, Alex Hall, Aaron has created a series of recipes that are easy to create and will really impress. These include a refreshing ‘Eaton less Mess’, soft doughnuts, a classic baked Alaska and fruity strawberry ice cream – all made using the Carte D’Or Strawberry Mousse and perfect for a movie night or warm summers day.

Alex and Aaron have used the Carte D’Or Panna Cotta mix to make a rhubarb & custard, black forest, and raspberry panna cotta. All these recipes are quick, simple, and packed full of different flavours – which is ideal when catering to various individuals’ preferences! Aaron commented: “You have to think of each resident as an individual, rather than thinking a dish will be suitable for everybody. You have to personalise it to each person”.

Finally, Carte D’Or Crème Brulée is used to make an apple tart, coconut crème caramel and the classic Queen of puddings. The latter utilising leftover ingredients such as breadcrumbs, which are usually seen to go to waste. It’s made in 4 simple steps; just whisk, mould, chill and serve your delicious pudding. The coconut crème caramel is a play on Aaron’s winning dish from the 2021 NACC Care Chef of the Year competition and he highlights the importance of having these exciting dishes for residents: “Obviously, the food we put on the plate is a really important part of the residents’ day to day lives, mealtimes are one of the main times of the day, where all the residents can come together and interact”.

To learn more and watch the full recipes visit www.ufs.com/cartedorincare

Food Procurement Experts, allmanhall are Helping Care Caterers Manage Rising Food Costs Here the causes behind significant food inflation and provide advice on practical ways care home catering teams can manage rising costs are explored.

“There are wide-ranging reasons why we’re currently experiencing such significant food inflation. Our global food supply chain comes with input cost factors that originate far beyond these shores” explains Oliver Hall, managing director of food procurement experts, allmanhall.

The Bank of England has revised its projections upwards, predicting that inflation will now peak at 10% towards the end of 2022. Upward pressure is expected this autumn as energy prices rise again and the full impact of harvest yields globally, and more specifically in Ukraine and Russia, become known. allmanhall’s apply such insight and understanding to managing suppliers, thus supporting care home catering teams with their food purchasing in these challenging times. As well as expert negotiations to mitigate the price increases and risk associated with food inflation, allmanhall’s hands-on, experienced consultants are able to offer care homes practical advice.

Coping strategies are key, addressing the things you can control:

- Select the purchasing approach that brings your care home maximum benefit - Undertake range management - Reduce your care home’s cost to serve - Increase your delivery values (add non-food items to your order) - Multi- and upskill your catering team - Reduce waste wherever possible - Review the efficiency of your equipment - Consider your care home’s menus and recipes - Review product specifications.

These steps will enable your catering budgets and food purchases to go as far as possible.

To learn more, go to https://allmanhall.co.uk/webinars Rachael Venditti from allmanhall will be talking on the topic of Food Inflation at the Care Home and Hospital Catering Forum in Haberdashers Hall, London on 13 June.

PAGE 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

CATERING FOR CARE

Anglia Crown – Looking To Make Your Lives Easier As the better weather approaches it is perhaps a time that we can start to look forward again. Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit us all, those in the care sector have been at the forefront of the fight and Anglia Crown salute each and everyone of you who have been providing the best service you could throughout the crisis. Anglia Crown has been there beside you and will remain there to help you keep your residents happy and well fed.

Whilst the company maintained a rapid response team to react quickly to their customers’ needs during the crisis, they also allowed time to step back and see how best they could improve their offer for the care sector and beyond.

The company was also keen to recognise their 30th anniversary of championing choice with the release of their 2022 range of products. The range includes Crown Choice and Crown Advantage meals available frozen, with Crown Crown Choice also available as chilled products.

Company Dietitian, Ruth Smith, comments: “Whenever we update our product range, we always look to reflect current trends. There is a definite move towards plant-based foods which we have considered in these menus, which we believe will prove to be very popular.”

The company now offers over 70 vegan and vegetarian dishes, many have been accredited with the Vegan Society. This approach led to the company being named a Veggie

Wholesaler of the Year.

Another one of the initiatives was to create a menu cycle that can be readily adopted by any care setting, with the knowledge that the menu is nutritionally balanced and has been approved by a professional dietitian.

The two-week cycle offers something for everyone. Where a bulk service is required for resident dining, they have it covered, a similar menu using Crown Advantage dishes can be similarly employed. The specially designed menu is cost effective, as it has already considered the financial balancing that is always required in our sector and just as importantly, it also helps with any staffing issues that you might encounter, allowing properly trained Care Assistants to help with the complete delivery of the meals to your residents.

Mary Wedge, Business Development Manager at Anglia Crown concludes; “We needed to take fast action during the crisis, which led to a huge shift in thinking that has ensured that we could fully support our industry during this difficult period and beyond, whilst continuing to deliver on our vision – in driving excellence in residential and care home catering.”

The new range is now available. Visit www.angliacrown.co.uk for further details.

TME’s Colour Coded CA2005 Temporary Catering Facilities For Events & Kitchen Refurbishments Thermometer Range Ensuring that you have hygienic equipment in the kitchen and catering area can be easily achieved with TME’s colour coded CA2005 thermometer range.

We all understand the importance of equipment which is easy to clean and hygienic especially where food is cooked and prepared. It is also important to ensure that the equipment you have is accurate to avoid any risk of food being undercooked.

Our solution is the CA2005 thermometer and probe range, featuring our high accuracy CA2005 thermometer and a choice of up to 6 colour coded dishwasher-proof temperature probes to help you avoid cross contamination. Our CA2005-P kit, which

includes both thermometer and probe, can be picked up for a little as £65 and our CA2005-PK kit with thermometer and all 6 probes is only £125.

You can be sure you’re making the right purchase as all TME products are British built and our thermometers come with our Thermometer for Life pledge which means that you will never have to pay more than £35.00 to have the thermometer repaired or replaced.

See our products at www.tmethermometers.com or contact us on (01903) 700651 sales@tmethermometers.com for further details.

TME – When temperature matters

Mobile Kitchens Ltd specialises in the hire or sale of temporary catering facilities and foodservice equipment.

Ideal for events or to provide temporary catering facilities during your kitchen refurbishment, our versatile units and equipment offer an efficient and economic solution to the caterers’ needs.

Production Kitchens, Preparation Kitchens, Warewashing Units, Dry Store Units, Cold Rooms and Restaurant Units are available as individual units in their own right or they can be linked together on site to form a complete complex.

Alternatively, we can offer modular, open-plan facilities, usually for larger, longer-term hires.

We offer a free design service, and project management from concept through to delivery and installation on site, plus full technical support throughout the hire period.

The standard specification of our smallest

Production Kitchen unit includes a six burner oven range, salamander grill, twin basket fryer, upright fridge, hot cupboard, single bowl sink unit with integral hand wash basin, plus ample power points to plug in Microwaves, Food Processors, Toasters etc. Internal equipment can be interchanged and clients can effectively specify their preferred layout.

We have many tried and tested design layouts and would be pleased to put forward our recommendations for your project.

So if you’re planning a refurbishment or need to cater for an event then why not give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide advice and put forward a competitive proposal.

For further information or to arrange a site visit, email: sales@mk-hire.co.uk or call us on 0345 812 0800, or visit our website: www.mk-hire.co.uk

PAGE 34 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING Silent Running Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Tranquility in Care Homes 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.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CARER CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM TODAY ON 01202 552333 OR EMAIL SALES@THECARERUK.COM

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 separate 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

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 35

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Medpage Falls Management Products Medpage T/A Easylink UK have manufactured and distributed fall prevention and detection products for over 25 years. We specialise in products for one-to-one care, or small groups in a Care Home or Hospital. Our systems are robust, easy to set up and use, and have a proven track record in helping to reduce falls, in domestic and professional care establishments.

How can they help reduce falls?

Many falls occur when a person at risk from falls leaves their bed or chair, particularly during the night. By detecting an exit from the bed or chair early a carer or guardian gains time to attend and help the person, usually preventing the fall.

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE

Medpage supply a diverse range of equipment for detecting bed and chair exit.

There are for example, simple bed alarms, chair alarms, or multiple use products for combining bed and chair monitoring, to allow the person to move from their bed to their chair. There are systems that use a cabled pressure mat sensor connected to an alarm controller, or pressure mat sensors with a self-contained alarm transmitter to signal a radio pager. Carer alarm notifications can be by a single or multiple user pager or alarm receiver, or an external alarm device.

You can find out more on the advert on page 11 or at www.easylinkuk.co.uk/product/ product-fall-detection

Nurse Alert Mats Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, the Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents.

When connected to a Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor it will then alert staff, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate.

• Nurse Call Systems • Fire Alarm Systems • Door Access • Staff Attack • CCTV • Infection Control • Dementia Care • Electrical Contracting

Lotus Care Technology The NurseAlert pressure mat has been one of the most successful floor pressure mats due to it being non slip and carpeted which makes it feel very natural under a residents foot.

Lotus Care Technology Ltd have many other fall saving devices that can give you peace of mind whilst caring for this at risk of falls.

Having many years of experience in fitting and

maintaining Nurse Call Systems helps the guys at Lotus Care Technology understand that every home is different and has different needs. They can specify not only the best system for the environmental factors in the home but also take into consideration the best products that will make your carers and nurses jobs that little bit easier.

Visit www.lctuk.com for details.

In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable.

INCLUDES A 12 MONTH GUARANTEE

sales@lctuk.com 0800 8499 121 www.LCTUK.com

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 37

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Log my Care’s New Research Reveals The Sentiment In The Social Care Sector and Technology’s Place In Its Future

Log my Care has revealed the results of new research – The future of care: an analysis of job satisfaction and technology in social care.

Prompted by the reports of a sector in crisis, Log my Care disseminated a survey to better understand the sentiment of the social care workforce, if an exodus of care workers leaving the sector on the horizon and how technology can support them to stay.

The survey identified a workforce that was predominantly happy in their role. Reflecting these high levels of happiness in their jobs, only a small minority of respondents said they wanted to leave the care sector: • Respondents had an average happiness ranking of 7.9 in which 1 was ‘very unhappy’ and 10 ‘very happy’.

• Those in senior management roles appeared to be more satisfied (8.9) compared to those in frontline roles (8.2) or management positions (7.7).

• Only 4% of respondents said they wanted to leave the care sector.

Findings from the survey also revealed a workforce that is drawn to the sector for altruistic reasons: • 81% of respondents said that ‘purpose’ was ‘very important’ to them in their role, the most popular response from a predefined list.

• ‘Knowing that the job was done well’ was the most popular type of reward for respondents (56% selected this as their first choice) compared to a quarter (24%) selecting ‘money’.

• 83% of respondents reported that ‘passion for caring for others’ attracted them to the care sector, while more than three-quarters (77%) selected ‘making a difference’ as a reason.

• Factors connected to their own benefits were less important. With ‘personal development' (61%) and ‘career development’ (45%) bringing up the rear.

However, the stressors of the pandemic have exacerbated some of the unpleasant factors associated with working in social care: • Just under half (45%) of respondents reported that the ‘workload’ was the factor they disliked most about their role.

• 37% disliked their ‘work-life balance’ and 14% were unhappy with their ‘level of responsibility’.

When asked how digital they felt their workplace was already: • The majority (59%) said their workplace was a beginner when it came to digital with a long way to go.

• One-third of all respondents felt they were 'digital experts' (33%), using digital solutions in most aspects of their work, and only 9% identified as

complete novices.

There’s a positive sentiment towards the digitalisation of social care: • Two-thirds of respondents (67%) said they were 'super excited' about the increasing digitisation of the sector.

• Three-quarters of respondents (76%) felt that the care industry needs to become more digital.

Sam Hussain, Founder and CEO of Log my Care, comments, “The reports of the care sector in crisis are at odds with the incredible dedication and optimism voiced by many of our customers in our daily conversations. We wanted to dig a little deeper with this research — to understand the sentiment in the sector, why so many people were leaving it and what place technology has in supporting them to stay.

Although we were surveying an industry clearly in crisis, the passion and commitment of the people working in it is a light in the dark. We know it’s time for a change – with low pay, long hours and a lack of employee development coming up time and time again as the reasons our care staff are leaving. Technology can play a vital role in this change and by encouraging even the smallest care provider to go digital, we can begin to combat some of the problems highlighted by this survey.”

Scan this QR code to read Log my Care’s full report or read it online at https://tinyurl.com/4pxdfxex

‘Work Smarter’ To Tackle Care Recruitment Crisis, Advises Bizimply The recruitment crisis continues to hit care homes hard. According to the latest ONS figures, to 31 March this year, vacancies in the health & social work sector, which includes care, stood at 216,000 – a 6.5% increase on the previous quarter and massive 65% up on the previous year. Care home owners and managers are learning how to run their business with a staff vacancy rate that is here to stay for a while.

Conor Shaw, CEO at workforce management specialists Bizimply, says: “Tackling the staffing crisis means ensuring your teams are working not harder, but smarter.

“Technology such as ours can be really helpful, allowing managers to create staff rotas and payroll easily and quickly, so they can spend more time with their teams, which raises morale and motivation. It can also reduce the

Vayyar Imaging Secures $108M in Series E Funding Led

by Koch Disruptive Technologies Vayyar Imaging, a global leader in 4D imaging radar, has announced that it has finalized a USD 108 million Series E financing round led by Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT), bringing the company’s total funding to over USD 300 million.

The new round includes first-time Vayyar backers GLy Capital Management and Atreides Management LP, alongside existing investors including KDT, Battery Ventures, Bessemer Ventures, More VC, Regal Four, and Claltech. To support investor outreach in China, Vayyar engaged China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC) as its lead financial adviser.

Founded with a vision of detecting early-stage breast cancer using RF technology, Vayyar has since

expanded its business into senior care, automotive, retail, public safety and other industries. The company provides solutions powered by its leading-edge system-on-chip, proprietary software stack, and breakthrough Machine Learning algorithms.

In the automotive space, Vayyar manufactures 4D imaging radar-based platforms that transform safety across the in-cabin, ADAS and motorcycle (ARAS) domains. The company’s ARAS platform is in mass production for deployment on Piaggio Group’s motorbikes, providing exceptional safety for the world’s most at-risk road users. Vayyar has also secured supply contracts with automakers from Japan and Vietnam and is in advanced engagements with almost every other OEM and supplier for both in-cabin and ADAS. In senior care, the company offers Vayyar Care, a unique remote monitoring solution, integrated with the world’s leading nurse call systems, that protects the aging population with automatic fall detection and data that drives predictive behavioral analytics. Vayyar recently signed a Joint Venture agreement with Haier subsidiary HCH Ventures, leveraging its senior care technology to address the 4 trillion yuan (625B USD) “silver tech” market in China. Vayyar has also established a large-scale partnership with Amazon for remote health, safety and security monitoring.

"KDT is excited to help further Vayyar’s vision to improve the health and safety of people’s lives at a global scale,” said Brett Chugg, senior managing director of KDT. “Their 4D imaging technology is transforming the medical, smart home, elderly care, and automotive markets here in the U.S. and around the world. We look forward to helping accelerate their continued growth.”

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 41...)

reliance on agency staff to fill the gaps.

“The other benefit is that managers can give staff members their shift patterns further in advance, putting an end to last-minute requests to work. Improving your employees’ work-life balance can go a long way to making them feel more valued in their job and less likely to leave.”

Shaw adds: “Nobody chooses a career in care to spend hours on administration. By automating routine tasks, care home managers and staff can concentrate on doing what they love - caring for residents.”

A growing number of care homes across the UK and Ireland are now using Bizimply’s software to create staff rotas, payroll and more. To find out more: https://www.bizimply.com/health-care/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 39

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Vayyar Imaging Secures $108M in Series E Funding Led by Koch Disruptive Technologies (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39) After opening new offices in five additional territories, including Japan and China, Vayyar will continue to expand its activities across numerous verticals and introduce a family of Machine Learning-enabled imaging solutions that are being integrated with the world’s leading smart building, robotics, retail and public safety solutions.

"We are pleased and proud to progress our partnership with existing investors including KDT, as well as additional backers which are joining forces with us for the first time,” said Raviv Melamed, co-founder and CEO of Vayyar Imaging. "During a challenging period for the global economy, this new funding round is a ringing endorsement of our mission and a clear vote of confidence in the strength of our technology and the strate-

gic agility of our organization.”

With a strong sales pipeline and a world-class patent portfolio, Vayyar will continue cementing its leadership in core verticals, expanding its activities in additional industries, and increasing its physical presence across the Americas, EMEA and East Asia.

About Koch Disruptive Technologies Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT) is a unique investment firm, partnering with principled entrepreneurs who are building transformative companies. KDT provides a flexible, multi-stage investment approach.

KDT works with companies that can help Koch transform its capabilities, disrupt existing businesses or expand into new platforms. KDT is a subsidiary of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in

the world, with estimated revenues exceeding $125 billion and presence in over 70 countries. KDT helps its partners unlock their full potential by bringing Koch's full capabilities and network to them, structuring unique capital solutions and embracing a long-term, mutual benefit mindset.

About Vayyar Imaging Vayyar, the global leader in 4D imaging radar, supplies the world’s most advanced radar-on-chip platforms to gather life’s essential data, providing solutions for senior care, automotive, security, smart home, robotics, and more, while maintaining privacy at all times. Vayyar’s mission is to deliver the next generation of sensing technology that is miniature, affordable, and versatile enough to impact everyone’s lives, enabling a safer world.

Visit www.vayyar.com to learn more.

Cloud Finance Software That is Helping Care Homes Thrive Healthcare organisations face unique challenges from cost containment and multi-entity reporting to new billing models and product offerings and a cloudbased accounting system allows you to better understand your organisation and succeed in the future.

At Sage Intacct, we’re passionate about building accounting software that helps you better understand your business, maintain compliance, and succeed in the ever-evolving healthcare industry.

BUILT FOR HEALTHCARE

As healthcare grows in complexity, so does your organisation. You’re managing multiple locations and practices, navigating changing reimbursement methods, and initiating cost reduction initiatives, while manual processes are draining your productivity.

You need insight into your growing breadth of financial and operational data, and we’ve built our healthcare accounting software with you in mind. We provide compliant financials with continuous consolidation across multiple offices, practices and locations. Sage Intacct healthcare customers have increased profitability by 30% with better insight for informed decisions, realised 25% improvement in efficiency gains, and taken departmental reporting

from 10 days to 10 minutes.

REAL-TIME VISIBILITY AND INSIGHTS Sage Intacct’s real-time reporting allows you to understand and measure performance for both financial metrics and operational outcomes. Because every transaction in the system can be tagged with dimensions, finance professionals can sort, view, filter, and report on the specific information they need. With greater insight, our healthcare customers have reduced board budget reporting from three weeks to one hour and have improved revenues by 25% without adding additional headcount.

TRUE CLOUD TECHNOLOGY WITH OPEN API True cloud technology with open API As an innovator in the cloud space, Sage Intacct’s multi-tenant, true cloud foundation brings robust technology infrastructure to your organisation, without the high costs of managing servers. Our open API lets you connect to existing systems or those you are considering in the future. This means you can leverage key data from electronic medical records, payroll, budget, CRMs (including Salesforce), and other systems to track key performance indicators.

For more information on how Sage can help your business please visit: www.sage.com/en-gb/cp/intacct-carehomes/

Keep VIPs Safe at Home and Safe away from Home Button and box have been the traditional method of keeping Vulnerable Independent People (VIPs) safe at home, however, by continuing to install them in homes, you are inadvertently telling VIPs that they are only safe at home.

Oysta have developed telecare devices for VIPs to stay safe as they maintain an active lifestyle and passive sensors in the home to enable preventative care. VIPs should be encouraged to pursue an active lifestyle as movement is medicine. VIPs that remain physically active for longer are less likely to decline as quickly as they would if they are housebound.

Our Oysta devices and sensors link into our care platform, IntelliCare™. IntelliCare positions the care circle to provide preventative care as they receive insights and notifications when their VIPs activity falls outside of normal parameters. Likewise, in the case of an emergency, the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) has a full picture of the VIPs activity and location.

We are looking forward to showcasing our services to visitors at the Care and Occupational

Therapy Show in Exeter on 21 June. We are speaking at the show on ‘Movement is Medicine.’

Natasha Salway will show how mobile technology can play a big part in enabling VIPs to remain physically active for longer and providing them a safety net if their condition deteriorates.

Natasha will demonstrate how technology can remove isolation boundaries and cover how to ensure VIPs can be safe at home, or in a care home when pursuing an active lifestyle.

Natasha has hands-on experience of assistive technology, how it can benefit vulnerable adults, their families, and carers. She worked in Adult Social Care for 18 years, 14 years, specifically within the TEC, Assistive Technology and Telecare field.

Visit us at Stand 188 at the Care and Occupational Therapy Show, Westpoint Arena, Exeter 21st June 2022 for a free demonstration or if you’d like to speak sooner, get in touch today on 01295 530 101.

See the advert on the facing page for further details.

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE The Access Group Launches Support For New Care Providers With Care Foundations Access Health, Support & Care, a division of The Access Group, has launched Care Foundations, new software packages to support start-up home care providers in implementing the digital solutions they need to register, establish and grow their business.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid previously announced £150 million of funding to support digitisation in social care, with the aim for 80 per cent of social care providers to be using digital care records by March 2024.

Used by many of the UK’s leading care providers, Care Foundations is part of the Access care management software suite that helps new and growing care providers register and develop their business.

The solution is designed to help home care businesses seamlessly integrate specialist health and social care technology into their day-to-day processes. Ranging from essential to premium, the three bespoke packages include information on various aspects, including policies and procedures, recruitment, and care plans.

Steve Sawyer, managing director, Access Health and Social Care, explained that this platform would be a perfect introduction to digitisation. He said: “Access Care Foundations will make the road to implementing digital processes much easier for new and growing care providers. This tool supports the vision of the recent announcement from Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid and will make that transition to digitising care records much easier.

“Providing the best possible quality of care is clearly the main priority for providers. The aim of this tool is to simplify

Intelligent Care Software (ICS) If you are looking for a care management system which answers all of your quality, monitoring and compliance needs, then looks no further than Care is. Care is provides the intelligent software solution for care home and domiciliary care managers and owners looking to roll all of their care and management functions into one electronic platform. We know this to be true because unlike some other CMS’s Care is was conceived, designed, built and is managed by nurses, registered managers and care home owners.

establishing a business as well as provide a space to continue elevating current processes with support and guidance.

Each package has different options that can cater to different levels of care, this means there is always an option for each provider depending on their business needs.

“If we have learned anything from the past few years, it’s that technology has massive potential to continue to innovate the health and social care sector. Moving forward it’s clear to say that this will become the norm for home care providers. It’s important we continue to create safer and seamless healthcare processes and we believe that can be done with technology.”

Access is currently offering exclusive discounts of up to 25% on Access Care Foundations for new start-ups and unregistered providers only pay for what they need to get registered. Each package is on an integrated system and contains tools which can monitor and improve care quality.

For care providers who might be unfamiliar with specific protocols and regulations, this tool provides peace of mind knowing experts are on hand to help.

For more information visit www.theaccessgroup.com/carefoundations

The ‘CARE is’ suite includes care and support, care planning platform, our policy app with over 200 high quality policies which are updated regularly and which also includes our supervision, appraisals and training record apps and our audit app which templates all the essential audits and includes a record of inspection visits.

At Care is we can get you started on your journey from paper or another care management system with minimum fuss, plenty of support and all for what we believe to be good value for money.

With eMAR, mandatory training and a complementary care certificate coming in 2022, there has never been a better time to get on board. https://careis.net

PAGE 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

FINANCE, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT

W&P Training W&P Training supply comprehensive sets of CQC care policies and procedures that are personalised to your business. Whether it’s Residential Care Homes, Domiciliary Homecare, Nursing Homes, Learning Disabilities or Supported Living – We cover it all.

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME POLICIES Are Your Current Policies Up To Date?

There have been many recent changes to employment law, vaccinations, covid-19 guidance plus the CQC’s new strategy and regulatory approach. W&P’s team track these changes for you to ensure customers receive up to date CQC compliant documents.

DOMILICIARY HOMECARE POLICIES Over 130 comprehensive Domiciliary Care Policies and Procedures for Homecare /

Domiciliary Based Services that are researched and written to meet all the CQC regulatory, legislative and good practice guidance within the Health and Social Care sector.

CLINICAL PROCEDURES FOR NURSING HOMES CQC compliance for new and established Nursing Homes.

W&P’s clinical procedures include 70 comprehensive and up-to-date documents for your nursing home.

These clinical procedures complement our full set of Care Home Policies and Procedures.

SUPORTED LIVING / LEARNING DISABILITIES POLICIES Designed for Supported Living and Domiciliary providers that deliver CQC regulated activities to adults with Learning Disabilities and/ or Autism. W&P’s Policies and Procedures for Supported Living Services will assist with your CQC compliance.

Looking for Supported living Policies with NO Personal Care? Visit https://www.wandptraining.co.uk/policies-and-procedures/non-registered-carepolicies/ W&P’s policy and compliance team are constantly scanning and reviewing all the statutory websites and regulatory publications to track the very latest developments in the Health & Social Care Sector.

Policies and Procedures are updated every 4 months or immediately if there is a critical change to regulation, good practice guidance, case law outcomes or just feedback from customers.

To find out more about what we offer go to www.wandptraining.co.uk or see the advert on page 2.

Workforce Challenge - The Eden Alternative – A Modern, Proven Model of Care for Staff and Resident Wellbeing WHY DO THIS? The Eden model, is built on what people say they want, in a Home or a workplace, which therefore attracts residents and team members alike.

As an Eden Home builds its reputation upon the quality of life it offers to the people that reside there, it follows that occupancy improves.

As a programme that empowers staff and focuses on their wellbeing, It follows that staff retention improves.

With a positive culture, a motivated and dedicated workforce, It follows that positive innovation becomes more possible, sustainable and continuous.

When demand for services increase, it follows that viability improves.

As a cohesive cultural progression programme, it follows that innovation, modernisation and positivity increase.

The model is efficient, cost effective and the training is delivered by experienced practitioners in Care Homes.

Homes are very busy places, and the programme is therefore run on line for 1 hour per week for 6 weeks, and people can do this at work or at home.

The 6 weekly sessions are run online, with a workbook, with links for further optional reading or viewing and should not be a burden to busy Homes, teams and managers.

It is however effective. You can try without obligation.

It is designed to make business sense to providers.

It is designed to enhance viability.

It is designed to support recruitment and retention.

It is designed to motivate Care teams and is open to any individual to add their CV.

WHAT IS IT. It is a training programme which leads to accreditation and focuses in detail on 7 domains of wellbeing, 10 principles, and is particularly designed to address instances of loneliness, helplessness and boredom.

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

An inspiring approach to care As experienced Care Home practitioners we provide training to care home teams in sustainable innovation and positive leadership that empowers people to embed companionship, partnership working and vibrancy to build enriched quality of life into care homes.

Develop a culture of care with wellbeing and positive relationships at its heart, with our 6 week online training programme. Discover how to replace loneliness, helplessness and boredom with wellbeing, companionship, and meaningful activities, in just one hour of training a week.

Validated Eden Alternative associates can benefit from continuing support from our expert team.

Sign up today and join the care evolution

Call today on 01626 868192 or visit www.eden-alternative.co.uk

Geoffrey Cox The Eden Alternative

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 43

FINANCE, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT ELGee Specialists In The Training of Elderly Care and Those with Learning Disabilities ELGee Training can provide various training courses for people who work in the Health & Social Care sector.

ELGee Training is a local company with over 20 years of experience managing of and training in residential homes, care homes and domiciliary care organisations for the elderly and for those with a learning disability.

ELGee Training provides up to date and current information for your workforce based on the requirements of the regulating authorities, and all courses are delivered by qualified trainers. ELGee Training will write and deliver tailor made courses for your requirements, and could be courses that run ½ days or all day.

WITH THE ELDERLY IN MIND Courses aimed at our elderly carers, with courses ranging from Dementia Awareness to Moving and Handling.

Assisted Living Training caregivers to provide assistance with medication management, activities of daily living, engaging and coordination.

SPECIALIST TRAINING TEAM Specialists in the training of elderly care and those with learning disabilities.

For more information on our courses or to arrange a consultation with one of our training facilitators then please do not hesitate to contact us on 023 9237 3857 | 079 4994 0860 or visit www.elgeetraining.co.uk

Skills, Knowledge, and Confidence Delivered Online Covid19 reminded us all just how important the NHS and care home staff are to our society. We are grateful for their hard work and bravery, and feel honoured to support them through our Laser Care Certificate course and CPD short courses. Working in the care sector is certainly demanding, so our objective is to make it convenient and straightforward for workers to upskill and acquire confidence in the process.

The Laser Care Certificate course provides knowledge to cover every standard included in the official Skills for Care specification. Every lesson includes bespoke video tutorials specifically for the Care Certificate course, as well as reading materials and good practice examples. Furthermore, a mandatory quiz at the end of each lesson (which requires a 100% pass mark) ensures both competence and confidence. Managers are able to create their own accounts to enrol staff on the course and track their

progress. All of the content is accessible remotely via computer, smartphone or tablet, enabling care professionals to make progress towards the certificate in a way that suits their circumstances.

Additionally, Laser delivers CPD short courses to equip staff with highly-relevant skills and knowledge so they can tackle new challenges or progress in their career. Two courses in particular – ‘Causes and spread of infection’ and ‘Infection control and prevention’ – were very popular during the pandemic.

Unlimited use subscriptions are available at affordable rates, for organisations wishing to take advantage of a large number of short courses.

Whether you are an owner, manager, or independent learner, please don't hesitate to get in touch for a free demo of the Care Certificate course platform, and/or the CPD short course offering. The Laser Learning team can be contacted on info@lasersys.co.uk or +44 (0)1753 584 112.

Specialists in the training of elderly care and those with learning disabilities Our quality health and social care training services include.

• Moving & Handling • Dementia & Epilepsy Awareness • Risk Assessments ELGee Training provides up to date and current information for your

• Health & Safety Awareness

workforce based on the requirements of the regulating authorities.

We will write and deliver tailor made courses for your requirements, and these could be courses that run ½ days or the full day.

• Medication Overview & Infection Overview • Personal Centred Plans & Much More…

Our courses are second to none...

023 9237 3857 | 079 4994 0860 www.elgeetraining.co.uk

PAGE 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108

FINANCE, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT

In Dire Need Of Experienced Health Care Assistant, Senior Carer Or A Nurse?

JJ Recruitment has the large database of well qualified applicants with experience in the healthcare industry, such as health care assistants, senior carers, and nurses from overseas. We also have an expert team of solicitors for the necessary legal proceedings and advices.

WHY JJ?

• We have very minimal processing fees.

• We assist you to get a sponsorship license.

• Qualified and experienced candidates from overseas.

Tel: 01704 809756 www.jjcarerecruitment.co.uk admin@jjrecruitment.co.uk

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

We have organised over £1.8bn for clients in the past 30 years, providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt, ease cashflow and develop businesses further.

From helping clients make their first purchase through to allowing groups to grow significantly in

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

size we assist at every stage of your business expansion.

Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements.

Call us on 01242 227172 or e-mail us at enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.net

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 108 | PAGE 45

INSURANCE FOR CARE

Is Your Care Home At Risk From Underinsurance?

They also noted that one in four firms had not made a material change to at least one Sum Insured in the last four years. The Sum Insured is the maximum amount of money that your insurance company could pay out in the event of a covered loss. With costs increasing in the construction industry, in raw materials as well as labour, checking your building sum insured is a great place to start.

CONSIDER BUSINESS INTERRUPTION COVER

A recent article, written by Aviva, one of our insurer partners has highlighted some startling figures on commercial insurance among businesses in the UK. Whilst your insurance may not be held by Aviva, the risks identified are likely to be reflected across many organisations and could be relevant to you and your care home.

You might not be aware, but underinsurance is often seen amongst small to medium sized businesses, and the pandemic has only intensified the threat. The reason for this is that to ensure long term survival, many businesses made changes to their operating models, which have not been reflected in their insurance cover.

According to Aviva’s data¹, only 20% of small and medium businesses had their policies changed in line with their new business models. This could mean that in the event of a claim, they may not receive the appropriate level of cover they now require, putting their business at unnecessary risk.

ARE YOUR SUMS INSURED AT THE RIGHT LEVEL?

Further, they identified that 40% of clients with Business Interruption insurance did not have an adequately set indemnity period. This is the maximum length of time your insurance company is obligated to make payments to cover the losses insured under the policy. When the maximum indemnity period has been reached, then claim payments will cease.

Business Interruption insurance covers your operational costs in the event of a crisis. If your business suffered a total loss claim, you need to consider how long you would need the cover to last whilst you rebuild or relocate. As a care home owner or operator, following a total loss event, the cover period required is likely to be long, as you’ll need to rebuild or refurbish your property. You will also need to relocate your residents whilst this is happening, which may also result in a temporary change in staffing and supplier requirements.

When cover is not reviewed regularly and doesn’t reflect new operating models, your business may be at an increased risk from gaps in cover and underinsurance.

what’s right for your business, bringing you peace of mind. We’re here to help you and your business succeed.

Barnes Commercial Insurance Broker 01480 272727 enquiries@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk www.barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk

IS IT TIME TO REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE? There is no time like the present to take some time to review your insurance cover levels. With so much economic uncertainty driven by the pandemic and Brexit, we would advise making sure your risk management plans are firmly in place, which includes adequate insurance.

You should talk to an experienced broker who can help you to take a look at the bigger picture and ensure that you have the right insurance in place for your specific needs. As an independent commercial broker, with access to a wide panel of A rated insurers, we can advise on

¹ Data is based on Aviva held small to medium sized business, excluding fleet November 2021 – modelling 80% of the account and extrapolating the total.

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.