The Carer Digital - Issue #152

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Our lead story is a bit of a “mixed bag “ , the news that short-term funding boosts from Government have helped reduce the number of people waiting for care and increased support for people at home is of course positive However the report points out that increases in care delivered are not keeping pace with increased needs

This report has once again unveiled a distressing reality that demands immediate attention and which will come as a surprise to nobody

The survey sheds light on the dire state of care waiting lists and the unmet needs of vulnerable individuals within our society, revealing a staggering increase in the number of people waiting for adult social care services This surge in demand is a clear reflection of an overstretched system unable to meet the needs of those who depend on it most

Behind the statistics lie stories of individuals and families grappling with the consequences of unmet needs Our elderly individuals with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses are left in precarious situations, unable to access the vital services they so desperately require

This systemic failure not only compromises their physical and mental health but also places an unnecessary burden on their loved ones who are often thrust into the role of unpaid caregivers, and I suspect the entire healthcare system would collapse without them but it is a desperately unfair burden to place on family members friends and neighbours

The repercussions of the care waiting list crisis extend beyond the immediate individuals affected As we fail to address these pressing needs we witness a ripple effect across society Delays in accessing care result in increased hospital admissions prolonged stays and greater strain on healthcare services Furthermore delayed interventions can lead to preventable deterioration of health and well-being ultimately resulting in higher costs for the healthcare system in the long run We must recognize that investing in social care is not only a moral imperative but also a practical step toward an efficient and sustainable healthcare system

The ADASS spring survey serves as a clarion call for immediate action The government must recognise the urgency of the situation and allocate adequate resources to address the growing care waiting lists in particular the £600 million social reform fund they have yet to administer to the sector

Investment in social care must be prioritised not only to clear the backlog but also to ensure sustainable and accessible services for all who need them

Moreover it is incumbent upon the government and local authorities to work collabo-

ratively with social care providers, communities and advocacy groups to devise innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our society including technology-driven solutions improving workforce training and recruitment, and establishing better integration between health and social care systems

It is clear by the sector s reaction that the findings of the ADASS spring survey demand immediate attention and decisive action The care waiting list crisis exposes the vulnerable position of individuals in need, the strain placed on caregivers, and the wider societal implications It is time for society to come together acknowledge the urgency of this issue, and commit to providing adequate resources and support to address the unmet needs of our most vulnerable citizens Let us not stand idle as the care waiting lists grow; let us be the catalysts of change and advocates for a compassionate and robust social care system that leaves no one behind

I was also very sorry to hear of the sad death of footballing legend Gordon McQueen I am of the age group that can remember Gordon in his heyday, a towering an imposing centre back who was bought by Leeds in the early 70s to replace another towering legend Jack Charlton

Gordon went on to have a glorious top-flight career and was sadly diagnosed with vascular dementia, the second most common cause of dementia

I can remember the footballs of the 1970s leather lace up case balls which on a wet day were heavy as medicine balls!

Great football fan though I am the statistic that footballers 3 5 times more likely to suffer dementia is alarming I understand that in Scotland rules announced by the Scottish Football Association last year will limit training exercises involving repeated heading to once a week and all heading is banned the day before and after a match

There are growing calls for the dementia in football to be considered an industrial disease and I have to say the case is very strong

This is a subject we do hope to expand on and I will be putting out an alert for some expert input!

Watch out for our Afternoon Tea Week competition coming soon We had a wonderful response last year - nobody celebrates tradition like those in care homes - and we will once again we are delighted to say be putting up a fantastic prize for a lucky winner!

So please keep your stories coming - we are always delighted to publish some wonderful stories from various homes around the country from birthdays to fund raising from baking to growing vegetable Anything you would like to share please do send it to me at editor@thecareruk com

Editor

Peter Adams

Care Waiting Lists Down But “Care Needs” Increasing Sur vey Reveals

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To improve social care boost our economy and enable carers to continue working social care leaders are calling on the Government to commit to: Invest in support that helps people avoid the need to go to hospital or a care home and support for people to recover get back on their feet and back home after hospital during this winter

• Increase support to carers and improve workforce pay international recruitment is not a long term fix a fully funded long-term plan to transform social care to ensure everyone in England can get the care and support they need when they need it

A huge effort by social care teams to rebuild services after the challenges of Covid 19, has reduced care waiting lists from a high watermark of 542,000 in April 2022 to 430,000 at the end of March 2023 But that means the health and wellbeing of many thousands of people continues to deteriorate while they wait for assessments care or direct payments Some will end up having to go to hospital or a care home instead undermining their independence and costing the NHS and councils much more in the long run We’ll likely go into this winter with waiting lists still higher than in 2021 and these could rise further during the winter

INCREASE IN NUMBERS NEEDING SOCIAL CARE

The survey shows that in the battle to free up NHS acute beds council social care teams are needing to support more people coming out of hospital with complex health and support needs Three quarters of councils say the size of care packages for people being discharged from hospital – the number of hours and numbers of carers they needhas increased Over half say they’ve seen an increase in the numbers of people needing social care due to delays to hospital admissions or not being admitted at all 81 per cent of Directors either strongly agreed or agreed that increased NHS pressures will lead to adult social care taking responsibility for services which previously the NHS would have arranged or delivered

Social care leaders report a growing need for social care support to help people with poor mental health, homelessness and domestic abuse in our communities 81% of Directors report an increase in the number of people approaching their council with mental ill health 51% have seen a rise in rough sleepers needing help and 64% report a rise in domestic abuse relating to people with care and support needs Family and unpaid carers are bearing the brunt of an under-

resourced and over-stretched system - carer burnout was the number one reason Directors gave for breakdown in unpaid carer arrangements A further 91 per cent of Directors said that unpaid carers are coming forward with increased levels of need in their local area It is likely that as more people reach crisis point there will also be a rise in carers forced to reduce hours or leave work Once again this data demonstrates the importance of social care in supporting people to continue working which has the potential to further boost the economy

RETENTION OF CARE STAFF 'CHALLENGING'

Findings reveal recruitment and retention of care staff remains a challenge and continues to undermine progress This is despite some difference being made through recruitment of care workers from other countries which though welcome is unsustainable Whilst there’s been significant increase in the delivery of homecare hours since the pandemic over half a million hours of homecare were unable to be delivered across the English regions due to lack of staff This is equivalent to around £14 7 million worth of care that could have helped people stay independent at home supporting carers and providing jobs

Social care leaders say they are caught in a vicious cycle struggling to prioritize support to keep people healthy independent and working so they can continue to contribute to the economy and their communities It would also reduce the number of people with higher needs in future This is being exacerbated by the lack of capacity in NHS community health services leaving more people becoming unwell and going to hospital or into a care home The survey reveals that more councils overspent on their adult social care budget last year and there was a worrying increase in those relying on reserves to fund these pressures Directors have had to identify an increased level of savings from their social care budgets for 2023/24 putting further pressure on the support they can offer people

Last year we spent £19bn on adult social care in England employing 1 5m people – more than the NHS – and it contributed £51 5bn to the economy But the impact that has on people s lives and the wider economy is being undermined because councils can t spend more on preventing people from getting ill in the first place They are having to focus more funds on providing complex care to people coming out of hospital or increasingly people who should be admitted to hospital but are having their treatment delayed

In response to the findings Beverley Tarka President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said “Our findings show that a short-term funding boost from the

Government and the hard work social care teams have done to rebuild services after the pandemic is making a difference to thousand of people needing support and care but we re not out of the woods yet Leaders tell us they are paddling hard to keep up against a tide of increasing and complex needs

“While the focus on people coming out of hospital is important, we need to focus more funds on keeping people independent and out of hospital in the first place so that they don’t end up needing more costly and complex medical care which is bad for them and for the public purse

To meet the challenges we need a skilled and valued workforce to do this – bringing pay in line with equivalent posts in the NHS is important first step And we need to offer investment in training and real career prospects in the profession so we can compete with other sectors

“In the short-term we are urging the Government to unlock the £600m social care reform funding they have held back so we can improve both staffing and support carers to help keep people in their homes But to make real progress we need a long-term plan for investment like the one in the roadmap we published in April and the political will to make social care a priority over the next ten years so everyone can get the care they need when they need it in the future

'OPPORTUNITY - NOT A PROBLEM'

Professor Vic Rayner CEO of the NCF said Once again ADASS Spring Survey has highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated, and fully funded workforce plan for adult social care with improved pay terms and conditions aligned This year’s report firmly undermines the government s claim to be investing enough money in adult social care and paints a worrying picture of high levels of unmet need, increasing acuity of that need and the closure and scaling back of services as well as the handing back of contracts

Waiting lists for care are still in the hundreds of thousands despite a slight decrease, with an increasing number of people waiting longer than 6 months while their situation deteriorates In the face of this councils are increasingly drawing upon their reserves to fund adult social care This is not sustainable and there is a distinct lack of confidence from Directors of Social Services that they will be able to maintain current levels of services never mind expand them And yet in all this there is still untapped potential and hope as outlined in the report

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A Strong Workforce Could Be The Key To Fewer Costs and Improved Efficiency In Care Homes

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the care sector one thing remains constant: the importance of a dedicated and competent staffing team As with pretty much every business in the UK care homes are struggling with rising costs, but a good workforce can help to mitigate that Whilst grappling with financial pressure care providers must seek cost-saving measures without foregoing the delivery of high-quality care As a care home director who has felt the strain over the past few months I firmly believe that a good staffing team can be instrumental to not only reducing costs but also ensuring optimal efficiency and high-quality care

One of the most significant cost-saving benefits of strong personnel is the reduced reliance on agency workers Many care homes especially during busy periods or staff shortages, resort to agency staff to fill the gaps While agencies provide a necessary service their fees can quickly add up and strain budgets which are already tight By having a skilled and reliable workforce in place care providers can minimise the need for agency staff thus saving considerable costs over time

Additionally an adept staffing team can be trusted with increased control and oversight When the team members are well-trained and understand the goals and expectations of the wider care group, they are better equipped to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation This level of control ensures that individuals are not overspending on certain items thereby optimising the

By Ravi Sodha, Director of ACI Care (www.aci.care)

budget and achieving greater financial efficiency By having a comprehensive understanding of the home's needs the staff can exercise their authority and expertise to achieve cost-effective solutions whilst maintaining a high standard of care

A proficient team also plays a vital role in maintaining the care home s infrastructure When staff members are diligent and attentive to their responsibilities they contribute to the upkeep of the building This attention to detail and proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of the facility but also reduces maintenance costs From routine daily tasks to the swift identification and resolution of issues a diligent workforce can have a significant impact on the care home s overall expenditure

Costs aside the ultimate benefit of a strong team is its ability to deliver high-quality care Care homes exist to provide essential support and assistance to vulnerable individuals and the quality of care they receive is paramount Competent staff ensure that residents needs are met promptly compassionately and effectively Ultimately if you can get the quality of care right then everything else can be worked on including reducing costs

Whilst recognising the need for a strong staffing team is nothing new the pivotal role they play has come to the forefront now more than ever As care homes face the challenges of rising costs finding ways to reduce expenses without compromising on the quality of care becomes essential and a strong workforce holds the key to achieving this delicate balance

By minimising reliance on agency staff exercising financial control and maintaining the care environment care providers can mitigate rising costs and focus their efforts elsewhere such as developing and supporting its care team to create a process of continuous improvement and an overall culture of quality

Pamela Tees Up Win As Crazy Golf Brings Father’s Day Fun To Dorset Care Home

A lady golfer stole the show after a Dorset care home turned its garden into a miniature course specially for Father’s Day

Residents at Colten Care s Brook View in West Moors were invited to celebrate the annual day for dads by working their way round the nine holes and enjoying a glass of bubbly or beer at the end

The course, brought along and assembled by James Englefield of mobile crazy golf provider Golf Craziness proved a compelling draw among both men and women at the home

As players went around during the morning and afternoon there were cheers whenever the hole in one bell rang out

Once scores were tallied up, the champion was declared to be Pamela Roberts a one-time avid golfer

After James presented her with a winner’s hamper, a ‘Brook View’s Top Golfer trophy and a first-place rosette Pamela said:

“’It was a great day that brought back many happy memories and I enjoyed the bubbles at the tenth hole ”

Fellow resident Derrick Fuller was runner-up and said afterwards: I really enjoyed my Father s Day and I

am shocked that I came second as I ve never played golf before Third place went to Joan Campbell who had retired to her room before the prize ceremony so Companionship Team member Jo Vardy presented her with her third-place rosette later on

Jo said: Joan was quite emotional and surprised by her third place It was lovely to see her feel so proud of what she achieved ”

Jo added: We ran a morning and afternoon session so all residents who wanted to play would have plenty of time to have a go

“Many of them played golf in the past and it didn t take long before we heard mention of essential terms such as hole in one birdie and eagle

“There were smiles all round and lots of laughter among our residents and their families who took part as well

“We congratulate everyone who played and especially the amazing Pamela for proving that women can beat men at golf even on Father s Day

“A great day was had by all and after visiting the tenth hole for some bubbly or Colten Care’s very own beer everybody was ready for a well-deserved rest Our thanks go to James for bringing his mobile set-up over for us

HC-One’s First Batch of Trainee Chefs Graduates with Flying Colours

The UK s largest residential care provider HC-One is celebrating the graduation of their first cohort of Group Development Chefs

The three newly promoted chefs are celebrating the end of their ten-week training programme which supports catering Colleagues of any level to progress to senior roles with additional leadership, strategy and innovation responsibilities

The ten-week programme provides one-of-a-kind opportunities for those developing a career in catering in their local care home The initiative was introduced at the beginning of the year as part of HC-One’s drive to make it as easy as possible for anyone across their c 275 homes to access meaningful and rewarding career pathways in care hospitality

Now that the first cohort of Group Development Chefs have graduated, they will be working with Wellbeing and Catering teams in homes to deliver truly specialist nutrition and hydration programmes tailored to every Resident

The new team of Group Development Chefs will also work directly with Residents in each home delivering pop-up shops recipe tasting sessions and cooking activities to co-design and co-deliver their food and drink offer

To celebrate their graduation the three hard working chefs will be treated to a trip to London s Billingsgate Market for a masterclass on fish with celebrity chef CJ Jackson Principal and Chief Executive of Billingsgate Seafood School

Chris Bonner, Executive Chef and Nutrition and Hydration Lead at HC-One, said: “We are proud to have selected these highly promising chefs from our internal talent pool Each individual displayed enormous

potential within their existing home-level work and we are excited to support them to excel in the next stage of their career progression There are no limits to what you can achieve through a career in social care and our home-grown experts prove just that

Victoria Meakin, Group Development Chef & Winner of the Regional Great British Care Awards 2022 said: Although I was initially uncertain about working in a care home kitchen, my colleagues encouraged me to push my limits and explore the possibilities of cooking in care HC-One s development programme has supported me to collaborate with a broad range of health professionals and to develop a specialism in medical catering Whilst working as a kitchen manager I particularly enjoyed cooking for Residents like they were my own family and can t wait to apply this same ethos in my regional recipe designing!

Pete Coles, Group Development Chef, said: “Having worked in the care sector for over 10 years, the best part of my role is seeing the difference that catering can make to our Residents days I can t wait to explore new ways of strengthening communities through cooking thanks to this new development opportunity and am excited to see my culinary suggestions put into practice in homes across the region ”

Suzanne Stirling Group Development Chef said: At every stage of my career with HC-One from cover Kitchen Assistant to head cook, I have been offered the training and encouragement necessary to surpass what I thought I was capable of The Group Development Chef programme is no exception to this and I am so grateful for the opportunity to push myself further I m excited to take on new challenges and to see the impact of my work on homes across Scotland and the North East of England

Care Waiting Lists Down But “Care Needs” Increasing Sur vey Reveals

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Adult social care is an opportunity not a problem” It employs over 1 5 million people in England and contributes £51 5bn to the economy in England

Proper investment in adult social care as a key part of the nation’s infrastructure, would unlock jobs, growth and tackle health and socio-economic inequalities across the country It would be one of the single-most powerful policy decisions a government could make to better the lives of people everywhere ”

NCF welcomes the recommendations of the ADASS report but we would like to add a few of our own We are calling on the government to:

Develop a long-term workforce plan for adult social care which models future workforce requirements and seeks to diversify the types of roles available as well as developing career structures and qualifications This should be aligned with NHS workforce planning to enable a joined-up workforce and to enhance the quality of care provided by both the NHS and social care

• Instigate a review involving employers commissioners, and employee representatives with a view to implementing a new career-based pay and reward structure for social care which will be: (a) comparable with the NHS and equivalent sectors; (b) fullyfunded by Central Government; and (c) mandatory on employers and commissioners of services

Introduce a requirement for all government policymaking to include ‘Care and Support Impact Assessments’ to widen policymaking beyond a narrow health focus to unlock the potential of social care to improving wider determinants of health and wellbeing as well as economic prosperity and societal cohesion

Introduce professional registration for all adult social care workers and establish a professional body to represent them This must be fully funded by the state

• Encouraging commissioners to prioritise not-forprofit care ahead of for-profit models of care

Set up a capital investment fund to enable not-forprofit providers to develop and create new services

and buildings with a focus on new models of care environmental sustainability and the introduction of new technologies

Establish and fund a national framework for the price of registered and unregistered care which ensures good quality sustainable care wherever you live and removes the catastrophic costs providers individuals and families are being expected to pay to subsidise the state

• Develop a National Care Covenant as outlined in the Archbishops’ Commission into Reimaging Care Report which is co-produced and sets out clearly the mutual rights and responsibilities of the different parties This would make clear the role of citizens families, communities and the state in providing support and paying for it

'SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH'

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England says: These survey results indicate that although the short-term funding boosts from Government have helped reduce the number of people waiting for care and increased support for people at home this is simply not enough Local Authorities have been set up to fail by Government

Whilst they have been allocated a £2 3bn share of the Social Care Grant combined with £562m from the Market Sustainability and Improvement Fund

Local Authorities have been required to deliver £806m in savings to their budgets, provision £692m of additional funding in 2023/24 to demographic pressures and will incur a cost of £1 8bn to deliver the National Living Wage increase in 2023/24

Consequently, Local Authorities are starting from a £400m deficit before they even look to address staffing inflation and wider cost pressures Whilst it is incredibly welcome that 94% of Local Authorities chose to take up adult social care precept for 2023/24 Local Authorities are operating on a shoestring and require significant investment from central Government Without intervention, we face an uncertain future The survey highlights the increasing number of providers closing ceasing trading or handing back council contracts The warning lights have never been brighter for the Government ”

Plugging The Skills Gap In Health And Social Care: Upskilling, Engagement and Leadership Are Key

Written by Catherine Mitchell, Partner and Stephanie Malone, Legal Director at Harrison Clark Rickerbys (www hcrlaw com)

standing mismatch between the skills learned in education and the skills needed in the work-place is partly to blame but lack of training opportunities in the pandemic is having a knock-on effect

Recent years have seen a tangible financial strain for care providers wishing to ensure they meet legal requirements for National Minimum Wage and holiday pay following significant, high profile case law developments in these areas Coupled with pressure arising from local authority care allowances it is often difficult for employers in the sector to dramatically increase the hourly rates of staff pay to attract more candidates

Becoming an employer of choice is not something you can achieve overnight, but it’s worth the investment Businesses which put effort into building their brand values instil purpose through meaningful work and keep their pay and benefits competitive are the ones who will get the attention of candidates

The struggle of recruiting and retaining good staff has long troubled care sector employers Encouraging skilled care workers and nurses to join from a competitor in an industry with squeezed margins is a wellestablished hurdle for all providers With many overseas workers and employees choosing to leave the UK in the aftermath of Brexit and others deciding to step away following the unprecedented pressure of the pandemic, the current labour market is hard to navigate In a new report commissioned by law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys data and cross-sector analysis sheds light on the struggles that employers are facing and provides practical solutions for what they can do to leverage the skills of their current workforce to retain good employees; ultimately closing the skills gap within their business

Recruitment and retention is a challenge for the majority of UK employers and the struggle to find and keep staff is not new – The Home Office s Shortage Occupation list or SOL sets out the skilled worker roles that the UK Government deems to be in short supply and Health and Social Care is top of the agenda!

What is a relatively recent development is the acute pressure caused by cost of living concerns and pay demands compounding the skills shortages already being experienced as a result of Brexit and COVID

The shortage extends across every shape and size of employer - 68% of SMEs and 86% of large organisations are facing skills shortages - and unlike previous shortages does not just relate to the highly skilled: by 2030 it’s predicted that we’ll need 3 1 million intermediate-skill workers Our research shows that a long-

Job-seekers know it s a candidates market and the more socially aware and active youth market are choosy about working for companies who can evidence the right culture, ethics and social capital Enabling staff to access defined career paths and learning and development opportunities also builds loyalty and retention For many older workers whom government would like to encourage back to the workplace purpose and flexibility trump pay - they can afford to be picky

With the challenges experienced by employers post-Brexit, many care sector employers are actively launching targeted recruitment campaigns overseas – The Migration Advisory Committee regularly reviews sectors on the SOL with Health and Social Care seeing a large increase in sponsor licence holders and more employers in the sector bringing in workers from outside the UK to plug shortages For those employers who are planning to sponsor workers from overseas planning around their licence requirements and timeframes is of key importance

The many factors affecting staff skill shortages in the care sector are of fundamental concern and cannot be easily resolved Taking time to reflect upon market conditions to inform the steps needed to become the most desirable employer in your region or specialist service can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining the key talent required to run a care service It has a bearing on CQC registration and the inspection criteria of being well-led which requires skilled managers supported by an engaged workforce Well-considered working patterns and job descriptions along with a commitment to training and progression opportunities help to engage workers and employees in a clear vision for your care provision and foster a sense of pride in working for your care service and, most importantly, your service users

D-Day Memories of Veteran Douglas, 98, Keep Salisbur y Care Home Residents ‘Transfixed’

A 98-year-old D-Day veteran has enthralled fellow residents at his new Salisbury care home by sharing personal memories of the Second World War Commander Douglas Parish moved to Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge on the eve of the 79th anniversary of the famous allied landings in Normandy

The invasion of the beaches on 6 June 1944 by around 326,000 troops from the United States Canada the UK and other countries was the biggest naval, air and land operation in military history

It has been widely seen as signalling the beginning of the end of World War II

Douglas who was serving on the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Mauritius spoke to Braemar Lodge residents while showing them his wartime diary and medals including the Légion d honneur awarded to veterans who helped liberate France

Having taken part in the Anzio landings in Italy earlier in 1944 HMS Mauritius sailed to the French coast as part of Operation Neptune off Sword Beach

Douglas who joined the navy as an engineer and was a 19-year-old midshipman at the time of D-Day gave an initial talk to Braemar Lodge residents in his first few days at the Stratford Road home

He told his audience of D-Day: I recall looking out at over 6 900 ships of all kinds They were so close

you felt you could almost step out and walk across them ”

Douglas explained that HMS Mauritius did indeed fire her guns and ‘took out’ out some enemy gun positions He said the ship was itself fired on by German fastattack E-boats using torpedoes

Thankfully these missed he said adding: “I have often felt that I did not really engage in the landings having been below decks in the engine room I had to do this as part of my training I was kept abreast of situations outside via a tannoy system ”

Graham Ballard Companionship Team Leader at Braemar Lodge said: Having had a tip-off from Douglas’s daughter Alison Larkham that he was happy to share his D-Day memories and still has his medals to display I arranged for him to give a talk

“He spoke to a room full of residents who were transfixed, listening to him give his account of the actual Normandy Landings and his experiences aboard the ship in those days

Fellow Braemar Lodge resident Norman Meech said “I found it fascinating to hear first-hand accounts of D-Day from a Royal Navy veteran’s perspective I wished it could have been a longer talk as there was so much information to relay and questions to answer

Care England Celebrates World Continence Week 2023

Care England the largest and most diverse representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England today proudly celebrates the beginning of World Continence Week 2023 and calls for greater awareness and support for bladder and bowel related issues

Professor Martin Green OBE Chief Executive of Care England says: World Continence Week 2023 represents a timely opportunity for open conversation about continence issues and shed light on a topic that is so often overlooked and stigmatised We know that a high number of those who live in care settings experience continence related issues This week is an opportunity to help raise awareness, promote effective management and the support available to help people maintain their independence Care England is proud to add our voice to the collective effort to reduce stigma and improve the accessibility of information treatment and support and calls on all sector partners to do the same Through our joint work with the University Hospitals of Leicester promoting the decaffeination initiative in care homes and wider support for sufficient access to incontinence products for care services, Care England is proud to champion the rights of individuals with bladder and bowel incontinence issues to live with dignity and without limitation

Running from 19-23rd June this year, World Continence Week is an annual initiative devised and managed

by the World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems (WFIPP) It intends to raise awareness of bladder and bowel issues chronic pelvis pain and other debilitating conditions which impact greatly on the lives of patients and carers aiming to help remove stigmas and taboos The main theme for 2023 is Commitment to Collaboration in Continence Care – the 4 C s project

According to Bladder and Bowel UK, an estimated 14 million people in the UK suffer from incontinence issues with men women and children all affected This includes a substantial number of individuals who draw on adult social care services with according to the NHS 2018 Excellence in Continence Care report more than 50% of care home residents having urinary incontinence

Martin Green continues: There is often much confusion locally as to how incontinence products are provided or what funding is available to care homes ICBs operate different processes which can complicate the application and provision of products leaving many care homes to procure products for themselves without reimbursement Under the NHS constitution people living in care homes are entitled to the same access and support as those living in their own homes Care homes and commissioners must collaborate with each other to ensure adequate provision and funding of products ”

‘Anyone with a Learning Disability Should be Able to Live the Best Life Possible’ says Charity CEO

This Learning Disability Week (19-25 June), learning disability charity

Hft is hoping to educate others and encourage people to actively challenge misconceptions towards learning disabled adults as its CEO, Kirsty Matthews speaks out about the social model of disability and shares examples of tackling stigma and busting myths

Ms Matthews says “Learning Disability Week is always an important opportunity to advance conversations about learning disabled people

This year’s theme is no exception as it focuses on busting myths about living with a learning disability

“Over one million adults in the UK have a learning disability and it is undeniably important that we as a provider of care and homes not only provide support that is centred around each individual s needs but that we also as a charity use our voice to actively challenge barriers and misconceptions that currently prevent learning disabled people from accessing the same opportunities as non-learning disabled people

Working with the social model of disability as opposed to the medical model of disability, is essential to the conversation if we are to fully move away from existing stigma The model is a way of viewing disability, to develop understanding that disability is something that is created by society rather than caused by the individual The model shows that people are disabled by societal barriers such as inaccessible buildings and negative attitudes and stereotypes such as assuming a learning disabled person will not perform well in work rather than by the diagnosis of a disability itself

So why is the social model of disability important? By changing our focus to the extensive barriers facing learning disabled people we can be more effective in our work to remove them, challenging misconceptions and campaigning for change

“At Hft, we believe in a world where anyone with a learning disability can live within their community with all the choice and support they need to live the best life possible

This learning disability week Hft along with other charities across the sector has shared stories of learning disabled people challenging myths and misconceptions

Ms Matthews continues “Myth-busting and challenging misconceptions can have a large impact for someone with a learning disability meaning they have complete control over their life and have the freedom to make decisions about what they would like to do whether running a 10km race or simply catching a bus to work in the morning

“Challenging myths is about acknowledging that learning disabled people can do the same things as non-disabled people and looking at how we, as a society, can make this easier by removing some of the barriers Hft is doing its part through its new national campaigning plan, Voices for our Future which outlines four key policy areas it will call for change on over the next five years – social care the world of work housing and attitudes

Ms Matthews explains: Based on wide-ranging conversations with learning disabled people Voices for our Future explains the change that needs to happen to enable people with learning disabilities to live their best life possible

We want everyone including people who make the decisions in Whitehall and Westminster, to listen to people with a learning disability and be part of the change that is so necessary

This seems really unfair Ms Matthews concludes Learning disabled adults can and want to work and live where and with whom they choose yet the assumption that they are not able to prevents them from doing so

“I encourage everyone, whether you work with or know a learning disabled person or just want to be an ally to think about how you can challenge your own behaviour and step away from misconceptions And challenge others to change their ways to improve the opportunities granted to learning disabled people Care providers the Government employers and learning disabled adults can all effect change to ensure misconceptions cease to exist myths are busted and the world becomes a better place for everyone with a learning disability ”

St Helen’s Hall Care Home’s Jackie Smith Wins National Award

Jackie Smith from St Helens Hall Care Home has scooped ‘The Amazing Activities Coordinator Award’ in this year’s Stars of Social Care Awards and been called ‘a true attribute to the care sector

Jackie, who is Senior Activities Co-ordinator for St Helens Hall, was announced as the winner at the awards held at London s Marriott Hotel in Regent s Park on Saturday night

Judges said: “Jackie is truly the Jack (or Jackie) of all trades and goes above and beyond to include the 94 people she supports in engaging and fun activities

“Going the extra mile Jackie has even been known to dress up for the residents and spread some festive cheer no matter what the season Well done Jackie – you are a true attribute to the care sector

Amanda Clark Manager of St Helens Hall Care Home who nominated Jackie for the award said: “Jackie was so shocked and surprised to win the award but it is totally deserved

“We are all so proud of her and all the brilliant work she does She works so hard to ensure that the residents of St Helens Hall have fun and are happy “There were nine people shortlisted for this particular award, so when Jackie’s name was announced we were so delighted for her Jackie is a credit to the home and we all think she s great ”

Steven Hamblett Operations Director for the Sandstone Care Group said: “Jackie is brilliant at her job and we re all very proud of her for winning this prestigious award

Transforming the NHS: Embracing Prevention and Community Care for a Healthier Britain

By Carl Engelmark, CRO at PillTime, an NHS digital pharmacy (www.pilltime.co.uk)

As the National Health Service (NHS) approaches its 75th anniversary the current state of the healthcare system is often making headlines The emphasis on treatment over prevention and the strain on resources have led to calls for a different approach – one that prioritises prevention and community care

PillTime an advocate for patient-centred care believes that transforming the NHS into a true health service is essential to address these concerns

Currently the NHS operates primarily as a sickness service focusing on treating diseases rather than preventing them To address this there is a need to shift resources towards community-based care By empowering individuals to manage their longterm conditions and providing support through networks of general practitioners and local specialists, we can effectively manage diseases in the comfort of patients homes This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces the burden on hospitals allowing them to focus on acute cases and emergencies

In addition to community care prevention must take centre stage in the healthcare strategy It is wellknown that medical care alone has a limited impact on overall health outcomes compared to socio-economic factors genetics and individual behaviour One pressing issue that requires national attention is the obesity epidemic which directly impacts the nation s health and strains healthcare resources A comprehensive strategy that includes new anti-obesity drugs, educational campaigns, and community initiatives can help prevent obesity-related complications and reduce the burden on the NHS

Another crucial aspect that needs reform is the NHS s performance evaluation and incentive system Shifting towards outcome-based metrics rather than focusing solely on inputs and the number of hospitals or doctors would align financial incentives with improving patient health This change would encourage innovation and efficiency, ultimately benefiting patients Funds saved through preventive measures and improved health outcomes should be reinvested regionally enabling local bodies to address specific healthcare needs effectively

Encouragingly many care businesses have already embraced digital transformation recognising the potential of online and digital tools to deliver higher standards of care PillTime Care, an NHS digital pharmacy is one such example Its innovative pouching system provides ready-to-go medication for all residents or service users of care providers in a single delivery, promoting independence and convenience Some residents can even self-administer their medications using PillTime s pouches granting them control over their medical conditions and medicines This not only empowers individuals but also alleviates the workload of already stretched care staff benefiting everyone involved

In conclusion, PillTime Care urges policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to embrace a radical shift in mindset to transform the NHS into a health service that prioritises prevention and community care By reallocating resources, incentivising outcomes, and leveraging technological advancements, we can create a healthcare system that not only treats illness but also keeps the nation healthier for longer While the challenges are significant, the potential benefits for individuals, communities, and the country make this transformation worth pursuing As the NHS approaches its 75th anniversary let us work together to shape a healthier Britain for generations to come

Esme And Her Friends Conquer West Dorset’s Three Peak Challenge For Friends Of The Elderly

Friends of the Elderly the charity which runs care homes day care services and a grant giving service for older people living on low incomes throughout England received a wonderful donation of £308 00 from Esme Sheen a seven-year-old who along with three of her friends and their Mums took on – and beat

West Dorset s Three Peak Challenge

The West Dorset Three Peaks Challenge is a 9 3 mile walk which takes in and scales the great heights of three of Dorset’s most prominent landmarks – Thorncombe Beacon (157 metres) Gold Cap (191 metres) and Colmer’s Hill (127 metres)

Talking about her epic achievement Esme said: “I was watching an episode of Blue Peter and they were talking about their top 10 challenges It really inspired me to do something for charity

I d read a book about the late Queen Elizabeth that was made especially for her Jubilee and it mentioned that Friends of the Elderly was one of the charities she had supported for over 70 years After reading the book I thought that it would be a nice charity to support Originally I wanted to walk to The North Pole but my Mum told me it would be too cold and as I don t like the cold very much I decided on the Three Peaks instead Esme didn’t waste any time in getting three of her friends involved to join her on her quest “I didn’t do much training for the walk my Mum and I did a few and when we went on holiday to Cornwall all my family did a nice long walk to give me a bit of practice, so that helped,” Esme continued

On the morning of Sunday 14th May Esme her friends and their Mums set off I thought it would be

ATurning Point

In a care home environment the client as much as a patient in an acute environment benefits from regular turning Supported by the NICE guidelines it has been proven that regular turning regimes can prevent, and in some cases, can significantly contribute to the healing process of existing pressure injuries, whether presented upon arrival or even acquired at the care home WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO GET A PRESSURE ULCER?

Anyone living in a care home can develop a pressure ulcer, but some factors make it more likely:

Limited mobility/unable to change position

without help

A loss of feeling in part of the body

tough but it actually wasn t as hard as I thought it would be It wasn’t too bad when we were there walking the peaks Esme added The hardest part was a really really muddy bit where our feet sunk down into the mud I was pleased as I managed to stay the cleanest of everyone but to be honest getting muddy was the best bit of the day

On the day of Esme’s outstanding challenge, the weather was nice with a rolling sea mist At first we played tag as we were walking along, but then we started chatting and that kept us going for the whole walk Esme continued We saw loads of lambs as we went along which were very cute as well ”

Esme her friends and their Mums completed the tiring 9 3 miles in six hours with Esme saying: It didn t seem like six hours we had such a nice fun day, I thought it was less than that ”

Lorna Esme s Mum said: I m extremely proud of Esme and her friends – and the Mums too I’m so proud of her motivation and positive attitude on the day We all enjoyed the day but Esme and her friends absolutely loved it After we d finished they still had energy for a run on the beach and cake at Seatown where we started and finished the day

“I think Esme has caught the fundraising challenge bug as she’s very keen to do more, but thankfully the thought of the cold North Pole has put her off trying that - for now at least

If you’d like to donate to Esme’s fundraising achievement and raise vital funds for Friends of the Elderly, you can do so at JustGiving: https://www justgiving com/page/lorna-sheen-1682106878624

implemented in conjunction with an accurate risk assessment of the clients needs

• History of pressure ulcers, or having one now

Not having eaten or hydrated well for a sustained period

Thin, dry or weak skin

A significant cognitive impairment

HOW DOES A PRESSURE ULCER OCCUR?

Pressure ulcers occur when an area of skin and the t ssues underneath it are damaged by being under such pressure that the blood supply is reduced; typically when people spend long periods in a bed or chair BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE TURNING & HOW CAN EQUIPMENT HELP WITH PREVENTION AND THERAPY?

Equipment that offers suitable pressure relieving or pressure redistribution qualities subject to the risk factors can reduce or even remove the prevalence of PI s provided a suitable Care Plan is written and

All organisations recognise the need for regular turning but the pressures they face from reduced staffing levels in a reducing labour pool means that the demands on reduced staffing levels can sometimes mean that the ideological turning regimes are not always met leading to the risk of acquired pressure injuries

The answer appears simple invest in highly motivated capable staff manage the client diligently and offer assistance in maintaining independent mobility But of course, that s not sometimes possible, staff may be slightly less motivated due to external factors and independent patient mobility is not always the case

Equipment however can assist with that issue especially when a high dependence for repositioning is required The Optima Turn Mattress System by Wellell has been designed to reduce the burden on caregivers aiding repositioning without having to necessarily touch the patient benefitting all parties the patient their family the carer and the care home

If you are facing these issues and need help? Contact: sales uk@wellell com

91% of UK Healthcare Workers Are Missing Out on Maximising Vital Financial Support

New research from Sodexo Engage reveals that only 9% of UK healthcare workers report utilising their workplace benefits to their full potential As the cost of living (CoL) continues to soar this indicates that a significant number of individuals are not capitalising on crucial support that could help their pay go further

The report titled “The Mountain of Lost Benefits: A Spotlight on Healthcare” explores the perspectives of healthcare employees and HR leaders regarding benefits and the actual value of a benefits package Sodexo Engage has uncovered a notable disparity between leaders and employees, with 28% of surveyed healthcare HR professionals admitting to a lack of understanding regarding the benefits employees really need

When Sodexo Engage asked healthcare workers about their preferred benefits, retail discounts or cashback (25%) emerged as the most popular choice followed by occupational sick pay (22%) and financial wellbeing-related benefits (16%) It is evident that this group is primarily focused on maximising their wages and making them go further

Interestingly when healthcare employees were asked “Which of the following benefits do you find most financially beneficial? a notable fifth (20%) of respondents chose subsidised food and drink This figure stands in contrast to the cross-industry average of 14% highlighting the higher priority placed on this benefit within the healthcare sector Additionally over a quarter (27%) expressed that subsidised food and drink should be included in a “standard, must-have package”, compared to the average of 17%

This sentiment was echoed by healthcare HR respondents More than a quarter (27%) said employees

INCLUDE:

specifically request subsidised food and drink in the workplace as opposed to the average of 18% across all industries Considering the recent rise in food prices and the fact that many healthcare workers consume multiple meals while on shift, this outcome is not surprising

Jamie Mackenzie Director at Sodexo Engage comments healthcare workers clearly know what benefits they want but it appears that they are not fully making use of what is on offer to them Our research highlights a strong emphasis on tools that enhance financial wellbeing indicating that the cost-of-living crisis is a prominent concern for many However, with numerous individuals reporting a lack of utilisation I would urge them to explore the benefits their employers provide and consider how these can help ”

The survey also revealed connections between benefits and employee satisfaction highlighting the impact on retention

SEVERAL NOTEWORTHY FINDINGS FROM HEALTHCARE WORKERS

The vast majority (70%) of employee respondents said benefits packages are important or very important when thinking about whether to accept a job offer

80% said they feel more loyal towards their employer when their employer is supporting them

78% said they feel more motivated to work when their employer is supporting them

Discover the full findings from The Mountain of Lost Benefits: A Spotlight on Healthcare report download now at https://www sodexoengage com/mountain-of-lost-benefits-a-spotlight-on-healthcare

Belong Promotes Awareness of LGBTQ+ People in Care

As June 24th marks the UK s first national Silver Pride celebration of LGBTQ+ life and culture for the over 55s, Belong is leading the promotion of awareness and appreciation of the needs of older LGBTQ+ people living in care

The dementia specialist is implementing the Skills for Care LGBTQ+ learning framework equipping its teams with the knowledge values and best practice to support its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and other customers whose outlook and needs can differ from others who share their home Additionally the move helps Belong build on its inclusive culture empowering colleagues to be confident in who they are at their place of work

Research has shown that whilst older people have understandable concerns making the transition to living in care environments, older LGBTQ+ people envisage their own distinct challenges such as carers who lack communication tools to discuss gender identity or sexual orientation, even if they have favourable attitudes to the LGBTQ+ community 1

Caroline Baker head of dementia and care quality at Belong provides more detail

We believe people should be able to live and work as they choose to present themselves as this makes for a diverse, respectful and cohesive society We have a responsibility to all our customers and colleagues to engender this culture and this new training serves as one of many ways we achieve this ”

For one person Belong s approach to care has proven to be literally life changing Samantha Wolsey, 68, moved into one of Belong Wigan s independent living apartments five years ago presenting as Billy She quickly discerned the team s attitudes and the culture championed by Belong she finally felt comfortable to share who she is with the world

Belong responded by proposing a celebratory party bringing everyone together to commend Samantha’s courage and share in her happy news Charlene Frodsham experience coordinator at Belong Wigan said When she told us we were surprised but everyone was keen to support At her party, Samantha said with tears in her eyes I didn t expect all this We couldn t be prouder of her and we hope her story inspires others to show the world who they are ”

‘Guerrilla’ Campaign Launched to Bust Myths About Care Homes

Not-for-profit care group Greensleeves Care has launched Keys To Open Minds – a campaign to de-bunk common myths about life in care homes

The guerrilla-style community outreach campaign is set to share more than a thousand myth-busting messages with local communities and businesses all over England – from London and Ipswich to Hastings and the Isle of Wight

Teams and residents from Greensleeves Care s homes all over the country are going out into their communities, placing keys in landmarks and public areas and sharing them with businesses The sustainably-produced wooden keys carry tags with messages that spell out common myths around care homes and challenge them with facts The keys are designed to create intrigue and to encourage people of all ages to engage with the reality of care home life join the conversation on social media at #KeysToOpenMinds or visit their local Greensleeves Care home to see first-hand

The campaign which launches in time for Care Home Open Week 2023 (26th June – 2nd July) comes after reflecting on the perceived divide between public understanding and the reality of care home life Greensleeves Care s recent customer satisfaction survey across its 28 homes in England shows that 93% of residents who responded are happy with their care and the vast majority feel empowered to make choices about their day-to-day life

For people like Margaret 81 moving to a care home three years ago was nothing like she expected She

said: If you would have said a few years ago I was going into a care home I would have said “get stuffed!” My opinion was that I would be told what to do when and how to do it

“I now know that life in a care home is good I am still very much in control of my life despite living in a care home I can still make decisions myself and find the staff helpful and caring I feel here I still have a purpose ”

Shona King Director of Business Development at Greensleeves Care said: “The main aim of our Keys to Open Minds campaign is to prompt better conversations reduce stigma around care homes and encourage people to reconsider their preconceptions

Misconceptions around care homes abound – from the quality of the food to how residents are supported to live with dignity As our own data shows the reality is that for the vast majority of residents care homes are a positive much-valued chapter in people s journey through later life

“Long-standing myths are damaging not only for the sector, but for the thousands of families looking for specialist 24-hour care for their loved ones They want to feel confident and empowered in the choices they make At Greensleeves Care, we believe that feeling empowered starts with having a myth-free, more accurate idea of what it is like to join a care home community

The campaign is further supported through online content that tackles head-on the top 7 myths of care homes Greensleeves Care is also committed to continuing the myth-busting beyond Care Home Open Week including through public presentations and events

Boutique Care Homes Joins the National Activity Providers Association

Boutique Care Homes is delighted to announce its membership in the esteemed National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in Boutique Care Homes' ongoing commitment to prioritising the holistic wellbeing of its residents By joining forces with NAPA Boutique Care Homes aims to further develop its vibrant and engaging communities where residents can thrive

The National Activity Providers Association is a leading organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting the provision of meaningful activities in care settings Whose vision is for A UK where activity and engagement is an integral part of care provision, where people live content creative and connected lives

NAPA has been instrumental in championing the importance of person-centred engagement recognising its profound impact on the overall health and happiness of residents Membership in NAPA grants access to a wealth of resources expertise and networking opportunities that will further enhance their ability to deliver innovative and engaging activities to residents

“We are thrilled to welcome Boutique Care Homes into our membership Their commitment to personalised and exceptional care aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance the quality of life for the individuals they support By joining NAPA, Boutique Care Homes demonstrates their dedication to providing engaging and meaningful activities that promote wellbeing - Hilary Woodhead NAPA s Executive Director Boutique Care Homes' membership in the National Activity Providers Association represents an exciting chapter for the care provider as they strengthen their commitment to providing exceptional care and improving the lives of residents This partnership with NAPA is poised to enhance the quality and diversity of activities offered, ultimately promoting resident wellbeing and happiness

Priya Bhayani Quality Director at Boutique Care Homes expressed her enthusiasm for the new alliance stating, "We are delighted to join the National Activity Providers Association At Boutique Care Homes, we firmly believe that meaningful activities play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of our residents By becoming a member of NAPA, we have access to invaluable resources and expertise that will allow us to create even more enriching experiences for our residents We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we work together with NAPA to promote resident wellbeing

With NAPA's support Boutique Care Homes is poised to embark on an inspiring journey setting new standards in care provision and making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve

Care Homes Set To Save Thousands Of Pounds Thanks

To Free Training From Health Education England Anenta plays key role in developing healthcare waste training module

The roll-out of a free new e-learning module on healthcare wasteset up by Health Education England - is set to bring major benefits to the care home sector says leading independent healthcare waste management company Anenta

The training - developed in association with Anenta to help all healthcare professionals - is seen as key to building better understanding of waste management in care homes which have long struggled with managing healthcare waste effectively

This is backed up by detailed compositional audits of care home waste undertaken both by Anenta and separately by the EA which have proven that a significant amount of contamination exists in the various waste streams produced by care homes

Worryingly, the findings show that 70% of care home waste is consistently put in the wrong waste channels including 90% of clinical waste and 35% of offensive waste, which is regularly contaminated with recyclable materials

Further analysis of over 2 500 primary care Duty of Care audits by Anenta has also shown that 58% of healthcare professionals with responsibility for waste management are unfamiliar with the Healthcare Technical Memorandum the latest iteration of which came out in March 2023

This has resulted in inadequate training and waste management policies contributing to poor segregation and spiralling levels of waste being incorrectly disposed of costing the care home sector heavily, and hampering sustainable waste targets

The new e-training module aims to address this and is being provided free to remove all barriers and gaps in understanding that currently exist within care homes and the primary care sector

Created with the help of Anenta the new 30-45 minute training module, available here, is accessible free of charge via the Health

Education England online portal

It outlines what waste should go into which waste stream correct segregation practices and other important waste related guidance

This helps prevent low-risk items, which should cost £300-£500 per tonne for disposal as offensive waste, from being disposed of as infectious waste costing upwards of £800 per tonne

Vitally the training also helps avoid the risk of waste contractors refusing to make collections from care homes due to their non-compliance which could put care services at risk of disruption This is avoided through the correct completion of a Pre-Acceptance Audit (PAA), which in the case of most care homes needs to be undertaken every five years - unless waste produced on site changes in its nature Where a care home produces more than five tonnes of clinical

waste annually a PAA will need to be undertaken every 12 months remaining valid until renewal date or unless waste types undeclared in the pre-acceptance audit are discovered

Commenting on the roll-out of the new free training Graham Flynn Director at Anenta said: We ve worked hard on the development of the new e-learning training module alongside NHSE IPC Local Commissioners and industry experts The result is a course that’s accessible by all, and a risk assessment that can be used by all care homes to inform the way in which their waste is segregated

The adoption of the training and correct segregation is critical if the care home sector is to cut costs and achieve Net Zero targets Changing waste disposal habits and practices prevents the unnecessary and expensive disposal of waste via inappropriate and environmentally damaging waste streams such as incineration; instead ensuring that the majority of clinical waste is disposed of using either alternative treatments or energy from waste processes that render healthcare waste safe ”

Graham Flynn added: “On average care homes are wasting £8,000 every year through poor waste management process and procurement The training will play a big part in cutting that figure by improving waste management among staff Importantly it will also help care homes with their PAA audit without which their healthcare waste cannot be collected potentially resulting in enforcement action by the Environment Agency ”

For more information about Anenta and its care home audit app which gives care homes the ability to conduct compulsory clinical waste pre-acceptance and duty of care audits without the need for third-party on-site visits, in just 40 minutes, visit www anentawaste com or call 033 0122 2143

Learning Disability Week 2023 - Busting Myths

Care England this week celebrates Learning Disability Week 2023

This week represents a fantastic opportunity to educate spread awareness increase understanding and celebrate the valued contributions people with learning disabilities make to our communities

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says: The theme of this year s Learning Disability Week is busting myths about living life with a learning disability This focus presents an opportunity to talk not only about the barriers and challenges people with a learning disability face but also challenge and break down stigmas to remove these barriers This week also gives the adult social care sector a chance to reflect on the care we provide to adults with a learning disability, and Care England is proud to represent excellent specialist services that provide person-centred care for adults with learning disabilities across England ”

Running every year in the third week of June learning disability charity Mencap’s Learning Disability Week aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities by raising awareness around important issues fighting stigma and discrimination and raising

funds for outreach and support programmes

Martin Green continues:

“Overcoming these myths and barriers is so important to ensure that decisions and actions can continue to be made in the best interests of those supported by adult social care It is vital to ensure that people with a learning disability are enabled to enjoy their rights to live purposeful lives as active members of families and communities We need to learn lessons from past experiences not least the Covid19 pandemic which saw the concerns of those living with and supporting those with a learning disability overlooked by the Government Systematic change is needed from the centre to enable the sector to continue to provide high-quality person-centred care

This Learning Disability Week it is important for us to recognise the additional challenges these individuals face, to spread awareness for the millions of adults and children with learning disabilities and to celebrate their valued contributions to our communities ”

For more information on Learning Disability Week 2023, you can visit the Mencap website

MHA The Homestead Arranges Trip to Pub for Residents at Part of Seize the Day Initiative

A Carterton home took residents for a pint or two as part of a Seize the Day initiative

MHA The Homestead arranged for a minibus to take staff and residents to the Witney Como Lounge

Seven residents were accompanied by members of staff including student paramedics

The gang were treated to a pub lunch which included soups breads and a refreshing beverage

The initiative encourages residents to re-experience activities or events from the past or to do something they would like to do for the first time

Pawel Wisniowski home manager said: We spoke to the relatives of our residents and told them about the idea and they

were very happy

“Residents do miss that social interaction which is fairly normal for the rest of us so we always wanted to do something like this “We had been planning it for a while and once we managed to arrange the transport we were all set to go

“The residents love it you could really see them being uplifted when speaking with others

The atmosphere was very lively and you could sense it reminded some of them how they were before moving into the home

“Seeing how positive and upbeat the residents were following the visit it s something we hope to do again and also look to do other activities to keep the residents happy ”

“Dinnae Dae It!”: Holmes Care Residents Share Advice For Dads

Residents of Heatherfield care home in Armadale West Lothian, came together to celebrate Father's Day by offering their invaluable advice on parenthood With years of experience, they highlighted the importance of kindness respect and gave the occasional light-hearted warning of "dinnae dae it!"

Jim a seasoned father at 80 years old humorously reflected on the steep learning curve of caring for a baby jokingly suggesting that everyone should “have a 6-month trial with a baby before having your own!

Sam aged 71 emphasized the importance of raising children to respect their elders While Alan 90 highlighted the significance of teaching kindness to children to encourage a compassionate future generation

To commemorate the day Heatherfield hosted a special lunch

bringing together the gentlemen of the home and their families

The event provided an opportunity to indulge in pies pints, and most importantly, to reminisce on their cherished experiences of fatherhood

Heatherfield care home part of the Holmes Care Group prides itself on creating a vibrant living environment for its residents

Beyond the regular program of activities aimed at ensuring the residents health and happiness Heatherfield goes the extra mile to make special occasions like Father s Day memorable each year

Roz Smith Activities Coordinator at Heatherfield said: The residents had a wonderful Father s Day lunch surrounded by their families Their amusing anecdotes about fatherhood had us laughing throughout the day

Athena Care Homes Takes Another Step Towards Zero Waste

Athena Care Homes is taking another step forward in their mission to reduce their environmental impact The East Anglian care home company has committed to using eco-friendly non-hazardous cleaner OdorBac across all of their homes

Manufacturers 2Pure, who produce the multi-use cleaner in the UK using renewable energy sources operate a refill scheme They use LoopBox to reuse the five-litre containers – with customers simply repacking the empty containers in the boxes they were delivered in and returning them to be washed and refilled, meaning it is a zero-waste, closed-loop system Athena made the decision to switch from multiple other products to the multi-use OdorBac after seeing how progressive 2Pure is in its approach to protecting the environment The fluid is delivered as a concentrate and diluted on site to reduce transport costs and emissions, and it is 100% biodegradable The solution can be used

eliminator making cleaning processes more time efficient for housekeeping teams while still giving them the reassurance that they are cleaning effectively OdorBac provides 99 99% protection against coronaviruses and inhibits the growth of germs

Athena Care Homes is committed to protecting our environment and leaving a lasting legacy for their residents; planting five trees for each resident that moves in to one of their care homes

Katherine Foley Group Operations Director at Athena Care Homes said:

“We are constantly reviewing our operations and looking at more eco-friendly options that allow us to continue providing a high level of service while also protecting our environment

“For us OdorBac was an obvious choice It provides the effective cleaning in a variety of scenarios while also reducing waste and offering efficiencies around our homes ” For

Lords Committee Hears From Professional Bodies And Regulators As Homecare Medicines Ser vices Inquir y Continues

do you determine what action to take?

Former Footballer Gordon McQueen Dies Aged 70 Following Dementia Battle

Former Scotland defender Gordon

McQueen has died aged 70 following his battle with dementia his 16-year playing career during the 1970s and 80s included spells at St Mirren Leeds and Manchester United was diagnosed with vascular dementia in early 2021

A statement issued on behalf of the McQueen family said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather

We hope that as well as creating many great football memories for club and his country, he will be remembered for the love, laughter and bravery that characterised his career and his family life – not least during his recent battles with ill health

“Our house was always a buzz of friends family and football and this constant support sustained him as he fought bravely against the cruel impact of dementia

The disease may have taken him too soon and while we struggle to comprehend life without him, we celebrate a man who lived life to the full: the ultimate entertainer the life and soul of every occasion the heart and soul of every dressing

room the most fun dad husband and grandfather we could ever have wished for

“The family would like to express our huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care; the utterly incredible Marie Curie team who were there with us all until the end; and Head for Change for the emotional support and respite care

Finally to our wonderful friends and family who are a constant source of support we send our utmost love and gratitude

You will remain in our hearts always Yvonne Hayley Anna Eddie Rudi Etta and Ayla ”

Former club Manchester United has confirmed that all flags at Old Trafford were being flown at half-mast went on to issue a statement of their own, saying: “Manchester United is deeply saddened to announce that our former defender Gordon McQueen has passed away Everybody at United would like to send our sincere condolences to our former colleague Hayley and the rest of the McQueen family

The Stair Climbing Company offers an excellent range of compact, easy to use, powered Stair Climbers that are ideal for use in both home and commercial settings

Offering innovative designs, all of the company’s Stair Climbers can be separated into two pieces, for safe storage and are easily transported and charged In addition, all of its Stair Climber’s come with a two year manufacturer’s warranty

New Mapping Tool Supports Better Insight Into Mental Health Workforce

The Association of Mental Health Providers has launched a national picture of the mental health workforce, including data from Skills for Care

To establish a clearer overview of the national and regional picture of the mental health social care workforce the Association – the national voice of mental health charities providing services in England and Wales – has undertaken the first national mental health workforce analysis which can be visualised via a freely available interactive map and dashboard

The Mental Health Social Care Workforce and Census Data dashboard combines data from The Association’s members, Skills for Care workforce data and Census 2022 data; this includes demographic data relating to gender, ethnicity, religion, age, health status, and hours of unpaid care provision

By bringing these datasets together in one place The Association hopes to improve understanding of how local, regional and national labour markets interact and what these interactions mean for workforce planning locally and regionally, particularly when reviewing specialist positions

As of 24 May key findings from the workforce analysis highlight: Overall the mental health workforce has over 536 000 positions filled of which over 16 000 are specialist positions

Over the last five years the overall mental health workforce decreased by over 11 000 and the specialist workforce by almost 7 000 27% of the overall and 9% of the specialist workforce is on zero-hour contracts and 88% of the whole workforce have a permanent employment status

Shropshire Telford and Wrekin integrated care board (ICB) has one

specialist mental health workforce role per 20 000 people within the population while comparatively South East London ICB has one specialist mental health workforce role per 667 people within the population

This new mental health workforce mapping resource complements The Association’s map of mental health service provision across England which has been designed to be used by integrated care systems (ICS) local councils Government and other decision and policy makers in the mental health and social care sector as well as Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) mental health service providers to help with planning strategies and commissioning from local to national level

Kitchen Assistant Celebrates 25 Years of Ser vice With Local Nursing Home

Susan Okolie a Kitchen Assistant at Magnolia Court care home in Golders Green was thrilled to receive a special gift to acknowledge her unfailing commitment for over 25 years continuous service at Barchester Healthcare As well as her Long Service Award Regional Director, Wayne Hughes, presented Susan with a voucher for a massage at a local beauty spa as an additional treat to thank her for wonderful contribution to the company Susan joined Barchester in February 1998 and has never looked back she loves her job at Magnolia Court

Adele Keenan Employee Services Director at Barchester said: I m always pleased to hear stories about the long service of Barchester staff and am delighted Susan Okolie has achieved this milestone It is dedication like this that ensures our residents are provided with a happy place to live ”

Octavian Stanciu General Manager of Magnolia Court said: We re delighted to be celebrating Susan’s 25 years of loyal service with Magnolia Court She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year I speak for us all when I say it’s a great pleasure to work with Susan who always goes the extra distance to ensure our residents and visitors are well looked after and her cheerful personality is a ray of sunshine to us all at Magnolia Court!”

Susan married mother of five children was completely overwhelmed with her surprise gift and couldn t resist performing a celebratory dance to Sir Cliff Richards popular hit song Congratulations! She is looking forward to having a relaxing massage on one of her days off soon!

What Have I Done To Deser ve This? Hospice Hosts Free Online Workshop Addressing Needs Of LGBTQIA+ Community Living With Advanced Ill Health

On Friday 7 July Keech Hospice Care will hold a free online session open to the sector and the public The session entitled What Have I Done To Deserve This? addresses inequalities in end of life provision and what can be done to make it more inclusive

What Have I Done To Deserve This? aims to raise awareness of conscious and unconscious biases that members of the LGBTQIA+ community may face when receiving palliative care how to support the community with specific challenges and how to recognise and meet individual needs

In 2019 one in five lesbian gay bi and trans people in Britain experienced a hate crime or incident related to their sexual orientation or gender identity while three quarters of trans people are the target of transphobic abuse every year1

Despite these figures 57% of health and social care practitioners did not believe someone s sexual orientation was relevant to their care needs2

What Have I Done To Deserve This? is the brainchild of Mark Pedder Lecturer Practitioner in Palliative & End of Life Care and Roger Kelly Complementary Therapist both at Keech Hospice Care Their work on the experience of trans and gender diverse people receiving end of life and palliative care was featured in the ‘I Just Want To Be Me report published earlier this year

Mark says Being diagnosed with an illness that requires palliative care often makes people feel very vulnerable If, on top of that, you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community that feeling can heighten Many worry they’ll be judged and decide to conceal their true selves Some, especially older people resort to re-closeting

“When people are facing an intensely emotional time the most important thing is that they feel free to be who they really are and to have their needs met It s about being inclusive and mindful We want to help everyone live until they die and that means helping them live authentically ”

Roger adds: Family and friends as well as care professionals can inadvertently make assumptions about LGBTQIA+ people, which affects the care provided This session aims to bring everyone towards a place of understanding That includes loved ones who are supporting someone receiving end of life care professionals who want to do the best job they can and members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are receiving palliative care

“Participants needn’t be afraid to ask questions or fear saying ‘the wrong thing’ Our philosophy is that as long as it s relevant there s no such thing as a bad question

Anyone who’d like to get involved should register here The session will be beneficial for all health care professionals or members of the public wanting to explore more ways of challenging inequality

Revitalise Respite Holidays Launches 2023 Summer Season

Revitalise the national charity providing respite holidays for disabled people and their carers, is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the launch of their 2023 summer season

Revitalise is a unique provider of respite holidays for those who need 24hour care supported by skilled care and nursing staff All centres are fully accessible with specialised facilities and equipment The group has two centres based in Southport and Chigwell and caters for adults with a variety of different disabilities

Revitalise centres offer breaks in a relaxed holiday-style environment in which guests can unwind in beautiful settings with access to a wide range of daily activities and evening entertainment There are opportunities to visit new places make new friends participate in wellbeing activities like manicures and reiki, or just enjoy some much-needed time off

Emily Sheardown Reservations Manager says A Revitalise holiday offers an important lifeline to disabled people and carers who need a break and deserve a proper time away from the day-to-day

Summer prices start from £680 for a three- or four-night break Care support packages are priced additionally based on individual support needs Revitalise are launching a campaign in May to highlight the lack of respite care on offer and the urgent need for funding so that more people can take a break

Booking: Call: 0303 303 0145

Email: bookings@revitalise org uk

Book online: www revitalise org uk/book-now/

Loneliness Awareness Week: Six Ways to Combat Loneliness in the Elderly

More than 2 million people aged 75 and over live alone in England, and as it’s loneliness awareness week it s essential we ensure they feel connected and cared for all year round

With this in mind, Stewart Mcginn Managing Director at Baycroft Care Homes (www baycroft co uk) recommends a number of ways you can help protect your elderly loved one s emotional and mental wellbeing combating loneliness and ensuring that they feel involved

REGULAR VISITS

There is no better way to combat loneliness in your elderly relatives than to dedicate spending some quality time with them Whilst life can sometimes feel hectic giving an hour of your time each day or taking a trip out together on the weekend for a few hours, can make all the difference This is especially important if you are the sole carer for an elderly relative, as the chances are, this is the only interaction they will have in their week

PHONE CALLS

A convenient and easier way to check in with your elderly loved

ones and provide them with some company, is with a phone call Whether you are telling them about the events of your day or simply being an ear to listen to them this is a great way to ensure they feel connected Phone calls are a great solution if you are busy often as they are more flexible; you can call your elderly loved one while commuting to work (if on hands-free) in the supermarket or waiting to pick the kids up from school

COMMUNITY-LED GROUPS

From a book club to a bird-watching group or even a weekly coffee catch-up you can research the surrounding area to see if there is a community-led group your elderly relative can join This will allow them to engage with others of a similar age make friends experience new hobbies and enjoy getting out of the house for an hour or two

CONSIDER A CARE HOME

If your elderly parent or family member struggles with living alone and due to circumstances cannot move into your home a care home can be a great option Many care homes have an extensive range of activities on offer have meals provided (so that they don’t need to worry about cooking), and will allow your elderly relative to have companionship with other residents in the home

LIGHT EXERCISE

Exercise can be beneficial for a number of reasons from releasing endorphins that will make the senior person feel good to increasing their overall flexibility and strength Depending on the elderly person’s mobility you could encourage them to get involved in a number of low-intensity sports that have a social aspect Some examples include

light swimming and chatting between lengths, lawn bowls with a local team or simply just taking a leisurely stroll for some fresh air and a change of scenery with a local, organised group

HELPLINES FOR SOMEONE TO CHAT TO

Whether it s a customer or a neighbour if you know someone elderly that has expressed they are feeling lonely and don’t have any family or friends to talk to - you can recommend using a befriending service

This service allows them to ring the helpline and be connected with a volunteer befriender for somebody to talk to and have a friendly conversation with

Hat Trick of Outstanding Ratings for Vida Healthcare

Vida Court, the third and latest care home of Harrogate-based specialist dementia care provider Vida Healthcare has been rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The care home has joined the top four per cent of adult social care services rated Outstanding following an inspection by industry regulators, the CQC All of Vida’s three specialist care homes have now been awarded an Outstanding rating

The inspection highlighted the exceptional dementia care that is provided Staff s exceptional creativity when following best practice guidance was applauded particularly when it comes to ensuring resident’s care and support needs are met Person-centred care is prevalent throughout the service and this includes how people wish to be cared for at the end of their lives and approaching difficult conversations

The report also highlighted that Vida’s ethos of ensuring excellence in clinical and dementia care provision shines through with senior leaders and staff underpinning Vida s values The CQC referenced the innovative care that is led by the latest research and professional literature and fully embedded throughout the service Staff described an inclusive open working environment with a strong framework of accountability by the management

team to monitor performance and risk

Sharon Oldfield Vida Court Home Manager at Vida Healthcare said: “We are extremely proud of the Vida Court team It is a privilege to work with people who are so focused on enriching residents’ lives and providing the highest quality of care We are delighted that our inclusive and open working environment, alongside the hard work and creativity of our team has been recognised by the CQC We are committed to developing promoting and implementing innovative methods of care to deliver an outstanding service to our residents

James Rycroft Managing Director at Vida Healthcare commented: “The commitment of the team at Vida Court highlighted in the inspection report is what makes our service outstanding Securing an Outstanding rating for all of our care homes is an incredible achievement and really sets us apart from other care home operators in the UK Our staff are our greatest asset and I would like to thank them all for their dedication They all have a clear understanding and respect for our core values which underpin our service; very important people in it together detail oriented always kind which in turn is reflected in the care we provide to our residents

Forbes Professional Helps Care Homes Ensure Optimal Protection

Laundry equipment is a critical investment for any care home extending way beyond the delivery of immaculately pressed shirts for discerning residents By choosing specialised commercial appliances, the healthcare sector can efficiently process the requisite wash volumes whilst maintaining a safe environment and adhering to stringent regulatory requirements The Association for Applied Hygiene and Robert Koch Institute stipulate that combining disinfection programmes with appropriate segregation of clean and dirty laundry is required for infection control Care homes must also choose a reliable partner for the provision service and maintenance of laundry equipment If a machine breaks down it is imperative to know it will be repaired or replaced urgently as machine downtime can be highly impactful Forbes Professional carefully select manufacturers in order to deliver the highest standards of product and service A national distribution partner to Miele they install and maintain laundry and dishwashing machines to care homes across the UK Miele is renowned for producing highly energy water and user efficient appliances Their heat pump dryers reduce energy consumption by an astounding 70% when com-

pared to standard vented dryers making them a great choice for any care home Furthermore the employment of impressive array of hygiene and safety functions enables Miele s intelligent appliances to continually monitor the parameters that are crucial to disinfection Miele washing machines offer thermal and chemo-thermal disinfection programmes and recent models have received the highly coveted Seal in Black as a testimony to exceptional hygiene standards with special recognition for deactivating more than 99 9% of all viruses

Forbes works closely with clients to deliver a hygienic efficient solution that meets budget and space requirements and fully complies with WRAS and CQC regulations Their inclusive maintenance and repair services eliminate unexpected expenses and reduce machine downtime Forbes enables invaluable support and adaptability so that care homes can respond to changing resident populations or regulatory guidelines and focus on providing high-quality care knowing that their equipment is in capable hands forbespro co uk

co uk | 0345 070 2335

How To Write A Social Media Policy For Care Staff

James Lintern, co-founder of staf f management software provider, RotaCloud (http://rotacloud.com/), gives us his advice on how to write a social media policy for care staf f, and how to use it to proactively minimise any potential disr uption social media can cause

“Social media plays a significant role in most people s lives nowadays but for all its positives it also contains risks, both for the individual and for employers From a business perspective one mistake can have the potential to devastate a company s reputation, so it’s important to have a policy in place to mitigate those risks

“From a poorly judged tweet to an inappropriate public comment things can quickly escalate and go viral and with people s personal information easily available online including where they work it’s important that staff know how what they post can affect them at work And while you never want to try to police what staff do in their own time it is important for them to know that their actions can affect their employment

“This is why having a written social media policy is vital It helps you:

Ensure your employees understand their rights and responsibilities

Protects your business' reputation

Helps avoid potential legal troubles like unfair dismissal claims in case of serious policy breaches

The scope and complexity of your social media policy can vary depending on factors such as the size and nature of your business

It could be a short section in your employee handbook or a standalone document that covers social media conduct on different platforms

No matter its format though, you need to make sure the policy is easily accessible to your team members And if you re adding it to an existing handbook be sure to let your staff know about the new addition

and ask them to formally acknowledge that it has been read

“A comprehensive social media policy should include the following key sections:

Introduction: Start with a clear explanation of why the policy exists and emphasise that it is not intended to control employees' behaviour outside of work hours Encourage open communication and address any concerns they may have

General guidance: Remind employees that even personal social media activity can reflect on their employer Reinforce company values, code of conduct, and discrimination policy Stress that employees are responsible for their online behaviour on all platforms, including text, audio, and video content, and that any behaviour such as bullying, harassment or illegal content will not be tolerated and could lead to dismissal

Confidentiality: Highlight that confidentiality agreements and data protection policies extend to social media use Link to relevant documents and explicitly state what kind of information should never be disclosed, such as information about service users or colleagues

Self-identifying: Unless specified in their job description, employees should generally not represent or advocate for the company online during personal time Encourage keeping work and private lives separate by not openly identifying as employees or using work email addresses for non-work-related activities, and emphasise that company assets should not be shared without permission If staff do choose to identify themselves as employees, advise them to include a disclaimer in their social media profiles stating that their opinions are their own

“Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specific content of a social media policy may vary depending on the organisation's needs, but these are a good baseline to start with

“Employers cannot (and should not) restrict their employees' personal social media usage or online expression, but it is important for businesses to protect their reputations from any potential fallout A clear, thorough, and regularly updated social media policy should do that, by informing employees of their responsibilities and making them aware of the potential consequences ”

For more advice on how to write a social media policy for your care business, read RotaCloud’s blog here https://rotacloud com/blog/how-to-write-a-social-media-policy/

Hatherleigh Nursing Home Unveils Spectacular Garden Renovation

The team at Hatherleigh Nursing Home have been excitedly working with their green fingers to breathe new life into their garden

The newly renovated garden has been completed just in time for the spring sunshine to be enjoyed by the residents who are fondly referred to as family members

Plants have been carefully selected to introduce a variety of colours textures and smells into the environment as well as beautiful flowers specifically chosen to encourage the bees to visit Ellie Jamie and Dave the team behind the garden project wrote up a plan of where they wanted the plants to go depending on height and spread and where the shadiest and sunniest parts of the beds were

To ensure the new garden is accessible for everyone, gravel has been laid down for wheelchairs to easily roll over This particular area of the garden saw the most footfall and could become muddy and slippery so the gravel will provide good drainage and a safe surface to walk on, use a frame or wheelchair

A new water feature has been installed which has been elevated with a plinth bringing it to a height to be enjoyed through touch Having interactive features in the garden offers the family members not only sensory stimulation but also a sense of purpose Those with an interest in gardening can plant water, and weed their garden as they would their own Otherwise there are plenty of board games and al fresco dining to enjoy with friends

There is also fresh decking that has been laid which will be used as a barbeque area beautifully framed with tulips and daffodils Ellie commented “It just goes to show with all the planning in the world you just can t know what your garden is going to surprise you with; I had not originally planned for the daffs and tulips to flower together, more to overlap each other slightly but the two together are a lovely surprise as they work beautifully together ”

A brickwork spiral has been placed to compliment the wooden archway and outdoor seating It has been planted with ferns and cyclamen which are beginning to unfurl after their winter dormancy

Finally, all brickwork and plant pots have been given a fresh lick of paint in terracotta to bring it all together The garden is a labour of love and has become a popular place for everyone to spend time together to socialise enjoy hobbies and bathe in the sunshine

Hatherleigh Nursing Home is based in the small market town of Hatherleigh near Okehampton Devon It s approach to life recognises the values beliefs and identity of each person Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home the team at Hatherleigh Nursing Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show, 12th July 2023, Westpoint Arena, Exeter

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is the ultimate destination for healthcare professionals from across the UK looking to learn about how the industries are changing This event provides a platform to explore the latest advancements in care and occupational therapy From technology innovations to the latest hygiene products this event has it all

Taking place on the 12th of July at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter and is a must-attend event for anyone in the industry

With over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest products services, and technologies attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the newest and most innovative healthcare solutions available The show is designed to connect healthcare professionals, carers and occupational therapists with experts in the field providing a unique opportunity to network share knowledge and gain insights into the future of the industry

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is also set to feature an extensive CPD-accredited seminar programme with presentations from leading experts in the field

The event will also feature a range of live product demonstrations providing attendees with hands-on experience of the latest technologies and products This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in healthcare and gain practical experience in their application

The event is expected to attract a large audience including occupational therapists physiotherapists care home managers nurses and other healthcare professionals This provides an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and build valuable connections within the industry

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is an unmissable event for anyone in the healthcare industry Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to stay upto-date with the latest advancements in the field, or an exhibitor looking to showcase your products and services to a highly engaged audience this event is not to be missed

Care As a Career – Not a Stepping Stone

‘Creating a Sustainable Skills Pipeline for Care’

At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious there is a serious staffing shortage in care This is being exacerbated by increased Government scrutiny over the recruitment of migrant workers not enough high quality new entrants to the profession, and by high staff turnover with many older, experienced workers deciding that enough is enough and quitting

A pervasive culture of low-pay and low value placed on care workers isn t helping It is no surprise that according to Advanced’s Care Providers Trends Report 97% of care providers say they have problems recruiting staff and 98% have trouble with employee retention

By Andy Croudace, Director of Innovation at Advanced Health and Care (www.oneadvanced.com)

ments can t be mislaid or lost keeping the data within secure and making it easy for staff to refer to specific care plans, record diet and hydration information and other details for more joined-up and seamless processes Digital records also offer more protection for staff when things go wrong as there is an irrefutable evidence trail that shows all procedures were followed correctly Demonstrating compliance for CQC and others is crucial in such a highly-regulated sector

It isn’t a job for just anyone

During the hiring process 60% of employers in our survey said they received high numbers of applications from unsuitable candidates It is imperative that care providers can find ways to reverse these trends drive more applications from suitable candidates attract more high-quality talent and hold onto those people nurturing their skills and commitment for the long-term Many skills can be taught and developed but the best carers have caring hardwired into their DNA These are the people we want working in the care sector as we try to ensure a sustainable safe future for users and employees

One of the solutions may lie in the Government’s push to phase out paper record-keeping and encourage the implementation of digital records within the adult social care sector The aim is to achieve 80% compliance within the year, by March 2024, with full compliance as soon as possible afterwards These will improve outcomes for those receiving care minimise safety risks allow staff to respond to needs more quickly and to share important information quickly and securely

This drive is part of a greater need to digitalise processes within care provision organisations There is a need to attract more school and college leavers into the sector to start what will ideally become a long and fulfilling career This digital-native generation expects to use technology in their working lives, so it makes complete sense that employers who have already implemented the latest software that helps people do their jobs more effectively will attract the best of that new talent

It is also crucial that employers look after their existing staff ensuring continuity of care for their clients and retaining experienced mentors for new recruits These employees have a wealth of knowledge skills and experience that is vital for ensuring the delivery of high-quality care all clients deserve Disillusionment cannot be allowed to take root here

Digital transformation is the key to improving the employee experience Specifically-designed care sector technology can massively reduce time spent on paperwork digitalising processes so repetitive sections of forms can be completed automatically This gives staff more time to deliver care to clients Digital docu-

Implementing a Learning and Development (L&D) programme for each employee not only ensures compliance with CQC requirements and those of other bodies but also demonstrates to employees that each of them is valued accordingly If we want people to look at care as a career not just a stepping stone we much ensure that long-term prospects and new opportunities are visible and attainable Performance management can be a headache for managers dealing with staff working on different shifts or a largely remote and mobile domiciliary team Two-way conversations on digital platforms around targets for quality and delivery of care recording and rewarding achievements as well as flagging any need for further training or support make it easier to monitor and manage individual performance

We need to take care of the carers Many are attracted to the sector because it allows them to have more flexibility with shifts and days worked so it is crucial that employers maintain staffing levels enabling people to work the hours they want Persistent understaffing impacts heavily on the remaining team, putting them under increased pressure and at greater risk of burnout Managers are affected too and 62% of care provider managers told us they felt stressed and unable to cope all or some of the time 36% of these said they would have to take time off sick in order to be able to cope The last thing a short-staffed care provider needs is management absence, piling even more pressure onto others

Digital solutions can transform rostering challenges helping manage unexpected sickness or late requests for unspent leave more effectively Sector-specific technology can also improve the problems with void management experienced by 95% of care providing organisations giving them better visibility over crucial occupancy rates 58% of the respondents in our survey have developed their own manual processes including spreadsheets to help give them advanced visibility of the business These tools provide out-dated information for inaccurate decision-making while Cloud-based technology could give them instant access to accommodation and occupancy in real time

Employers can use the data contained in their technology platforms to help them manage many of the day-to-day tasks more efficiently supporting more effective recruitment and higher retention rates

Employee data can be a powerful tool in gaining deeper workforce insights helping employers identify trends that can help them make better decisions This might be identifying the hardest-to-fill shifts, and then making recruitment for those a priority Or it may shine a light on the circumstances that lead to higher rates of sickness absence helping leaders to locate specific problems and make changes to reduce them

In conclusion, technology can help elevate the status of the care delivery role, improving employee experience and developing talent for a sustainable pipeline of career-care providers

https://www oneadvanced com/campaign/new/health-and-care/advanced-care-trends-report-2023/

Goole Care Home Appoints New Manager

A care home in Goole Yorkshire that caters for adults with learning disabilities has appointed a new manager to lead the provision of its high quality highly personalised care services

Manuela Castelli has been appointed to the manager role at Prospect House and brings with her a wealth of experience in the care sector which spans 17 years

Before joining HICA Group she worked for Camelot Care Dementia Nursing Homes

Her commitment to personalised care strong leadership skills and empathetic approach complement the existing team at the home Prospect House which is owned and managed by not for profit organisation HICA Group is renowned for its person-centered approach and outstanding care services Located in the heart of Goole the facility offers a warm and welcoming environment for adults living with learning disabilities and strives to ensure that each resident enjoys a comfortable and fulfilling life

Terry Peel CEO at HICA Group said “We are thrilled to welcome Manuela Castelli to the HICA family as the manager of Prospect House Her experience in the care

industry combined with her unwavering dedication to providing the highest standards of care make her a great fit for this role We are confident that Manuela s expertise will further enhance the quality of care and overall wellbeing of our residents at Prospect House ”

The home offers four individual residential communities which enable it to coordinate staff groups to provide personalised support and continuity of care Through this people can build relationships with the team members and benefit from dedicated support, care and encouragement

Manuela Castelli said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the manager of Prospect House and excited to work within the HICA Group which has an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care services The ethos and culture of HICA Group greatly appealed to me as they prioritise the wellbeing and happiness of residents above all else It’s wonderful to be part of a team that shares my passion for delivering person-centered care and making a positive difference in the lives of our residents

Cornerstone Healthcare and PremaLabs

Collaborate to Test Staff for COVID-19 Antibodies

Award winning specialist care provider Cornerstone Healthcare has announced a collaboration with PremaLabs Diagnostics a leading provider of Point of Care Test (POCT) solutions to test their staff for COVID-19 antibodies This joint effort is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the virus and its impact on health and social care workers and the wider community

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the world healthcare providers have been at the forefront of the fight against the virus Understanding the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among their staff is critical in ensuring their safety and the safety of the residents that they care for

PremaLabs’ Chief Scientific Officer Gary McLean, Professor Emeritus at London Metropolitan University and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College London and his team will utilise its state-of-the-art testing capabilities to screen the staff at Cornerstone for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies The results of these tests will be used to gain insight into the prevalence of the virus among healthcare workers and help identify potential areas for enhanced infection control practices

We are excited to welcome the PremaLabs team to our services and to be collaborating with them on this important initiative said Johann van Zyl Cornerstone CEO By testing our staff for COVID-19 antibodies we can gain a better understanding of the virus We look forward to the valuable insights that this agreement will provide

We are honoured to be working with Cornerstone Healthcare on this study said PremaLabs CEO Adam Martin Our advanced portable testing services will enable us to provide Cornerstone with accurate data on the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among their staff which will be crucial in implementing effective measures to keep their residents and employees safe

The collaboration between Cornerstone Healthcare and PremaLabs is a significant stride forward in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 Through this joint effort to gain a deeper understanding of the virus, these two organisations are at the forefront of safeguarding the health and welfare of both health and social care workers and their vulnerable residents Cornerstone who cares for people with challenging behaviours associated with complex neurological and mental health needs, employs over 350 people across its three services - South Africa Lodge and Kitnocks House in Hampshire and Marula Lodge in Surrey

PremaLabs Diagnostics is a global medical device company offering advanced and comprehensive Point of Care (POC) diagnostic solutions This technology used in the care home environment can aid early and quick diagnosis of various conditions such as anaemia cardiovascular diseases and diabetes For more information visit their website at www premalabs uk

Social Care Leader Receives OBE in King’s Birthday Honours List

Social care leader Zoë Fry has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal for services rendered to social care and to nursing in the King’s birthday Honours List

Zoë has received the medal and been recognised for her long service and ongoing dedication to adult social care which includes collaboratively founding and transforming the Community Interest Company

The Outstanding Society working as a frontline nurse in the sector and purchasing and operating a care home which was one of the first in Sussex to receive the Care Quality Commission s Outstanding rating Zoë’s drive for quality care saw her home twice rated by the CQC as Outstanding as well as winning many national awards

In 2021, Zoë’s passion to support other providers in the sector saw her sell her care home Valerie Manor which provides residential and nursing care for the elderly across West Sussex so that she could focus her time on further expanding The Outstanding Society Zoë’s passion and knowledge to be able to advocate at the highest level of social care leaders was also highlighted in the nomination and Honours List

Commenting on the honour, Zoë said:

I am incredibly proud that so many people believe that my contribution to the sector has been enough to make me deserving of an OBE medal Since starting my career as a nurse I have been dedicated to helping people across the UK and doing everything I can to contribute to a sector that supports creativity, innovative care and best practice for everyone accessing its services It means so much to be able to provide a voice for the sector and accept this prestigious honour on behalf of so many amazing colleagues who make a difference to people’s lives every day”

In 2014 Zoë became one of the principal founders of The Outstanding Society, an organisation that was established by a small group of social care operators to support the driving up of quality care across the UK Over the last two years, Zoë and the founding team have transformed the free-to-access support organisation shaping it into a driven Community Interest Company with over 3 000 members across the country

Since its inception Zoë has played a crucial role as a Director particularly working in partnership with multiple organisations, including Skills for Care and Care England and providing trusted insight into both the challenges and innovative best practice that is emerging across the sector Zoë has also been the driving force behind The Outstanding

Society’s ambition and vision to expand its membership and reach different adult social care services across England As its reach has grown, The Outstanding Society has introduced a range of free support available to services regardless of CQC rating including webinars and podcasts

Commenting on Zoë s achievement Martin Green Chief Executive of Care England said: Zoë has played a crucial role in developing supporting and promoting high-quality health and social care services across the UK particularly through the founding and development of The Outstanding Society I believe Zoë’s work has been of great significance and she has personified and championed the values and behaviours that are the cornerstone of high-quality social care services” Oonagh Smyth CEO at Skills for Care added: Skills for Care supported Zoë’s nomination for this well deserved OBE that recognises her years of dedication to high quality person centred services both as a care home owner and through her work with The Outstanding Society Zoë has been a driving force behind the Society contributing its insights into what makes outstanding practice to a wide range of Skills for Care’s guidance and advice This honour reflects Zoë’s significant contribution to adult social care in England and that of Outstanding Society members who make a real difference to the lives of people who draw on care and support ”

Deborah Sturdy Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care commented: I am delighted to see Zoe justly recognised as a nurse leader within social care She has tirelessly promoted social care nursing demonstrating her inclusive approach with passion and commitment and helped many others flourish in their work She is truly deserving of this national recognition”

‘Susie’s Tea Room’ Opened At Little Bramingham Farm

In celebration of this year’s Care Home Open Week charity Friends of the Elderly s residential care home Little Bramingham Farm in Luton has reopened its beautiful tea room so that residents their families and members of the public can relax and enjoy weekly tasty treats and beverages

The Tea Room has been renamed to Susie s Tea Room in memory of the care home’s late Chef Manager Sue Farkas Sue sadly passed away one year ago after working at Little Bramingham Farm for nearly 20 years

Talking about ‘Susie’s Tea Room’, Emma Lawrance the Registered Manager at Little Bramingham Farm said: One of Susie’s good friends, Nicki Rowley, has agreed to run the Tea Room for us Nicki is a wonderful baker and the Owner / Manager of ‘Afternoon Teas 2 You’ a company which delivers delicious afternoon teas directly to people in their own homes or a private venue Nicki was extremely keen to be involved with our Tea Room as she really wanted to give something back to the community to honour the memory of her friend

As well as comfy indoor seating, ‘Susie’s Tea Room’ has outside seating in the garden and a covered seating area in the care home s log cabin which was originally installed during the Covid Pandemic as

Little Bramingham Farm’s shielded visiting area

Susie s Tea Room will be serving a selection of delicious cakes and pastries, together with hot and cold drinks ” Emma continued We are now open every Tuesday from 10 a m to 2:30 p m and everyone is welcome to come along, pop in, grab a bite and have a relaxing drink

“As an added extra for Care Home Open Week on Tuesday 27th June we will be hosting tours of Little Bramingham Farm We d like to invite everyone to come along for a visit to find out about the care home on their street, in their town and in their area

“It is a good opportunity for us to show what we have to offer, our fantastic facilities and our inclusive and accessible activities and services – and also remind our neighbours that we are here if they need support

The tours on 27th June will be a lovely way for us to showcase and demonstrate that at the heart of everything we do here at Little Bramingham Farm is to provide an excellent home with welcoming and warm spaces and engaging and inclusive activities – we are a place where our residents and future residents can, and do, live well in later life ”

MoliCare® Celebrates 40 Years of Incontinence Protection, Ever y Day

MoliCare®, the global incontinence brand, is celebrating 40 years of supporting people carers and healthcare professionals with solution-based pads pants and skincare products The product range has been designed to help the everyday needs of those living with incontinence and bladder weakness with the care of the skin at the heart of the MoliCare® brand Incontinence is a condition that affects 1 in 4 women in the UK For a condition which is so common there is still a sense of embarrassment and isolation that leaves people feeling lonely and unsupported In fact, 68% of those living with incontinence feel that it has had a negative impact on their quality of life and just over half believe that urinary incontinence is a taboo subject Therefore it is vital that there is an increase in societal support as well as a wide range of simple solutions for people living with incontinence

MoliCare® has developed a range of pads and pants which feel like underwear Over the last forty years, the brand has continued to focus on protection security, and comfort as the core criteria for its product performance MoliCare® believes in plain talking backed up by their healthcare professional expertise, to create simple solutions for people living with incontinence

MoliCare® continually strives to address the needs of its customers; from nurses through to care givers family members and people living with incontinence They have developed an easy to remember acronymSAS - to simplify the product selection process

S – Style There are various styles such as large and small pads, or complete pull up mobile pants to suit various levels of mobility There are also products for men and women based on anatomical differences and urine flow

A – Absorbency MoliCare® s droplet guide makes selection straightforward

S – Size, MoliCare® s in-depth sizing guide ensures that products selected, are a comfortable and secure fit

HARTMANN, the company behind MoliCare®, continues to invest in and develop in their products This includes the introduction of new technology to the MoliCare® Premium Form range of large shaped pads that now features a new absorbent core known as ADL (Acquisition Distribution Layer) The ADL layer contains super absorbent polymers treated with Citrate which neutralise the urine for better skin health In addition the ADL layer now features a new channel, set within the pad to help to distribute urine Both innovations improve the feeling of dryness by over 70% again demonstrating MoliCare® s commitment to skin care

As part of MoliCare® s holistic approach to incontinence the brand has developed a range of specialist skincare products which are skin friendly pH balanced and are gentle on delicate sensitive skin Used together MoliCare® provides a complete skin care and incontinence management solution

Amy Jaworska, MoliCare® B2C Channel Manager comments; “as a global manufacturer and expert in the field of Incontinence and Bladder Weakness we are delighted to be celebrating 40 years of the MoliCare® brand, supporting people living with incontinence MoliCare® invests in the research design and development of our premium incontinence products to ensure they meet the highest quality reliability and protection for people living with incontinence We also support loved ones carers and healthcare professionals alike with the right support for the people they care for because the individual s wellbeing and quality of life is at the heart of everything we do MoliCare® is a leading global brand of incontinence products manufactured by the HARTMANN Group MoliCare® works in partnership with Healthcare Professionals to develop clinically effective products advice, and innovative Home Delivery service solution packages to meet lifestyle needs

For more information and to order please call 0800 028 9470 or Visit www hartmanndirect co uk/incontinence-products

Commercial Kitchen and Laundr y Solutions (CKLS)

Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS) are one of the UK s leading suppliers of commercial kitchen and laundry equipment Whether you are a small sized residential home or large scale nursing home group, CKLS has the expertise and equipment

Cash’s Labels- “The Name Behind the Name”

Cash s Apparel Solutions have been trading since 1846 and have built up a reputation for superior value for money quality personalised and non-personalised items for many different outlets We supply to Nursing and Residential Homes Schools Scout Cub Guide and Brownie Groups as well as to the small or large business entrepreneur Our range of Designer name tapes add a professional look to garments crafts or other hobby items

Many of us have loved ones relatives or friends who need specialist care in a Nursing or Residential Home In this busy environment clothes and personal items can easily get misplaced if they are not

named, otherwise this can become very stressful for the resident relatives and the Care Home itself

Our woven clothing name tapes are extremely robust and are sewn on to garments to ensure that they stand the rigorous washing processes necessary Self-adhesive labels are easily applied to name shoes and books and make marking treasured items effortless to most other non-fabric items

We have recently introduced several new items such as magnetic name tags and personalised hi-vis jackets along with updated gifts such as personalised mugs and mousemats Check out the ad on page 9 for our offer code

Visit www cashslabels com

Essential Insurance Covers For Your Care Home

often determined by best practice to ensure the resident or patient is as comfortable as they can be Unfortunately this means mistakes can creep in A single mistake can result in a negative impact on your patient whether that be from medical treatment or advice This can lead to a potential claim for medical malpractice

Medical malpractice cover is not only a legal requirement to anyone providing professional healthcare services but also offers peace of mind by covering the cost of any losses that arise from defending and settling a claim This means that during a claim, your business can continue to operate with as little disruption as possible

BUILDINGS AND CONTENTS INSURANCE

As a care home owner or manager you will offer a variety of services to meet the needs of your residents

Typically the care you provide is likely to vary with anything from basic care and accommodation through to respite end-of-life and specialist care for dementia patients

Providing the very best care for your residents will be at the heart of everything you do, but the care you deliver is not without risk and therefore having the right insurance in place is something that should be high on your list of priorities Not only does your insurance need to be tailored to protect the care services you provide but you also need to consider the regulatory bodies you adhere to protection for your staff as well as covering the premises and its contents

Here are some covers you must consider

LIABILITY COVER

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) states that all care and nursing homes require insurance, and without it they are unable to operate The mandatory insurance requirements from the CQC are Public and Employers Liability cover Any additional covers will depend on the type of care facility you own Public Liability Insurance will cover the cost of compensation to third parties in the event of death bodily injury or damage to their property which occurs because of your business activities for example if a resident’s family member slips on an upturned carpet

Unlike Public Liability Employers Liability cover is a legal requirement for anybody employing staff including volunteers It covers you financially for any compensation costs or legal fees that may occur because of company negligence Employers Liability Insurance will also cover you for employees that have long left your business and may only now bring a claim against you

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Your carers will be skilled in what they do and usually have several qualifications but their decisions are

Of course your business is home for your residents or patients Ensuring ample furniture is provided should be a necessity If they are accidentally damaged you may need to replace them The building itself is just as important If, for instance, the premises suffer a flood, how would the building hold? In extreme cases such as a fire or explosion a total rebuild may be necessary which would cost a considerable amount

Buildings insurance covers the cost of repairing damage to the structure of your property and provided that accurate sums insured are declared it should cover the cost to rebuild the entire property Contents insurance covers the cost of replacing or repairing your possessions if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen It includes everything you would take with you if you moved premises for example your furniture kitchen appliances and computing equipment

ARE YOU AT RISK OF UNDERINSURANCE?

If a business is underinsured in any capacity it could leave them with a financial burden should a claim be made While large corporations may be able to recover from the financial losses incurred because of underinsurance small to medium sized businesses may feel the effects of the loss more keenly owing to their sometimes already tight profit margins

Underinsurance may happen for many reasons e g using out of date estimates of your building sums insured having inadequate or unrealistic indemnity periods or not reviewing your level of cover as your operating models change

The most effective way of overcoming the risk of underinsurance is by talking to an experienced and knowledgeable insurance broker

The friendly team at Barnes Commercial can review your policy and make sure you have the correct level of cover in place

Send an email to enquires@barnesinsurancebroker co uk or call 01480 272727 to make an appointment

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

The social care and care home sector in the UK is an essential industry that provides care and support to some of the most vulnerable members of society Within this sector, uniforms and workwear play a vital role in maintaining a professional and hygienic environment In this article we will explore the importance of uniforms and workwear in the UK social care and care home sector highlighting appearance comfort design branding health and safety infection control contamination care, maintenance, and laundering

APPEARANCE

One of the primary functions of uniforms and workwear in the social care and care home sector is to ensure a professional appearance Care workers wearing a uniform can help to establish a sense of authority and professionalism which can be reassuring to patients and their families A uniform also helps to create a sense of unity and can help to build a strong team spirit

COMFORT

Care workers spend long hours on their feet and engage in a range of physical activities that require a high degree of mobility As such, it is essential that uniforms and workwear are comfortable and allow for ease of movement The materials used should be breathable lightweight and flexible ensuring that workers can move freely and remain comfortable throughout their shift

DESIGN AND BRANDING

The design and branding of uniforms and workwear play an important role in creating a sense of identity and promoting the values and ethos of a care home or social care provider Uniforms can feature the company logo name and colors creating a visual representation of the brand A well-designed uniform can help to establish a sense of pride and belonging among employees and can also help to create a positive impression on patients and visitors

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Uniforms and workwear must adhere to strict health and safety standards to ensure the safety of care workers and their patients Materials used in uniforms and workwear must be flame-resistant non-toxic and non-allergenic Clothing must also be designed to minimize the risk of injury, such as by incorporating reflective strips to enhance visibility in low light conditions

INFECTION CONTROL AND CONTAMINATION

Infection control and contamination are critical concerns in the social care and care home sector Uniforms and workwear must be designed with infection control in mind with materials that are easy to clean and disinfect Clothing must be able to withstand frequent washing and must not shrink or lose its shape over time Uniforms and workwear must also be designed to minimize the risk of cross-contamination with separate clothing for different areas of a care home or hospital, such as clean and dirty areas

RECOMMENDED LAUNDRY TEMPERATURES

The temperature at which uniforms and workwear are laundered is an essential factor in preventing the spread of infections and crosscontamination The recommended laundry temperature for healthcare uniforms and workwear is typically between 60-90 degrees Celsius Washing at these high temperatures can help to kill bacteria and viruses and prevent the spread of infections

PROFESSIONAL LAUNDRY SERVICES

To ensure compliance with legislation and maintain high standards of hygiene many care homes and social care providers opt to use professional laundry services These laundry services have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the laundering of healthcare uniforms and workwear Professional laundry services use specific deter-

gents and washing programs that are designed to kill bacteria and viruses

SEPARATING CLEAN AND DIRTY UNIFORMS

It is essential to separate clean and dirty uniforms to prevent crosscontamination Dirty uniforms and workwear should be placed in designated laundry bags or containers and clean uniforms should be stored separately Staff should be trained to handle soiled uniforms and workwear with care to avoid spreading any potential infections

PRE-TREATING STAINS

Pre-treating stains is an essential step in maintaining clean and hygienic uniforms Staff should treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in It is best to use a pre-treatment product that is safe and compatible with the type of fabric used in the uniform or workwear Pre-treatment can help to remove stubborn stains and prevent them from becoming permanent

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DETERGENT

Choosing the right detergent is critical to maintaining clean and hygienic uniforms It is best to use a detergent that is effective at removing stains and bacteria and is safe for the environment Many detergents contain antibacterial agents that help to kill bacteria and viruses It is also essential to choose a detergent that is compatible with the type of fabric used in the uniform or workwear

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The UK social care and care home sector is subject to a range of legal requirements and recommendations related to uniforms and workwear The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including uniforms and workwear in healthcare settings Care homes and social care providers must also comply with infection control guidelines set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

In conclusion uniforms and workwear play a critical role in the UK social care and care home sector ensuring a professional appearance promoting comfort and mobility, and ensuring the safety of care workers and their patients Uniforms and workwear must be designed with infection control in mind and must be properly cared for and maintained to ensure cleanliness

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

CiCLO® Fabric Technology

An Innovative Way To Combat Plastic Waste

Did you know that over 60% of today s textiles are made from synthetic fibres which are not biodegradable? Almost all fabrics shed tiny microfibres during manufacture use and care When we wash these materials they shed millions of these plastic microfibres that pass through wastewater treatment and into the sea unless they are made with CiCLO® technology

CiCLO® is an invisible sustainable additive blended into the garment fabric at the manufacturing stage The non-toxic technology is permanently embedded, so will never wash out

It enables the synthetic plastic-based fibres to behave more like natural fibres such as wool but improves on natural fibres by biodegrading faster and helping to reduce the accumulation of plastic waster in landfill and plastic in our oceans

Our new Landau Forward range is made with this

Your One Stop Shop For Branded Uniforms

innovation CiCLO® technology

An exciting addition to the healthcare scrubs portfolio not only are these textiles eco-friendly and kinder to our planet but are also designed for style comfort and adaptability

The premium scrub collection offers six activewear-inspired styles that include scrub tops and bottoms zip jacket and a modern crew-neck base layer In addition to the sustainable element of the fabric the Forward collection also boasts 4-way stretch fabric, flexible side panels for added movement and modern ribbed trims on necklines waistbands and cuffs for enhanced optimum comfort and styling For practicality the scrubs are moisture-wicking include plenty of pockets and are also fade and wrinkle resistant www grahamegardner co uk

Info@grahamegardner co uk

0116 255 6326

Concealed

High-quality 195gsm 65/35 polyester/cotton

• Generous sizing with action back

Front left and right chest pockets

• 2 lower pockets

Sizes: 8–30

Discounts available dependent on quantities

See

ACCESSIBLE BATHING

Introducing The New Pressalit Matrix Height And Sideways Ad justable Washbasin

In any accessible bathroom space is key and with Pressalit s new height and sideways adjustable MATRIX washbasin, creating space quickly and hygienically has just got easier

The world leading manufacturer and designer Pressalit has introduced the MATRIX washbasin bracket with a choice of integrated basin styles the MATRIX MEDIUM or MATRIX ANGLE DEEP featuring a new simple to use discreet adjustment for both height and sideways movement

The ultimate in functionality and hygiene the MATRIX washbasin makes the best use of space in the bathroom whilst accommodating the changing needs of both users and caregivers Supporting self-reliance space optimisation and a sense of security in the bathroom the new adjustable washbasin has been designed for use in a wide variety of installations from a private home care setting institution or a hospital

Whether for a seated or standing user or when a carer is assisting the new MATRIX washbasin offers a flexible solution and safe working environment offering the commitment to quality practicality and design that Pressalit makes its priority

The easy-to-move washbasin can be adjusted smoothly sideways to a range of 500mm to create greater access when using the shower or toilet for a wheelchair user and carer, by means of a discreet handle located underneath the basin Adjustment can be carried out safely with one hand and requires very little hand strength to operate

The vertical rise and fall allows for a variation of 300mm with options available for either a manual han-

dle or intuitive electric power button

The latter is recommended for a care or hospital setting where frequent adjustment is required, offering huge time saving benefits and improved working conditions for staff whilst the manual solution is suitable for a bathroom where there’s only one user or multiple users with the same needs

The MATRIX MEDIUM AND MATRIX DEEP ANGLE washbasins both feature integrated handles for additional user support

With both hygiene and aesthetics in mind the discreet MATRIX bracket s operating panel fits tightly against the wall and snugly against the washbasin, preventing dust and dirt from settling in hard-to-reach places All surfaces are large smooth and easy to wipe

Andrew Lowndes Sales Director for Pressalit in the UK says Some people need a lot of help in the bathroom others little or none

The new MATRIX basin bracket is a flexible solution taking into account the specific needs of the user at any given time By simple adjustment for height or to create space sideways for greater access to the shower or toilet for wheelchairs this helps create situations that boost self-reliance and help provide a greater degree of freedom ”

Pressalit has many years of experience and expertise in the field of designing accessible bathrooms The company will provide advice on everything from space optimisation to rules and guidelines for design and the choice of solution and installation creating the best conditions for the user and where needed a carer or health professional

https://pressalit com/en-uk/products/matrix-adjustable-washbasin-solution/

Reval - Leaders in Assisted Bathing

Reval have been manufacturing assisted bathing and showering products for more than 46 years Reval has a wide and varied range of high-end equipment uses and available and used extensively is all healthcare sectors Our range includes

Assisted bathing systems

Ceiling track and mobile hoists

Assisted showering appliances and wet room equipment

• Shower and sluice systems

Hydro-therapy pools and changing room

As a manufacturer, we can offer a direct service - delivering best value for our customers All services are delivered by our highly trained product specialists and tech-service teams Our aim is to deliver a seamless service based on careful planning process expert-

ise and our unravelled “Know How”

The truly unique thing about Reval is its business model To explain; unlike all other equipment providers in our sector Reval strategy is based on delivering quality products designed to be long-term-reliable which only require preventative maintenance annually

Our three year no-quibble warranty policy provides clients with peace of mind Reval and ensure your costs are minimised We are not interested in tying customers into expensive service contracts This is not our strategy! Our strategy means we can be leaner and more controlled thanks to Just – in – Time parts sourcing process making parts immediately available improving our service to our clients

Reval design and manufacture highly innovative products to improve lives outcomes, and working environments This approach to design-manufacturing enables care operators to limit their risks and optimise their services and patient outcomes Our team of fieldbased product specialists are highly trained and competent in all the disciplines required to conduct holistic product assessment technical building surveys and commercial aspects of product provision

Our strategy and emphasis are on undisrupted service over the lifetime of your appliance Reval s spare parts business is less than 10% of its total business proving further our company’s commitment to quality and reliability and we are constantly working to develop new ways to reduce our aftersales business because in doing so we pass on savings and service continuation to you over the lifetime of your product

Most of all; Reval is renowned for its innovation and its ability to design products that make a difference To improve your service and profitability or if you are looking for that products which truly makes a difference give us a call today there nothing to lose

+44 01656 721 001 | sales@revalcc com | www revalcc co uk

Adapting Cleaning and Infection Control Practices for the Residential and Social Care Setting

By Liam Grimshaw (BSc (Hons) MSc by research)

Legionella Risk Assessments

generally be flu-like and may dissipate without treatment The more serious illness can involve hospitalisation including ICU and even death Public Health England confirms there were 503 cases of Legionnaires' Disease in 2019 for England and Wales – an average of almost 10 cases a week (Latest available data)

and then a suitable water management scheme is put in place and followed This will include monitoring of outlets and water tanks and may include regular water sampling and disinfections The Legionella risk assessment needs to be carried out to BS8580 by a competent, i e trained person

The bacteria is ingested by human beings in the form of an aerosol and then infects the lungs the symptoms are similar to flu and also Covid 19 The mild illness is called Pontiac fever and will

The most common sources are from showers or other equipment such as cooling towers that produce an aerosol Stagnation is also a major factor in increasing the risk to mitigate this any low use/seldom used outlets should be run off weekly Temperature monitoring is also advisable both of these actions MUST be recorded

In summation: A current Legionella risk assessment and appropriate water hygiene management and monitoring scheme will prevent the bacteria proliferation within the systems and therefore significantly reduce the risk to Staff and public health Steve Dillon

(Advanced WMSoC Legionella Risk Assessor) Managing Director Stokefield Water Treatment Ltd

See the advert on this page for details

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Omnitex Hygiene Products

Omnitex represents all round protection and hygiene products Launched in 2015 it has quickly become a brand synonymous with high quality used everyday by thousands of individuals and healthcare facilities throughout the UK and Europe

All products are manufactured in ISO9001 and ISO13485 certified facilities Omnitex Body Cleansing wipes are a large size, which the ideal thickness for a comfortable cleaning experience Bulk pack of 80 wipes, with our unique enriching formula and microwaveable Microwaveable for a warm bed bath Lightly fragranced and with a honeycomb texture on Wipes facilitating better cleaning coverage absorbency and hygiene

Swiftclean Support for Care Homes

Running a care home

If following the 8-wipe bed bath protocol each pack will allow for 10 cleanses Cost saving Pack of 80 wipes One wipe for each area of the body Face Neck Chest Arms Perineum Legs Back & Buttocks

Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection

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

problem

As a result a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market including antimicrobial technology Angloplas range of dispensers are produced in the world’s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99 99%

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

You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www angloplas co uk

and you are protected from any liability for negligence

Contact us now to book in your free care home assessment on 0800 243 471 or email info@swiftclean co uk www swiftclean co uk

Chiltern: Expert Water Ser vices, Tailored To Your Needs

Legionnaires disease is caused by Legionella Pneumophila bacteria This is found in nearly all water systems but is normally limited to low safe levels However, in domestic or man-made water systems, legionella bacterial levels can rise and become unsafe possibly causing infection to those exposed

Duty Holders of all commercial and public building premises are legally required to assess the risk from legionella to anyone using the water systems and put in place legionella control measures if required

At Chiltern Water & Environment, we offer legionella control services nationwide including:

A legionella risk assessment that can identify and assess the risk from each open water system

If significant risks are identified then we offer:

• A control scheme must be established to monitor the r sks remediate any issue identified and ensure the system is adequately maintained to prevent future risks

• A competent, responsible point person is nominated to ensure the above is carried out effectively

Some systems may require additional water sampling especially where susceptible people are present, there has been a history of legionella issues or the control scheme cannot be adequately maintained

For further information visit www chilternwater co uk or see the advert on the following pages

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Sustainable Products Inter view with High Green Development Trust

High Green Development Trust manages The Campus which is an inclusive community centre and business hub for people to go and meet others do business learn and participate in sports and other leisure activities

Recently the Trust came to Killis for help about their need to improve their sustainability

Both Lucy Whitehouse Killis Janitorial Sales Manager and Gail Sutton HGDT Campus Manager worked alongside each other to ensure that needs were met and that High Green were able to incorporate the sustainable products without any difficulties

Lucy caught up with Gail about the new products installed how they were getting on with them and how it’s helped contribute to their sustainability and environmental policy to reach their goals

Did the focus on sustainability following the government sustainability targets speed up the deployment of such solutions?

No it didn't I already had a plan that when I took over here and saw some of the products we were utilising It didn't fit in with my sustainability plan or the environmental pol cy we developed as a leadership team As such I wanted to progress as quickly as I could so the government sanctions

didn t come into it

Can you tell us why you chose these products over other less sustainable alternatives?

I have chosen the products two-fold One the relationship that predecessors had with Killis wasn t what I d call working in a business partnership which I want to develop Two I wanted to utilise Killis products in their portfolio that fit in with our environmental policy and what we want to achieve as a charity campus for the community

Why are these sustainable products impor tant to High Green Development Tr ust?

We are a charity working in the community on-site, we have respite centres, sense schools and nurseries We must lead by example to develop the environmental plan sustain our planet and do our part to play and support our local environment

What benefits have you had switching to these sustainable products?

How has High Green benefitted from switching?

By moving over we have the confidence that the items we ve had are either from recyclable sources or recyclable or they don t damage the local environment

Did you have any reser vations about switching to all sustainable products?

Absolutely not Firstly it s about the environment and also it's about the space-saving of products particularly of the soaps How did these new sustainable products integrate with your cleaning team?

edencleen from Cleenol

Over the course of our history we at Cleenol have always produced products that offer a perfect balance between cleaning performance and efficiency with an attention to reducing the environmental impact that our products may carry edencleen our latest brand reaffirms our commitment to our credentials for environmental guardianship and represents an evolution of what has been an integral part of our DNA Edencleen has been designed to reflect in part our vision for a cleaner safer world that touches not only the environmental aspects of sustainability but has as an aim a social ambition to leave the planet in the safe care of and for future generations As such with edencleen Cleenol looks to ensure transparency in our approach which may on occasion result in some counter intuitive elements

The range covers the essential needs to cover 80% of daily cleaning and include a washroom cleaner and toilet gel cleaner and urinal deodoriser an all-purpose surface sanitiser a degreaser and a washing up liquid a no rinse floor degreaser a window cleaner and a laundry detergent and fabric softener edencleen products have been developed around the following principles and ingredients

• RSPO certified palm oil derivatives

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

• Water sampling

• Legionella compliance

• Asset inspection – tanks, calorifiers etc.

• Remedial works

• Swimming and spa pool testing

Tel: 01844 347678

Email: info@chilternwater.co.uk

www.chilternwater.co.uk

They ve really taken to them They were a little apprehensive at first, thinking particularly of the soap How can a small item deliver the cleanliness of what we need and the hygiene in our toilet environments they were amazed What's your favourite sustainable product that you buy from us?

I think my favourite has to be the soap It saves space cuts costs, the packaging it comes in and that s from a recyclable source and it s recyclable So it s a one-stop-shop It completes the circle

In addition to the soap being a favourite product I also have to add Zoono In a community campus environment, it's essential to have confidence in the products Zoono sanitises touchpoints and is available at hand sanitising stations It is user friendly and kind to hands while providing longlasting protection against germs

What would you say to other organisations considering using more sustainable alternatives?

Personally I think it s a no brainer It supports the environment and if as a business you have sustainability and environmental policies then decreasing the amount of chemicals that you use throughout the business is a winwin

If you would like any further information, a little guidance or advice on the best products to help reach your goals and how your organisation can benefit from more sustainably conscious cleaning products and alternatives please reach out to Lucy Whitehouse at lucy@killis co uk

Lastly, we would like to thank Gail at High Green Development Trust for taking the time to take part in our interview

See the advert on the facing page for full details about Killis

No animal derived products

Cruelty free

Minimal petrochemical derived products

No parabens formaldehyde, CMI/MIT triclosan, phosphates, chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners quaternary ammon um compounds

VOC free and phosphate, EDTA, NTA free

Recyclable / recycled packaging

100% bio-based surfactant - made by using bio-based ethylene oxide which is manufactured from biomass ethanol

Bioethanol, naturally der ved acids, sugar-based surfactants, bio-based solvents, low impact preservatives

Combining carefully formulated products with appropriate packaging, using recycled material or recyclable componentry, the range’s mostly colourless liquid and low fragrance usage are designed to convey a transparency and straightforwardness of our approach which will be a hallmark of all edencleen products and associated services

Careful use of enzymatic formulations and more traditional chemistry brings a portfolio of products that’s finely attuned to delivering effective cleaning which when used as instructed helps maintain a neutral environmental impact edencleen s new range represents just the start to a fully refreshed solution to meet the most demanding of customers expectations See the advert below for further information

Re-booting Dementia Care DEMENTIA CARE

Orchard Care Homes has long been an advocate of quality innovative Dementia Care Lately it has set the bar even higher with the introduction of its group-wide Dementia Promise This sets out to provide equitable care for those living with the condition and level-up training for all staff – using evidencebased practices Hayden Knight CEO of Orchard Care Homes discusses the importance of pioneering change for those living with Dementia

The issue of dementia provision across the care sector has never been more prominent The number of those living with dementia in the UK is growing Sadly more people are arriving at our care homes with acute levels of dementia and increasingly complex needs – many having been referred from social settings who are unable to support them As a result of this trend and concerns from families seeking support for loved ones we have made it our mission to help and guide by setting the wheels in motion for genuine change to dementia support

Our Reconnect communities don t cater to mass needs – instead our activities and care plans are finely tuned to the personal requirements and interests of each person We believe in equitable care for all and those with Dementia should be no different By putting an element of positive risk in place we can fully support people with hobbies and tasks that keep them meaningfully occupied – be it gardening assisting with small tasks in the kitchen like washing up or visiting the local pub for lunch

Our Dementia Promise is not a token gesture – but a group-wide commitment to change With a background as a specialist having previously worked in expert Mental Health Provision my ethos for the group is to widen our offering to become the very best in our sector

Generally, the care sector is making a shift towards training staff in dementia support needs, but there is still a gap Orchard s strong team and capabilities aim to fill that We are currently implementing a ‘Step Up to Dementia Support Worker’ programme, which follows the success of our ‘Step Up to Seniors’ model With a shortage of carers coming to the sector with the required abilities needed, we have devised an intensive training model which will see a greater number of recruitment prospects for us and opportunities for our existing team to develop their chosen careers

For several years now we have recognised these growing needs

Over 55% of those arriving at an Orchard Care Home have some level of dementia support need – and this figure is on the rise Whilst we will always cater to the regional demographic of our homes we can t ignore these statistics Earlier this year our Dementia Promise was launched with both specialism and understanding in mind The initiative doesn’t merely pay lip service to progressing our dementia care offering It’s a huge investment for the group with over £500 000 spent annually on dedicated training programs and mentoring of our staff benefitting everyone from domestics to the CEO

We are also committed to investing in our clinical support team Again with a shortage of workers in this field coming to care we want to be able to offer the very best chances and to develop quality staff across our group By rewarding them for their skills and dedication both with an uplift in pay and options to advance their careers with Orchard we are hoping to further strengthen our support across the group For example we have just brought in two care and clinical practitioners to deliver face-to-face clinical training to up-skill staff and provide supervision and support with revalidation

When people arrive at care homes with complex needs it can be a very daunting experience

To address this and to provide a solution for local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) who have limited quality provisions to support people with higher levels of acuity, we have introduced specialist Reconnect Communities We now have five Reconnects amongst our 23-strong group, with more planned later this year With an expert care team, offering individualised support, we can be truly people focused

To further invest in our staff and create career progression models we have introduced a new Student Nurse Strategy Allowing new nurses to the sector to learn from our experienced staff will bring a huge benefit to our homes by allowing clinical placements to be fulfilled which will strengthen our team and the level of care available Student nurses working in conjunction with their university will gain valuable mentoring from our homelevel nurses who will also provide sign-off for coursework The outcomes of these partnerships will not only develop new nurses in the sector, but it’s hoped that they will encourage newly qualified nurses to join the Orchard team long-term

Continuing to challenge ourselves and others will only build on the momentum of our Dementia Promise

After a positive response from families and healthcare professionals, we feel confident that our work will make a significant impact both for our group and eventually the wider sector

Recognii Offers New Way To Entertain Residents With Later Stage Dementia

The first film created especially for people living with later-stage dementia is offering care homes an inexpensive and accessible new way to entertain residents

‘Treasure Box by Recognii is an hour-long series of uplifting plot-free and visually engaging short clips all set to some of the nation s best-known music songs and theme tunes

Each scene has been designed to capture short attention spans and specially adapted to overcome the common visual and cognitive processing problems associated with the condition

The company s founder Sarah Harrison says Treasure Box was designed to be an essential resource for dementia care providers providing safe engaging entertainment for communal relaxation areas or a flexible tool for more focused one-to-one or group activities

She explained “Treasure Box can be enjoyed as a complete film, but there are also deliberately slow transitions between each of the clips to allow for sensory readjustment and to give staff time to pause the film and reminisce or chat with residents about what they have just seen ”

Recognii contains the sort of content the company’s research showed had most universal appeal among sufferers from happy children appealing animals and gentle humour to musical interaction the natural world iconic people and places puppetry and lots more

Treasure Box is available on USB stick for use in Smart TVs and laptops and also in traditional DVD format They retail at £23 99 for the USB stick or £19 99 for the DVD

Dr Lucy Pollock gerontologist and author of bestselling The Book About Getting Older said This is just lovely Treasure Box is the sort of thing that can be watched over and over by people living with significant dementia In the same way that small children like replaying their favourites these images with music become very soothing with familiarity Even those with significant dementia can find repeated routines comforting

To accommodate the visual processing problems experienced by many people with advanced dementia the team took a deliberate approach to the way the content is filmed

Sarah explained: “To make everything as visible as possible we filmed against plain backgrounds, with high

colour and tonal contrast and predominant use of red and those primary colours research shows are most easily recognised We also took care not to feature unnecessary detail busy patterns shadows or reflective light sources ”

Each plot-free clip contrasts strongly from the last to draw wandering attention back to the screen and in keeping with the visual approach music and vocal arrangements are simple and dialogue is kept to a minimum

CASE STUDY:

Acacia Lodge Care Home in Oxfordshire is a purpose-built residence in the centre of picturesque Henley-On-Thames with 55 en-suite rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens

It is part of The Future Care Group a leading residential nursing and dementia care provider with 18 high-quality homes across the UK

Acacia Lodge lifestyle assistant Alex Owens purchased Recognii to use on their dementia floor after read ng about the innovation in The Daily Telegraph

Lifestyle lead Wendy Fricker said At Acacia Lodge quality of life is at the heart of everything we do and we are continually looking for new and varied ways to ensure each of our residents stays engaged happy and relaxed

“We were very impressed with the Recognii concept The short, simple clips helped a great deal, holding our residents attention and keep ng them watching eagerly for the next scene The content is very well thought out, and they loved the mix of singalongs, smiling children, animals and bright, colourful images Thirteen out of our 16 residents with dementia engaged and joined in with every sequence which was just amazing to see ”

Wendy now uses Recognii as part of a cinema-style’ experience handing out popcorn tea cakes and fizzy drinks for residents to enjoy while they settle down to watch with care staff She also uses t as a discussion and reminiscence tool with smaller groups or for focussed one-to-one activit es

Wendy said: Recogn i is a welcome addition to the stimulating and diverse programme of activities and events at Acacia Lodge We can t wait for the next volume and will be putting in our order asap!

More information and demos are available through the Recognii website at www recognii co uk

Focus Games - Game Based

Training for Ever y Situation

Focus Games are the leading game developers focused on education for healthcare staff and patients

Game-based learning is an innovative approach to education that leverages the principles of games to create engaging and interactive learning experiences This approach has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to motivate learners and improve retention rates Healthcare staff can benefit significantly from game-based learning as it can help them acquire new knowledge and skills in a fun and engaging way The key benefits of game-based learning for all healthcare staff are:

1 Enhanced engagement

2 Improved knowledge retention

3 Safe learning environment

4 Customizable learning experience

5 Collaborative learning

With over 20 years of experience we have developed games aimed at improving knowledge and outcomes and have won numerous awards for our innovative approach

Visit our website to learn about over 150 existing games or get in touch to discuss creating a unique game or simulation to meet your needs We also have a unique commercialisation model which means your game idea can also be a revenue generator Find out more at www focusgames com Or email melvin@focusgames com

Designing for Dementia: How to work with decorators to create supportive spaces

same colour as the walls so that they blend in, helping to avoid unauthorised access

• To highlight obstacles such as pillars, handrails and radiators, use brighter colours to make them stand out

• Outside of the realms of paint and colour, floors should avoid high sheens and patterns to prevent disorientating residents

Calming colours

As well as colour, the specific type of paint used should be a key consideration Care home managers should speak to their decorator to identify the types of paint that will be needed in different areas as products are optimised for varying purposes

Each year, the Alzheimer ’s Society holds Dementia Action Week – an awareness campaign that aims to highlight the indicators of dementia and the support available to all impacted by it This year, the campaign is running from 15th – 21st May, with a focus on raising awareness and encouraging people to get a diagnosis

Last year ’s Dementia Action Week resulted in a 43% rise in calls to its dementia support line during the week Campaigns like this are therefore vital to raise awareness of the symptoms of dementia and support available to those living with the condition and their families

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, demand for larger and betterequipped care homes has increased According to studies by building and construction market researchers AMA, “the demand for additional capacity within the care home market is likely to start rising again within the next couple of years ” For this reason, care home managers need to consider how to accommodate more residents and ensure premises are effectively designed to meet their needs

Perfecting the palette

Correct colour choice and location can aid independence and wayfinding for those living with dementia It is therefore crucial that care home managers work closely with decorators to ensure the right colours are chosen for the space

Dulux Trade, alongside the British Research Establishment, created the Dementia Friendly Colour Palette Following years of experience in design and medical research, it is recommended for use in spaces catering for those living with dementia The palette recommends the following:

• Soft, calm tones should be used on main walls, with only small hints of colour to help aid wayfinding

• Critical surfaces – including walls, floors and doors –should have contrast between them To make doors obvious against neutral walls, bold hues such as navies, sage greens and burgundies should be used

• More saturated colours such as yellows, muted purples, oranges and teals may be used on feature walls to add interest, such as in a living room, or walls that need to be highlighted to support residents with wayfinding, such as the kitchen serving areas or end of corridors

• Staff areas and supply cupboards should be painted in the

For example, Dulux Trade Scuffshield is a tough, waterbased matt emulsion containing ultimate scuff-resistant technology to protect walls against scuff marks made by shoes and bags This makes it ideal for high traffic areas such as corridors, stairwells and hallways It is also cleanable, with great stain resistance, keeping walls in top condition for longer

In addition, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt includes stainrepellent technology that is ideal for settings like dining areas that often need cleaning The Diamond Matt paint formula has been tested to ensure it can withstand up to 10,000 scrubs, meaning walls can withstand daily wear and tear and regular cleaning

On the other hand, Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Matt and Dual Active Matt contain additives that reduce populations of harmful bacteria – key for environments occupied by vulnerable people Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Matt is a quick drying, water-based coating with an in-film bactericide which reduces populations of MRSA and E coli Additionally, Dulux Trade Sterishield Dual Active contains in-film antimicrobial additive, which inhibits bacteria and viruses within the paint film, and thus reduces populations of MRSA, E coli, Coronaviruses and Human Herpesvirus Using both paints alongside appropriate cleaning practices helps to promote more hygienic, safer environments

On-site conduct and considerations

Care home managers should work closely with the decorating team to ensure works are completed in a timely manner – and cause minimal disruption to staff and residents For example, the care home staff should be aware of what areas are out of bounds and ensure residents are relocated to other areas of the premises It is also important to work with the decorating team to schedule deliveries and ensure staff and emergency services can access the site as needed

For more information on best practice when it comes to decorating care homes, please visit www duluxtradepaintexpert co uk/en/content/occd-hub

To help find the best decorator for your job, please visit: www duluxselectdecorators co uk or https://connectdirectory dulux co uk

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 w th two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems

A variety of options including Call button Pager

Floor sensor mat

W reless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR

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

CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes

Quiet and calm care homes ensure that residents are able to live in a more relaxing and pleasant home environment Similarly, carers and staff find that they too benefit from reduced stress when working in a home where noise levels are kept to a minimum There are many environmental factors that can affect those sensitive to their surroundings particularly those suffering from dementia these can be fluctuations in ambient temperature light and of course noise Repetitive and high levels of noise can originate from a number of internal and external sources for example telephones ringing loud conversations in corridors and call bells sounding, often one of the

largest contributors to increasing the levels of stress and discomfort in residents

A published study by the University of Stirling stated that unanswered Nurse Call (Call Bell) alarms can be one of the most common causes of stress in dementia sufferers The University recommends fitting call alarms which alert nurses but do not resonate throughout the whole building Alarms can be particularly disconcerting as they may encourage the person with dementia to respond or investigate what the matter is At the very least the loss of sleep will compromise a person’s ability to concentrate It can affect their attention levels and capacity to cope as well as being detrimental to their overall state of wellbeing Personal paging systems are preferable to bells and buzzers Modern Nurse Call systems can incorporate a number of methods to reduce their impact in a care home These include zoning whereby there are 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

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks

Blaucomm’s Nurse Call Messaging Service (NMS) is the market leading solution to remove the dependency on noisy nurse call panels and pagers through its intelligent software which delivers the alerts straight to the care staff who need them

Care homes are rapidly introducing smartphones for digital care planning and eMar - now, the same devices can be used to receive the nurse call alerts they need for the residents under their care

Furthermore, Blaucomm NMS is deeply linked into Person Centred Software MCM so call bell data is linked straight to care plans This unlocks a huge benefit to care homes to enhance the staff performance with how they accept and respond to residents which ultimately promotes better response times and visibility for management to audit their performance

The best part is that Blaucomm NMS links into your existing nurse call system - we work with all major brands such as Aidcall ARM Courtney Thorne C-TEC ENS Intercall Medicare SAS and TeleAlarm

Care operators are constantly recognising Blaucomm NMS for its reliability and dependability to their care operations which is why we ve been chosen time and time again over other solutions

Head of IT Trudi Harrow at WCS Care had this to say about Blaucomm

NMS:

“We find Blaucomm is a genuinely fantastic company with a reliable product

We have a range of nurse call systems at different sites and the NMS system integrates to them and allows us to compare response times between sites In addition the integration to Person Centred Software is revolutionary We would highly recommend this to anybody who wants to replace expensive pagers and silence those annoyingly loud nurse call screens!

To find out more about Blaucomm NMS, visit www blaucomm co uk/healthcare

Ssee the advert on the front cover for more details

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

Locàite.me - The Latest Personal SOS and Fall Alarm Solution from Càite Ltd

Locàite me is the latest personal SOS and fall alarm solution from Càite Ltd that helps you support care for and communicate easily with loved ones enabling them to live independently at home for longer

Designed at every stage with the wearer in mind the simplicity of Locàite me is one of its key strengths Simply press the large SOS button to make a two-way voice call to a family member or carer if help is needed Other alarms including the fall alarm are activated automatically You and others with whom you choose to share access receive smartphone notifications for all alarms and can instantly see whereabouts on the map along with recent movement history Then saved emergency contacts are dialled in turn until one answers

With the familiar appearance of a key fob for the wearer coupled with our exceptionally user-friendly app for carers

Medpage Falls Management Products

Medpage is a family ran company with a huge heart and resources gathered over our 38year trading history The majority of the technologies we design manufacture and distribute originate from enquiries received from healthcare professionals and personal family care observations Our product portfolio provides a wide variety of care solutions for epilepsy dementia senior care special needs and sensory loss

Our latest innovation currently in use in several Hospitals presents an effective fall monitoring detection and reporting solution The MPCSA11 is a complex software driven sensor monitor made to be user and operator friendly This device has already proven successful in hospital and care home trials

by reducing patient falls while also reducing false positives from a safe patient The device can monitor and interact with up to three sensor products: bed and chair occupancy pressure pads PIR movement detection sensors and proximity signal products

In use, a patient or resident rising from their bed would be considered a falls risk, but what if they are simply moving to sit in a chair close to their bed? A standard bed monitor would raise an alarm alerting care staff who would arrive to find the person safely seated The MPCSA11 would only generate an alarm if the person was out of their bed or chair for a selectable time duration Learn more www easylinkuk co uk/mpcsa11

See the advert on page 7 for details

as possible There’s no in-home installation required as the small battery powered Room Locàite beacons are simple to place in as many rooms as you need The Locàite me pendant records the nearest beacon and the app records and displays this on a handy 7 day chart Locàite me gives reassurance and peace of mind to families who support loved ones to live independently It costs £129 99 and the associated monthly SIM plan is just £14 99 which includes 100 minutes of SOS voice calls and 60 optional SMS messages each month It s a straightforward 1 month contract and you can cancel any time from within the app Our accessory Room Locàite beacons come in packs of 3 for £49 99 Visit www Locaite me for further details or to contact us and be sure to read our 5 star reviews on Trustpilot and Amazon to hear how Locàite me has helped so many other families

Frequency PrecisionSensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor Those in Care

Technology has made people more connected with the world around them and the revolution in assistive care devices has made it possible for the elderly to spend their last years in a comfortable and familiar environment These devices have also made it easier for home carers to provide quality care for their loved ones while managing their own lives They allow you to care for your elderly whether they are travelling in the city for errands, staying alone at home, or staying in the same home as you They are also helping nursing homes provide better care for them with discrete monitoring and quick responses to emergencies

If you re looking for these kinds of assistive care devices for your loved ones or nursing home Frequency Precision produce some of the best systems available to help you with elderly care and

mobility monitoring ranging from bed chair and floor sensor mats through fall monitoring and GPS tracking to fully integrated nurse call plug or wireless systems Contact us or come and see us at the COTS on Stand 36

Phone: 01837 810590

Email: contact@frequencyprecision com

Website: www frequencyprecision com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Don’t Get Lost On Your Digital Journey

The next 12 months is going to see big changes in the residential care sector With around 50% of homes still using a paper system to plan and record care The NHS Transformation Directorate have big ideas which whilst exciting are daunting to those without the proper tools to make these ideas a reality

So where to begin? Finding the right software provider might appear to be the ideal starting point Will the provider meet all your requirements within budget and customise the software to fit with your own processes? It’s only once you have made this decision that your journey will really begin

There is little information and guidance out there on how to implement a new system into a residential care setting where do you start?

As with any journey you need a route plan

At Ablyss, we know one size doesn’t fit all We understand there are requirements

unique to our customers and are committed to working together to provide the best service for them We understand that the care landscape is always changing and improving whether via new processes or new technologies We keep up to date with what our sector needs to ensure we are providing the best, and most cost effective service possible

Again let s ask: So where to begin? Now we know the answer Find a system provider who will share their experience and knowledge with you and get you to your final destination smoothly and safely

From implementing systems into homes for over 20 years, we not only know how to help plan your journey but we ll be there as your co-pilot too Every step of the way So jump on board and get ready to take off!

For further information on the Blyssful Cloud Care System, visit www ablyss co uk

Digital Social Care Appoints The Access Group to the Assured Supplier List Intended to Help Care Providers Meet 2024 Digitisation Target

Digital Social Care the membership organisation tasked by NHS England to create and manage a list of assured suppliers who can help care home providers roll out a digital social care record (DSCR) by 2024, has appointed The Access Group to its roster

The company s care management solution Access Care and Clinical (AC&C) has been assessed against NHS England’s criteria and accredited against their three key categories; core capabilities and standards; ongoing assurance to required standards; and local assurance

The list launched in April 2021 by the NHS Transformation Directorate, is intended to help providers navigate the supplier market and identify organisations and their digital social care record solutions that have already undergone comprehensive due diligence

In turn giving them peace of mind about the functionality and capability of the technology in achieving their digital goals and making it quicker and easier to make purchasing decisions

Providers have the ability to filter suppliers based on their specific needs to ensure they select the right care planning tools for them And with AC&C tried and trusted by over 500 care providers it s well placed to help care homes meet the government s ambition to digitise

records by next year

On the appointment Steve Sawyer Managing Director Access Health Support and Care said: Care home providers can feel like they are facing a daunting task, navigating the supplier landscape and determining which solutions are best for them and their staff The assured list is vital in streamlining this process, making it simpler, easier and more cost-effective for the individual provider to make decisions

“As a leading provider of care management solutions across the UK and one of the few assured suppliers on the list that offer solutions specifically tailored to residential care home providers, we’re delighted to be appointed and to have the opportunity to support care homes on their digital journey ”

Care providers can also benefit from central funding via their Integrated Care System to support their transition to digital health and care records if one of the assured suppliers is chosen from the list

Further details on The Access Group and AC&C are included on the supplier assured list and can be found at www theaccessgroup com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Pass Profile 2023

PASS supports over 1 000 care providers every day giving them access to market leading care management tools hand in hand with unlimited 24/7/365 support from our dedicated and friendly PASS team

• Improve the quality of care

Deliver better outcomes

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect

The first product of its type to offer this feature PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration and is the only one offering it to the home care market

Assured by NHS Transformation Directorate PASS provides a secure platform that allows you to plan record and evidence the care you deliver The only assured solution built specifically for the home care sector, it provides comprehensive real-time functionality and allows you to share progress against outcomes with customisable exportable reports

CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM

To meet the wider needs of the PASS community All-in-one PASS has recently been launched bringing advanced rostering functionality to our established digital care planning platform As a result advanced staff scheduling payroll and invoicing functionality is now seamlessly linked with care planning and reporting, reducing the technical complexity, risk and overhead associated with integrating two separate systems

As a result PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools available from a single platform designed to

Save you time

Increase the efficiency of your teams

The CAREAudits System

The CAREAudits compliance auditing tool is now being used throughout the UK and Ireland in numerous locations by all care service providers

Carers and managers are checking everything from CQC Compliance and Safety to Medication Audits, Training and Maintenance as well as service users quality and wellbeing

The system allows care providers to audit or check just about everything and manage all areas requiring actions (or non-compliances) in its Web Portal Encrypted date and time stamped evidence including photos is seamlessly auto attached and recorded in the system Management see in real time exactly were best to focus their attention and resources and how they are meeting their compliance requirements

The system has over 150 easy to use example audits to select from which you can easily add to or edit your own audits in minutes ensuring simple instant updates of ever-changing requirements App care auditors can use CAREAudits with virtually no training it s that simple The Care

PASS GP Connect provides authorised social care staff with realtime access to their client s GP records It makes medical information available when and where it is needed leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes:

Visibility of allergies vaccinations and medications especially useful for clients unable to reliably share their personal information

• Using medical information to inform care planning

Ensuring that the right medication is delivered to the right person in the timeliest manner In one case, this allowed the administration of antibiotics on a Friday evening aiding the service user s swift recovery from infection

Available to all PASS users at no additional cost, PASS GP Connect is significantly more efficient than waiting for a GP response It’s also a positive step forward on the path to the DHSC’s goal for widespread digitally enabled care and is in full alignment with their ambition for joined up care for everyone

Get in touch:

www everylifetechnologies com

hello@everylifetechnoloiges com

Auditor’s Hands Free Operation guides the user through each audit, each question and answer with its own help text standard answers and standard actions required ensuring that the least skilled operative becomes the care expert

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Steven Tegart from Talbot Group likes reporting and says “I wish all my other systems were as easy to extract data for management reports as the CAREAudits Excel links

Andrew Wood of Wood Care Group says “It is easy to use and our management team complete audits daily which and very customisable giving you the reporting and monitoring you require to ensure risk mitigation in our services

Customer support is excellent and we have never had any issues

Steve Smith regional manager at Care Homes UK says “We were able to implement the system ourselves and are now benefitting from management having all the information we need at our fingertips in real time wherever we are”

CAREAudits apps are a part of the Care Plus Innovation Group

Users can download the app for a free trial and be up and running with the full system in minutes w: www careaudits co uk e: care@careaudits co uk t: 01482 238887

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Phlebotomy Training: Who Needs It?

12 years ago when she started Phlebotomy Training Services Alison had a slide in her original course the Basic Phlebotomy Toolkit that read

Blood tests are usually requested by a doctor for diagnosis or for the management of long term medical conditions”

Blood was traditionally drawn by nurses but now we train Doctor s receptionists and Healthcare Assistants to take blood to support their clinical colleagues and we also train people who need to take blood for research purposes to produce PRP for use in aesthetic procedures and in dentistry and for a range of other purposes

Traditionally phlebotomy training was provided on the job by employers and while some phlebotomists in practice today are highly skilled others are less so

We deliver a standardised phlebotomy training course – every learner, wherever in the country they are and whenever they train with us will be trained in the same way

Before writing the course Alison went to the manufacturers of the blood collection systems and asked them how they expected their equipment to be used and wrote her training around that, and CHS 132 the Skills for Health Guidelines for obtaining venous blood samples

Many practicing phlebotomists had never inserted a needle into anything before they took their first sample and we do not think that is right – we aren t saying that on the job training is wrong – we think it’s essential - but we know that individuals who have acquired a base level of skill and knowledge before taking their first sample go on to make better phlebotomists

They have a sound repeatable technique and understand why they are doing what they do

On our courses you won t be asked to take blood from each other you’ll use pads and prosthetic arms to hone your skills so that when you come to take your first sample the only thing that gives you pause will be inserting the needle into real skin rather than a prosthetic

THE REST:

Identifying the patient obtaining informed consent washing your hands checking if the patient has had any problems before when having blood taken applying the tourniquet, palpating correctly, swabbing the site if required, changing the bottles whilst keeping the needle still removing the needle disposing of it safely applying pressure to the site to stop any bleeding checking for allergy to plasters applying a plaster to the site once the bleeding has stopped inverting the samples checking the patient s ID labelling the samples correctly and offering them aftercare, will all be second nature

YOU DON’T NEED ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE TO TRAIN WITH US

Our introductory phlebotomy training course Understanding and Applying Phlebotomy Skills and Techniques will give you all of the skills that are required to begin a career in phlebotomy

There isn’t any “Recognised NHS Training” whatever some training providers may claim and no training organisation can give you a “NHS Certificate of Competency” – you can only earn one of those by being supervised in a place of work over a period of time while you are taking blood

What we are proud to say is that we have been providing accredited phlebotomy training for 12 years and there are thousands of phlebotomists working in doctors surgeries hospitals (and all sorts of other places too) up and down the country who hold our certificate

What are they earning as phlebotomists??

The simple answer to that is “It depends” but most phlebotomy jobs in the UK are on NHS bands 2 or 3 which equates to between £17 652 and £20 765 per annum full time dependent upon experience

But many phlebotomists work part time which will reduce that income dependent upon the hours worked

See the advert below for further details

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-andprocedures/non-registered-care-policies/ 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

Ever ything You Need To Know About Mock CQC Inspections

When you redecorate your house, you quickly get used to your new environment Sometimes it takes a visit from a friend you haven’t seen for 6 months to remind you that, yes, you spent a lot of time and effort finding the right curtains to match your sofa

The same principle applies to mock CQC inspections When you live and breathe your business you simply don t see it the same way as someone who s just walked in the door

While it feels great to be complimented on your great taste 6 months after redecorating it doesn t feel so good if that same friend spots a stain on the rug that you’ve stopped noticing

Luckily we’re not all rating each other on interior design What you are being rated on, however, is your care business Specifically, how safe effective, caring responsive and well-led it is

IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO BE OUTSTANDING

A mock CQC inspection is carried out by a current or former inspector They’ll use the latest methodology and criteria to assess your business in line with CQC requirements – ie against those five quality statements

They gather evidence based on client experiences feedback from your team and other stakeholders observation paperwork and process reviews CQC inspectors play a vital role in keeping vulnerable people safe and setting high standards for care Naturally, that’s something they take very seriously

But if you’re focused on managing your team and taking care of clients, it can be hard to know whether you re ticking all the boxes that the CQC will look at That’s why a mock inspection is a great way to benchmark your business and find out how you’d be rated if the inspection was done today Your inspector will highlight what you re doing well so you can keep doing it and find opportunities where you could improve your service

If you re aiming for Outstanding

re on the right path in the future

So if you don t have any further questions all that s left to do is book your mock CQC inspection and get your care business on the journey to Outstanding

www

co uk to book

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels for Drug-Free Pain Relief

benefits of BIOFROST® Relief include lasting pain relief improved joint movements comfort during sleep fewer cramps calmed nerve pain reduced joint and muscle discomfort and faster post-activity recoveries

Yeoman Shield Fire Door Ser vices Taking the Guess Work out of Fire Doors

C&S Seating Ltd

C&S Seating Ltd have provided postural control equipment to residential homes, hospices, medical equipment services and NHS trust hospitals nationwide since 1991

With 9 different sizes of T-Rolls and Log Rolls, in a removable and machine washable Waterproof Titex or Soft Knit material These rolls are used to control posture and position of the body in either supine or side lying Our Knee & Leg support wedges are available in 2 sizes

for repainting

For a complete repair and protect service contact the team today frdp@yeomanshield com or visit www yeomanshield com or see the advert page 10

Alternative Positioning Support – also available in two sizes, which has removable side cushions and middle pommel for when more control of the abducted lower limb is required

Our popular and vibrant range of Soft Knit covers in a choice of 5 colours, provide a softer alternative, ideal for the colder seasons and are designed to fit snug over our waterproof rolls for maximum protection and comfort

Contact us on 01424 853331 or visit www cands-seating co uk to request or download a brochure, pricelist or order form request an individualised quotation speak to an advisor or to place an order

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are natural drugfree topical cold therapy gels for muscular and joint pain chronic arthritic pain post-activity muscle tension general aches and overuse disorders Easy to use and fast acting BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels relieve pain reduce inflammation and swelling without drugs and drug-related side-effects

BIOFROST® Gels:

BIOFROST® Rel ef Cold Gel for pain relieving cold therapy

BIOFROST® Active Dual-Action Cold Gel with Heat Sensation combining cold with natural heat effects to treat back pain

BIOFROST® Relief provides instant pain relief and activates body s own healing through an optimal combination of natural ingredients including ethanol menthol eucalyptus, peppermint and MSM Reported

BIOFROST® Active is a dual-action fast-acting cold gel with heat sensation for effective relief of muscular and joint pain Containing 10 natural herbal extracts (i e Arnica Burdock Roman Chamomile Garlic Watercress Ivy White Nettle Pine Rosemary Menthol) BIOFROST® Active relieves chronic pain releases muscular tension loosens stiff joints and effectively treats back pain Benefits of BIOFROST® Active include easier joint movements effective pain relief in treated areas discomfort-free sleep fewer cramps and reduced post-activity muscular and joint fatigue

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are usable standalone or alongside other pain relieving therapies (i e medication physiotherapy etc ) BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are suitable for people of any age, including elderly and disabled people living independently or in nursing care

See the advert on page 3 and the front cover

New Vision Signs and Graphics Ltd

environment

We offer a full survey service with designs drawings, location plans, manufacture and delivery or installation of door signs, lift directories, as well as directional and wayfinding signage

Kodak

New Vision Signs and Graphics Ltd are a leading supplier of innovative dementia-friendly signage and visual tools that are especially suited for use in hospitals and care homes

Our Dementia-friendly signage is available in different styles and colours and we take great pride in working closely with clients to create bespoke solutions that are suitable for their particular healthcare

and

Anglia Crown - Popular Dishes for Ever yone

Anglia Crown offer a wide range of hot and cold desserts that are ideal for a wellbalanced, nutritional diet including choices that do not contain gluten Our Crown Choice and Advantage ranges include some fifty-eight dishes, including our new warming Ginger Chocolate Chip Sponge and delicious, comforting custard that goes with almost any hot dessert

Our Crown Choice cold dessert includes the perennial favourites such as Chocolate Cake whilst our Crown Advantage range also offer reduced sugar desserts All individual Crown Advantage desserts come in packs of eighteen whilst the Crown Choice desserts come in packs of 3 and 6 allowing accurate portioning and cutting down on any potential waste

Many of the Anglia Crown dishes can be teamed up with fresh fruit allowing for additional choice Items such as our Carrot Cake or Vanilla Cheesecake can be accom-

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the

Raising the Standard of

The Stair Climbing Company is one of the leading providers of powered Stair Climber solutions which have been specifically designed to assist those struggling with mobility and independence issues facing people with disabilities

The Stair Climbing Company offers an excellent range of compact easy to use powered Stair Climbers that are ideal for use in both home and commercial settings Offering innovative designs all of the company’s Stair Climbers can be separated into two pieces for safe storage and are easily transported and charged In addition all of its Stair Climber’s come with a two year manufacturer s warranty

The Stair Climbing Company maintains one main

See the advert on page 13

Stair Climbing Solutions

mission; to improve quality of life through its range of high-quality and custom devices with built-in seats

The safety and comfort of its customers is of the utmost importance to the company and it ensures that each wheelchair carrier model is designed to cater to individual customers’ specific needs and works with all stair types Furthermore the company provides Stair Climbers for all ages making them suitable for everyone and offers a free assessment for customers

If you would like to find out any more information please see the details below: T 01787 379160

www thestairclimbingcompany com

See the advert on page 13

Make First Impressions Count with Major Plants

to do without trying to remember whether the flowers have been watered, fed, or tidied up Calling in the experts like Major Plants Limited means that you can get on with your business while we ensure that outside your plant arrangements and presentation never let you down

Besides our regular floral display services we also offer a full package maintenance plan for your grounds and gardens

Major Plants Limited specialises in providing costeffective and visually striking hanging basket maintenance services This means we design plant arrangements to suit your business using a combination of hanging baskets and window boxes

We know that busy businesses have enough work

Whether you are seeking an alternative quotation to compare with an existing supplier or are looking at external flower arrangements for the first time our flexible agreement and personal service will give you a piece of mind reliable support for your business

Please get in touch!

0800 111 4014 – info@majorplants co uk

Or see the advert on the front cover

panied by whipped cream garnished with seasonal fresh fruit

Our hot desserts are high in energy, our hot portions of 170kcal and above provide energy and protein dense options and when served with custard provide over 250 kcal per serving Our cold desserts of 250 kcal and above also meet the energy guidelines in the British Dietetic Association (BDA)

Nutrition and Hydration Digest (2017) requirements

VEGAN SUITABLE CHOICES

At Anglia Crown we pride ourselves with the array of vegetarian and gluten free dishes that we offer including an impressive range of desserts This was recognised with us being named at the Vegetarian Wholesaler of the Year 2022 at the VfL Awards for Excellence in Veg n Care Catering

All the Anglia Crown hot desserts are suitable for vegetarians Most of the Anglia Crown vegan products have been registered with the Vegan Society including some thirteen of the dessert dishes ”

Anglia Crown are here to help take the strain out of your menus throughout the year Visit www angliacrown co uk for further details or see the advert on page 9

Making the Most of the International Recruitment Fund

By Tijen Ahmet, business immigration expert at law firm, Shakespeare Martineau (www.shma.co.uk)

Care providers need to act quickly to secure their share of the £50 million International Recruitment Fund which is only available across England until 2024 This fund has been created by the Government to help ease the costs of hiring from overseas and cut unnecessary red tape and whilst it might seem like a short-term solution to the longstanding issue of crippling staff shortages, care providers should seek to understand exactly what it covers to maximise the opportunity 88 per cent of home care operators and 87 per cent of care home providers have reported recruitment challenges

These challenges have been caused by a multitude of factors including the end of free movement following Brexit the lasting effects of the global pandemic, poor long-term planning from the Government and the cost-of-living crisis are piling pressure on the sector As a result, existing staff are having to take on more internal responsibilities as the scope of their role stretches potentially placing those who need care at risk The Health and Social Care Committee predicts that if staff shortage trend continues 500 000 jobs will need to be filled by 2030

The International Recruitment Fund plans to alleviate these pressures and can be used for administrative costs that will help facilitate a person’s move to the UK, including support with sponsorship licences and

worker visa applications In addition it can also be used to help with the logistics of settling the employee in a new country including finding them affordable housing helping to pay for a UK driving licence DBS check or National Insurance number

The funding will be granted by local authorities who in collaboration with care partnerships will distribute it to care providers in their areas Care providers should therefore proactively reach out to Local Authorities to ensure that they will be considered for funding, as while a £50 million sounds plentiful with thousands of care providers across the UK competing over the same pot it ultimately may not stretch too far The first round of funding has already been allocated across regions with the South East and North West assigned £2 5 million and £2 million respectively

The Fund itself is not unlimited and the government is yet to announce further measure beyond 2023 if at all This means it is vital to for care provider to understand the the financial support available to them to increase the chance of being successful Care providers should consider seeking professional immigration advice to help their international recruitment drive to ensure that the legal immigration requirements are met first time to avoid costly mistakes

The International Recruitment Fund is intended to give the sector a boost by cutting bureaucracy and unnecessary complexity within the process The biggest hope however is that it attracts the talent that the sector so desperately needs by making the positions more appealing if employers can help with settling an employee once they have relocated While the Fund will certainly go some way to support the sector in the short term more needs to be done to ensure there is a long-term strategy that will lift the burden from the sector and help to end the shortage

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 health-care 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

the healthcare sector is invaluable We can provide end to endsolutions for nurses and clients across the country due to our many offices across the country (Liverpool Sheffield Burton on Trent and our head office on the Wirral) We have our own in-house training facility and are leading the way in OSCE preparation with innovative and proven strategies which result in first time passes This allows us to now offer a complete service ensuring all the requirements needed to join the UK NM register are met as quickly and effectively as possible

Whether you require 1 or 100 nurses we will ensure that they meet all your requirements and are ready to interview as soon as you need them with emphasis being on the quality and relevant experience of the nurses Our online courses are consistently being updated to reflect the changes made to the OSCE practices To ensure all our clients, have access to the most suitable candidates we work with reputable recruitment partners around the globe With the advanced systems we have in place we can track each individual nurse every step of the way providing all our clients with regular updates on the nurse’s progress We monitor and check in with all our candidates every step of the way making sure they have been given excellent training and support throughout their journey This allows us to ensure that we can provide you with a candidate that will pass their OSCE journey first time

SERVICES

WE PROVIDE

We will help arrange your sponsorship license

We will source the best candidates

We will fully screen each candidate

We arrange accommodation

What to Consider When

When considering whether to buy a care home business while you will no doubt have taken account of apparent profitability and potential, it is vital that you establish as far as possible likely costs (e g legal fees due diligence costs, post completion costs (tax, investment)) during and after the buying process as well as having a realistic idea of the timescales involved

INVESTMENT

It may sound obvious but you must always check the numbers carefully Has the bottom line been enhanced by underinvestment? This will go hand in hand with the due diligence exercise but what will the business require going forward whether it be property repairs/renovation (whether in terms of practicalities or statutory requirements) or investment in staff and facilities? You need to establish what needs to be spent after completion of the purchase in order to sustain and/or enhance profitability

This will no doubt form part of your business plan which, where funding is being obtained, your lender will want to look at

FINANCE

If you need to obtain finance for your deal consider the additional steps and costs that will be involved

An investor or lender will likely have specific requirements in terms of structure (creation and/or involvement of group companies) documentation (occupational leases) and/or due diligence (additional searches/checks) that may affect timing and expense

ASSET/SHARE PURCHASE

In most cases, a care home will be owned and operated by a limited company rather than an individual

Therefore usually one of the initial critical decisions to be made is whether to proceed by way of an asset or share purchase Advice should be sought on a case-by-case basis as there are a number of things to consider in terms of for example tax or financial implications Essentially with an asset purchase you are buying those “items” (e g the property the employees etc) which you consider to be vital to the continued running of the business With a share purchase you take on all assets and liabilities of the owning company

a Care Home Business

DUE DILIGENCE

While the documents dealing with the specific transaction are important, these will be negotiated in line with the due diligence exercise This process like other aspects takes time and costs money Where possible obtain an indication as to costs up front

Existing and potential future liabilities need to be considered whether in terms of property repairs tax considerations disputes etc

If development of the property is required (e g to extend the property) you must obtain advice from a planning perspective and your solicitor needs to advice on any title issues that may affect any intended development and/or the required use of the property (e g and covenants or restrictions affecting the property)

If the property interest you are taking or inheriting is leasehold, your solicitor will need to advise on any consents that may be required (in terms of the transaction (so that the lease may be transferred to you or the lease contains “change of control” restrictions) or your future plans (e g consent to carry out alterations) and any obligations and/or restrictions in the lease that may affect your plans Is the length of the lease sufficient? Do you have rights to renew the lease at the end of the term? Are you inheriting costly repair obligations?

PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCE

The Eden Alternative - What Is It?

The Eden Alternative is a modern ‘philosophy of care designed to enhance the wellbeing of residents and staff in care settings the quality of their lived experience and their fulfilment

It aims to build a truly positive culture; underpinned by close partnership working between residents the team and family members

How does it work? It provides training to Care Homes, management and staff and encourages Homes to train their own in house trainers to run the training Eden has been running in over 20 countries on 5 continents for nearly 30 years and started in the USA It began operating in the UK in 2005 Eden UK runs both face-to-face training and online courses which both lead to the accreditation of candidates as Certified Eden Associates of which there are over

Phoenix Learning and Care Set For Future Growth Following £20m Bespoke

Loan from OakNorth Bank

2 000 in the UK and 20 000 worldwide

The Certified Eden Associate Courses online course run over 7 weeks x 1hr each week using the same material as the 3-day Eden Associate courses and comprise 5 elements (online training with Eden trainers digital workbooks video clips assessment of learning and development of a project to develop implementing innovative ideas) Courses run continuously and a new one starts at the beginning of each alternate month e g March May July etc

For Homes or Services that choose to become an Eden Accredited Home annual validations of how Eden features with the life of the Home/Service are undertaken In recognition of the progress achieved by the care provision an award of Platinum Gold Silver or Bronze can be achieved Eden UK is based at 11 Plantation Terrace, Dawlish Devon EX7 9DS and can be contacted on 01626 868192 or 07483359472

The key advantages to the Eden approach are:

It improves occupancy

It improves recruitment and retention

It improves team and resident wellbeing Geoffrey Cox LLb MSc

OakNorth Bank, the digital bank for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs, has provided a £20m loan to Phoenix Learning and Care, a leading provider of specialist education and residential care for children and young adults with a range of additional needs

Established in 2006 and now employing over 500 people, Phoenix Learning and Care Group operates 41 sites including residential children s homes specialist education schools & colleges and ongoing adult care (in the form of residential homes and supported living settings) across the South of England and Wales Its mission is to meet every individual’s social and educational needs enabling young people to flourish by always putting them at the centre of its thinking and practice Regulated by Ofsted CIW Estyn and CQC the Group supports children and young adults cope with their life experiences providing them with the skills to be effective productive and valued members of society The business is also backed by Ashridge Capital who specialise in partnering with ambitious management teams and providing private equity capital Founded in 2009 by David Sherratt Ashridge Capital has a proven track record in helping build successful and market leading businesses

The £20m loan from OakNorth Bank will be used to support Phoenix Learning and Care Group s acquisition of new residential care and education sites as well as refinancing existing debt Situated throughout the South West of England, South Wales and having recently increased its presence in Berkshire

recent new sites include the Grange, Neptune and Ty Monmouth Schools located in Thatcham Bristol and Newport respectively

François Delbaere CFO of Phoenix Learning and Care Group commented: “Every member of the team at Phoenix is passionate about improving the quality of life and outcomes for the people we support From our headquarters in the South West of England we continue to grow across the South of England and Wales, this bespoke funding from OakNorth will help further accelerate our growth This was our first time working with OakNorth Bank and we found their approach dynamic and entrepreneurial throughout the entire lending process It was great to see Stewart and his team take time to really get to know our business and its key drivers – an approach we haven t seen from other lenders we’ve worked with previously ” Stewart Haworth Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth Bank added “Following the launch of Phoenix Learning and Care 17 years ago it has built up such a positive reputation across the South of England and Wales The level of experience that the business has to offer coupled with its hugely talented team puts it in the perfect position to capitalise on the growing demand for specialist education and care services With over 260 children and young adults benefiting from Phoenix’s services we re delighted to have been able to support such a wellrenowned and established provider of specialist education and residential care and we look forward to watching their growth story going forward

For further information on Oaknorth Band see the advert on the facing page

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