The Carer Digital - Issue #177

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Issue 177

Social Services in Wales Face Budget Gap of £646m Between 202427 as Demand “Rockets”

A wave of public spending cuts has been announced in Wales as the Welsh Government said it was forced to make “stark and painful” choices for its draft budget for 2024-25, with social services in Wales forecasting a budget gap of £646m over the next three years.

Councils, which provide support and adult social care have warned that cuts will have to be made unless they receive extra funding.

Speaking as she published the Welsh Government’s spending plans for 20242025, the Finance Minister said that Welsh Ministers had faced the “most stark and painful budget choices for Wales in the devolution era” as they developed the draft Budget.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

So, its “farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024!”

We did, in last week’s issue, include a brief recap from our front pages between January and June 2023, so thought it prudent to take a look back at the period between July and December 2023!

July: saw the government announced its long-term workforce plan for the NHS Editor but completely ignored social care. We also reported the good news that adult social care workforce grew for the first time in many years, but the highlight of the month was the announcement of a new drug described as a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s. We have been following this story, and it is only early days, but any positive news regarding the fight against Alzheimer’s is always welcome. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also received a warning from the health care sector not to backtrack on former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s social care promise made in 2019.

August: This month saw a TV exclusive between Care England and Channel 4 revealing that the government is underfunding adult social care by as much as £1.5 billion a year. August also saw the promotion of the government’s new vaccination booster programme with care residents urged to get vaccinated prior to autumn. The month also saw trade unions call for the government to implement a workforce strategy as the recruitment crisis in the sector deepened.

September: This month saw the government’s vaccination booster programme brought forward as warnings of new strains of Covid became news, and September also saw a government pledge of a £40 million winter boost for adult social care. It would be very interesting to see if that had ever been implemented and where it went! The Lib Dems promised at their annual conference in Bournemouth to pledge £5 billion a year guarantee of free care packages throughout England, adding that social care reform would be a major priority for the party.

October: This month saw the National Care Forum set out five social care “must haves” for the next government as the sector began to set its stall out for the 2024 general election.

October also saw the third “Made with Care campaign” launch, in a government bid to boost the domestic workforce

Peter Adams

within adult social care. Skills for Care announced plans to develop a 15 year workforce strategy within the social care sector as it published its annual State of adult social care and workforce report, revealing a 1% rise in the workforce between April 22 March 23 largely driven by an increase in international recruitment. October also saw the alarming headline of unsustainable pressures on social care leading to a two-tier healthcare system, with those who can afford treatment and support paying while those who can’t facing long waits and reduced access.

November: This month saw the release of a new pilot scheme launched to monitor infections in care homes. The national surveillance study which was originally set up in response to COVID received government funding to monitor infections in care homes. November also saw sector disappointment at the King’s speech which remained silent on social care, and adding insult to injury, November also saw the news announced that over £1 billion of the 1.7 billion the government had committed to reforming adult social care was diverted to other priorities. Also in the same month disappointment grew to anger at the Chancellor’s Autumn statement which saw the sector once again “left out in the cold”. The only mention of adult social care in the Chancellor’s budget was a comment to “reaffirm” commitments made in 2022.

December: As the year drew to a close it was revealed that dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, which was something most people within the sector already knew. Described as the biggest health crisis of our time analysis revealed that dementia accounts for over one in 10 deaths across the country and had claimed 74,000 lives this year. December also saw the announcement that social care was exempt from the new immigration thresholds which brought welcome relief to operators within the sector. News that the Department of levelling up, Housing and communities had announced its provisional local government settlement for 2024/25 brought bitter disappointment. The increase of 6.5% worth £64 billion to support councils in England to deliver frontline services saw the government warned that this will leave councils significantly worse off financially and put huge pressure on adult social care services.

Will 2024 be as tumultuous for the sector? With a general election looming I suspect the government will throw the sector something of a lifeline (they always do when elections are looming!)

Timing is pivotal in general election year as are political promises.

For my “tenpenneth”, the manifestos put forth by political parties must reflect a comprehensive understanding of the

intricate needs of the adult social care and care home sector.

The following key points should be central to any party manifesto aspiring to fortify and uplift our social care community: 1. Workforce Investment: A commitment to substantial investment in training, recruitment, and retention strategies to address the critical shortage of skilled professionals within the sector. This includes fair wages, improved working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement.

2.Financial Sustainability: A clear and sustainable funding plan that ensures the financial stability of care homes and adult social care services. This must include provisions for adapting to the evolving needs of the sector and maintaining high standards of care.

3.Technological Advancements: Embracing and integrating innovative technologies to enhance the efficiency of care delivery, streamline administrative processes, and improve communication between caregivers, residents, and their families.

4.Quality Assurance: A commitment to robust regulatory frameworks and stringent quality standards that prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of those receiving care.

Regular inspections and assessments should be conducted to uphold and exceed these standards.

5.Community Integration: Recognizing the vital role of adult social care in fostering community connections and combating isolation among vulnerable individuals. Support for initiatives that promote social engagement and inclusion should be an integral part of the manifesto.

I would also take this opportunity to thank the many MANY care homes around the country who have shared with us their festive celebrations. Our Christmas competition closes on Friday so there is still time to get your entry in, but we are delighted to say we have had a wonderful response, which, as often said, is a testament to the hard work and dedication care homes and care staff around the country undertake to make her environments as uplifting and as homely as possible. £100 worth of Marks & Spencer vouchers will be on its way to a lucky winner next week and please do watch out for our festive supplement where we will share all your wonderful photographs!

On that note we here at THE CARER hope that the new year will usher in positive change, unwavering support, and a renewed sense of purpose in our shared commitment to compassionate care.

Wishing you all a prosperous and fulfilling New Year.

I can always be contacted at editor@thecareruk.com

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 3

Social Services in Wales Face Budget Gap of £646m Between 2024-27 as Demand “Rockets” (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) As a result of persistently high inflation, Wales’s overall budget is worth £1.3 billion less in real terms than when it was set in 2021; and the settlement, which largely comes from the UK government in the form of a block grant, is not sufficient enough to respond to the extreme pressures that public services, businesses and people are facing.

DIFFICULT DECISIONS Finance Minister, Rebecca Evans, said: “We have had to take some really difficult decisions to radically redesign our spending plans to focus funding on the services which matter most to the people of Wales.”

“After 13 years of austerity, a botched Brexit deal, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, this is the toughest financial situation Wales has faced since the start of devolution. Our funding settlement, which comes largely from the UK government, is not enough to reflect the extreme pressures Wales faces.”

“We have been presented with the most stark and painful budget choices in the devolution era. We have reshaped departmental spending plans so that we can invest more in the NHS and protect core local government funding for schools, social care and the other services we rely on every day.”

“While the UK government has not provided Wales with a funding settlement that recognises the impact of inflation, we have made changes to our spending plans and targeted investment towards the public services we all value the most.”

The additional funding for the NHS in 2024-2025 comes on top of the additional £425 million which was announced in October for the remainder of this financial year, and which was baselined into the budget for the future. This means that Health will receive more than a 4% increase for 2024-2025, compared to less than 1% in England.

The core local government settlement, which along with local council tax, funds services including schools, social services and social care, bin collections and local leisure facilities, will also be protected, with a

3.1% increase.

RECORD LEVELS OF DEMAND The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) said councils were facing record levels of demand in both children's and adult services, which has led to a £108.7m overspend this year.

The WLGA and the Association of Directors of Social Services have predicted their funding gaps in social services if services stay the same for the next three years.

Huw David, WLGA's spokesperson for health and social care, said departments received more than 1,000 calls a day from people concerned about children at risk of abuse or neglect as well as families that struggle to support elderly relatives or relatives with learning disabilities.

"We have to act and protect our most vulnerable people," he said.

The WLGA and the Association of Directors of Social Services have predicted they will need an extra £646m over the next three years.

The Welsh government has not published any spending plans beyond the end of the financial year 2024-25.

increase in teachers’ pay, which means that councils will be expected to meet the cost of a Welsh Government spending commitment.”

“Since the onset of austerity, over £1bn has been lost from Welsh local government budgets. Councils have worked hard to find efficiencies and reduce costs, but the easy savings have long gone. Local government cannot continue to be expected to make significant budget cuts without seriously impacting the viability of our services.”

ENSURE SUFFICIENT FUNDING FOR SOCIAL CARE David Phillips of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said the budget “clearly prioritises core NHS services, making very tough choices across a range of other services to provide a £730 million (8%) boost to what they pencilled in to spend this time last year”.

The Welsh NHS Confederation said: “NHS leaders don’t take it for granted that the NHS receives a huge proportion of the Welsh Government budget. But the NHS is only one factor contributing to the health of the population, so we must ensure sufficient funding for sectors that directly impact the wider determinants of health, including social care.”

REVIEW CAP LIMITS

EXTREMELY CONCERNED

Mr David suggested it was time to review the cap that limits the amount people pay for home care. Currently, the maximum cost of home care is £100 a week. In England there is no cap.

"While that cap supports people on middle incomes, there are very wealthy people who are not paying the full cost of their care. There needs to be a sharing of that burden," Mr David said. I think we can still have a cap that supports thousands of people across Wales but a cap that reflects that the costs have risen significantly."

Councillor Llinos Medi, WLGA Plaid Cymru Group Leader: “Rocketing demand in adult social care, children’s services, and housing, clearly shows that local services are needed more than ever amidst a Cost-ofLiving crisis which is negatively affecting communities. However, whilst we appreciate the difficult circumstances for the Welsh Government, this settlement will do little to ease the pressure on services. I’m disappointed to see that no extra money has been allocated to cover the

A government spokesperson said: "We're protecting the core local government settlement , which funds social services and social care providing the 3.1% increase to local authorities, as we promised last year.

"We are also carefully examining whether charges for some services, including domiciliary care, need to be raised in light of the current situation."

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies MS said: “Vulnerable people across Wales will be extremely concerned by this funding gap.”

“The Labour Welsh Government hold all of the funding levers; they could also instruct councils to use a proportion of their reserves to fill the budget gap and properly resource our social services. Instead of spending crucial resources on blanket 20mph and more politicians, the Labour Government should be prioritising health and social care.”

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

Care As a Career – Not a Stepping Stone ‘Creating a Sustainable Skills Pipeline for Care’

By Ric Thompson, Managing Director - Health & Care at Advanced (www.oneadvanced.com) 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 [insert link], 97% of care providers say they have problems recruiting staff and 98% have trouble with employee retention.

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, highquality 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 documents 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.

Implementing a Learning and Development (L&) 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.

Great Yarmouth Centenarian Elsie’s 100 Birthday Cards Request Exceeds All Expectations When a call was put out to send 100 birthday cards to a Great Yarmouth care home resident for her 100th birthday, little did she expect such a huge response.

Elsie Smith, who lives at Black Swan Care Group’s Park House care home on Alexandra Road in Great Yarmouth celebrated her 100th birthday on Christmas Eve and the team at the home sent out a call for people to send cards to help her celebrate her special day. As the final count concluded, the final number was a massive 312!

Cards arrived at the home from London, Scotland and even Oklahoma in the United States of America. There was also of course a card from the King and Queen, plus special cards from local schoolchildren and the Mayor of

Great Yarmouth, who is planning to visit in person in the New Year.

Elsie spent the day itself celebrating with her close family and friends, and when she returned to the home, she enjoyed opening and reading all 312 cards with her friends and staff at the home.

Home Manager Maria Prodan said: “On behalf of Elsie, her family, and all of us here at Park House, we would like to say “Thank You” to everyone who took the time and effort to send Elsie a birthday wish. After 3 days of celebrations and reading all the lovely messages from friends, family and the local and wider community, Elsie has thoroughly enjoyed herself. All that’s left for us to say is “Happy 100th Birthday Elsie” and cheers to a century of knowledge, wisdom and life that you possess.”

Cleva: Simplify Expenses and Boost Your Income with an Award-Winning Shopping and Expense Card Cleva, an award-winning shopping and expense card provides an easy way for organisations to shop on behalf of their vulnerable and elderly clients.

Through ‘single card switching’ technology, it allows carers or support teams to effortlessly handle the finances of multiple clients with just one card. This not only simplifies processes but also reduces administrative burdens significantly – Cleva clients are now saving over 70 minutes of admin time, per client per month!

UNLOCK NEW REVENUE STREAMS Cleva is also proven to boost revenue by enabling organisations to offer a chargeable shopping service to clients, creating a valuable additional income stream. With time and resource saving as well as an extra income opportunity, it makes Cleva an indispensable tool for enhancing the financial health of organisations.

SECURE SPENDING FOR VULNERABLE USERS

For vulnerable users who want to spend their own money, Cleva provides access to choice and a way for them to spend in a monitored and safe environment, with no risk of becoming overdrawn or overwhelmed. Bespoke spending controls can be added to each vulnerable users’ card, and their carer or support team can also have a Cleva card to help with spending, if needed.

TRANSPARENCY AND SAFEGUARDING Cleva goes beyond financial efficiency and fosters a safe and transparent environment for both carers and organisations. With complete accuracy and visibility in the app and management platform, false allegations of theft become a thing of the past. When surveyed, 100% of organisations felt more confident in safeguarding their employees at work thanks to Cleva.

Crowned winner of the 2023 National Care Awards, in the Tech Innovation of the Year category, Cleva really is showcasing the power of technology merged with care experts in an underserved industry.

Ready to find out more? Click here: clevacard.com/thecarer

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 5

Junior Doctors In England Begin Longest Single Strike Action In NHS History As tens of thousands of junior doctors in England begin an unprecedented 6 days of strike action today (January 3).

The British Medical Association’s junior doctors committee (JDC) have called on the Health Secretary to make a “credible offer on pay” which could bring an end to the strikes.

BMA junior doctors committee co-chairs Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi said: “Doctors would have liked to start the new year with the hope of an offer on pay that would lead to a better-staffed health service and a better-valued profession.

Instead, doctors are still set to be paid £15.50 an hour and are being forced to go back out on strike by a Government that cannot get its act together and make the reasonable offer on pay it knows it eventually must.

“We spent the holiday period hoping we would get the ‘final offer’ that the Health Secretary had promised us last year. Sadly, we have received no such offer despite repeatedly saying we would meet for talks any

time over Christmas. We will continue to offer to meet throughout these coming strikes. All we need is a credible offer we can put to members and we can call off these strikes.

“Morale across the health service is at an all-time low. 15 years of pay erosion have meant a 26% real terms pay cut for an increasingly undervalued workforce who are overstretched and left yet again to carry the burden of years of the neglect and decline this Government has overseen. Many will be wondering if their chosen career is still worth pursuing – the Government has the chance to show those doctors they still have a future working in this country.

“This strike marks another unhappy record for the NHS – the longest single walkout in its history. But as we have said all along, there is no need for any records to fall: we can call off this strike now if we get an offer from Government that we can put to members. Doctors want 2024 to be the start of a renewed workforce which can finally provide high quality care for patients again – it is for the Government to put forward a credible offer and facilitate that journey.”

Your Last Chance to Be in With A Chance to Win! Simply Share Your Christmas Celebrations with Us! With Christmas now behind us, it's your last chance to enter THE CARER's popular Christmas celebration competition!

A no-frills competition, nothing complicated. All we ask you to do is share your Christmas care home celebrations with us.

Anything you did in your care home over the festive period - whether

Just send us a small paragraph of what you did and who was involved, along with any photographs to nominate@thecareruk.com and leave the rest to us!

This years’ prize is £100 in Marks & Spencer vouchers for a lucky care home winner!

it was parties, menus, baking, activities, fundraising, carolling and con-

So please do send your entries to nominate@thecareruk.com

certs, local community initiatives - just share your activities with The

One of our lucky entrants will then be chosen to receive the grand

Carer and we will pick a winner.

It really is that simple!

prize!

Entries close at midnight on Friday 5th January 2024.

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

ChatGPT and the Adult Care System - We Need To Be Aware Of The Limitations

Nourish Care’s Chief Product Officer Jeremy Baldwin on why the care sector should be careful in rushing to adopt AI

There are many great examples of AI being used to positive effect in health and social care leading some care providers to look at open platforms like ChatGPT to generate care plans and make calls on tech providers to build into their systems. I get the attraction but we shouldn’t rush in.

Yes, plans created through ChatGPT can read really well and appear person-centred, saving time, and improving the perceived standard of the plans generated, but there are significant data privacy, clinical safety and quality issues to consider. These relate to how and when the AI is being used, who or what is making the decision and who is responsible if something goes wrong.

A single care provider deciding to accept these risks in their own clinical safety cases is one thing while setting best practice by integrating into systems such as Nourish that are used at scale across the sector is quite another.

A common understanding of AI is technology performing human tasks and decisions. At the most basic level, asking the AI to perform a specific, usually administrative, but cognitive task like writing a report through to the AI automating decisions or tasks based on a set of rules and then to autonomous applications where the AI is doing both the decision making and action without intervention - care delivering robots, which begs the question, will the human be replaced? Can you take the human out of health care? Or perhaps put another way can the AI care?

In reality, this is all a long way off in the care sector, if it happens at all. The careful, considered and responsible adoption of AI will reap benefits but, as always, will take longer to manifest than we think.

Automation in our digital systems is nothing new. It’s core to Nourish and how we are developing best practice to help ensure that the right things happen at the right time.

What’s changed is the availability of open language models like ChatGPT. They are trained to understand natural language, intent, and context for the action or decision and can respond with human-style conversation. This makes them useful and attractive.

Using ChatGPT to give better structure to a care plan, and make it easier for others to consume is fine as is using it as a starting point for personalised care plans but not if it’s being used to generate the plan from scratch.

A ChatBot that makes it easier to access and understand information from a defined source — such as an individual’s personalised care plan and record — and is really powerful, but caution should be applied if this ends up being advice or recommendation based on data from multiple, open sources. Where is this data coming from? What happens if there is a conflict? Which fact (or more likely opinion) should I use?

Nourish is advancing rapidly and one of the biggest areas of growth is integrations. What will revolutionise care is the use of devices and wearables, along with home automation devices that allow us to improve care in community settings, particularly in people’s homes. It’s a huge technological leap. All of these things become part of the puzzle in being able to identify what normal looks like for this person and to be able to identify and monitor anomalies. This makes it easier to identify those at greatest risk, or urgent need and manage resourcing accordingly.

AI will continue to grow and Nourish is effectively creating a model of what good social care looks like.

We’re ideally placed to do that as we’re instrumental in providing digital care support in almost a quarter (24%) of the market, which gives us access to a huge dataset that is growing all the time. AI modelling of these data sets over time, will inform better practice but we still need human beings to make those important care decisions.

Automations that reduce the burden on care teams for administrative, reporting and compliance have to be a good - and safe thing. Automated workflows that guide and nudge on the next best action will lead to faster and better interventions, but caution is needed if this strays into the generation and application of treatment plans or response to an event.

This need to keep decision-making in human hands won’t hinder advancement. Those predicting that we will be cared for by robots and automated systems in a few years' time will be proven wrong. It’s not going to be futuristic care of the imagination, it will be slow because the system is slow. There is still a very long way to go and one thing I predict is that we’ll seriously underestimate the impact that AI will have on social care in the future.

ABOUT NOURISH CARE Nourish is the leading provider of digital care management software in the UK. Nourish was one of the first digital social care record suppliers to be recognised as an NHS Transformation Directorate Assured Supplier at launch and is accredited by PRSB as a Quality Partner. The easy-to-use technology provides care teams with person-centred tools, timelines, assessments and more to drive outstanding care and improve outcomes for those with support needs. Nourish works with more than 3,500 care services in the UK and overseas within residential homes, nursing homes, learning disability services, mental health services, and other care settings.

www.nourishcare.com

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 7

Transforming The Quality Of Care In Care Homes Through Better Use Of Data A British Geriatrics Society report makes key recommendations for the effective use of a national minimum dataset to deliver the best possible care in UK care homes and domiciliary care.

The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) hosted an event to discuss ideas and best practice around a minimum dataset for care homes. Health and social care practitioners, academics, system leaders and policymakers came together to consider how the collection and use of data could help to inform better care.

makers impetus towards commissioning a minimum dataset in long term care homes that is robust enough to inform care decisions. It is essential that they do so with urgency.”

THE BGS REPORT REVEALS: - Smarter data, better care: Empowering care homes to use data to transform quality of care’ sets out the barriers to and opportunities for collecting standardised care data. It contains insights from the National Institute of Health Research DACHA studyand from interRAI as well as from other national and international studies using social care data. It summarises the accumulated experience of several research and data teams and reflects on the “state of the art” in minimum datasets.

- The COVID-19 pandemic gave new impetus to transforming how social care data is collected, shared and used. There is a genuine appetite across the health and care sector to support those providing, receiving and commissioning care through better use of data.

In the report, the BGS makes 12 recommendations for policymakers and regulators to consider. This includes ensuring a national minimum dataset is genuinely a resource for better care, by ensuring that its format, content and method of implementation are meaningful and useful for people living in care homes and those caring for them.

Professor Adam Gordon, President of the British Geriatrics Society, said: The troubling revelations from recent hearings at the COVID inquiry remind us how little policymakers and healthcare leaders knew about care homes at the beginning of 2020. This was, in part, due to a lack of data. We must never be in a situation again where we are asked to make life or death decisions about the most vulnerable members of our society without the data to do so. Data also has an important role to play in delivering the best care day-to-day.

With this in mind, I’m delighted that the BGS is publishing this report. We hope that this helps give policy-

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PAGE 8 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

Weathering The Storm: How Can Care Operators Cope With Current Challenges?

By Jonathan Dunn, Partner in the Restructuring Advisory team at FRP Advisory (www.frpadvisory.com) and a qualified Accountant and Insolvency Practitioner.

Much ink has been spilled chronicling the challenges facing the UK’s care sector.

Recently, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) released its annual assessment of the state of health and social care in England, with the headline finding being that there is currently a two-tier system at play. As a result, those who can afford to pay for treatment are able access it easily and freely, while those who cannot face longer wait times and reduced quality of care.

This has been underpinned by the inability of local authorities to keep pace with rising costs and the increasing amount of people who need care.

Challenges in the workforce have also worsened in the last year, exacerbated by prolonged industrial action.

There is no doubt that operators are facing a substantial challenge – so what should managers be aware of, and how can they shore up operations in the coming months?

TAKING CARE OF ENERGY As is the case in many sectors, care operators are acutely experiencing the impact of soaring energy prices. Running a home can be particularly energy intensive, especially throughout the colder months.

Providers and customers may be eligible for discounted wholesale gas and electricity prices under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which runs until April 2024. However, despite wholesale gas prices beginning to fall, the underlying issue of elevated bills is likely to linger for some time, especially following the recent announcement that the energy price cap will increase in January.

We would advise operators to continue to take regular meter readings to ensure that they aren’t relying on estimated bills and are only paying for what they use. Those who are locked into electricity and gas contracts should also check their contract end dates and whether they need to send a termination notice to switch suppliers.

If your contract is set to end soon, you can start shopping around for the best price available. Armed with the indicative pricing, this information can help inform cash flow forecasting.

We always recommend a 13-week cash flow forecast, which will also take in weekly and monthly receipts and payments, and quarterly payments like VAT, rent and interest charges, to identify peaks and troughs

through the period.

Should any shortfalls be identified, management teams will need to carefully review their options and put in place robust contingency plans.

Increases in local authority fees don’t reflect the increase in operational costs, so homes with private residents will be looking to raise their fees to compensate. But ultimately firms must also think long term, with a focus on making facilities and operations as energy efficient as possible.

SKILLS AND BILLS The sector is also facing a growing skills crisis. Low wages in the sector have pushed many to find better paid, more flexible jobs elsewhere, and more than a quarter of care workers are aged 55 or over and nearing retirement themselves.

This was an issue even before the pandemic, but there is no doubt that Covid caused many in the industry to re-evaluate their careers.

As a result, many homes can’t take new admissions because of low staffing levels, or have had to turn to expensive agency staff, which is only increasing financial pressures. And although our advice would usually include considering the potential to prioritise staff retention through financial incentives, such as bonuses paid to an employee to stay with the company for a specific amount of time, we appreciate that for many this is not a feasible option.

As a result, it is likely that we may see an uptick in M&A activity in the sector, as firms look to consolidate their operations and benefit from pooling resources. This will especially be the case for independent care homes, which can greatly benefit from utilising the economies of scale bought by merging with a more established operator.

Overseas recruitment will also likely form part of the solution, and recent changes to Migration Advisory Committee rules that allow care firms to recruit from overseas are welcome. However, it’s worth noting that the government’s recent decision to ban care workers moving to the UK using the Care Worker Visa from bringing dependants will likely impact the sector’s labour market further.

It’s been a turbulent few years for the care sector, and many operators will be pleased by indicators that the cost of living crisis is beginning to ease.

Despite this, it’s likely that the difficulties being experienced in the sector will persist in the coming months. Being proactive in forming a plan and building resilience is a sure-fire way for operators to better navigate the market conditions.

Gold Care Homes Pays Tribute to Chairman, Ravi Gidar Gold Care homes has announced the death of its co-founder Ravi Gidar who sadly passed away just before Christmas at his family home.

Ravi, together with his brother Sukhi, both pharmacists, started Gold Care Homes in 1999 with the opening of Queens Way House in Hemel Hempstead and continued to grow the company which now has 33 homes around the country. Ravi was Chairman of the company and Sukhi leads all property elements of the family business, Sukhi is a board member of the National Care Association and Ravi was the Vicechair of the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association.

The company recently completed the acquisition of three new services in London as it approached its 25th anniversary.

In a tribute Gold Care Homes said that Ravi: “Was a beloved father and the rock of his family, a pillar of society, a mentor and a friend to all those who worked with him. The name Ravi Gidar will always be synonymous with the name Gold Care Homes and his legacy will be continued in our unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of residents in our care by bringing them joy happiness and fulfilment”.

RECREO VR Launches Virtual Reminiscence Tool To Improve Wellbeing In Care Homes Care home residents across the UK are experiencing captivating, personalised virtual environments to improve their mental and social wellbeing with the launch of innovative VR technology built specifically for the care sector and supported by Alzheimer’s Society’s innovation programme.

With Recreo VR residents can experience environments that reflect their own personal histories, hobbies they’ve enjoyed and places of interest from their past, such as favourite holiday destinations. Bespoke content can be requested by individuals, promoting person-centred care and empowerment while helping to stimulate memories. The easy-to-use headsets and software, which come with full training and support for staff, have proven successful in trials, with 90 out of 100 people living with dementia enjoying their experience.

Feedback from residents and care home staff has been hugely positive across the trials as Danielle Savage Care Home Manager at Wrawby Hall said: “To see the smiles on their faces was just wonderful. We can't recommend Recreo VR enough.”

“A lot of what the residents were seeing on the headset prompted memories for our residents, which they were then able to discuss and reminisce about. Such a truly wonderful experience. My heart could burst and I did have a few tears, it's amazing our residents can have these wonderful experiences.”

Founders Alex and Sam were inspired to create Recreo VR after seeing the transformation a journey to a familiar beach had on Sam’s grandmother towards the end of her life. Joyce, who lived with dementia and had been non-verbal for a long time, began to smile and engage in conversation during the trip. This experience is what Sam and Alex aim to replicate using VR technology, as they said: “We believe that virtual reality has the power to transform the lives of residents, build social connections and enhance their quality of life.

We want to empower care organisations to embrace new technology and create experiences in their settings that have a noticeable impact on both residents, their families and staff that go beyond the traditional approaches.”

Recreo VR, is supported by Alzheimer’s Society’s Accelerator Programme, a service that champions dementia innovation.

Simon Lord, Head of Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We’ve been blown away by the impact Recreo VR has had on people living with dementia and the incredible feedback from the care sector. We believe in the power of technology to help improve and personalise care for people with dementia, which is why we chose to support the founders to develop the product and use our testing panels to help shape the experiences. It’s vital that those living with the condition are able to still do things that bring them fulfilment, for as long as possible. And that’s exactly what products like Recreo VR can provide.”

The headset, which was rated comfortable by 97% of residents during trials, is lightweight and counterweighted for increased comfort. When it is turned on the Recreo VR app immediately loads and is easy to use, with sessions led by carers making it accessible for residents to engage with.

The software doesn't require the use of controllers and difficult interfaces, reducing barriers for engagement for both carers and the people they support.

Recreo VR creates experiences using strict filming criteria to ensure the environments are suitable for older people, and the reminiscence content has been co-designed with individuals living with dementia.

To discover more about Recreo VR and its ability to enhance the lives of residents and empower caregivers visit recreovr.co.uk.

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Longest Strike in NHS History Leaves Local Services ‘Skating on the Thinnest of Ice’, Warn NHS Leaders The NHS is just over 48 hours away from the longest period of strike action in its 75-year history in what is usually the most pressurised week of the year, with NHS leaders warning that patient safety will again be put at serious risk.

Many NHS trusts will be skating on the “thinnest of ice” due to winter pressures and a lack of key staff as junior doctors walk out for a total of 144 hours of uninterrupted stoppages. This will lead to thin rotas and local services being placed in a highly vulnerable position. Rising levels of flu, norovirus and COVID-19 in hospitals, combined with higher NHS staff absences due to COVID-19, is heightening the risk.

While the British Medical Association and government were unable to agree to national derogations for the January strikes, there is an agreement in place whereby junior doctors can be recalled for major incidents and extreme circumstances. To help mitigate the risks, NHS leaders are calling on the BMA to respond promptly to requests for junior doctors to be recalled and for the judgement of senior managers to be trusted when they say they need urgent cover from junior doctors.

NHS leaders continue to urge the BMA’s junior doctors committee to call off the strikes and for both the government and the BMA to resume talks in the hope that a lasting compromise can be found for the sake of the patients. But with just over 48 hours to go before the start of the six-day strike, hopes are fading that a compromise will be reached. The primary focus of local NHS organisations is now on putting measures and plans in place to protect patient safety.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation said: “Many NHS trusts will have thin rotas and will be in a highly vulnerable position as they enter what is widely regarded as the busiest week of the year for local NHS services. Parts of the NHS will be skating on very thin ice, and they will need the BMA to back any recall requests for junior doctors when services find themselves under extreme pressure.

“With the chances of the strikes being called off all but over, the focus of every NHS leader and their staff is now on mitigating as many of the considerable risks that they face as possible. But they shouldn’t have to be forced into this position again, especially at such a busy time for local services.

“To face almost 150 hours of continuous stoppages is a serious and unprecedented risk – and one that NHS leaders and their staff have never experienced before. The good news is that the NHS has again prepared extensively and has had to become adept at planning for strikes.

“While they will again do all they can to mitigate the risks, especially for patients needing emergency care, they have again been left with no choice but to schedule in less activity in anticipation of the strikes.

That means more delays for patients who have faced lengthy waits for routine treatment.”

The looming strikes will add to the lengthening toll of patients who have had their appointments and operations cancelled and then rescheduled. Figures published by NHS England at the end of December revealed that the total number of appointments and operations cancelled reached 1.2 million in 2023. Last month’s walk outs by junior doctors resulted in more than 86,000 cancellations.

Unless this number is to rise even further in 2024, NHS leaders are calling for political leadership from government and a renewed sense of direction that plots a path out of the industrial action impasse. Failure to do so will further impede progress against key waiting time targets.

THE STRIKES COME AT A TIME OF MAJOR OPERATIONAL PRESSURE FOR THE NHS, WITH THE LATEST WINTER STATS REVEALING: - Hospital flu cases have continued to rise rapidly and were six times higher than a month ago. Cases of Norovirus were 61% higher than the same week last year (an average of 452 patients were in hospital with diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms each day compared to 281 patients the same week last year). There were also 3,620 patients with COVID-19 in hospital on December 24, up 59% from 2,275 the previous month.

- Staff absences due to COVID-19 have risen by 51% since the end of November with an average of 2,597 members of staff off due to the virus every day last week, compared to 1,715 people at the end of November.

- The latest stats also revealed the highest number of ambulances arriving at hospitals so far this winter (93,454), while there was an average of 11,439 people each day in hospital who were medically ready but could not be discharged (however, this was over 2,700 fewer patients than the week before).

- Total general and adult bed occupancy remains high at 91.4%.

Residents Strike Up Friendship with Children Over Christmas Residents at Barchester’s Ashchurch View care home in Ashchurch, Tewkesbury have struck up a wonderful friendship with the children from Alderman Knight School. The children have been visiting regularly to spend time with the residents as well as singing for them this Christmas.

Just before Christmas there was also a special delivery for the residents, Assistant Head teacher Mr Hunt bought in a wonderful hamper full of Christmas fare. The residents were so grateful that the children and staff at the school had thought of them this Christmas and really look forward to seeing the children again in 2024 so they can thank them

in person.

Samantia DeFlorimonte-Rose, General Manager at Ashcurch View said: “Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year and our fantastic residents love to get festive so we’ve pulled out all the stops. Kindness from the local community means so much to our residents who are very much still part of the community here in Tewkesbury where many have lived all their lives. As well as the kind donation from Alderman Knight School our neighbours Babcock International also dropped off cakes for the residents. Thank you so much to all those who have supported the home this year.”

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New Protein Linked To Early-Onset Dementia Identified Researchers have established a first potential therapeutic target for a type of early-onset dementia.

Scientists have identified abnormal aggregates of a protein called TAF15 in the brains of individuals with early-onset dementia, known as frontotemporal dementia, where the cause was not previously known.

Most neurodegenerative diseases, including dementias, involve proteins aggregating into filaments called amyloids. In most of these diseases, researchers have identified the proteins that aggregate, allowing them to target these proteins for diagnostic tests and treatments.

But, in around 10% of cases of frontotemporal dementia, scientists had yet to identify the rogue protein. Now, scientists have pinpointed aggregated structures of the protein TAF15 in these cases.

Frontotemporal dementia results from the degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control emotions, personality and behaviour, as well speech and understanding of words. It tends to start at a younger age than Alzheimer’s disease, often being diagnosed in people aged 45 to 65, although it can also affect younger or older people.

A team of researchers led by scientists from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), in Cambridge, UK, has identified aggregated structures of a protein that could provide a target for the future development of diagnostic tests and treatments.

The research is published in the journal ‘Nature’ today.

Dr Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon, who led the study at the MRC LMB,

Some people who have frontotemporal dementia also have motor neuron disease, a condition in which individuals progressively lose control over their muscles. In this study, two of the individuals who donated their brains had signs of both diseases. For these individuals, the researchers identified the same aggregated structure of TAF15 in brain regions associated with motor neuron disease.

Dr Ryskeldi-Falcon said: “The presence of the same TAF15 aggregates in two individuals who had frontotemporal dementia and signs of motor neuron disease raises the possibility that TAF15 may contribute to both diseases. We are now studying whether aberrant aggregated TAF15 is present in people who have motor neurone disease in the absence of frontotemporal dementia.” said: “This discovery transforms our understanding of the molecular basis of frontotemporal dementia. It is a rare finding of a new member of the small group of proteins known to aggregate in neurodegenerative disease.”

“Now that we have identified the key protein and its structure, we can start to target it for the diagnosis and therapy of this type of frontotemporal dementia, similar to strategies already in the pipeline for targeting the aggregates of amyloid-beta and tau proteins that characterise Alzheimer’s disease.”

Wilson the Wallaby Visits Residents Paternoster House Care Centre, in Waltham Abbey, had a very unusual Christmas visitor, Wilson the white wallaby!

Residents at Paternoster House were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friend jumping around the home.

Performing Pets who bought along the special visitor explained the significance of white wallabies at Christmas, in Australia legend has it that Santa swapped his six reindeer for six white wallabies.

Wilson enjoyed exploring, but was equally happy cuddling up to residents and staff. His fur was beautifully soft and like so

many animals had real intuition as he calmly sat on residents’ beds and was very gentle.

Sandy Phillips, Activities Coordinator arranged the visit and said “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitor today. We often go out on trips in the minibus but having animals come into the home is fun and something all our residents can enjoy especially as some are unable to go out. We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

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Sustainable Workwear In The Care Sector

By Greg Houlston, General Manager at Alsico UK (www.alsico.co.uk)

The UK’s ageing population has created an increased need for adult social care. In England alone, over the next 25 years, the number of people older than 85 will double to 2.6 million. As a result, the care sector is expanding at an accelerated rate, with the UK care home workforce already totalling almost 750,000 and continuing to grow year-onyear. The sector is under immense pressure to continue delivering exceptional service to some of our most vulnerable UK residents, whilst also working towards industrywide net zero efforts.

High quality workwear is essential for those working in the care sector.

A well-designed uniform signals the wearer’s authority whilst enabling wearers to carry out their responsibilities safely and comfortably. The uniform helps care professionals to be identified easily by residents and visitors, which is particularly important in vulnerable moments. Due to the physical nature of the role, garments need to be able to stretch and facilitate a broad range of movement, while keeping wearers comfortable during long, demanding shifts. However, in recent years sustainability has also become a higher priority for the care sector, since the UK government’s commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. This industrywide target encouraged businesses to explore more sustainable working practices, including the care sector.

There has been a notable rise in workwear providers committing to more sustainable choices in the design and manufacture of uniforms in recent years. An increasing number of uniforms are now available

which have been developed with the use of sustainable fibre sources, e.g. sustainable cotton sources from partnerships with businesses such as the Better Cotton Initiative. Furthermore, a growing number of workwear manufacturers are opting to undertake verification processes to confirm the legitimacy of their sustainability claims. This is positive news for care home companies looking for more environmentally-considered options because independent verification processes such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) hold workwear companies accountable to their claims. Many organisations are voluntarily undergoing standardised verification processes, but stricter legislation around sustainability verification will significantly help to improve environmental requirements across the industry.

Whilst significant progress has been made already, there is still a long way to go and more to be done for uniform providers to offer the selection of sustainable options required. Despite the care sector’s commitment to sustainability, workwear developments must not neglect the requirement for durability and comfort.

Workwear providers who understand the needs of the sector will deliver designs that enable carers to work with the stretch and fit required, whilst contributing towards the care company’s own sustainability targets.

In addition to this, providers must understand the budget restrictions that the care sector is under, and factor this into the design process to ensure that the uniform manufactured is durable throughout the carer’s physical responsibilities, but also during the laundry process.

Attitudes towards sustainability and responsibility in the UK workwear industry in recent years are changing, however, there still remains a lack of consistency across the sector as a whole. The suitability of a carer’s uniform and how they feel when they wear it must be the highest priority for the care sector when making decisions about new workwear. However, the industrywide focus on net zero is not going away, and it is up to the workwear providers to ensure that care homes can work towards their own sustainability goals without compromising on performance. With an ageing population set to increase the number of care home residents and carers required in the years to come, the level of uniform required in the sector is only going to grow, which makes this task is therefore even more crucial now.

Edenmore Nursing Home Fosters Intergenerational Connection as Students from Ilfracombe Junior School Visits Edenmore Nursing Home, based in Ilfracombe North Devon, invites students into their home as part of their Intergenerational Linking Programme which aims to bring together different generations within the community. Students from Ilfracombe Junior School had the unique opportunity to visit Edenmore, fostering meaningful connections between the young and elderly as part of the homes commitment to community engagement.

During the visit, students engaged in various activities with the Residents, who are fondly referred to as family members, including storytelling, arts and crafts, and even a sing-a-long, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy. The interactions were not only enjoyable for the children but also had a positive impact on the family members.

Home Manger Gayle said, “It was so emotional to see the family members engaging with the children and one of the family members even made a little speech to the children thanking them for such an enjoyable time together.”

Edenmore’s intergenerational linking programme aligns with their commitment to the community and creating an environment that fosters meaningful connections.

The collaboration between Edenmore and Ilfracombe Junior School highlights a shared commitment to bridging generational gaps and bringing a sense of unity within our community. The intergenerational linking program not only provides valuable experiences for the students but also enriches the lives of the family members by offering them companionship and shared memories.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 13

Warning Over ‘Damaging’ In-House Home Care Plan A North Yorkshire health trust’s decision to create its own ‘in house’ home care service could backfire and leave vulnerable local people without care, providers have warned.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has launched its own home care service citing concerns that there isn’t enough existing provision to enable people to be discharged from hospital.

But a body representing care providers across Yorkshire says creating an in-house service isn’t the answer and might well result in reduced care.

The Yorkshire and The Humber Care Association Alliance (YHCAA) says the move is a backward step.

YHCAA member Mike Padgham, said: “Whilst we understand the health trust’s concerns about delayed hospital discharges, setting up an in-house service isn’t a viable, long-term solution.

“The trust will promise the most attractive pay, terms and conditions and future career progression opportunities that a role in the NHS can offer and create very severe recruitment competition for independent and local authority homecare providers.

“That could lead to these other providers struggling to recruit and, in the worst-case scenario, ceasing to operate – which would lead to an overall loss of home care provision and vulnerable people going without the daily help and support they rely upon.

“Or, the health trust will find itself having to provide more and more homecare to make up for that loss of provision and the cost of that to the NHS purse would be enormous.

“That isn’t a long-term solution, and it is better that the trust works with the local authority and local providers to help meet demand.

“If existing homecare providers were funded adequately there would be adequate provision to meet current and future demand. We have to work together to make that happen rather than introduce measures that might ultimately make the situation worse.

“The bulk of home care in the area is delivered by the private or notfor-profit sector, which has the track record of delivering it efficiently and effectively. When, in the past, home care was delivered by the public sector ‘in house’ it has not worked as well.”

And James Creegan, CEO of Kirklees Care Association, added: “Rather than talking about offering better terms and conditions to people who work for the trust, it would be more valuable if the trust worked with the wider social care sector to improve the terms and conditions of everyone, thereby ensuring equity and parity for all staff working in our social care and health system.

“The NHS and Local Authority are currently underfunding the social care sector by 20/25% less that the calculated Fair Cost of Care (2022/3) and this is the real barrier to recruitment and retention and therefore service provision. If providers were paid the fair cost of care for the services they provide they would be able to match the enhanced terms and conditions paid by the NHS.” Louise Bestwick, CEO of Bradford Care Association, said: “The trust’s decision to establish NHS home care provision to support discharge only further undermines the sustainability of the social care sector already at risk as result of continuous underfunding. Instead of seeking to compete for workforce with the social care, we should be working in partnership as a health and care system to ensure we have the skilled workforce in place to meet the increasing health and care demands of our communities.”

Historic under-funding of social care, exacerbated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, crippling fuel and utility bills and now chronic staff shortages have left all social care, including home care, in difficulty.

Mr Padgham, who is chair of the Independent Care Group, one of the founder members of the YHCAA, added: “It is doubtless these pressures that have resulted in a shortage of private sector home care provision in Harrogate, prompting the Trust’s decision to run a six-month trial. But we would prefer the Trust to work with us and local home care providers to see if there is an alternative to an in-house service.”

Alzheimer’s Society CEO Kate Lee Awarded The OBE For Services To Charity Kate Lee Alzheimer’s Society CEO, will receive an OBE for her work in the charity sector, as part of the 2024 New Year Honours List, for ‘services to charity’ as part of the 2024 New Year Honours.

OBEs are awarded to recognise and reward contributions across a number of areas, including work with charitable organisations.

Reacting to her OBE, Kate Lee, said: I’m honoured to be recognised in the New Year Honours List.

“I have been very lucky to spend my career leading amazing teams to deliver deep

and meaningful impact for people who need support – including here at Alzheimer’s Society.

“Every day dedicated colleagues are providing help and hope for the 900,000 people living with dementia across the UK. This award is as much about their achievements as mine.

“Some of it has been tough but most of it has been unbelievably rewarding.

“This award is a lovely way to mark the success of all the incredible organisations I’ve worked with across a diverse and vibrant charity sector.”

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The Huge Impact of Catering in Care Article by Laura Tighe, managing director for health, care, and retirement living, Caterplus (www.caterplus.co.uk) Food and drink served at care facilities have a huge impact on residents. Meals must provide all the right nutrients to keep residents healthy and satisfied and the portion sizes need to be fulfilling, but not overwhelming, and service goes far beyond the basics of keeping residents fed.

Food is also a social vehicle; mealtimes see residents interact with each other and with care staff, providing important socialisation and relationship-building time. The type of meals served can also be impactful, helping residents remember memories through their different senses.

Continuous improvement should be at the core of any food service provider’s approach in a care setting. By dedicating substantial resources to enhancing menu planning, nutrition, taste, flavour, hydration, food presentation, and technology, catering in care can become something beyond simply providing sustenance to residents.

An in-house dietician should work closely with care staff to understand the bespoke needs of the residents in each location, helping to build the most appropriate menu. This representative needs extensive knowledge about the specialised dietary requirements to support illnesses such as dementia and dysphagia, ensuring that the food is delicious and supports residents’ health needs.

keep traditional choices that customers love but it is also nice to present something new.

Themed meal events are a lovely way to bring people together, introduce new flavours and add value and enjoyment for residents.

Working closely with managers at homes, you can plan, manage, and deliver regular special events typically centred around food themes, creating an enhanced social experience at mealtimes.

WHAT TO SERVE

ENGAGING RESIDENTS AT MEALTIMES

Fresh, seasonable ingredients should be used to prepare nutritious meals, creating a selection of familiar, traditional favourites and exciting new dishes for residents to enjoy, including residents requiring texture-modified and specialist diets. Menus are always aimed at meeting the dietary, nutritional, and cultural needs of residents. It’s important to

Integrating employees within the community at the care homes during meal times is key. When mealtimes take place, employees can engage with residents and enable better social relations. Using this time to interact is essential for residents’ health and well-being, and also means staff are always on hand to help residents.

Ultimately, food is a wholly social vehicle, and it can be used to help integrate with the wider local community. Afternoon tea sessions are a great way to invite people, such as families, friends, and young people into homes. The research around intergenerational relationships demonstrates fantastic results, a popular idea includes inviting children from local schools to come in and spend time with the residents, promoting learning and positive socialisation for all generations.

Sensory tables are fully portable projection systems that can be used on any surface, and can also do a great job of engaging residents.

With emphasis on motion-activation, the inclusive sensory activities reward any level of participation and help to engage and motivate all generations. By looking to different, innovative ways to enrich residents' days, there can be inspiration for the catering teams and how they use food as a similar vehicle.

Residents love to see refreshed decorations too. Reimagining the dining rooms depending on the celebration can help make meal times that much more exciting and interactive for the residents, with menus reflecting the celebration where applicable, creating a full experience.

BUILDING BETTER Research from the British Nutrition Foundation helps catering teams understand in wider terms the importance of nutrition in older adults.

By sharing the work from inside care homes with these organisations, we can help enable further research in this field and make more informed decisions about food choices for residents.

In healthcare catering the priority is always to share positivity through food and for residents to be happy and comfortable.

Outstanding Social Care Awards for Willows Care Home, Romford Willows Care Home has received a Chief Nursing Silver Award for its outstanding contribution to Health and Social Care, while Gail St Juste-Alcide, its Clinical Manager, has been given a Chief Nursing Silver Award in recognition of her own impact on the sector.

The Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Awards celebrate the contribution of individual and teams of nurses and care workers who go above and beyond in their roles to provide outstanding care, leadership and inspiration to colleagues, patients and service users. Both awards were presented in person at the Romford-based home recently by Professor Deborah Sturdy OBE, the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, who afterwards enjoyed afternoon tea with residents and staff.

The 72-bed nursing home has had an interesting few years. In 2020 Registered Manager Claudia Ramsamy won the East of England Great British Care Awards’ Social Care Covid Hero Award for her courageous leadership during the pandemic. Two years later, the home enjoyed a visit by Sajid Javid, the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and in 2023 the Department of Health and Social Care chose Willows as the venue to film a social media video to begin a national consultation around careers in care. Barely a month later, Willows was chosen for yet more filming, this time a few scenes for BT Productions’ care home based film drama Restless, starring the award-winning stage, film and TV actor and producer Lyndsey Marshal. Finally, last month, Gail St Juste-Alcide attended a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by His Majesty King Charles III to celebrate the contribution of international nurses and midwives working in the UK’s health and social care sector, where she chatted with the King

about her experiences of the pandemic.

“It has certainly been an interesting few years,” says Claudia Ramsamy. “I’m so proud of everything that my staff and the home have achieved. They have consistently gone over and above and really deserve this wonderful accolade which we would like to dedicate to our lovely residents. I’m so delighted for Gail, too. She has brought tremendous knowledge and experience to her role of Clinical Manager and is an incredible support to myself and the team as well as residents and families. We are so lucky to have her!”

Gail adds: “It is an honour to receive this award. I could not have done it without the input of Claudia and the incredible team.”

THE STAFF WHO WERE PARTICULARLY NOMINATED AS PART OF THE TEAM AWARD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Emma Charleston – Healthcare Assistant Amalia Dincu – Head of Housekeeping Michelle Golbourn – Head of Activities Cheryl Greaves – Medicine Technician Jaspreet Kaur – Care Assistant Kailey Kellard – Administration Assistant Petar Mollov – Facilities Technician Iulia Musca – Registered Nurse Desislava Pavlova – Medicine Technician Russell Salantandol – Care Assistant

“Spoonful Of Fresh Honey A Day” Secret To Long Life For Resident At Hastings Home Who Turns 107 A resident at a Hastings home has put her love for bees and a “spoonful of fresh honey a day” the secret to her having a long life.

Marjorie Bartlett lives at MHA Lauriston and celebrated her 107th birthday.

The home provides residential, nursing and residential dementia care for 60 residents and arranged for a bee themed birthday party.

The highlight of the day for Marjorie was a birthday card from chief executive Sam Monaghan and ranked it equal with the telegram she received from King Charles III. Marjorie’s nephew and niece came to the party, which was held in one of the residential lounges.

Staff and residents were also present and had the opportunity to listen to Marjorie playing the piano.

Dionne McEwan, home manager said: “Marjorie is a very quiet person and

doesn’t like any fuss.

“She was made up when we told her Sam Monaghan had sent her a card and she said it was in line with the telegram she got from the King.

“She said she felt like she was on top of the world and it was amazing to see and hear such a reaction from her.

“It was a great day, everyone got involved and the atmosphere in the home was beautiful.

“Marjorie is a real joy in the home, she is still very active, plays the piano and is such a lovely person to have in the home.

“The card was a nice surprise for her, and just like last year when we asked her what the secret to a long life is, she replied a spoonful of fresh honey a day.”

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Cause For Hope Or Concern? What Social Care Will Look Like In 2024

By Sam Monaghan, Chief Executive of MHA

The Prime Minister recently confirmed that we will see a General Election in the UK, at some point in 2024. What an opportunity that is to shine a spotlight on social care – but will the sector get the attention it so desperately needs and deserves?

Regardless of the colour of the next government, now is the time for all parties to prioritise social care and build a more coherent and sustainable plan for its future.

Our sector continued to face significant challenges in 2023, including higher operational costs due to inflationary increases and high energy prices. We are also still seeing unacceptably long waiting list times for social care assessments.

On top of this, there are ongoing issues around staffing, and an estimated 150,000 vacancies remain across the sector. Care providers are struggling to both recruit and retain staff – and the latest rulings on

overseas care worker visas will do nothing to alleviate these problems.

We have long called for professionals working in our sector to be better valued and recognised. This would help us find, train, and retain the best people. Better pay and working hours, alongside access to relevant training and qualifications were also identified by Skills for Care as critical factors that would help to retain staff in future.

Unless we see significant investment from the Government in 2024 and beyond, these workforce pressures will continue to mount. The UK has an increasingly ageing population, so more and more people will rely on support in their homes or in permanent care settings, to avoid hospital admissions.

Aside from these ongoing issues, it’s important to recognise that the sector has made plenty of progress. Social care organisations have rallied to share experiences, discuss their collective needs -and collaboratively we have put forward some great ideas for change.

I heard many of these ideas exchanged first-hand during party conference season, as we joined social care fringe events for all three of the major political parties. I had the opportunity to sit on panels at both the Labour and Liberal Democrat conferences, where valuable and hugely positive conversations were had around what the future of the sector could look like.

We’ve also seen encouraging support for our own concept of a

Social Care Council, which we’re proposing that the Government funds and enables as part of our Fix Care For All campaign. This would act as an independent body, representing the 1.5 million skilled, professional people working in social care.

It would examine issues such as pay scales, accreditation, training, and recruitment – and would invest more into changing public perceptions around what it means to choose care as a profession.

Working together as a sector gives us a much stronger voice as we push for social care reform to be a key focus in the manifestos of all the major political parties. But we want to see commitment, not rhetoric, from policy makers in return. This means a vision, a strategy, and a properly costed plan to build real and lasting change for the most vulnerable people in our society and those who care for them.

We want young people to see social care as a rewarding career path, with potential for development and progression; flexibility that accommodates the various patterns of peoples’ working and family lives; fair pay - in line with other healthcare providers. And we want everybody who needs it to have access to good quality care.

In the build up to an election, like many other social care organisations, we will continue to push for the reform and investment that the sector deserves and requires – and we are committed to working with our peers and partners to ensure this is made a reality.

Digitising a Wellness Culture in Care People prefer to visit care homes with a wellness culture. The pervading peace of mind improves mental health, leading to a sense of well-being, reduced staff sickness, happier residents and better productivity. Wellness culture is a catalyst with real business benefits, while directly contributing to stability and better continuity of service. Culture is engendered from the top, often being a management strategy and forming part of quality programmes. It may seem surprising to some, but digital tech can have a major part in delivering a wellness culture.

Care Homes are frequently bombarded with wellness ideas and opportunities but, how many wellness service providers deliver physical wellness monitoring as part of a wellness strategy. For some, having a wellness strategy is a tick in a policy box which is a shame as it is so much more valuable and can deliver smiles, well-being, peace of mind and better profitability. Wide, inclusive wellness programmes incorporate physical wellness monitoring as this is the basis of well-being and is a demonstration of a wellness culture.

Delivering physical wellness checks has become so much easier with systems such as HealthCheckerPro™ from Flourish PPI which incorporate digital wellness monitoring facilities that automatically alert to symptoms associated with more than 37 different illnesses. This rapidity can be crucial by reducing medical

response times, leading to faster recovery. HealthCheckerPro™ is completely contactless, effortless to use and really, really fast, completing a wellness check in under 1 second, helping to keep the duty Care Home Manager alert to sickness.

This digital system stores the data from every check and has a real management benefit for care home operators with multiple homes as all wellness checks can be monitored live, simultaneously across every home together with any alerts.

There are even automated daily reports, and, as the system can also be used for access control, all attendance data can form part of fire records.

This new digital technology presents new opportunities which not only include true wellness monitoring but provide a host of efficiencies that make the care workplace a better one for all . Taking this approach is not expensive either as HealthCheckerPro™ systems start at just £12.82 per week so, true wellness monitoring is a ‘no brainer’ and helps to bring smiles and joy every day, everywhere.

Steve Hathaway is Business Development Director for Wincheeter based company, Flourish PPI, a brand of Dijital Technologies Ltd, a pioneering digital tech organisation in the Care Home sector.

See the advert on the facing page for details.

Marr Procurement: Continuing to Invest In Resourcing Solutions for the Care Sector Introducing Dan Ashenden our new head of M-Resourcing M-Resourcing are delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Ashenden to lead our M-Resourcing service with effect from 1 December 2023.

M-Resourcing offers a multi-faceted approach to solving complexresourcing problems facing the care sector. Whether you facespiralling staffing costs and pressures, or simply require a newapproach to managing this critical area for your organisation, ourcomprehensive resourcing solution reduces costs, brings controland allows you to plan for the future with confidence.

We knowfrom talking to our clients that managing their resourcing costs isstill a key priority and this important appointment underlines ourcontinuing commitment to the sector.

Christoph Marr, CEO of Marr Procurement: “Dan is a highly-capable leader and has incredibly valuable experiencefrom his years in the care sector, managing and delivering complex temporary labour

agency programmes. We areexcited to bring that experience to our clients.”

Dan spent 6 years at Priory Group "During my rewarding six-year tenure at Priory, I had the privilege of beingappointed as the inaugural UK Agency Manager, where I honed my skills in enhancing their PSL offering.

Thisexperience has provided invaluable insights into the principles of effective temporary agency management,reduction, and control. Now, as the Head of M-Resourcing at Marr Procurement, I aim to leverage this knowledge tointroduce innovative strategies for temp agency reduction to benefit our clients. My goal is to ensure the delivery ofa cost-effective and compliant offering, especially in the face of increasing sector costs.

With a rising demand andour commitment to fairness, our offering at Marr Procurement is poised to become even more beneficial.".

Marr Procurement is a professional procurement organisation serving the care sector, and founded on the values ofIntegrity, Fairness

and Quality. In everything we do, we believe in doing things better, ensuring fairness for clientsand suppliers alike, and always doing the right thing. Marr Procurement was set up in 2008 and has since servedmore than 50 care clients in delivering savings through sourcing over £1bn of spend.

Christoph Marr, CEO Marr Procurement: “At Marr Procurement we believe in seeking to level the playing field forclients, ensuring they have equal access to the best procurement services and outcomes.

This is what drives us everyday in serving our clients. The team I have built are each highly capable leaders in their speciality but, importantly,they all share a common belief in fairness and transparency. This means they are always seeking the right solutionfor our clients, where trust is at the forefront. Dan is a great fit for our business and for our clients and I amdelighted to welcome him to the team.”

Find out more at www.marrprocurement.com/m-resourcing/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 17

Scotland’s National Care Service Delayed By Three Years Scotland’s health secretary has confirmed the government has delayed its flagship plan to set up a National Care Service (NCS) by three years. Michael Matheson told BBC Scotland News that the Scottish government needed “more time” to work with councils.

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the NCS plan in 2021, and said it was “arguably the most significant public service reform since the creation of the National Health Service” in 1948, with an aim to end the “postcode lottery” in community health and social care, by ensuring consistent and high standards and “embedding the principles of fair work for care workers”.

The NCS was expected to cost between £644 million and £1.26 billion, however in an update, Scotland’s social care minister Maree Todd outlined revised costs, showing the total could rise to between £880 million and £2.2 billion. In her letter to the finance committee, which previously criticised the ambiguous costings for the framework Bill, Ms Todd said the “most significant change” was the ‘go live’ delay.

“Due to a clearer understanding of the requirements in the set-up of the NCS at National level, obtained through the co-design workshops and engagement with people with lived experience, the NHS and council body COSLA, the NCS programme has reprioritised and rephased various workstreams to reflect the new understanding,” her letter said.

She said that “while the delivery mechanisms for the NCS may now be different” the vision behind it remained the same, including a consistently high level of care across Scotland.

The Scottish government had described it as the “biggest public service reform in Scotland since devolution”.

It also promised to establish a system whereby people could move between different types of care as their needs changed.

The scheme would have transferred social care responsibility from councils to a new national service.

However, Ms Todd proposed abandoning that transfer and abandoning plans for regional care boards, as well as creating a national board to manage the shared accountability process.

She said if MSPs agree to the “significant” changes then costs could drop to between £631m and £916m.

Conservative MSP Liz Smith said: “It’s time for the SNP to finally ditch their unaffordable, centralised National Care Service. The fact that the already eye-watering estimates have had to be revised so steeply upwards should signal its demise.

“The details of how the NCS would function are shockingly vague and sketchy, so even these breathtaking new costings are little more than guesswork.

Hugh Grant “Spreads Festive Cheer” Serving Christmas Lunch to Elderly Residents Hugh Grant shared some “festive spirit” by spending Christmas Day serving a joyful lunch to elderly residents in London in what has been described as “the real Love Actually”.

The event, organized by the Hammersmith and Fulham council, aimed to bring together elderly residents who might otherwise spend Christmas alone. Grant actively participated by serving meals to the local community, engaging in conversations, and posing for photographs with attendees.

The council shared a series of photographs on social media of the Hollywood actor serving food and meeting the elderly guests.

A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesperson said: “Thanks to everyone who joined us at the annual Big H&F Christmas Day Lunch – including a very special guest, Hugh Grant.

“Hugh helped us serve lunch to 500 local older people who other-

wise would have celebrated alone. This was the real Love Actually.”

The free two-course meal was open to vulnerable and elderly residents and included entertainment from a live band. Attendees also received mince pies and a goodie bag, while free transport was put on for those who needed it.

Around £40,000 was raised by donations to make the festive tradition happen.

Speaking before the event, Councillor Ben Coleman, deputy leader of the council, said: “Our Christmas lunch offers good food, company, gifts and lots of laughs to many older residents who would otherwise be spending December 25 on their own.”

PHOTO: KEVIN POOLMAN/H&F COUNCIL

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

Why Demonstrating Leadership Matters In The Care Sector

By Emma O’Connor, Legal Director and Head of Training, Boyes Turner (www.boyesturner.com)

We have own views as to what makes a “good” leader. We may have examples of a good leader or may have had been fortunate enough to have worked for one. In today’s UK care sector, leadership can make the difference between a thriving organisation, rooted in a people-first culture and committed to the people it’s there to serve, or one reacting to one compliance issue to the next.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD LEADER? For me, organisations need leaders who can lead by example, who can deliver against targets and who can work collaboratively often in difficult business situations.

Organisations also rely on leaders to deliver important messages and be the conduit between senior leadership and staff. But being a purposeful and inspiring leader does not (often) happen by accident. Good leaders are shaped by their own experiences or hone their skills through various workplace challenges. Many are promoted to leadership for being good at their job and not necessarily for being a good “team player”.

The list of responsibilities and expectations on leaders may seem unrealistic or overwhelming, particularly if one thinks about the enormous challenges the care sector faces. However, why does demonstrating good leadership skills matter in the care sector and what makes a “good” leader?

VISION FIRST Leadership is about vision. Vision involves identifying who you are as an organisation and deciding what “success” looks like. This could be looking at where you are in the marketplace or thinking about what the organisation’s “brand” says about it to current/perspective clients and/or its workforce. Are you where you want to be? Are you a “destination employer”? What does your business need to reach the next level?

Next, what are your goals? These could be overarching – to provide excellent care services to our clients – or could be more team focused, such as setting individual targets.

And how are you as a leader going to motivate, inspire and engage your colleagues and team to achieve

these goals? Working in care is a tough environment at the best of times. With the skills crisis, post-covid fall-out and so much of the care community made up of international workers, your people will be navigating both work and personal challenges on a daily basis.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS AS ESSENTIALS To achieve your businesses’ vision and goals, leaders need to be able to communicate to their peers, to their teams and to the wider world. Communication is a key leadership skill. Communication can be verbal but also involves non-verbal communication skills. Being aware of not just what is said but how it is said, being aware of one’s body language, are equally important. Especially in the care home environment.

Being a good communicator allows a leader to deliver messages clearly which in turn reduces confusion and conflict amongst teams; it can help build rapport and trust. Good communicators can help encourage creativity and problem solving within teams. Communication may also be about delivering difficult messages or explaining challenging situations, which is particularly pertinent in the care sector, whilst bringing people along with you.

A CULTURE WHERE PEOPLE THRIVE Good leaders – by having a clear vision and clear communication skills – foster good relations which help develop an open workplace culture where colleagues can thrive. Knowing where you are going as a business, or as an individual, understanding the vision and expectations can help to forge a strong and purposeful culture with each person working together to overcome challenges and achieve success. When people feel valued and supported, they are more engaged. A more engaged workforce is more productive. Simple.

Culture comes from the top, so it is important that messages are clearly communicated downwards to all levels of leadership and staff.

Lastly, leading by example. We want our leaders to uphold the business’s values, to ensure they comply with workplace policies and to expect this in others. We want our leaders to comply with industry standards and legal requirements – not to cut corners or to shirk responsibilities. Leadership decisions should be open and transparent, and leaders should demand high expectations from their teams and colleagues as they should demand of themselves.

The challenges to the care sector - from funding issues to recruitment - are ones that many businesses and managers cannot control. However, as the saying goes: people leave a manager and not a job. If leaders can improve their skills, they may be the role models for future managers in the sector.

Overseas Recruitment Yields Success for North Yorkshire Care Provider A North Yorkshire care provider has spoken of the excellent partnership overseas care workers have formed with existing staff to provide vital care for vulnerable adults.

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group has employed 32 staff from India, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria in the last year.

And Mike Padgham, the Scarborough-based Group’s Managing Director, says the way they have blended with the existing workforce has been a revelation.

“We are blessed to have excellent staff across Saint Cecilia’s and the way our overseas recruits have fitted in and the welcome they have received has bowled us over,” he said.

“We were in dire need of staff to cope with shortages and together with our existing staff they have all literally ensured that we were able to keep on delivering care.”

He was speaking out after the Government announced measures that might reduce the number of overseas workers who come to work in this country – including a ban on overseas staff bringing dependents.

Mr Padgham added: “We couldn’t have got through the past year without overseas staff joining the rest of our team. Apart from care, they have added cultural diversity, new personalities and fresh energy to our care centres.”

The care group recently won an award for the health and wellbeing of its workforce and was a runner-

Violet Home Care Ltd. WHO ARE WE? We are an established domiciliary care agency in the UK. We understand that many individuals would prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, rather than moving into a care facility. That's why we offer a range of home care services, tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.

OUR SERVICES: Our team of compassionate caregivers are trained to provide a range of services, from assistance with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing, to managing medication and providing specialized care for those with dementia or other health conditions. We work closely with each client and their family to develop a personalized care plan, designed to meet their specific needs and goals.

up in the diversity and inclusion category at the same event.

In a heartfelt and unsolicited letter of thanks, two of the overseas staff, Harriet and Yvonne, wrote: “Your support during the interview and recruitment processes through to the processes of our documentation, issuance of visa, and ultimately our movement from our country to join you at Saint Cecilia’s Care Group was very much appreciated.

“Gaining employment at Saint Cecilia’s Care Group has wiped so much tears from our faces, restored enormous confidence and instilled a sense of pride that, we stand on the soldiers of giant in this sector. We remain eternally grateful.”

In a Saint Cecilia’s newsletter, another of the overseas recruits, Evans Sarbeng says, “I have been made to feel very welcome here and am very happy. I have been telling people it is the best decision I have made.”

And officials from the Department of Health and Social Care were impressed when they called in to see how the company’s overseas staff were settling in.

Following the visit, they wrote to say that it had been a great experience to speak to the international recruits, whose efficient journey to the UK was a ‘huge credit to the dedication and commitment’ of Saint Cecilia’s.

Earlier this year a party was held at the Group’s Normanby House care home in Scarborough [pictured], when the overseas staff brought in food that was native to their home country to share as part of the celebrations.

OUR VALUES: We believe in a person-centered approach to care, which means that we focus on the unique needs and preferences of each client, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Our caregivers are trained to provide support with dignity and respect, and to encourage clients to remain as inde-pendent as possible, while still receiving the care and assistance they need. We also understand the importance of companionship and socialization, especially for those who may be living alone. For this reason, we offer a range of social activities and outings, to help clients stay engaged and connected to their community. At our domiciliary home care agency, we believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and re-spect, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Whether you or a loved one are in need of long-term care or just a few hours of assistance each week, we would be honored to provide the support and care you need to live your best life at home.

Contact us at: www.violethomecare.co.uk Info@violethomecare.co.uk 01372 700315 See the advert on the facing page for details.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 19

New Guidance On Vitamin D Supplements For Residents In Adult Care Homes The Care Inspectorate (Scotland) has this month published new guidance on offering vitamin D nutritional supplements to eligible residents in adult care homes.

Vitamin D is important for keeping bones and muscles healthy. Current advice is that groups at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, including people living in care homes, are advised to take a daily supplement all year round.

This advice is based on recommendations made by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) in 2016.

The guidance was developed by a Scottish Government Short Life Working Group (SLWG) comprising care homes and those that support care homes.

The SLWG recommended that care home staff discuss vitamin D supplements with residents and/or their representatives and that any decisions should be considered on an individual basis, taking into account the resident’s

personal choice, needs and circumstances. The guidance materials, which were successfully piloted in some care homes, aim to support care home staff with these conversations.

The guidance and a supporting letter for care homes can be found on The Hub. Workshops on the new guidance have been arranged by the Scottish Government for care homes and professionals who support care homes, with the next taking place on Tuesday 23 January 2024, from 11:00-12.30, and will provide information on vitamin D supplements, the findings from the pilot in Ayrshire and Arran, how to use the guidance to support conversations around vitamin D and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. The content of both workshops will be the same, so there is no need to attend both. Join the workshops from The Hub.

Commander Boxall-Hunt Retires As CEO Of Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society After 17 Years The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, the Surrey-based charity which provides a care home and sheltered housing dedicated to the care and welfare of seafarers and their dependents, bids farewell to its CEO Commander Brian BoxallHunt after 17 years with the organisation.

The Society, which cares for more than 60 residents and tenants at its Banstead-based home Belvedere House, will welcome Captain David Dominy as its new CEO in the new year.

In his time at the helm of the Society, Commander Boxall-Hunt has overseen a range of projects at Belvedere House, including the development of a stateof-the-art dementia unit, an extensive renovation to the home, and the building of the North Field as a place for residents to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

From the age of 13, Commander Boxall-Hunt was a Sea Cadet, marking the beginning of a life connected as a leader at sea, in ships, and with seafarers. He was educated at the London Nautical School, which was followed by 35 distinguished years as a Seaman Officer and Warfare Specialist in the Royal Navy, during which he was honoured with an operational O.B.E. After leaving the Royal Navy, he took up the role as Chief Executive at the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society in 2006.

Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, says: “I have had a memorable 17 years leading the Society, and will

Maintain and encourage healthy living and a good quality of life.

Violet Home Care are an established domiciliary care agency in the UK. We understand that many individuals would prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, rather than moving into a care facility.

That's why we offer a range of home care services, tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.

miss seeing everyone on such a regular basis. While I have had the pleasure of everything from hosting visits from HRH The Princess Royal to the most recent large scale modernisation, my biggest highlight has been being able to support a team that offer high quality care to former seafarers and their dependants.”

Commander Boxall-Hunt’s successor Captain Dominy Royal Navy has spent 36 years leading and supporting sailors in the Royal Navy. Educated at Reed’s School in Cobham, he is a graduate of Britannia Royal Naval College, the Advanced Command and Staff Course and the Royal College of Defence Studies.

Captain Dominy joins the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society with a wealth of experience having worked across national, cultural and ideological boundaries. An effective communicator and proficient planner, he is comfortable with innovation, implementing change and managing risk.

Captain David Dominy, incoming CEO at the Royal Alfred says: “The opportunity to join an award-winning care home that is focussed on the care and welfare of seafarers’ and their dependents is one I am relishing. I look forward to working with the experienced Staff Team and Board of Trustees this year and beyond, with my focus being on picking up where Commander Boxall-Hunt has left off, and continuing to provide high quality care in line with the Royal Charter.”

At Violet Home Care we aim to provide quality health care service, to enable people stay in their homes.

We recognize that everyone has different needs and hence require personalized care.

Some of the many services that we can provide: • Live in Care • Overnight Care • Sleep Patterns Evaluation • Shopping e.g. grocery or personal • Help with medication • Meal Preparation • Washing & Ironing • Outings to friends, family, and walks • Cleaning the home

PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly At Parley Place Care Home Barchester’s Parley Place care home, in West Parley, got in the Christmas spirit this season with parties, games and entertainment for residents.

Parley Place’s Christmas 2023 was jam packed full of activities for the residents this festive season. We had a wonderful performance by Bournemouth Youth Marching Band to turn on our lights, a visit from some classic cars dressed in Christmas finery, games, entertainers, carol singing and our very first Christmas Fete.

General Manager, Gina Smith said: “Christmas

really is the most wonderful time of the year and our fantastic residents love to get festive so we’ve pulled out all the stops. It is so lovely to see them all getting into the Christmas spirit, it’s definitely my favourite time of year.”

Pat, resident at Parley Place Care home said: “It has been such a lovely time. It was wonderful to see everyone go to so much effort to get us all into the Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed all the singing and the games, we were kept very busy!”

The Oaks Care Home, Celebrates Christmas Day in Style The Oaks Care Home in Rubery celebrated its very 1st Christmas Day this week.

themed games to family quizzes there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The

The home had organised a day filled with joy, love, and laughter to bring Christmas

care home also arranged for a special visit from Santa Claus, who will distribute per-

cheer to its residents and team members.

sonalised gifts to each resident.

The care home's dedicated team went above and beyond to create a warm and

In the spirit of giving, The Oaks has partnered with local charities to spread joy locally. Families, friends of the home and team members a have generously con-

festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

The day was celebrated with a beautiful Christmas lunch and residents had the opportunity to share stories and special family time gathered around the table, creat-

tributed to various charitable organisations including a soup kitchen in Digbeth.

Lianne Sturmey Home Manager expressed her excitement about Christmas Day celebration, saying, "At The Oaks we believe in creating a loving and vibrant commu-

ing precious memories together.

Throughout the day, the home held festive activities and activities. From Christmas

nity for our residents throughout the year, but Christmastime is very special”

Christmas Festivities at Ashcombe House Barchester’s Ashcombe House care home, in Worting road, Basingstoke got in the Christmas spirit with a Christmas party for the homes residents with a special early visitor from the North Pole.

Ashcombe’s Christmas party was in full swing with Santa Claus making an early appearance before he needed to head back to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas. Santa arrived with a sleigh full of gifts for every resident, Santa visited those in their rooms delivering cheer before heading to the main lounge to greet a room full of smiling faces! Residents loved having a visit from the man in red and everyone loved the personalised gifts they received, some even gave Santa a cheeky kiss. Residents enjoyed a feast of festive foods prepared by the home’s chef,

Tracey Dyer before singer Tony Allgood, finished the afternoon with Christmas songs through the years.

General Manager, Louise Lambert said: “Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year and our fantastic residents love to get festive so we’ve pulled out all the stops. It is so lovely to see them all getting into the Christmas spirit, it’s definitely my favourite time of year.”

Gwen Lloyd, resident at Ashcombe said: “It has been a lovely day. It was wonderful to see everyone go to so much effort to get into the Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed seeing everyone enjoying themselves, Santa bringing presents was a nice surprise and I enjoyed having a good sing along.”

Residents Party at Austen House Care Home Barchester’s Austen House care home, in Lower Earley, Reading, got into

music and dance. A festive afternoon of great food, company and conver-

the Christmas spirit by throwing a themed party for residents.

sation.

Austen House’s Christmas party was in full swing with a live music show

Operations Manager, Joleen Leung said: “Christmas really is the most

performed by Gary, fancy dress, Christmas Raffle and festive foods.

wonderful time of the year and our fantastic residents love to get festive so

Residents, families and friends joined in with the singing, dancing and

we’ve pulled out all the stops. It is so lovely to see them all getting into the

clapped along as Gary performed some beautiful Christmas songs. Also,

Christmas spirit, it’s definitely my favourite time of year.”

everyone enjoyed a feast of festive foods prepared by the home’s chef,

Maurice, resident at Austen House said: “It has been a lovely day. It was

Ainsworth Brown.

wonderful to see everyone go to so much effort to get into the Christmas

It was a wonderful time had by all, our home was filled with laughter, joy,

spirit. I really enjoyed singing and dancing with the staff and other resi-

Strathaven's Collisdene Care Centre Hosts Magical Christmas for Residents Residents from across Collisdene Care Centre’s three individual houses have been treated to a series of heartwarming activities, making the festive season special.

The festivities kicked off with a magical Canal Cruise featuring none other than Santa himself. Residents enjoyed a picturesque journey along the canal, taking in the enchanting winter scenery while sharing moments of laughter and joy with the man in the red suit.

Residents also explored the Strathaven Hotel Christmas market, immersing themselves in the delights of local crafts, treats, and decorations. The outing provided a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage with the local community and indulge in the festive atmosphere.

The Christmas festivities include a visit to the pan-

tomime, where residents revelled in the magic of live theatre and enjoyed a timeless performance that brought laughter and cheer to everyone.

Rosie Brennan, Activities Coordinator at Collisdene Care Centre said, "Christmas is a time of togetherness and joy, and it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the smiles and laughter shared by our residents during these special activities. Our aim is to create memorable experiences that enhance the quality of life for our residents, and I am proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to making the Christmas season truly magical."

Your Last Chance to Win!

Share Your Christmas Celebrations with The Carer £100 Marks & Spencer Vouchers for the Lucky Winner!

Christmas has been and gone, but there's still a last chance to win a special prize with The Carer!

We just want to know what you've done to push the boat out over the festive period.

A no-frills competition, nothing complicated. All we ask you to do is share your Christmas care home celebrations with us.

Anything you do in your care home between now and December 31st - whether it is parties, menus, baking, activities, fundraising, carolling and concerts, local community initiatives - just share your activities with The Carer and we will pick a winner.

It really is that simple!

Please do remember to send a small paragraph of what you did and who was involved, along with any photographs to nominate@thecareruk.com and leave the rest to us!

Entries close at midnight on Friday 5th January 2024.

Simply email your entry to

Nominate@TheCarerUK.com TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. By entering the competition, you confirm that you are eligible to do so and that you are eligible to receive any prizes that may be awarded to you.

2. There is a limit of one entry per person and the competition is completely free to enter.

3. RBC Publishing Ltd's decision on any aspect of the competition is final and binding, and no correspondence will be entered into about it.

4. The prize is non-transferable and non-exchangeable, and no cash alternatives will be provided.

5. You agree that any personal information that you provide when entering the competition will be used by RBC Publishing Ltd for the purposes of administering the competition and for the other purposes as specified in our Privacy Policy.

6. RBC Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for any damage, loss, injury, or disappointment suffered by any entrants as a result of participating in the competition or being selected for a prize.

PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

The Employment Landscape and How to Tackle the Big Changes

By Stephenie Malone, Legal Director at Harrison Clark Rickerbys (www.hcrlaw.com) As 2023 draws to a close the impact of Brexit and Covid may still be felt in the care sector, but new threats to workforce stability are on the horizon.

Recruitment and retention of skilled care workers continues to create challenges for care sector employers. There are no signs that those recruitment pressures will be alleviated any time soon.

With the Government proposals on immigration controls announced on 4 December 2023 that care workers will (from Spring 2024) remain on the Home Office’s Shortage Occupation List is, on the surface, continued support for the sector, the abolition of overseas care workers’ ability to bring family dependents with them to the UK is predicted to discourage many candidates from moving here. For those undeterred by the changes, it is easy to predict a candidates market against those providers recruiting from overseas.

Overseas recruitment challenges is only one factor employers need to have on their radar. Taken in conjunction with the future workspace landscape of employee desires in their chosen employment, care sector employers must take heed: employees in 2024 and beyond are looking for greater flexibility, adaptability and growth opportunities in their careers.

Care work offers flexibility in hours of work (24/7 services; compressed hours), but often changes to working location and remote working are, for those in the front line, not viable in service delivery.

The contraction of an already reduced pool of candidates is a serious concern for providers seeking skilled and committed staff. With the difficulties of attracting younger generations to join the care sector as a career, providers who imaginatively capture the need to be truly competitive to recruit and retain good staff will be frontrunners in attracting and keeping their skills and loyalty.

Reflection by employers will be key to understand what motivates their current workforce and how to maximise their own connections, often demonstrated by attrition rates in the sector. Many care workers – UK based or overseas – will have friends and family working in similar roles who can be tempted to move to employers with a good reputation, both in terms of pay rates/additional benefits, personal development and training opportunities, and pathways to progression into supervisory and management roles. Referral incentives are sometimes an easy win in that regard.

The importance of incorporating business protection provisions into care workers and managers contracts of employment to deter poaching, and having an awareness of potential restrictions on activities for a limited time period when recruiting has never been more relevant. Whilst taking steps to litigate on breach may be less attractive for care providers given the associated cost in resources and time, a large scale move of a team – which may also lead to service users following – may warrant legal action to enforce post termination restrictions and to demonstrate mass migration of staff to another provider will not go without action.

For those employers with service gaps to fill but currently without sponsor licenses, it is noteworthy that employees can work in secondary employment from their sponsored position, subject to eligibility criteria.

Many providers are looking to these employees in need of overtime as a viable option where they have resource gaps. They gain skilled workers without the commitment and cost of recruitment from overseas.

They may also consider moving towards sponsorship if the workforce makes it an attractive option.

On the flip side, sponsoring employers should be keeping track of their sponsored workers and their activities in additional employment, both in the context of immigration requirements but also with regard to working time considerations and to risk assess the worker’s skill, care and judgment where working additional hours which may create exposure to errors.

An awareness of the investment in overseas workers is essential, as whilst not as easy as non-overseas staff changing to another provider, it is real threat. Recouping the costs of relocation and upskilling – both in clinical and cultural considerations is largely impossible from a new employer. The same applies for leakage of staff resource to the NHS given lure of broader packages of pay and reward on offer compared to private care providers.

Stockton-on-Tees Care Home Rated Good

by Care Quality Commission A Stockton-on-Tees care home has achieved a ‘Good’ Rating after an unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Alexandra House is a collection of seven individual flats, in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, supporting individuals with a learning disability or with mental health needs. The inspection focused on the safety and leadership of the home during the visit in November.

Throughout the focused inspection, the CQC inspector spoke with people who live in the home, staff, and relatives. They also inspected records and staff files.

The rating at this inspection is confirmation of the ‘Good’ rating Alexandra House achieved back in August 2018 and is testament to the wonderful work and outcomes achieved by the staff and residents.

The inspector found that residents are well supported, living in clean, tidy and spacious flats, and able to take part in activities socially whilst having maximum choice and control of their lives.

According to the report, people spoke highly of the staff team and their work, especially citing their understanding of differing cultural needs and flexible staffing approach, ensuring individual’s interests and

hobbies were supported.

Crucially, according to inspectors, the residents were at the centre of the service and staff valued and acted upon people’s views, ensuring a compassionate and empowering service.

Nicola Howard, Home Manager, at Milewood, said: “We’re very pleased the CQC has recognised the value we place on operating a people-centred service. Whilst the quality of our care is essential, we stress the importance of enabling our residents to live a fulfilling life and are very proud of the residents’ achievements.

“The staff who work at Alexandra House have created a safe and inclusive community and we always strive to see care from the residents’ perspective. This inspection is testimony to the good work we are doing and sets a strong foundation for us to build on to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating next time.”

Martyn Heginbotham, Chief Executive Officer at Milewood said: “During each of my visits to Alexandra House, I have been so impressed with the level of care and support that is evidently delivered. The relationship built between staff and residents is clear to see and the exact environment we strive for at Milewood.”

Making Chat Work in Independent Care Homes Rising costs and staffing pressures are weighing on independent care homes, and regular breaks may not be, well, quite that regular.

That’s why the comfort of a coffee break is now more important than ever. NESCAFÉ has been a constant in homes up and down the country for years, and it may not only be a trusted companion for staff needing a moment, but equally, a tradition of joy and connection for residents.

GOOD PEOPLE Independent care homes are demanding, and good people are the heartbeat that keeps them going. From the staff who create the warm, welcoming atmosphere, to the residents and visitors whose chatter make it feel like home. But as the median hourly rate for care workers decreased by 1.5% between March 2021 and March 20221, keeping staff motivated is crucial.

NESCAFÉ can not only provide that warming comfort in stressful times, but spark conversation when it’s needed most. It’s important for staff to take those deserved moments of respite and enjoy the coffee chats that can help transform co-workers into friends; and get any concerns off their chest.

GOOD COFFEE 80% of UK households buy instant coffee, particularly those aged 65 and older.2 When placed inside the care home – whether in a cosy lounge or on a corner table in a staff room – that welcome aroma of coffee fills the air. As the nation’s favourite coffee,3 NESCAFÉ champions meaningful coffee break conversations, helping the wellbeing of care home staff and residents alike. Because good people deserve good coffee.

GREAT CARE Research says that taking part in meaningful social activities helps people maintain thinking skills better in later life.4 What NESCAFÉ does, with its rich history and warm presence, is provide a catalyst for such meaningful moments to happen.

So, in the midst of care home challenges – from financial to emotional – the promise of NESCAFÉ surpasses just coffee. It can create a homely environment which makes for a happier team, happier residents, and ultimately, a happier home.

TRY NOW AND CLAIM at https://hashting.promo/nescafecarehomeslanding/CAREHOMES-TCC

PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

More Than Words - Accolades, Awards and Published Research Achieved One Year Into Orchard Care Homes ‘Dementia Promise’ Orchard Care Homes has launched its Dementia Promise last Christmas, an initiative aiming to be the catalyst for a shift in attitudes towards dementia care across the UK. Now, the company, which has twenty-three care homes, is reflecting on the first year of the initiative, which has included industry recognition, award wins, 5-star food and CQC Good ratings, celebrity goodwill messages and most recently, a published white paper on the impact of its services.

Orchard Care Homes Dementia Promise is an ongoing commitment to challenging the negativity and inequalities often experienced by people living with dementia in care homes. It consists of removing conscious and unconscious stigmas associated with dementia, such as encouraging others to stop using derogatory, blaming language and promoting genuine collaboration – including offering dedicated communication lines with dementia specialists, regardless of whether someone uses Orchard’s services or not. The company has already invested over half a million pounds into training, technology, tools and refurbishments designed to fulfil its promise and become recognised as the benchmark in specialist dementia care.

Orchard’s designated dementia community service, Reconnect, has doubled as part of the Dementia Promise, expanding from four established communities at the start of 2023 to eight by the start of 2024.

These communities adopt a person-centric approach in a therapeutic environment, aiming to understand why people exhibit the behaviours they do and adapt support to reduce distress. More communities are already planned and the long-term ambition is for every home across the Orchard Care Homes portfolio to offer this service.

Over 900,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK making the provision of longterm specialist dementia nursing placements essential. Reconnect can provide local communities with a more holistic solution for people living with dementia, introducing environmental and care approach changes supported by specialist Dementia Nurses and Dementia Support Workers. A higher staff ratio within these communities ensures more social needs and engagement opportunities are made possible, which can reduce anxiety and distress.

Significantly, a white paper, Clinical impact of a multifaceted intervention aimed at decreasing distress in people living with dementia: evaluating the Reconnect program, was recently published by Frontiers, one of the most-cited and largest research publishers and open science platforms in the world. Cheryl Baird, Director of Quality and Care at Orchard Care Homes, said of the report, “Our staff and the people within our communities already know how fantastic Reconnect services are, but we are thrilled that this has now been researched, recognised, and published by a respected and trusted body. The insights included in this evaluation are a clear demonstration of the impact our approach has made and the data has improved even further since this was submitted for review, which is additional encouragement that we are innovating in the right way.” Orchard Care Homes has been approached by a number of local authorities to provide training to other care providers and the company has agreed to share insight into their findings, successes and case studies as part of its Dementia Promise.

Over the past year since the launch of the Dementia Promise, Orchard Care Homes has recorded a decline in safeguarding referrals and use of psychotropic medications, plus a decline in polypharmacy. In addition, weight loss has been reduced, as has the pain burden through PainChek technology – which uses AI to help assess pain levels, even in those who are non-verbal, at the point of care. This state-of-the-art pain identification has reduced the total number of resident falls by 20%, and homes have recorded as much as a 91% reduction of significant injuries over the past year.

The CQC set a target for care homes to be entirely digitised by 2024, but Orchard Care Homes has achieved and maintained this already for two years. This commitment to technological advancement has been a leading aspect of the Dementia Promise and has contributed to impressive results, as well as industry recognition. In November 2023, Orchard Care Homes was named the winner of the LaingBuisson Award for Excellence in Large Residential Care. Judges assessed entrants for the prestigious award, now in its 18th

year, for excellence in residential or nursing care and a keen focus on innovation and engagement with service users. On naming the company as the 2023 winner, the judges commented that the business's ‘fantastic achievement in significantly reducing antipsychotic medications is commendable’.

As well as winning the category for Excellence in Large Residential Care, Orchard Cares Homes was also shortlisted for both Excellence in Training and Management Excellence by LaingBuisson. The company was also nominated for a host of other awards throughout 2023 including The Social Care Top30, Leaders in Care Awards, WAG awards and the Great British Care Awards (progressing to the national finals in 2024 in two categories).

Orchard challenged homes to a garden make-over competition throughout the summer, with three winning locations rewarded with state-of-the-art, activities tables by The Digital Rainbow. The Orchard in Bloom competition brought out the competitive side of green-fingered enthusiasts living and working in each location and each home was given a £1000 budget to fund their garden glow-ups. This activity aimed to encourage residents, their families, and staff to work together in a sense of community pride and create spaces to reflect, reminisce, and grow. Some gardens incorporated coloured flower beds such as blue and purple, to represent living with dementia, whilst others were planted to include favourite flowers donated by staff and families, helping to evoke memories and forge re-connections.

Language can influence how a person is seen, so over the past year, the company has deliberately adapted terms such as ‘communities’ as opposed to ‘units’ and eradicated words like ‘challenging’ and ‘aggressive’ from staff describing behaviours. This shift in tone has been reiterated through committed sessions delivered to every colleague across the care home group, in addition to three levels of bespoke, evidencebased training and ongoing investment in technology, recruitment, and care home environments.

Orchard Care Homes ensures people living within its Reconnect communities can choose to engage in normal life activities by providing access to gardens (including indoor garden rooms), craft and sewing rooms, and games rooms. These communities offer genuine inclusion and promote individual choice, with everyday routines such as cooking, baking and light housework taking place for people to choose what they participate in. For people with dementia, art, music and shared activities can be a powerful way to unlock positive feelings and help to connect with other people, so activities including armchair exercises, singalong sessions, performances by local artists and visits from local animals (in some locations, even Alpacas!) take place regularly to help enrich lives and make a positive impact on physical and mental well-being. Each home also aims to provide additional meaningful engagement through in-house hobbies and small external trips, based on the life stories and interests of those living in the home. This can range from taking people to the pub, supermarket, horse stables, external hairdressers and more.

Communicating about dementia care and shining a light on the individual successes and creativity of staff and people living within Orchard communities, has been another integral aspect of building on the Dementia Promise, showcasing to the wider industry and society what living in a positive care home environment can be like. This has included sharing personal stories and case studies including Doreen Davison, who received a surprise 100th Birthday video message from her singing idol, Irish superstar, Daniel O’Donnell MBE; and multiple residents who shared tips for a life full of love on national radio during Valentine’s Day. Colleagues have also ensured to help everyone feel part of important national milestones and events, including personalised Poppy Trees on Remembrance Sunday and home parties to mark the coronation of King Charles III, bringing back memories for many of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.

Hayden Knight, CEO of Orchard Care Homes reflected, “It has been an incredible year since the launch of our Dementia Promise and we are all excited to see what 2024 brings. To have been awarded some of the most prestigious accolades in the care sector is a phenomenal achievement and to close the year with published research into the success of our methods just proves the importance and impact of our dedicated and passionate colleagues. To be acknowledged as fully compliant by the CQC, with zero breaches, is something all care home groups should aspire to and I am extremely proud of our team for all that has been achieved.

“Our Dementia Promise was not for one year and we do not lose sight that there is still much to be done to improve dementia care across the UK. We will continue striving towards enhancing wellbeing by providing individualised, nurturing, and holistic care; focusing on identity, meaningful occupation and positive risktaking. Our Dementia Promise seeks to enable life to be as normal as possible for those living within our communities and each person must be encouraged to thrive and live life to the full.”

Registration for the Care Show London, on 24-25 April at ExCeL London, is Live The Care Show will be bringing its celebration of the care sector to the nation’s capital for the first time this spring.

Free to attend for those who work for a social care provider (including but not exclusive to care homes, nursing homes and domiciliary care), in addition to healthcare, allied healthcare, NHS, public sector professionals, architects and interior designers, the Care Show London will be an opportunity for the entire care sector to come together, to learn and work collectively to find solutions that will shape a brighter future for social care.

The conference programme will delve into the latest updates in the sector, including funding, the future workforce, change management, the impact of the upcoming election for the care sector, implementation of sustainable practices, and the latest technologies for patient care and business management and much more.

Care Show London will provide attendees with over 75+ hours of further education to choose from, hundreds of exhibitors across all areas of care, and dedicated networking spaces to forge valuable connections with peers.

Michael Corbett, Portfolio Director at CloserStill Media (organiser of the Care Show) said: “It is exciting to bring the Care Show brand to the capital. We believe the Care Show is built around the needs of social care providers and this is their event. The team have listened to stakeholders over the last few years to create an educational, inviting event with hundreds of suppliers and thousands of products to help improve the level of care offered, help boost the business acumen of senior teams and help the personal

development of those within the sector.”

FREE tickets are available at www.careshowlondon.co.uk The Care Show was awarded “Best Trade Event over 2000sqm” in April at the Exhibition News Awards 2023, and Best UK Tradeshow 4,001sqm – 8,000 sqm in June at the AEO Excellence Awards 2023.

The organisers, CloserStill Media, specialise in global professional events within the healthcare and technology markets. The healthcare portfolio includes some of the UK’s fastest growing and award-winning events, such as The Clinical Pharmacy Congress, The Dentistry Show, The Pharmacy Show, Best Practice and Acute & General Medicine.

It is a market leading innovator. With its teams and international events, it has won multiple awards, including Best Marketer – five times in succession – Best Trade Exhibition, Best Launch Exhibition, and Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work For – four years in series – among others.

CloserStill Media delivers unparalleled quality and relevant audiences for all its exhibitions, delivering NHS and private sector healthcare professionals from across occupational therapy, pharmacy, dentistry, primary and secondary care with more than £16m worth of free training.

For more information please contact – Exhibition and speaker enquiries: Adam Camel – a.camel@closerstillmedia.com Matthew Moore – m.moore@closerstillmedia.com

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 25

NHS Workforce “Dangerously Low” with Patient Demand Soaring, Scottish Government Warned The Scottish government must take serious action in 2024 to secure the future of the NHS after a snap survey from BMA Scotland revealed that doctors working in Scotland are regularly concerned about the unsafe levels of medical staffing in their workplace.

Of the 610 responders, just 1% said they felt their department was wellstaffed beyond safe levels – with 80% saying they believe staffing of both doctors and their wider multi-disciplinary support team is either sometimes (49%) or regularly (31%) unsafe.

THE SURVEY, WHICH WAS OPEN FOR A WEEK EARLIER THIS MONTH, ALSO REVEALED: - 72% of those who responded think medical staffing has worsened – decreased relative to patient demand – over the last two years.

- 62% are worried or very worried there won’t be enough doctors in Scotland’s NHS to meet patient demand this winter.

- 76% are worried there aren’t enough doctors to meet patient demand in the longer-term and ahead of next winter.

- 83% do not believe there is a proper medical workforce plan in place to improve the recruitment and retention of doctors in Scotland in the long-term.

Speaking as he delivered his annual festive message for doctors across Scotland, Dr Iain Kennedy, chair of BMA Scotland, said he was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of health and care workers this winter – and the impact short staffing and medical vacancies will have on the level of care provided for patients.

He also called on the Scottish Government to finally publish medical workforce projections which have now been delayed for nearly a year.

He added: “Both medical and wider staffing in Scotland’s NHS are at dangerously low levels. Now is not the time for platitudes or to tell us that we are at a record high in terms of doctors because it simply will not wash with the profession who are stretching themselves to breaking point, risking harm to themselves, in a bid to provide the level of care the people of Scotland need and deserve.

“I am deeply concerned that 80% of our doctors who responded to this survey are warning that their experience within their teams is that medical and support staffing is regularly or sometimes unsafe. And it seems there is little prospect of things improving with three quarters of them already worried about there not being enough doctors and other healthcare professionals to cope with demand in the longer term and ahead of next winter. Indeed, one of our doctors said ‘every week is starting to feel like working in a war zone. This is only going to get worse as the winter progresses.’

“That is coming from someone on the medical frontline. If the Scottish government will not heed BMA Scotland’s warnings, I implore Ministers and their staff, listen to Scotland’s doctors. Recently we have seen

that the overall whole-time equivalent (WTE) GP numbers have fallen by more than 5% over the past 10 years, as well as increasing consultant vacancies by over 11% in the last year. We are in a medical workforce crisis, and we need more doctors and other healthcare workers to keep up with the demands of an ageing, frailer, and growing population. The Scottish government must wake up to this reality and take immediate action.

“Last year I said we needed a national conversation on the future of Scotland’s NHS, and a long-term proper medical workforce plan – my predecessor said it the year before me, and it was part of BMA Scotland’s 2021 manifesto. In the recent budget announcement, the Scottish government finally confirmed the conversation will take place in the next financial year, which I welcome and hope it will be open, honest and transparent as we have been calling for.

“Any medical workforce plan must properly forecast patient demand, and the doctors and other healthcare professionals we will need to meet that rising demand. That was promised by the government in the early part of this year, but nearly 12 months later, we are still waiting. The government themselves made these projections central to their plans, so the question must be, where is that medical workforce plan? In truth, workforce planning up until now has been disgraceful, with broken promises to recruit doctors and other healthcare workers from overseas, alongside abject failure to begin to deliver the promised additional 800 GPs, and no medical workforce strategy to put Scotland’s NHS on a sustainable footing for the long-term.

“And while we absolutely need more doctors within Scotland’s NHS it’s also vitally important to remember that the solution to this medical workforce crisis isn’t – and cannot be – just about recruitment. We must improve training opportunities for our younger colleagues who are currently suffering as result of the pressures on staff and services – with attempts to force too many doctors through narrowing bottlenecks in their training. We need to sort out issues with pay in all parts of the profession and improve working conditions so that we can actually retain the doctors we currently have rather than see them cutting hours or losing them altogether to early retirement, overseas recruitment drives, or another profession. We need a solid foundation to keep the hard working, valuable doctors we have – making medical careers as fulfilling and rewarding as we know they should always have been.

“So, if I have one wish for 2024 it is this – and I direct this at the Scottish Government in the main – listen to the doctors of Scotland, but don’t just listen. Act, and act urgently. Please. For the future survival of Scotland’s NHS and the patients who rely upon it. It is only by solving the medical workforce crisis that you can even think about making progress in other areas, like cutting waiting lists. It is non-negotiable.”

SHARE YOUR SOCIAL CARE SETTING'S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS WITH US FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FESTIVE PRIZE SEE PAGE 21 FOR FULL DETAILS

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PAGE 26 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors Serve Afternoon Tea in

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors protect the elderly and disabled people from fall-related hip fractures.

Designed to protect elderly people from fall related hip fractures, HipSavers are a leading brand of soft hip protectors. Used in the NHS since 2002, HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors are user friendly, affordable and cost-effective personal protective garments.

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HipSavers should be worn day and night for 24 hour protection and especially during physical and recreational activities, when accidental falls, slips and trips can lead to hip fractures.

Available as comfortable underwear or long casual pants in several sizes for men and women, HipSavers feature soft protective airPads permanently sewn into the garments over the hip areas prone to injuries and fractures.

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HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors - affordable protective garments for the elderly and disabled people!

For more information, contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com See the adverts on page 3 and the front cover.

Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services Fire Doors are an imperative part of fire safety and are considerations of the design and maintenance of any building, but especially residential. Article 17 – RRFSO states fire safety provisions (includes fire doors) must be maintained in a suitable condition and working order.

Yeoman Shield’s Fire Door Services can help to take the guess work out of fire door maintenance by providing fire door inspections, condition reports, remedial work and fire door installation all carried out by FDIS and/or FIRAS accredited team members Having a good maintenance routine will dispel some needs of fire door replacement therefore being more cost effective.

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Installing Yeoman Shield door protection products such as, door protection panels, door edge protectors and PVCu glazing bead units will not affect the integrity of the fire door as all products have been tested, in situ, to the current standard required.

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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.

C&S Seating Ltd

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.

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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.

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the Alternative Positioning Support – also available in two sizes, which has removable side cushions and middle pommel for when more control of the abducted lower

Fire Resistant Wallcoverings with 24/7 Anti-Bacterial Protection Muraspec is an international leader in wallcoverings, with a remarkable heritage dating back to the 1850’s. We take great pride in catering to a diverse clientele worldwide, including care homes and residential sectors.

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Any Muraspec wallcovering can contain antimicrobial protection (if requested), which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and moulds. It's also effective for the lifetime of a product and doesn’t wear off or leach out.

Additionally, we're thrilled to offer a range of dementia-friendly wallcoverings, which were developed in consultation with the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling.

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make a fundamental difference to the lives of people with dementia. It improves their life experiences and can even increase their life expectancy.

We are committed to designing and producing market-leading and innovative wallcoverings, and the DSDC-selected ranges are the first in the UK to be approved as dementia friendly. The ranges also suit different budgets and interior spaces, as well as providing a unique combination of choice, durability, quality, and sympathetic-yet-stylish designs to work with.

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Contact us now to arrange a visit from one of our friendly Key Account Managers on 03705 117 118 or customerservices@muraspec.com. www.muraspec.com See the advert on page 13 for further information.

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Watch your resident's eyes light up when the beautiful tea trolley arrives!

Euroservice trolleys can also be used as a vending trolley or to sell personal care products to residents. How about a delicious snack/pastry trolley or even a drinks trolley for that afternoon tipple?

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

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Baron Medical BARON MEDICAL has provided a wide range of services to the Care Industry, both at home and abroad since 1987, originating as a Consultancy in 1987 to Yorkshire Regional Health Authority, and probably one of the oldest Companies in this sector.

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We have close links to the NHS, giving back much needed revenue, whilst also working with diverse clientele at home and abroad to countries less fortunate than ours.

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

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MOWOOT II for Life Free from Constipation MOWOOT II for Life Free from Constipation MOWOOT II is a groundbreaking non-invasive and non-pharmacological solution to chronic constipation.

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Easy to use and comfortable, MOWOOT II treats and manages chronic constipation in people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease patients and when constipation is caused by drugs and pharmacological interventions. MOWOOT II also helps people combat idiopathic chronic constipa-

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Just 10 to 20 minutes per day of relaxing abdominal massage therapy with MOWOOT II produces noticeable improvements.

Significant results are experienced few days after the first treatment. Regular applications ensure lasting improvements and better quality of life.

MOWOOT II – the effective solution to chronic constipation and the way to a healthier life!

For more information, contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com See the adverts on page 3 and the front cover of this issue.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 27

CYBER SECURITY

Why You Should Consider A Cybersecurity Strategy In Your Care Facility

Cyberattacks are on the increase and the healthcare sector is one of the most targeted industries. According to a recent survey conducted by email security firm Agari, 67% of healthcare organisations in the UK have suffered a cybersecurity incident over the last 12 months. Of all healthcare cyber incidents in the last year, 48% have been the result of malware or viruses introduced to the network by third-party devices.

To help protect your care home or care facility from the threat of a cyber related incident, we recommend putting a robust cybersecurity strategy in place to sit alongside your insurance programme. You should create a cyber risk assessment and action preventative measures including a best practice guide. This will help to reassure your employees, customers, suppliers and any third parties, that you are as ready as possible in the event of a cyber threat.

To identify areas of weakness or vulnerability, you should assess

the security of your information or data. Prevention is always better than cure, so review your current security strategy to ensure that you have the proper policies and best practices in place to meet any required standards or obligatory regulations. This should include a review of your security operations, network and data security to check that you are protected from exploitation and have prevention and monitoring procedures in place.

Carry out a cyber security assessment to identify the types of attack that you may be vulnerable to and assess how prepared your business is to respond to an incident. Consider your ability to detect malicious activity, the procedures you have in place to contain an attack and what your incident response process is.

Create a best practice guide to help prevent your exposure to cyber threats and share with all employees. This should include the use of strong passwords which are updated regularly. Software and systems should also be checked regularly, and updates actioned when due. The use of two-factor authentication, when available, should also be implemented.

Ensure you are following the most up to date guidance on GDPR and that your data protection officer has all the latest information. It’s a legal obligation of any business to ensure appropriate and proportionate security is in place to protect any personal data held, to safeguard the rights of individuals. You must also report any data breaches to the ICO within 72 hours of discovery.

Provide your staff with Cyber Security Awareness Training so they can spot suspicious looking communications, understand how hackers get in and the importance of strong passwords. Educating your entire organisation helps to minimise potential attacks and can also help to reduce internal security incidents. It’s also a good idea to create a robust reporting procedure to ensure that all employees are aware of any potential or recent cyber-attacks.

With more of us working from home, you should make sure your remote working methods are protected and procedures are adhered to by all.

Put together a business continuity plan and share with key employees for a coordinated, calm and fast reaction to an unexpected cyber event. Your immediate response to an event will be key to the overall impact on your business. Consider how you will contact everyone that may have been affected as a result of a data breach to help retain your customer database, customer confidence, brand reputation and trust.

Don’t wait until you have experienced a cyber attack to put measures in place, be proactive and help protect your business now. We can help you to develop a robust cyber security strategy as part of your complete insurance programme, managing your exposure to cyber risks.

Speak to us about arranging cyber liability insurance or carrying out a cyber risk assessment by calling us on 01480 272727 or emailing enquiries@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk Find out more about cyber liability insurance at www.barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk/what-we-cover/cyber-liability/

Specialist care home insurance We arrange tailored insurance programmes for care and nursing homes, hospices and domiciliary care providers, for both staff and business owners.

Our extensive knowledge of the care market will help to ensure you have the right protection in place for now and, for the future.

Secure robust cover that’s right for your business.

Let us help you to protect your business with a no obligation risk review today!

01480 272727

Impartial advice from experienced advisers

Exceptional service from a dedicated account executive

E. enquiries@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk

Market-leading products from A rated insurers

Support with claims

W. barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk

Guidance on risk management solutions inc. H&S and HR

/barnes-commercial

Barnes Commercial Limited trading as Barnes Commercial Insurance Broker is a Company registered in England and Wales, registration number 11909011. Our registered office is The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London, United Kingdon, EC4N 8AW. Barnes Commercial Insurance Broker is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under register number 844370 for Insurance Distribution activities and as a Credit Broker and does not charge any fees to customers in relation to Credit Broking activities.

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Swiftclean Puts Your Care Home in Control of Grease and Legionella Swiftclean is a family-run business which has been established for over 40 years. Formed to provide specialist compliance cleaning services for ventilation system hygiene, Swiftclean is now one of the UK’s foremost providers of kitchen extract fire safety cleaning, legionella control services, fire damper testing, indoor air quality monitoring and ventilation system cleaning.

WHY SWIFTCLEAN? We do the job properly, giving you peace of mind: We tackle many new projects where dirt or grease has been allowed to build up - all our ventilation cleans are carried out to comply with BESA TR19® or TR19® Grease.

Our legionella control services provide clean water: We provide legionella control services to ensure L8 regulations compliance, preventing legionella outbreaks and maintaining a healthy water supply.

We help safeguard your insurance: Our unique cloud-based digital delivery system produces detailed compliance documentation to help safeguard your insurance, preserve your business and protect your brand reputation.

We save you time and money: By using us for both ductwork and water hygiene services, you can make the best use of your budget, as well as your valuable time.

We’re big enough to reach you, small enough to care: We provide nationwide coverage in England, Wales and Scotland, through one team with the same exemplary high standards.

We’re highly experienced, we know what we’re doing: Our expertise has been built up over more than four decades and we’re at the cutting edge of industry progress. Our Managing Director is directly involved with BESA and we’re an award-winning, ISO registered company. We’re experienced and reliable; you can count on us to do the job properly.

We would love to hear from you. Please feel welcome to contact one of our team members on 0800 243 471 option 1 www.swiftclean.co.uk

Angloplas - 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 healthcareassociated 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

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 29

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Skin Health and Surface Hygiene Expert, GOJO Urges Organisations To Be Prepared This Germ Season Skin health and surface hygiene expert, GOJO urges organisations to be prepared this germ season.

GOJO, THE INVENTORS OF PURELL™, and the hand sanitiser category itself, is advising organisations, particularly those in the care sector that look after the elderly and the vulnerable, to take steps to lessen the impact of seasonal viruses this winter.

Preparedness can save lives – last year’s influenza programme prevented around 25,000 hospitalisations in England . This autumn and winter, COVID-19, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are likely to be co-circulating which, according to Dr Marc-Alain Widdowson, who leads WHO's High-threat Pathogen team, ‘would increase the risk to vulnerable populations and put further pressure on health services.’

Whilst flu vaccines are a powerful weapon, good hand hygiene is a critical measure in the battle against winter infections. For healthcare and long-term care settings, which support vulnerable patients, GOJO recommends paying extra attention to their specific needs.

Chris Wakefield, V.P. European Marketing and Managing Director UK & Ireland, GOJO Industries-Europe

Ltd. comments: ‘As a founder member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Private Organizations for Patient Safety group, GOJO is a strong advocate of making hand hygiene second nature to everyone. Hospitals and care homes need to ensure that the protection solutions they select are suitable for everyone with a facility – staff, visitors, and patients alike.

‘For example, consider touch-free dispensers that are easier for the elderly and infirm to operate, and ensure that the formulations are suitable too. They must not only have proven efficacy against germs, but should be gentle enough to care for resident’s delicate skin as well as that of busy healthcare workers, who clean their hands repeatedly during a shift.’

Widely used in the NHS, PURELL® is a trusted brand in healthcare facilities around the world. Its solutions encompass fast-acting, effective formulas that care for skin, state of the art dispensers, and dedicated support such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) accredited training.

For a tailored, effective, total solution for your setting, or for more information on the benefits of partnering with GOJO, please call +44 (0)1908 588444, email CustomerExperienceUK@GOJO.com, or visit www.gojo.eu/uk

edencleen from Cleenol

• No animal derived products • Cruelty free • Minimal petrochemical derived products • No parabens, formaldehyde, CMI/MIT, triclosan, phosphates, chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, quaternary ammonium 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 derived 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. edencleen’s new range represents just the start to a fully refreshed solution to meet the most demanding of customers expectations.

See the advert on this page for further details.

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 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.

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

PAGE 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

WASHROOMS & ACCESSIBLE BATHING

Accessible Bathing in Nursing and Care Environments op appropriate care plans.

The risk assessment should take into account the resident's physical and cognitive abilities, mobility, sensory impairments, medical conditions, medication, and history of falls or injuries. The assessment should also consider the design and layout of the bathing facilities, including the type of bath or shower, flooring, lighting, temperature, water pressure, and grab rails. Based on the assessment, the care team can develop a care plan that addresses the resident's individual needs and preferences, such as the frequency and timing of bathing, the use of aids and equipment, and the involvement of family or caregivers.

TRAINING AND SKILLS

Accessible bathing in UK care and nursing homes is essential to provide residents with the best possible care. It is vital to ensure that the bathing experience is safe, comfortable, and respectful of their dignity and privacy. In this article, we will explore various aspects of accessible bathing in care and nursing homes, including health and safety, risk assessment, training, injuries, aids and equipment, technology, flooring, infection control, and patient dignity and guidance.

HEALTH AND SAFETY The safety and health of residents are crucial in accessible bathing.

Bathing environments should be free of hazards that could cause harm to residents or staff. Regular checks should be carried out to ensure that the facilities are safe, and any issues should be promptly addressed. Loose or broken tiles, damaged or worn flooring, and broken fittings should be fixed or replaced immediately. Appropriate signage should be used to remind staff and residents of the safety guidelines when using the bathing facilities.

RISK ASSESSMENT A risk assessment should be carried out before residents use the bathing facilities. This assessment should identify any potential risks or hazards, including mobility and other health conditions that may affect the resident's ability to use the facilities safely. The risk assessment should also consider the type of equipment required for residents to use the facilities safely. For example, some residents may require handrails, shower chairs, or other equipment to assist them in the bathing process.

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Bathing is a routine activity that most people take for granted.

However, for people with mobility or sensory impairments, bathing can pose significant risks of falls, injury, and other complications. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a thorough risk assessment of each resident's bathing needs and capabilities to identify potential hazards and devel-

Providing safe and effective bathing requires specific skills and knowledge, such as manual handling, infection control, first aid, and communication. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all care staff who are involved in bathing residents receive appropriate training and support. The training should cover topics such as: • The importance of hygiene and cleanliness • The risks of infection and cross-contamination • The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) • The use of aids and equipment, such as hoists, shower chairs, and bath lifts • The techniques for assisting residents with personal care, including washing, drying, and dressing • The management of challenging behaviours or communication difficulties • The monitoring of the resident's health and well-being during and after bathing • The reporting and recording of incidents or concerns.

The training should be delivered by qualified and experienced trainers who can tailor the content to the specific needs of the care home and its residents. The training should also be regularly updated and reinforced to ensure that staff maintain their skills and knowledge.

INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS Despite the best efforts to promote safety and minimize risks, accidents and injuries can still occur during bathing. The most common types of injuries are falls, burns, scalds, and skin tears. Therefore, it is essential to have robust procedures in place for reporting and managing incidents, including first aid, medical treatment, and investigation.

The care home should have clear protocols for responding to emergencies and incidents, such as the availability of first aid kits, defibrillators, and emergency contacts. The staff should be trained in basic first aid and emergency procedures, and there should be designated first aiders and fire wardens on duty at all times.

TECHNOLOGY Technology can play a significant role in accessible bathing, with innovations such as digital showers and temperature-controlled taps providing increased comfort and safety for residents. For example, some taps can automatically turn off if the water temperature gets too high, reducing the risk of scalds.

FLOORING The flooring in accessible bathing facilities should be slip-resistant to reduce the risk of falls. It is essential to ensure that flooring is regularly maintained and replaced if necessary to prevent accidents.

INFECTION CONTROL Infection control is crucial in accessible bathing. Staff should follow strict guidelines to prevent the spread of infections, such as regular cleaning and disinfecting of equipment and surfaces. Residents with infections should be isolated to prevent the spread of illness to others.

PATIENT DIGNITY AND GUIDANCE Residents' dignity and privacy should be respected at all times during accessible bathing. Staff should ensure that residents are treated with respect and that their dignity is maintained throughout the bathing process. Residents should also be given guidance on how to use the facilities and any equipment to ensure that they feel comfortable and safe.

CONCLUSION Accessible bathing is an essential aspect of providing quality care to residents in UK care and nursing homes. Health and safety, risk assessment, training, injuries, aids and equipment, technology, flooring, infection control, and patient dignity and guidance are all crucial considerations when designing and maintaining accessible bathing facilities. By prioritizing these aspects, care and nursing homes can ensure that residents receive safe, comfortable, and respectful care during the bathing process.

AIDS AND EQUIPMENT Accessible bathing requires the use of specific equipment and aids to assist residents. These may include handrails, shower chairs, bath hoists, and walk-in baths. It is vital to ensure that the equipment is regularly maintained and that staff are trained in its correct use.

NEW: Omnicare Digital Shower for Level Access Bathrooms Triton has unveiled its new Omnicare Digital solution, designed for safer showering in level access bathrooms.

Expanding its industry-leading collection of Omnicare electric care showers, the latest launch from Britain’s leading shower manufacturer has Bluetooth compatibility, enabling it to automatically pair with a Whale Instant Match pump, evacuating wastewater from showers where gravity cannot do so.

Ideal for both new build and retrofit applications, the product joins Triton’s existing Omnicare, Omnicare Ultra and Omnicare Design products to form a complete range of inclusive thermostatic showering solutions.

Packed with innovative features, the Omnicare Digital switches off instantly if power to the pump is cut for any reason, preventing flooding. Quiet in operation, the unit controls the pump’s speed based on flow rates, so gulley suction noise is minimised.

With a small footprint, the pump can be installed in various locations, including bathrooms, airing cupboards and other accessible locations – making it easier and faster for contractors to fit and maintain. A 7m pairing distance through Bluetooth wireless technology also offers flexibility for the pump to be sited outside the bathroom area.

Triton’s latest launch has been developed to support the continuing trend of multi-generational living amid an ageing demographic. Last year, CBRE found that 1.8m UK households now contain two or more adult generations.

Ashley Cooper, Marketing Director at Triton Showers, said: “An increasing number of people are living in multi-generational households, whether due to a shortage in housing stock, cost-of-living crisis, or the population living longer. Therefore, properties must be adapted accordingly, allowing people of varying ages with different needs and abilities to share facilities.

“We launched Omnicare Digital for this type of application, further strengthening our collection of thermostatic care showers. The new model helps users with reduced mobility and can be specified in wet room applications, while still offering all the safety features that are included across our Omnicare range.”

British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) Care Mark approved, all models in the Omnicare range have a maximum temperature setting of 43°C and are equipped with thermostatic temperature control to prevent scalding and sudden drops in water temperature, regulating within +/-1°C. Additionally, to help users of all abilities wash easily and safely, Omnicare products are Royal National Institute for Blind (RNIB) accredited and included audible feedback and tactile controls such as a looped lever handle and soft press start/stop button.

There are additional accessories that can be paired with the Omnicare range to mitigate against slips, trips and falls, including multi-purpose grab riser rail kits and remote start/stop controls.

Triton’s Omnicare Digital shows the manufacturer’s continued commitment to sustainable showering solutions. In Triton’s latest research, it found that an electric shower can cost nearly a third less than a mixer.

Ashley added: “We’re always looking at impact on the planet, whether that’s from our own manufacturing processes or changing the behaviour of those using our products.

For more information about Triton’s Omnicare range, please visit: www.tritonshowers.co.uk/care-showers Contact details: Call: 02476 324 776 Email: specification@tritonshowers.co.uk Web: www.tritonshowers.co.uk/care-showers

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 33

WASHROOMS & ACCESSIBLE BATHING Access And Mobility Bathrooms Access And Mobility Bathrooms is a family owned and run bathroom adaptation specialist that offers a design, supply and installation service for walk in Showers, Wet rooms and Walk in baths.

• Specialist in maintenance free wall panels.

• All building works carried out.

• Free home visits, consultations and quotations. Installed within 8 weeks of order.

As Member of the British Health Care trades associ-

ation, we abide to a code of practice that protects you from pressure selling, over pricing and ensures quality of work and products.

Enquiries welcome from privately funded customers and business to business.

For further information call 01626 903181, email info@accessmobilitybathrooms.co.uk or visit www.accessmobilitybathrooms.co.uk

Upgrade Your Air Freshener System To Keep Washrooms Constantly Fresh

The challenges with current air fresheners Washrooms are the biggest source of complaints, accounting for over 45% of the complaints that facility managers receive.1 In addition, recent research from Tork tells us that 67% of employees say they’re more likely to complain about a washroom than any other aspect of their office.2 Therefore, it’s crucial that washrooms are run efficiently to ensure a standard of cleanliness that makes people feel cared for.

A new air freshener that distributes scent evenly and continuously Tork has launched a new system that makes keeping your washrooms constantly fresh much easier. It uses a unique, high-tech technology that is propellant free to neutralise odours continuously and evenly.

Research shows that the most important factor customers state when selecting an air care product is the “long lasting performance”3. The Tork Constant Air

Freshener can last for up to 90 days before needing a refill, with a range of scents that eliminate bad odours, creating a consistent, fresh washroom experience, which helps facility managers to avoid washroom complaints.

A system that is easy to maintain and refill 71% of cleaning staff agreed that if washroom dispensers were quicker and easier to refill, they would have more time for other cleaning tasks2. The Tork Constant Air Freshener dispenser is certified ‘Easy to use’ for speedy refilling.4 Its flexible placement at reachable heights also allows for easy maintenance.

Refills and battery changes can also be planned into existing cleaning routines to save staff valuable time.

IoT connected dispensers With Tork Vision Cleaning, the world’s leading data-driven cleaning solution, cleaning staff will now know exactly when and where to refill all Tork dispensers in the washroom. The new air freshener dispenser will enable them to keep the dispensers replenished and save time by avoiding unnecessary checks.

It’s easy to provide a great washroom experience with smart, sustainable hygiene management from Tork.

For more information, please visit Tork.co.uk. For more information on Tork air freshener, please visit Tork.co.uk/airfreshener.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 34 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

WASHROOMS & ACCESSIBLE BATHING

How Care Homes in the UK Can Save Money and Improve Residents' Mental Well Being Gary Seale, MD of iDry Ltd, manufacturer of in shower body dryers is baffled.

It's fantastic to hear about iDry's success and the growing demand for its innovative products, but the success isn’t being seen in the country of manufacture! The company's expansion into international markets, especially securing its largest ever export order heading to Holland, speaks volumes about the global appeal of their technology, the ever present demands to cut costs and improve patients well being, all well documented and accepted.

Gary Seale, is optimistic about the overseas reception, especially in the care sector. Yet the UK seems to lag behind Europe.

Gary asks, don’t UK care homes want to reduce care hours, improve the well being of patients and reduce costs too?

The emphasis on cost savings and environmental impact is noteworthy. iDry's technology not only provides efficient drying solutions but also addresses economic and ecological concerns. The comparison of the cost of laundering towels versus the cost of a five-minute session with the body dryer highlights the practical benefits.

The case study below highlights how a 30 room assisted living complex actually had a payback on their iDry Apres units of only 7 weeks, releasing over 117 hours of direct care every month, Surely that sort of saving should be snapped up by Care home owners?

Gary continued, out of a study of over 800 people in Bury Town centre over 93% had never heard of an in shower body dryer, out of the remaining 7% I genuinely think most were being polite and hadn’t got a clue.

Whether direct contact, assisted bathing or attended bathing, the iDry can provide users with amongst other things their DIGNITY being returned even in miniscule amounts.

CASE STUDY When Tonnie Bieleman wants to vacuum his apartment in the De Klokkenbelt residential facility in Almelo or turn on the lights, he tells his Google Home. He is dependent on care 24/7 I can do my thing quietly and don't have to hurry because someone is waiting who has to go to the next resident.'

THE INSTALLATION ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH The Klokkenbelt is a residential location of InteraktContour, an organization that provides care and support to people with NAH in a large part of eastern and central Netherlands. The former care home in

Almelo has recently been completely redesigned and made suitable for future-proof habitation. Large-scale use of modern technology has been made with the help of the Innovation Impulse for Full Life. This helps make the lives of clients like Tonnie more attractive, more independent and safer. The innovations also save employees time, giving them more time to focus on clients.

'By conducting a needs survey among clients and by actively participating in healthcare, we discovered how technology can support healthcare, Because the installation alone is not enough. It turned out to be a project in itself to make innovations part of the healthcare process.'

The iDry Apres Body Dryer saves per patient over 23 hours of direct care every month Because people like Tonnie are becoming more self-reliant, technology also influences the way healthcare is organised. For example, in unplanned care, the number of calls from residents for everyday minor matters decreased by hundreds per month. After all, no one has to come for simple things like operating the lighting or curtains anymore. But it also turned out that many hours could be saved in planned care, sometimes with larger and less mundane adjustments. For example, with the Body dryer that Tonnie received in his bathroom, he can now dry himself after showering. This saves over 23 hours of direct care every month.

Employees now spend that time on other things.

"They now help me get out of bed in the morning, for safety reasons," says Tonnie. 'I can then shave independently in 45 minutes, take a shower and dry myself with the help of the Apres body dryer. Only then do I alert care again, and then they come and help me get dressed.

Previously, a healthcare provider had to be present all the time. In the meantime, he can now work with someone else.' Apart from the time savings and the regained independence, the innovation in his bathroom also helps Tonnie feel better physically and more important mentally , he has got back a sense of dignity 'I have a lot of cramps in my arm and leg. It's nice to have warmth there and to be able to do that calmly and relaxed, without feeling rushed.'

Tonnie cannot emphasize enough how important it is for him that he is once again in control of his own life, partly thanks to technology. He went through a deep valley after two cerebral infarctions and a double pulmonary embolism destroyed him eight years ago. 'I was a project leader and managed many people every day. And suddenly I was completely dependent on others, after 49 years of being able to do everything myself. Then you really go crazy.'

Tonnie moved to an InteraktContour residential location in Lelystad five years ago, now lives in the Klokkenbelt and is very happy with the innovations he has there.

THE MORE INDEPENDENT THE RESIDENTS, THE MORE POSITIVE 'Things are really going better now. My disability no longer changes, but this technique makes my life enormously more pleasant. I can regain some of my dignity. It may seem simple to others, but it really means a lot to me. Now when my wife comes to visit in the evening, it's fun again. And it also changes the relationship you have with the employees. I no longer have to call them for every little thing, and because of the time savings that everything yields, there is also time for a conversation. That is real progress.'

Marieke van den Berg, e-health task holder at Klokkenbelt, also sees this. And it works both ways, she says. 'The more our residents regain their independence, the more positive they become. This makes them feel better about themselves. Cutting costs and saving time by innovating is a bonus, but the fact that residents can do things again that they could do before also gives us a lot of satisfaction. This leads to less stress and improves the quality of care.'

For further information on iDry and how they can save your facility money while also improving your residents' wellbeing , visit www.idry.me or call 0800 933 0020.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 35

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Revolutionising Care Homes with Forbes Connect: A New Era in Commercial Laundry In the fast-evolving landscape of care homes, Forbes Professional takes a significant step forward with the introduction of Forbes Connect; featuring state-of-the-art Miele washers, dryers, and dishwashers. This innovative new offering seamlessly integrates technology to deliver an unparalleled connected laundry experience for care facilities.

At the heart of Forbes Connect is a ground-breaking 24/7 intelligent remote monitoring system, providing both our engineers and our clients with real-time insights into the operational status of Miele laundry machines. This transformative feature ensures a pro-active approach to maintenance, further reducing any downtime and enhancing the overall efficiency of laundry operations.

Our dedicated team of engineers operate from an expansive network around the UK and are ready for intervention should issues be digitally identified. This proactive approach minimises disruptions and helps us remotely identify faults to increase first time fix rates. It also optimises the lifespan of Miele commercial laundry machines, offering care homes peace of mind and uninterrupted service.

When a fault is detected, Forbes Connect ensures a prompt response by sending notifications directly to

our customer service team. Leveraging advanced logistics, our team efficiently allocates engineers based on proximity and availability, guaranteeing a swift resolution to any laundry machine issues.

In line with the global push for sustainability, Forbes Connect goes a step further by monitoring temperature and water resource usage. This invaluable tool not only aids care homes in achieving their sustainability targets but also sheds light on the true efficiency of Miele commercial laundry machines. Care facilities can now make informed decisions to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on the quality of service.

Forbes Connect is another step in our commitment to revolutionise the laundry experience in care homes. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, we empower care facilities to deliver impeccable service seamlessly, ensuring that residents' comfort and well-being remain at the forefront of every operation. Welcome to the future of commercial laundry with Forbes Connect and Miele – where innovation meets care. www,forbespro.co.uk info@forbes-professional.co.uk 0345 070 2335

Laundry Specialists Lavamac Receive Sustainability Award Chester based Laundry professionals Lavamac Ltd, official distributor of Lavamac industrial laundry equipment has received the prestigious Bronze Sustaibnability award in recognition of their policies and procedures based commitment to maintain a sustainable business for ourselves or customers and the environment The three main points Lavamac have been recognised for are: 1. Air source heat pump dryers , connected load 3kw as opposed to 30Kw for a 16kg electric dryer and 25-30 kw for Gas , clean efficient and saving the planet available from £10995 fully refurbished to £16995.00 new both with 24 months parts and labour warranty and the option to extend and cost effective annual premium ?

2.Refurbished Equipment, we completely rebuild any current model of Primus , Lavamac or Ipso washers , dryers and ironers . I full ground up restoration leaves these machines as good ( if not better than ) New ! sold , rented of leased these machines are between 40-50% of cost of their new equivalent with a warranty as new 24 months parts and labour ( see attached literature on our product range ) 3.Intelligent washings machines ( In conjunction with our partners www.countrywidehealthcare.co.uk ) we can potentially reduce chemical usage by up to 35% and labour by 30 %

Additionally • Our offices in Chester utilise Solar Panels and we create more electricity than we consume • In 2024 we are committed to replacing all service vehicles with Hybrid models • In 2024 all cars will be upgraded to EV models • We have implement a new software system ( Big Change ) removes paper documentation and utilising smart technology will reduce road mileage between calls and improve response times A delighted Jeremy Hartigan CEO of Lavamac Ltd said: “I am extremely proud to announce that Lavamac have been awarded a prestigious Bronze Sustainability Award by the UK Groundworks Trust. This award demonstrates our commitment to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within the sector. This award is renowned for honouring businesses that demonstrate exceptional dedication and innovation, and we are thrilled to be recognised for our resolute focus on offering sustainable products and services while raising awareness about the importance of environmental concerns within the sector”.

See the advert below for further information on Lavamac.

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Washing Machines for Care Homes MAG Laundry Equipment, suppliers of commercial washing machines & tumble dryers, is proud to have supported more than 10,000 care homes across the nation.

Clean laundry and bedding is critical for care homes, hospices, nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare organisations. With a nationwide fleet of accredited engineers MAG Laundry Equipment has successfully assisted over ten thousand care homes with their products, services, information and support.

MAG’s product range includes commercial washing machines, tumble dryers, ironers, presses and detergents. For 100 years, since 1922, MAG’s products have been developed and improved to become some of the

most reliable, energy-efficient and affordable machines on the market. Care homes have peace-of-mind that their laundry machines can quickly be maintained and repaired as MAG Laundry Equipment supply, install and service equipment across England, Scotland and Wales.

If you are looking for high quality wash results that remove stubborn stains then speak with MAG for their recommendations. Complete thermal disinfection is a standard feature on their washing machines for nursing homes. To find out more about how MAG can support your care home telephone 01353 883025 or visit the www.maglaundryequipment.co.uk website.

Preserving Identity and Preventing Loss: Cash's Apparel Solutions' Century-Long Legacy

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

Cash's Apparel Solutions has been at the forefront of manufacturing woven nametapes for over a century, serving the nursing home sector and beyond. Their nametapes have become synonymous with preserving identity, preventing lost garments, and delivering personalised identity items and gifts.

Preserving dignity Cash's woven nametapes provide a simple yet effective solution to labelling clothing in nursing homes minimising distress caused by lost garments, fostering an environment where residents are seen and respected for who they are.

Cash's has earned a global reputation for reliability and quality. Their woven nametapes are sold and utilised worldwide, serving as a testament to their effectiveness.

In addition, Cash's Apparel Solutions goes beyond their renowned nametapes. Their expertise in weaving and personalisation allows them to create a diverse range of identity items and gifts. From personalized badges to custom keyrings and promotional products, Cash's demonstrates their versatility in meeting unique customer needs. By offering tailored

solutions, they celebrate individuality, making a significant contribution to the spirit of personalisation and fostering a sense of belonging.

A Century of Excellence: Cash's century-long presence in the industry showcases their enduring commitment to excellence. They have adapted and innovated, embracing modern technology and evolving customer demands. Cash's unwavering dedication to their craft and the nursing home sector demonstrates their genuine concern for residents' well-being and comfort.

In conclusion, Cash's has established itself as a leader in manufacturing woven nametapes, personalised identity items and gifts. With their century-long legacy of quality, reliability, and attention to detail, Cash's continues to make a significant impact in the nursing home sector and beyond. By preserving identity, preventing loss, and embracing personalisation, Cash's Apparel Solutions truly embodies their commitment to enhancing safety, dignity, and individuality in care facilities worldwide.

Visit www.cashslabels.com

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Improving Laundry Sustainability An efficient and effective laundry operation is essential for the hygienic operation of every care home. It remains nonetheless a considerable and unavoidable user of water and energy. Reducing energy and water consumption offer the potential to reduce environmental impacts and improve the long-term sustainability of the home. Realistically though, how much room is there for improvement?

Some of the latest laundry tech offers a lot.

Girbau’s next generation Genius smart washers are designed to lower water, detergent and energy consumption while boosting productivity. These innovative high spin washers can achieve up to 450G extract force for astounding levels of water extraction, faster drying and lower energy use. Tests on the Genius GS7018 found that it used 2.5 kWh for a full 18kg load cycle, compared to 3.5kWh for a comparable washer from a leading competitor. For a typical machine completing eight cycles per day, that’s a saving of over £900 a year, based on an electricity price of 31p per kWh. An optional integral weighing system measures every load and automatically adjusts programs to further optimise cycle time, lower water and chemical usage

and improve productivity. The new unique Care Plus Drum extends linen life and decreases tangling. The drum perforations also provide faster dispersion of water.

Genius washers offer unmatched durability and a high degree of programmability with high-speed spinning and automatic chemical dosing. The impact-resistant, full colour 10.5-inch waterproof screen is the industry’s largest. It features user-friendly icons that can be used while wearing gloves.

Girbau’s Sapphire remote-control software that is standard on Genius washers gives easy, flexible and versatile control. You can manage the laundry, compile production reports and analyse data remotely in real time from any device. Sapphire can also be used to configure washers to operate and record the use of thermal disinfection programs, essential in every care home.

For energy efficient drying, Girbau’s premium ED series dryers ensure all items are dried safely, uniformly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Their unique Transflow technology combines radial and axial airflow for maximum efficiency, reduced cycle times and lower energy costs. Cabinet insulation and a double-glazed door also prevent heat escaping.

Girbau is also currently working with care providers looking to entirely decarbonise their laundry operations by switching from gas to electric dryers and sourcing 100% renewable electricity.

Tel: 01462 427780 | Email: sales.uk@girbau.com | Website: www.girbau.com

MAG Laundry Detergents Gillman’s Appliance Specialists When it comes to maintaining cleanliness and comfort in care homes and nursing homes, it is crucial to choose the right laundry products. That's why many care homes in the UK trust MAG Laundry Detergents for their laundry needs.

Their specially formulated commercial laundry detergents, stain removers and fabric softeners are designed to tackle the most common soils found in senior care facilities.

MAG's laundry solutions are unmatched in ensuring that your laundry and linen remains clean, bright, and soft. With the high-quality laundry products found at www.maglaundry-

detergents.co.uk you can provide your residents with the freshness and cleanliness they deserve, helping you uphold the highest standards of care for your organisation.

A true family run business established in Gloucester in 1969

by Erika and John Gillman.

We pride ourselves on product knowledge, customer service and being a truly family run independent business.

We work closely with our commercial manufacturers to provide the highest quality service.

purchase or lease purchase basis.

COMMERCIAL WASHING MACHINES

COMMERCIAL IRONING & FINISHING MACHINES

We provide commercial and industrial washing machines to many industry sectors such as Care homes, Schools and Colleges, Vets, Holiday parks and the Hospitality sector.

We can supply machines from 6KG upwards on a rental, purchase or lease purchase basis and even put maintenance on your existing machines, contact us to learn more.

We provide rotary ironers from 1 meter wide to 3.2 metres wide with Gas, Electric or Steam heat and can provide feedings, folding and stacking machines.

In addition to rotary ironers we can also supply vacuum ironing tables, formers and drying cabinets.

COMMERCIAL TUMBLE DRYERS

With a team of 18 in house service engineers equipped with vans containing a comprehensive stock of spare parts we have a very high "First Fix" rate meaning a fault is diagnosed and repaired on the first visit.

Fully trained installation team with CHAS, Gas Safe, Construction line and F-gas commercial refrigeration accreditation.

For further information, please see the advert below.

We can supply commercial and industrial dryers that are Electric, Gas or Steam heated; and commercial heat pump and condensing models for sites where ventilation proves a challenge.

We work with Care homes, Schools and Colleges, Vets, Commercial laundries, Holiday parks and the Hospitality sector and can supply machines from 6KG and upwards on a rental,

COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY & DISHWASHING CHEMICALS As well as providing the machines we can also provide a complete range of laundry chemicals such as detergents, conditioners, destainers, emulsifiers and even Electrolux Professional Lagoon wet cleaning chemicals.

COMMERCIAL SERVICE & REPAIRS

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

DEMENTIA CARE Rise & Shine Game Promotes Mobility and Wellbeing In an effort to combat the nationwide issue of reduced mobility among senior citizens, an exciting game called "Rise & Shine" is making waves in healthcare and social care communities.

Developed with the goal of encouraging physical activity in elderly individuals, this innovative game consists of 30 uniquely designed tiles, adorned with playful illustrations by renowned artist and sculptor Bob Olley.

The game is designed to be played in group settings, with healthcare staff identifying participants who would benefit from engaging in physical activity. After receiving their tiles, participants join in activities suited to their needs, such as chair exercises or walking. Once the activities are completed, tiles are placed into the "Rise & Shine Post-

box." As the game progresses, a draw determines the winner, who receives a small prize.

Rise & Shine has been trialled successfully at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital. Feedback from both patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with improvements in mobility and morale noted among participants.

By incorporating Rise & Shine into their routines, caregivers and healthcare providers can play a crucial role in keeping our elderly community active, engaged, and mobile, ultimately enhancing their wellbeing and independence. www.riseandshinegame.com or see the advert on the front cover.

Activities to Share

Tired of the same old song and dance when it comes to planning engaging activities? Well, fear not!

Activities to Share is here to sprinkle some excitement into your daily routine.

If you've been feeling like you're stuck in a creative rut, we've got the antidote.

Picture this: a wonderland of activity ideas, free downloads that are basically the golden ticket to fun, and a treasure trove of products that'll make your heart skip a beat (in a good way).

We get it – after a while, even the most fantastic activities can start feeling a bit blah. That's why we've scoured the corners of creativity to bring you fresh, fabulous ideas that'll have you and your crew grinning from ear to ear.

Our website, activitiestoshare.co.uk, is your go-to haven for all things fun and engaging. Need a burst of inspiration? We've got your back. Looking for

activities tailored to different abilities? We've got that covered too!

But wait, there's more!

We've teamed up with carers and activity coordinators across the land to ensure that every product and idea we offer is topnotch and practically oozing with fun. And if you've got a creative itch that needs scratching, we're here to help you bring your unique ideas to life!

So, don't let boredom sneak in. Join us on this adventure of "going the extra smile" because, let's face it, smiles are the best currency around here.

See all of the above here at www.activitiestoshare.co.uk

Inspired Inspirations: Revolutionising UK's Care Sector with the Tiny Tablet In an era where technology infiltrates every aspect of life, it's paramount for care establishments to harness its potential for enhancing the quality of life for those they care for. One pioneering name stands out in this endeavour - Inspired Inspirations. This innovative company has been leading the transformation of care

through its state-of-the-art Tiny Tablet touch screen activity tables.

The impact of the Tiny Tablet across the UK's care sector is nothing short of transformative. Crafted with precision, these activity tables are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals in care settings. The interactive features and user-friendly interface offer residents an engaging experience that transcends the limitations often associated with traditional care environments. From stimulating cognitive functions to enhancing social interactions, the benefits are manifold. Residents can revisit old memories, connect with loved ones, explore the world, and engage in enriching activities, all with just a touch.

But what truly sets Inspired Inspirations apart is not just their groundbreaking product but their holistic approach to integrating technology into care. Recognising that the most advanced tools are only as effective as the hands that wield them, the company prioritises the training of care staff. They believe in empowering caregivers with the skills and knowledge required to maximise the potential of touch screen devices.

Their comprehensive training modules ensure that care professionals are well-equipped to provide those being cared for with meaningful, enriching interactions using the Tiny Tablet.

Further amplifying their commitment to quality care through technology, Inspired Inspirations has penned an invaluable guide titled "Project Wellbeing: Unleash the Power of Technology in Care". This book is a testament to their deep expertise and dedication to the cause. It offers readers insights into the best practices for integrating technology into care settings and ensuring that residents reap the myriad benefits. By sharing their vast knowledge and experiences, Inspired Inspirations is fostering a care community that is both tech-savvy and deeply compassionate. This can be ordered from Amazon, or Inspired Inspirations own website www.inspired-inspirations.com In conclusion, as the UK's care sector faces unprecedented challenges, companies like Inspired Inspirations are paving the way for a brighter, tech-enabled future. Their remarkable Tiny Tablet touch screen activity tables, coupled with their dedication to staff training and knowledge dissemination, position them as true trailblazers.

For care establishments looking to embrace the future and offer unparalleled experiences to the people they care for, a partnership with Inspired Inspirations is not just recommended, it's essential.

See the advert on the facing page for further details.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISERS

PAGE 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT Frequency Precision - Sensors 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 sys-

tems 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.

Phone: 01837 810590 Email: contact@frequencyprecision.com Website: www.frequencyprecision.com

point then add a 2-1 adapter In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable.

And carries a 12 Month guarantee 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 our NEW WEBSITE at www.lctuk.com for details.

Lotus Care Technology

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

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.

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

This Nurse Alert Mat can be placed typically at the bedside or at the door threshold and plugged into the call socket of the Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor.

It can then alert staff for example before the resident is up and about, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate.

Need to add a pear push lead in the same call

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 43

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Fall Savers®, are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years.

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers®. The NEW Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad. This results in less work for nursing staff, improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads. Wireless advantages include the ability to use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems A variety of options, including: Call button Pager Floor sensor mat Wireless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR SENSOR PAD

The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor

sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors.

FEATURES INCLUDE: Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately): Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details or visit www.fallsavers.co.uk.

Medpage Advanced Domestic and Blaucomm Ltd Telecommunications & Networks Commercial Fall Prevention Systems 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 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 See the advert on the front cover for more details.

Medpage Limited has manufactured care aid technologies for 40 years and our brand is widely used in hospitals and commercial care establishments. We supply fall prevention and detection systems to suit most requirements to ensure patient safety and regulation compliance. We are a major contributor and supplier of equipment to the hospital patient discharge project, where Assistive Technology items are issued to aid independent living and keep people safer at home.

We offer expert technical advice, support, and product guidance for customers unsure of their requirements. Our reputation for delivering quality services, quality products, competitive pricing, and our passionate commitment to developing new and improved technologies is acknowledged by the majority of Local Authorities in the UK.

Our latest fall prevention system based around our MPCSA11 sensor controller was successfully tested in Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Enfield and Barnet NHS, Potters Bar, Edgeware, and is now adopted and implemented as part of their falls management programmes.

The CSA11WBCK system is unique in that it allows a patient with mobility to freely transfer from bed to chair and into a monitored area, such as the washroom, without causing an alarm so long as the patient is detected by a sensor, bed, chair, or movement. If the patient fails to return to their bed or chair the alarm outputs become active alerting radio pagers, nurse call trigger, or dispersed alarm dialler.

To find out more about Medpage fall prevention systems visit www.easylinkuk.co.uk Professionalwandering-falls.

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NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT

Arquella - Connected Technology, Connected Care ARQUELLA, a leading care technology provider, offers solutions to enhance the quality of care in nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom.

Arquella is passionate about making a difference in the quality of care provided to nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom. Through the power of technology, we have developed cutting-edge solutions that are accessible and supportive, putting people at the forefront.

As part of a nationwide initiative driven by a £25m UK government funding pledge to enhance the quality of care and support individuals’ independence, Arquella is proud to be at the forefront of the digital transformation in the care sector.

Falls in care homes are a significant concern in the UK, with residents three times more likely to fall than older people living in their own homes. Arquella’s innovative solution, Arquella Sense, utilising sensor-based technology, and Arquella Call, a digital nurse call system, will improve reactive care and reduce risk.

Arquella Sense uses discreet wall or ceiling-mounted sensors to monitor fall risk behaviour 24 hours daily, alerting carers via mobile handsets. The technology aims to intervene before falls occur, increasing safety and providing a cost-effective solution to cumbersome mats.

Arquella Call is an app-based digital nurse call system that delivers in-depth digital records and future-proof functionality. It integrates seamlessly with other software applications, offering actionable data to help shape care delivery and adjust staffing levels.

Arquella is at the forefront of a digital transformation revolution in the care sector.

Technology is more important than ever in providing insights and actionable data to inform decisions and improve lives.

For more information about Arquella’s products and how they can benefit your care home, please call 0333 242 7505 or visit their website at www.arquella.co.uk

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, emedication, 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 or see the advert below.

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

PAGE 46 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE First Free E-Learning Resource on Data Security and Protection for Care Staff Launched Care providers can now improve and assess their staff’s knowledge of data security and protection using a new elearning resource, specifically designed for the care sector.

Better Security, Better Care – the national programme supporting adult care providers with data security - has developed the course in response to a gap in the market.

Speaking about the new course, Michelle Corrigan, Programme Director of Better Security, Better Care, said: "Care providers told us that they struggle to access relevant training for their staff on data protection and cyber security. Our course content reflects all care settings and staff roles – from home care and residential services, to frontline care workers and administrators. There are lots of videos, case studies and interactive elements which enable staff to understand their role in keeping both print and digital data safe.

“Care providers also said that it can be challenging to meet the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) requirement to train at least 95 per cent of staff on data protection in the previous 12 months. This course has been specifically designed to meet that requirement.

“We have made the course completely open access, without any need to register or login because we want to maximise the number of people using it – especially staff in small care services. But it is also available as a SCORM compliant resource for providers who have a Learning Management System."

The course, which reinforces the Data Security Standards and the Care Certificate, includes four modules and one online assessment. Each module takes around 10 – 20 minutes to complete, and there is one single

assessment covering topics from all four modules. Staff can complete the modules in any order and over the course of several days.

Care managers, trainers and staff can access the course and corresponding user guides at www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/elearning The course modules are: Module 1: Data protection rights and responsibilities covers the importance of data security and protection in the care system and staff’s personal responsibility to handle data safely.

Module 2: Keeping data secure covers the importance of keeping data secure through good record keeping and data disposal, and how to share confidential data securely.

Module 3: Threats to data security looks at the threats to data security that employees might encounter, including common types of fraud and scams and how to safely use and keep digital and paper records.

Module 4: Data breaches explains what data breaches are, the causes of data breaches and what to do in the event of a breach.

Assessment quiz: The assessment includes 20 questions relating to all four modules. Trainees are required to get 80% or more correct in order to download the certificate.

The course, which was developed and tested in partnership with care providers, has been welcomed by the sector.

Dr Jane Townson, Chair of the Care Provider Alliance representing the 10 national care provider trade associations, encourages members to use the course saying: “Care providers are increasingly aware of how important it is to train their staff on good data and cyber security practice. But until now, there hasn’t been anything really tailored to the specific needs and circumstances faced by our sector’s staff.

“This new elearning course from Better Security, Better Care is the missing piece of the puzzle – and it complies with the training requirements in the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.

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.

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

“The Care Provider Alliance encourages all care providers to use the resource to improve and assess their staff’s knowledge.”

Tom Rottinghuis, Data Protection Officer at The Forward Trust who was on the Working Group that developed the course said: “Our safeguarding manager and two of our counsellors … were particularly pleased to see that there is a focus on the need to share – as well as the need to protect – people’s information, and it really shows that data protection is not the enemy of safeguarding and care, but a crucial part of it. You can and must share information in order to ensure people get the support they need.”

“One of the most valuable aspects of the new resources is that they are short... Given the pressure our staff are under, and the high turnover, it is so valuable to have something that is clear, straightforward and flexible to use.”

Care staff who were involved in testing the course fed back: “This will help train all staff easily and at no cost. Very clear and easy, I look forward to using these modules for our staff!”

“I think it is really digestible, and has managed to strike the balance of including all relevant and necessary information whilst the training does not feeling too info heavy to digest.”

“These modules are tailored to the social care context and reflect real situations that a diverse variety of care workers face in different settings.

It’s visual and in plain English so it is very accessible to a wide range of staff including those with English as a second language.”

Visit www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/elearning

single platform, designed to: • Save you time • Increase the efficiency of your teams • 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.

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

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 47

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE WhosOffice Online success Helps Care Sector with Shift Planning and Staff Leave Management Kent -based WhosOffice.com is helping the care sector manage staff shifts and leave planning. Currently used by many businesses to manage staff holidays and shift rotas online.

WhosOffice’s CEO, Reg Groombridge, has seen a noticeable shift in the way companies are managing essential HR tasks like coordinating staff time off and shift patterns.

“All companies, including large care homes, hospital pharmacies and the care sector generally are more sensitive than ever to key staff not being available at vital times during a shift. Management, including local managers, need to have a clear vision of whos on shift, day off, who’s on leave or even off sick and be able to plan tasks accordingly to the correct staff.”

“As there continues to be pressure caused by the shortage of skilled and qualified personnel, you need online systems that your whole team can use to see accurate information, wherever they’re located – at head office, care home based, onsite or on the move.”

Knowing who’s on shift or available to cover a shift is the key to success along with who’s qualified to cover certain essential roles and tasks.

“The switch to digital shift planning is driving investment in HR tools like WhosOffice because there can be less face-to-face interaction between staff. Its easier to have an online system that gives everyone from the ground up a clearer picture of who’s on shift, who’s available and qualified to take on tasks that must covered.

Particularly in the care sector you can’t just lean across the desk and ask someone if they’ve booked next week off or when they are next on shift.

“There’s also a need for companies to provide a good employee experience. When recruitment is a challenge, you can’t afford to lose your most valuable people – and a basic mistake like miscalculating someone’s holiday allowance or not logging their time off request can have a huge impact on people’s loyalty to your business.”

“Likewise, it’s important to protect the health and wellbeing of your workforce, to mitigate the risk of someone going off long-term sick.

We’re seeing more companies using the WhosOffice absence management feature to track staff sick leave, so they can identify people who may be struggling with their physical or mental health and offer appropriate support.”

Ever-rising employee expectations have created a stronger business case for investing in HR technologies. When WhosOffice launched in 2015 it was one of the very first online staff shift and leave planners, and many businesses still used paper forms or spreadsheets to track time off. Now, companies of all sizes are modernising their operations to help them attract and retain the best people.

“Fortunately, essential HR tools have become much more affordable in recent years, which means SMEs can use the same, sophisticated software as much larger companies.”

Contact details WhosOffice.com +44 (0)1227 812938 support@whosoffice.com

Taking Control of Time and Attendance in Social Care The social care industry faces unique challenges when it comes to managing time and attendance. Ensuring that the right skilled care worker is in the right place, while also juggling staff absences, can be a daunting task.

However, there is a solution that can streamline these processes and give you greater control over absence management: Advanced Time and Attendance software.

One of the key features of time and attendance software is skills mapping.

In social care, it's not always possible to simply roster in another employee to cover a shift. With skills mapping, you have the ability to set parameters that ensure the replacement staff member has the necessary skills for the specific client. So, when a care worker calls in sick or can't make it to their next client, you can seamlessly find and allocate another staff member with the right skillset.

Shift swapping is another valuable tool offered by our time and attendance software. If a care worker is unable to fulfil their shift or make it to their client visit, the shift can be easily swapped with another equally qualified care worker. This ensures continuity of care without disrupting the rest of the schedule.

Additionally, team members may even be able to trade shifts between themselves with approval, reducing the administrative burden on care coordinators.

To make the management of schedules and absences more efficient, time and attendance software offers self-service capabilities. Employees can access cloud-based software at any time to manage their schedules, sickness, and annual leave. This empowers them to take ownership of their own time and reduces the time and effort required for managers to keep tabs on who is where, when, and for how long.

Managing rosters, absence, and payroll in the social care industry can be complex, but it doesn't have to be complicated. With Advanced Time & Attendance solution, you can efficiently configure your rotas, update shifts, and track absences. The software provides real-time data and productivity insights, helping you make informed decisions and optimise your workforce.

Taking control of absences in social care is crucial for maintaining the quality of care provided to clients. Advanced’s Time and Attendance software offers the tools and capabilities needed to streamline processes, allocate skilled staff members, and empower employees to manage their own schedules. By implementing a Time & Attendance solution, you can prioritise client needs while ensuring efficient and effective workforce management.

For more information on Advanced Time and Attendance, you can visit our website www.oneadvanced.com or call 0330 311 6077. See the advert on the back cover of this issue for details.

PAGE 48 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177

PROFESSIONAL, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT The UK Care Market: 2023 Review

• In H1 2023, 45% of closed care home deals we were sold to care providers for ongoing care use and 55% were purchased for residential conversion

OPERATIONAL COSTS Analysis of our consultancy data - which looks at profit and loss accounts from the hundreds of formal valua-

By Rob Kinsman, Regional Director - Healthcare, Christie & Co (www.christie.com) tions - shows a significant increase in costs for care home providers between 2021 and 2023. This clearly reflects We recently launched our 2023 Care Market Review report which analyses a range of topics relating to the UK healthcare business market. Here are some of the key highlights…

HEALTHCARE CAPITAL MARKETS Entering 2023, the care market adapted, with buyers returning albeit with yields adjusting to reflect higher costs of capital and the changing market environment.

Positively, despite the macro-market challenges, there is good demand for care home opportunities, with investors attracted by the strong needs-driven underpin of the sector coupled with long-term index-linked cashflows.

LAND AND DEVELOPMENT The underlying business case for purpose-built care homes remains robust, with a continued need for future-proof market-standard beds in many locations across the UK. Despite operators still facing significant headwinds, the UK care home development market remains active and continues to transact a high volume of new-to-market beds. Sentiment remains positive, with more operators prepared to take leases on new build assets as a way of achieving growth, resulting in an upward movement in rental levels over the 12 months to June 2023.

We are starting to see more domestic and international capital entering the market, attracted by the defensive characteristics of needs-driven Operational Real Estate and the excellent ESG credentials new care homes offer investors. This additional liquidity, accompanied by the continued imbalance between demand and supply of market-standard beds to cater for the rapidly ageing demographic, will support sustainable levels of transactional activity for consented care home development sites in both the short and long-term.

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS When analysing the UK’s elderly care going concern market between 2019 and H1 2023, we found: • Instruction volumes had rebounded, sitting 70% ahead of where they were in H2 2022 • There was a rise in the number of larger care homes (60 beds or more) going up for sale • Only 3% of our transactions were to first-time buyers, this is around a third of the proportion in 2022 • There was an increasing number of transactions concluded by the larger companies and corporates • Independent buyers remain our most active buyer group, accounting for 34% of Christie & Co healthcare deals in 2022 and 36% in 2023 • In 2022,13% of the sales we completed were on a closed basis, this increased to 18% in H1 2023

Policies and Procedures Within Social Care The delivery of safe care is the paramount responsibility of social care providers. Central to achieving this is the governance framework adopted by service providers. And at the core of this framework are policies and procedures. These enable the provider to comply – and evidence compliance – with relevant legislation and regulations, as well as facilitating best practices, supporting business needs, and assisting in recognising and managing risks.

Good governance care itself is an integral part of health and social regulation, Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 stipulates that care providers must have systems and processes in place that ensure they can meet the requirements of Regulations 4 to 20A. Policies and procedures not only ensure that providers are compliant with this regulation and working within the law; they also enable providers to drive improvement and protect the people who access services and receive care.

Providers also have a legal duty of care to the people they employ. Policies and procedures should provide clear guidelines to staff on how the organisation operates, as well as informing them of best practices and processes to be followed.

the wider economic challenges with labour supply constraints and rising energy prices, and the care sector has a greater exposure to a material shift in these costs.

We found that registered managers’ salaries, on average, increased by 13% between 2021 and 2023. There are even greater wage pressures on kitchen staff, with head cook wages increasing by an average of 14%. The situation with maintenance staff is also acute, with wages rising by 18%. An analysis of utility costs shows that heat and light costs have also increased by an average of 19% on a per-occupied bed basis.

LOCAL AUTHORITY FEE RATES We conducted and analysed a Freedom of Information Act survey - covering all local authorities across England, Wales, and Scotland. This revealed: • An average residential fee increase in England of 9.5% compared with 5.4% in 2022/23 • An average nursing fee increase in England of 8.1% compared with 6.8% in 2022/23 • Fee rate levels remain a challenge in some areas, with the increases being insufficient to offset inflationary cost pressures • The burden on the self-funded client base is likely to rise, with the majority of providers achieving private fee increases of 10% or more

OPERATOR SENTIMENT We also interviewed a cross-section of local and regional providers and found that 46% of operators have achieved a reduction in agency usage over the last 12 months, whereas 28% stated agency usage had increased.

Private fee rates increased across all country regions, with 43% of operators reporting a 10% or above increase in private fee rates. Only 9% of respondents reported increases of under 5%, compared with 31% with local authority fees. Additionally, 38% of operators said that their occupancy levels have increased, while 70% stated that it has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

THE FINANCE LANDSCAPE Historically, whilst in low interest rate margins, lenders have applied a higher interest rate or a ‘stressed margin’ to calculate affordability. However, we are now operating in a new stressed rate environment, which has made lenders look in greater detail at a business’s ability to service their current levels of debt, as well as any potential increases.

Results of a survey of local and regional providers conducted by Christie Finance in July 2023, found that 38% of respondents are looking to buy a care business in the next 12 months, 30% of which will seek finance to do so.

When asked about the confidence they have in lenders to support their plans, 46% said they are very confident, 18% said not confident, and 36% remained neutral.

Policies should be reviewed annually as a minimum to ensure they are still fit for purpose and align with legal and regulatory requirements. They should be reviewed not only by employees of the business, but also by experts in various subject matters (e.g., infection control or medicines management).

For many small- to medium-sized providers, there may not be the in-house skills, knowledge, and experience to complete such a robust annual review. Many choose instead to purchase their policies and procedures from a reputable provider like W&P Compliance & Training, who will also complete reviews and ensure their policies and procedures remain up to date. This way a provider not only ensures they remain compliant; they also benefit from best practice policies and procedures that provide a solid foundation for safe working practices and – ultimately – protect and support service users and staff.

Ben Erskine – Director at W&P Compliance & Training www.wandptraining.co.uk | Tel: 01305 767104 See the advert on page 2 for further information.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 177 | PAGE 49

PROFESSIONAL, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT Immigration Tightrope: Do You Need Permanent Keeping Care Homes Compliant and Reliable Care Staff?

Rising costs and operational challenges are putting care homes and domiciliary care providers under strain, as they try to comply with Home Office sponsor licence regulations. A growing concern is the disparity between the work hours stated on foreign workers' Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and the actual hours given, which can adversely affect their visa status. According to Gavin Webster,

Director of Immtell, this issue reflects the sector's broader pressures rather than deliberate neglect.

Non-compliance with CoS terms can lead to severe Home Office sanctions, potentially causing staff to find new sponsorship or leave the UK, and disrupting the provider's services. Inadvertent breaches often result from the sector's tough conditions and confusion over compliance rules.

Webster emphasises the importance of careful navigation of sponsor duties to avoid significant consequences. He suggests that regular audits by immigration consultancies can prevent issues from drawing Home Office attention.

To remain compliant while providing essential services, care providers are advised to seek expert advice. Immtell offers support through info@immtell.com and online at www.immtell.com.

Proper guidance helps balance operational sustainability with legal responsibilities, preserving their vital community role.

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

JJ Recruitment has the large database of well

At Caring People Recruitment we specialise exclusively in finding the RIGHT PEOPLE to work on permanent contracts in the UK healthcare industry.

RECRUIT OVERSEAS: For companies with a sponsors license, we can provide the highest calibre English speaking candidates. You can choose to recruit face to face in the Caribbean (in Jamaica or St Lucia for example) or via video call from your own office. We offer free flights and hotels for our clients for all overseas bulk recruitment drives.

Candidates are all FULLY QUALIFIED in the care sector with a minimum of 2 years PROFESSIONAL care experience. Retention rates of above 98%.

RECRUIT LOCALLY: If it’s local staff that you are looking for, then look no further. Our team can assist to fill your vacancies fast and reduce those agency costs. We

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recruit from top to bottom; regional managers, care home managers, nurses, carers, chefs, kitchen staff and cleaners.

We are a family business committed to providing our valued clients with a complete and personal service. We guarantee that our candidates will enhance the levels of care that being provided by your business.

CONTACT US NOW: Email: Ben.livermore@caringpeople.com TEL : 0785 24 29 294 See the advert on page 9 for further details.

objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

We have organised over £1.8bn for clients in the past 30 years, providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt, ease cashflow and develop businesses further.

From helping clients make their first purchase through to allowing groups to grow significantly in size we assist at every stage of your business expansion.

Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements.

Call us on 01242 227172 or e-mail us at enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.net