The Carer Digital - Issue #185

VIEWPOINT

I am away at a tradeshow this week so a little shorter comment piece than usual!

I was contemplating delaying this week s issue until after the Chancellor s budget which is about to get underway, but experience tells me one thing never mess with deadlines!

But do watch our website - www thecareruk com - we will have the latest about the budget its impact on social care and comment from leading industry spokespeople and organisations

The Covid-19 pandemic fallout has as if we needed reminding, wreaked havoc worldwide, presenting unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally

Here in the UK, the impact of the virus has been particularly profound, with each nation grappling to manage the crisis effectively Wales like the rest of the UK found itself navigating uncharted waters with the emergence of this new virus However recent revelations about the release of untested patients into care homes during the height of the pandemic have sparked great concern and demands for accountability

As we continue to grapple with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, inquiries are well underway to understand the handling of the crisis and to learn lessons for the future

In Wales one of the most alarming revelations to emerge is the decision to release untested patients into care homes, a move that has been described as reckless and potentially contributing to the spike in infection rates and deaths among the vulnerable residents

It must be acknowledged that the emergence of a novel virus presented immense challenges for governments and healthcare systems worldwide The entire nation was unprepared for the scale of the crisis and the devastating impact it would have on the most vulnerable members of society

However the decision to release untested patients into care homes where the virus could easily spread among residents was an act of folly that cannot nor should be excused

As inquiries into the handling of the Covid-19 crisis continue it is essential that accountability is upheld We must have confidence restored in those we charge to protect us The decision to release untested patients into care homes must continue to be thoroughly investigated Furthermore the inquiry must make it a priority to force the government to implement drastic policies to protect the nation's most vulnerable in the future

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities within the governments policy towards the social care system which as our lead story confirms was “experimental” which became a nightmare

I have often referred to a seminar I sat in in 2021 where care providers managers and their frontline staff heartbreakingly described their experiences, many in tears as they recalled the desperate fight to care for residents and many at personal sacrifice

Which is why it was so important to lead with the views and concerns of a front-line social care champion who experienced first-hand the crisis operators faced so thank you Ms Wimbury for sharing your thoughts and experience with us

Please do check out pages 8-9 of this issue for news of The Carer s new recruitment website - recruitment thecareruk com

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EDITOR

Peter Adams

SALES EXECUTIVES

Sylvia Mawson

David Bar tlett

Guy Stephenson

TYPESETTING

Covid Experiment “Nightmare” in Welsh Care Homes

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

In the three-year period from January 2020 there were nearly 1,500 excess deaths in care homes in Wales

The lack of a rigorous testing regime early on and shortages of personal protective equipment like face masks, gloves and aprons had contributed to the problems

On the other hand the Welsh Government had adopted a more cautious considered approach than the UK Government and only announced new infection control measures when the necessary infrastructure had been put in place

Financial support provided by the Welsh Government for the social care sector was also significantly higher in Wales than in other parts of the UK

INSUFFICIENT CARE HOME FOCUS

Ms Wimbury said: “During those early weeks we were talking to our counterparts in care associations across the United Kingdom and I think all of us felt the focus was very much on the NHS and there wasn’t sufficient focus on care homes in particular

“We felt more planning could have been done in advance in relation to the different types of pandemics and how we would react to them

It s definitely the case we were pressing for testing in particular for people being admitted to care homes from hospitals before that was implemented

“While testing was announced earlier in England but we were also hearing from counterparts in England was that although it had been announced it wasn t necessarily happening on the ground because the infrastructure wasn t there

“One of the differences we saw during the pandemic was that Welsh Government wanted to get the logistics in place before announcing something

Testing was absolutely crucial and what we were hearing from members across Wales in the early days was that they were being put under pressure by the NHS to admit people without testing

We know that testing would have helped but we also know that in the early stages when people were incubating Covid they wouldn t have necessarily tested positive It would have helped in some cases but not in all of them

“At the time it felt very much like we were living in an experiment and we were finding out about the disease as we went along

“It was the sector s worst possible nightmare because the virus was most dangerous to frail elderly people ”

“We started asking questions in February 2020 about preparations in terms of the care sector and it became clear in the early days of the pandemic in the March that we needed an extension of testing and access to sufficient PPE for staff working in the social care sector as well as funding to implement the infection control measures that were necessary ”

There were gradual steps as different measures were introduced Initially we go the extension of testing for new admissions to care homes and for symptomatic care home residents ”

At the start there was a rule that you could only test five people in a care home and once you had five tests you couldn’t have any more Clearly, that didn’t make sense going forward ”

Then we moved on to testing all staff and residents when there was an outbreak and finally to all residents and staff being tested regularly ”

“What the inquiry gives us an opportunity to do is to think about what could have been done better in advance so that heaven forbid if we were to have another pandemic in future we can be better prepared

NOT TOP PRIORITY

As providers laid bare the lack of preparation for the pandemic the Covid inquiry heard this week that Covid was not the top priority for the Welsh government in early 2020

Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, said in written evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry that the virus was not treated as the most pressing concern in the country in January and February 2020

The First Ministers written evidence was raised by lead counsel Tom Poole KC, at a hearing earlier this week during questions to Dr Andrew Goodall who led the Welsh NHS through the pandemic

Mr Poole said: “Would it be fair to say that these planning assumptions were simply not taken seriously enough at this point in time and it wasn t until you get into the early weeks of March that things really started to happen in Wales?

Dr Goodall replied that they were “mobilising various actions” early on in the pandemic but accepted there was a change in our response in Wales in the last week of February 2020 and early March

TRANSFER OF UNTESTED PATIENTS

It was also emerged that the Welsh Government implemented a policy to transfer elderly patients from hospitals to care homes during the pandemic without a test

Testing for care home residents and staff in Wales, irrespective of whether they had symptoms, was not announced until the 16 May 2020

Data shared with the inquiry revealed that 1,729 hospital patients were discharged into care homes between the start of March and end of May 2020

By the end of June 81 had died from Covid most of whom were not tested

Wales' most senior public health official faced questions about the policy which he signed off as he gave evidence at the hearing

DECISION “NOT EASY”

Sir Frank Atherton said that in April 2020 the Welsh government had become “very anxious” about hospitals filling up and falling over in Italy and wanted to avoid the situation arising in Wales and in the UK

Mr Atherton said the decision to discharge untested patients to care homes had not been easy but the common view was that care homes ought to be able to manage cases of infectious disease by isolating people within there”

Adding : Now these were difficult choices but they were not easy choices and the alternative of keeping everybody from a care home in a hospital setting would have led to negative consequences in a different direction

The UK Covid Inquiry will continue to hear evidence in Cardiff for the next two weeks

How to Support Your Sponsored Care Workers and Limit the Risk of Exploitation

dependent family members to the UK may mean fewer overseas nationals seek sponsorship in the UK

Proponents will of course say the government s tough approach to immigration compliance is necessary to drive down overall migrant numbers

Regardless of opinions, employers need to ensure they are complying with legal requirements and realise that overseas workers may need additional support as they are in a strange country with different customs and working practices, and English is unlikely to be their first language Good governance and employee relations can have a demonstratable impact on reducing the risks of exploitation during an overseas worker’s engagement

So what is the legal position when employing overseas workers? Employers need to think about both immigration law and employment law which may seem contradictory

All UK employers need to conduct right-to-work checks, both for UK and overseas nationals, and understand the conditions attached to visas that allow work in the UK including Student Visas and Graduate Visas

“Surround

By Sarah Keeley, Senior Associate

Employers wanting to sponsor overseas nationals on Health and Care Visas must apply for, and hold a sponsorship licence This licence is a valuable asset for employers that would otherwise struggle to fill vacancies and/or be subject to significant agency costs but due to a sponsor s ongoing compliance duties it is also a significant responsibility Employers should conduct a comprehensive review of their sponsor licence use, in addition to right-to-work practices, as even “minor” breaches can undermine the trust placed in an employer under the sponsorship system

As the Health and Care Visa is tied to a specific employer workers need to seek new sponsorship and apply for a new visa if they want to leave their sponsor and change employer In my experience this requirement is not well understood or followed This can leave sponsored workers working illegally for other employers if they are unable to work enough hours with their sponsor It is this non-compliance that the Home Office is seeking to crack down on The recent case of Prestwick Care Ltd should act as a cautionary tale for employers that do not wish to lose their sponsor licence and subsequently their sponsored workers

Prestwick Care Ltd sponsored 219 health and care workers across several homes in the North-East In October 2022 the Home Office conducted a sponsor compliance visit during which they highlighted several instances of failure to comply with sponsor record keeping and reporting duties constituting a lack of employer oversight

The company s sponsorship licence was revoked despite the commercial impact on the business the effect on the delivery of health and care services to the wider community, and the impact losing their jobs had on individual workers who had moved to the UK on the basis of this

Dealing

Yourself With People Who Make You

Smile,” Advises Centenarian Braintree Care Home

Resident an International Women’s Day

and raised in Standford-le-Hope in Essex Her father served in the RAF, whilst her mother looked after their five children and managed the family home Kitty was the youngest of her siblings and grew up with two brothers and two sisters She recalls having a happy childhood and being close to her parents

At the age of 14 Kitty left school and headed for London where she taught herself shorthand When World War II started Kitty worked at the Thames Board Mills, in Purfleet, after the company she had previously worked for was bombed I remember the sirens going off and having to run down a load of

stairs to go underground ” said Kitty

Kitty was part of the Girls Friendly Society and would serve tea and cakes to soldiers every Saturday during the war She loved being part of the group and felt very proud She was also an active member at her local church My faith is still very important to me ” she says Later Kitty married her husband Richard and moved to a cottage on a farm in Orsett where she discovered a love for horse riding Together they had two children and, today, Kitty has five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren Kitty says she was lucky that her husband was the son of a farmer; he did not have to go to war, but stayed and managed the farm

Nowadays Kitty is a well-loved character around her care home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court and enjoys taking part in various activities She encourages younger generations to: “Always be truthful No matter what you must be truthful because that s all that matters and it is the way of life

CAMPAIGNERS called on the Chancellor to stop thinking about tax cuts and start thinking about caring for the oldest and most vulnerable

Ahead of Wednesday s Budget, the Independent Care Group (ICG) said it was time to properly fund social care and help those who need support ICG Chair Mike Padgham said

“Nobody wants to pay too much tax, but there is a tipping point where we have to stop looking at tax cuts and lowering public spending and start thinking about those vulnerable people who aren t getting the care they need

We know we are in an election year but for once the Government should concentrate on investing in services people need rather than any short-term political gain from headline-grabbing tax cuts

“The social care sector has suffered cut after cut to its funding over

the past 30 years and now it is at the point where it is failing to support those who need it most

We call upon Jeremy Hunt to resist the temptation for tax cuts and instead look at enabling local authorities to invest in the local delivery of care to their most vulnerable people

“He will probably not need reminding, but when Jeremy Hunt was Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee he said social care needed an extra £7bn a year just to stand still It is time to start delivering on that

Mr Padgham said local authorities who commission care from providers had seen their budgets cut savagely in the past three decades This had meant they were commissioning less care and also squeezing down on the price they pay in fees to providers

This results in care providers handing back delivery contracts and in the worst cases, ceasing to operate at all,”

Padgham added At the same time a lack of proper funding is exacerbating the worst staff shortages the sector has ever seen with 152 000 vacancies across the country

We have to see some changes otherwise more and more people will go without the care they need – be that care in their own home or in a care or nursing home We already know 1 6m people can’t get the care they need – that

Responding Social Value Questions in Social Care Tenders: A Challenge That Can Be Overcome!

By Jason Cooney Director of Tsaks Consulting (www tsaksconsulting com) a bid and tender writing consultancy specialising in the Social Care industry

With Social Care NHS contracts across the UK becoming increasingly competitive scoring well in the ‘Social Value’ criteria of the evaluation criteria is fast becoming the difference between winning and losing a tender or bid

Questions on Social Care reflect a growing emphasis on not just the economic value of a contract but also on its potential to generate positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes Despite their importance many social care companies struggle to articulate their social value proposition effectively leading to the loss of contract they otherwise had the experience and expertise to secure

UNDERSTAND THE FRAMEWORK

The social value model adopted by the UK government in procurement emphasizes five key areas: fighting climate change, equal opportunity wellbeing community prosperity and innovation A thorough understanding of these areas is crucial To secure a bid Social Care companies need to clearly indicate how your service delivery will address these aspects showcasing your commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the immediate scope of work

ARTICULATE YOUR UNIQUE SOCIAL VALUE PROPOSITION

Putting the time and effort into developing a unique social value proposition is critical When developing a response you need to ask yourself:

What can we do differently to create social care value?

• What targets can we develop and are they achievable?

How will your initiatives create social value?

Putting in the extra effort to research the tendering authority s social values priorities, and aligning their social value response to these objectives is critical to Social Care companies scoring well

USE EVIDENCE AND CASE STUDIES

The reality with a responding to a question on value is that any competitor makeup and write any claims they want to with respect to environmental, social and economic initiatives To ensure Social Care companies score well and write a quality response they need to support their claims with evidence is critical This could include data from previous projects, testimonials, or case studies demonstrating your organization s track record in delivering social value Quantitative data such as the number of apprenticeships created or the percentage reduction in carbon emissions is always persuasive as readers increasingly see through written statements

COLLABORATE AND ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS

Social Care companies are increasingly leveraging on their level of engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders Putting in the work prior to tender submission to engage with local community organisations, businesses and other stakeholders is critical for a successful bid This enables you to provide proof that the company have started to engage with the local community and that the company is already making progress in achieving your proposed objectives Coupled with a comprehensive plan for continued community engagement it demonstrates that the company has a plan has made initial contact and has the intent to ensure the downstream economic social and environmental benefits of the contract flow through to the community you propose to operate in

MAKE IT MEASURABLE

The impact of your social value initiatives must be measurable Outline how you will monitor measure and report on the social value you create You need to set targets that are measurable and include your proposed metrics for measurement This shows to the tendering authority that you will be accountable and that the benefits of your social value will be tangible

TAILOR YOUR RESPONSE

This applies to all areas of the tender or bid and responses to Social Value are nothing different If your organisation supports charities and has a range of environmental initiatives it s not good enough to simply cut and paste these initiatives into your response This practice often results in a low score even if the initiatives are outstanding You need to tailor your response to the specific contract and ensure the initiatives are locally focused Take the time to understand the tendering authority s specific social value objectives and customize your proposal accordingly This level of customization not only demonstrates the organisations commitment but also its ability to deliver services that are finely tuned to the authority s goals

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Continuous improvement is a big area many Social Care (and other Domiciliary care companies) forget to cover Social value creation is an ongoing process, and your organization should be committed to learning, adapting and enhancing its social value contribution over time Outline any plans for feedback mechanisms learning opportunities, and adjustments to your approach based on performance data and stakeholder input

A quality Social Value response can help you win!

Scoring well in social value questions in social care tenders requires a well thought-out evidence-based approach is tailored to the objectives of the tendering authority By putting time and effort into this part of the bid, Social Care companies can edge-out competitors who have a similar service offering and don’t put in the time and effort to Social Value Social Value often represents up to 10% of the evaluation criteria

Landmark Review Calls On Employers To Boost Support For Autistic People

A bold new government-backed review has set out a vision for workplace culture changes to support autistic people to start and stay in work

DWP figures show only around 30 percent of working age autistic people are in employment compared with half of all disabled people and 8 in 10 non-disabled people despite the majority saying they would like to be employed

Commissioned by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride and led by Sir Robert Buckland KC the Review s 19 recommendations for businesses and government include:

signing up for the Autistica Neurodiversity Employers Index to access guidance on designing inclusive processes and procedures encouraging career progression by developing packages of training focused on autistic staff

• improving recruitment by ensuring careers advisers can provide appropriate advice to autistic jobseekers supporting autistic people who are already in the workplace by producing autism design guides to create appropriate premises furnishings and equipment working with software suppliers to develop IT systems that meet autistic people s needs

The Buckland Review of Autism Employment was supported by charity Autistica and includes the views of hundreds of employers and

autistic people

It sets out how businesses and government can work together over the next five years – whether that is showcasing the successes of autism employment, developing pilot programmes in national and multinational companies or providing tailored support for autistic staff at work

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride MP said:

I want autistic people to have every opportunity to benefit from work and recognise that businesses and government must come together if we are to create the cultural change needed to move the dial

"Backed by the extra employment support provided through our £2 5 billion Back to Work Plan this report provides employers with practical and inexpensive steps to open up workplaces to autistic people boost employment rates and above all change autistic people’s lives "

Minister for Disabled People Health and Work Mims Davies MP said:

"There are so many benefits and positives autistic people can bring to the workplace and this is matched by what employment can bring to them We must make sure they get the work opportunities they want and deserve

Care Home Residents Test Out Their Bread Making Skills

Marvellous Bindura General Manager said “It is lovely to see our residents enjoying activities that enrich their lives for some it brought back memories of when they baked and for others it was something new for them to try To see the engagement of on the faces of the residents was heart-warming”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities

"This welcome and important review will help ensure autistic people can thrive and progress in the labour market I am keen employers get behind these recommendations, and partner with us to truly make our workforce more inclusive and welcoming

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“Gaping Chasm” In Social Care Funding Warns MHA

“The sector has reached a crisis point There are nearly half a million people waiting to be assessed and

estimated 152 000

are

and

vacancies in the sector Local authorities are falling into bankruptcy NHS waiting

people are

often not getting the choice and quality of care they deserve We know that fixing these problems will require significant investment and that whoever forms the next government will need to increase funding in an affordable and manageable way But this does not prevent the main political parties from demonstrating that they understand the sector s needs and are willing to

Care Home Stars Nicole And Sioned Hailed As Role Models

Two young women from Gwynedd have been hailed as role models after rising through the ranks to top jobs at a care home

Nicole Davies 27 and Sioned Jones 26 signed up with the Step into Care programme which was run by the Pendine Park organisation in partnership with the Prince’s Trust nearly eight years ago and have never looked back

They completed a three-week course which included a week’s work experience at Pendine s Bryn Seiont Newydd in Caernarfon which specialises in dementia care

Nicole has now been promoted to head housekeeper at the home and Sioned is responsible for health and safety there

The pair received glowing praise from Julie Morgan MS the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services during a visit to Bryn Seiont Newydd when she revealed they had met before She said It s been great meeting staff who are committed to delivering such important services Seeing Nicole and Sioned, who I met when they were part of the Prince’s Trust scheme has been inspiring and reminds us all that social care is a rewarding career where you can develop and progress

“They’ve been nurtured given great training and are doing an excellent job They came here on work experience and found a great

career they feel passionate about

“It’s lovely to see young people flourishing and being so fulfilled ”

Bryn Seiont Newydd manager Sandra Evans said Sioned and Nicole had slotted perfectly into the day-to-day life of the care home from the day they started

We are very proud of both Sioned and Nicole The residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd have benefited from the efforts they have made to make the best of their careers They are excellent workers and as time has gone by, they have really blossomed and put in the effort to be promoted to the posts they hold here today

Pendine Park owner Mario Kreft MBE added the company are committed to supporting people of all ages coming to work in care and support the Prince s Trust and the truth about youth project

Mr Kreft said: “Of those taking part in The Prince’s Trust scheme we have conversion rate of more than 50 per cent into employment and Nicole and Sioned are shining examples of what you can achieve They re great role models

We are very proud of the training and personal development programmes we have created It is something we have been doing for more than 20 years so we can provide high quality care with the emphasis on the long-term wellbeing of our residents and staff ”

Digital Transformation

Friend Or Foe For The Private Healthcare Sector?

By Iain Moffat, Chief Delivery Officer, MHR (www mhrglobal com/uk)

Around the globe the healthcare sector is facing increasing headwinds Ageing populations and the increased prevalence of chronic illnesses are putting a strain on public health services Meanwhile, the private sector needs help with recruitment, talent retention global supply chain pressures and rising costs The situation has necessitated a greater emphasis on HR to ensure that the onboarding process for new employees is swift and comprehensive Team members should be happy feel sufficiently rewarded and be given every opportunity to develop their skills

At the same time the sector is undergoing a pandemic-catalysed digital transformation journey, particularly as digital maturities in AI emphasise data collection for analytics and early diagnostics Alongside securing data, cybersecurity is becoming a growing priority for HR professionals as many malicious attacks on healthcare providers require watertight data storage methods and payroll processes

When done right technology plays a big part in helping HR teams drive efficiencies in these processes while remaining cognisant of the potential dangers CUT

From highly qualified healthcare professionals to a diverse pool of support workers practices need to

care An excellent place to start is by dramatical-

as they not only slow down workflow but can also

touchpoints create a greater possibility of human error

Through the implementation of integrated HR, payroll and finance platforms, MHR has calculated that healthcare organisations with 1 000+ employees can expect a 5-year net saving of up to £524 682 which could be redirected towards adding value to employee and patient support From ease of access and having documentation stored in one centralised location to streamlined recruitment and payroll processes there are avenues across the organisation that can be made more efficient through digital transformation With rising costs for care and consumables implementing time-saving technology is one avenue to save money without cutting deliverables or sacrificing the quality of care

EASING THE PRESSURE

Secure and efficient payroll solutions also have benefits for employee retention and satisfaction levels As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on pay packets companies who can provide accurate and

on-time payroll solutions will be popular amongst employees who are seeking to minimise their financial stress Respondents to an MHR survey on why employees are paid incorrectly found that 50% of cases are impacted by errors when manually inputting data 48% are affected by errors when running different reports and piecing data together and 30% are hindered by using paper formats

To rectify this, HR providers should turn to automated processes, which not only save processing time and improve accuracy but can also keep on top of compliance and reduce payment risks One development in payroll technology is real-time payroll engines which eliminate the peaks and troughs faced by payroll teams allowing healthcare providers to minimise time spent on administrative tasks and reducing pressure on employee capacity

WHAT DOES DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PAYROLL AND HR LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?

The Priory Group is the leading independent provider of behavioural care in the UK, supporting the needs of more than 30 000 NHS and private patients every year with healthcare adult care services education and children s services Senior managers at the organisation understood that processes needed to be consolidated on one platform giving them the flexibility suitable for modern working practices and reducing the costs of administering The Priory’s complex range of multiple employment contracts In addition to increasing automation in payroll and improving controls around annual pay award processes, The Priory Group also wanted to see efficiency gains on the HR front It sought improved workforce efficiency through comprehensive performance reviews to boost employee retention improve data quality and reduce the cost of mispayments

After examining the market and going through a tender process, MHR was selected as the supplier to assist The Priory Group in achieving its payroll and HR aims, with the cutting-edge iTrent platform as the solution iTrent offers a modular-based platforms and core iTrent modules in HR and payroll (including GDPR) were implemented along with performance management succession planning recruitment health and safety and disciplinary and grievance

The system now supports 20,000 employees in all areas of the organisation, clinical and administrative Workflow was streamlined, and payrolls were processed swiftly and accurately for all employees, as automation tools removed human error The Priory also uses iTrent module functionality to improve employee performance and job satisfaction through regular reviews that identify development and promotion opportunities

In an industry where the quality of employee performance has a direct effect on patient wellbeing and clinical outcomes it s evident that digitally-streamlined payroll and HR solutions can have a transformative impact on performance and efficiency for patients and employees alike

Handmade Theatre Brings Joy and Creativity to Braywood Gardens Residents

In a blend of music arts and community spirit Handmade Theatre an organisation known for their exceptional support through creative endeavours has been gracing Braywood Gardens care home in Nottingham with their heartwarming performances Handmade Theatre has become an integral part of the Braywood Gardens community, leaving a trail of smiles and memories that resonate long after the performances

Handmade Theatre, renowned in the Nottingham arts scene, stands out for its commitment to supporting individuals in the community through engaging acts of music and arts Their team a beacon of support and encouragement crafts shows that add a touch of authenticity to the lives of the community they serve

For the past two months Handmade Theatre has been lighting up Braywood Gardens with their uplifting performances made possible through generous funding The organisation provides everything needed for the sessions, allowing residents and staff to simply enjoy the fun-filled moments created by the talented and supportive team

The latest session on Wednesday 21st February showcased the musical talents and arts & crafts of Handmade Theatre Residents were treated to a delightful sing-along, and the joy reached new heights when they discovered their radiant smiles featured

on the front page of Handmade Theatre’s new sing-along books

Maisy Norrish Wellbeing Lead at Braywood Gardens expressed the staff s joy stating “We were thrilled to see our residents’ bright smiles featured on the front page of Handmade Theatre s sing-along book It s a testament to the wonderful moments and friendships that have blossomed during their engaging sessions

The Handmade Theatre sessions have proven to be transformative for the residents fostering a sense of excitement that lingers between visits Residents actively participate in singing dancing and even solo performances showcasing newfound confidence The arts & crafts sessions that follow are a testament to the creativity and joy these interactions inspire Maisy continued, “The love and energy shared during Handmade Theatre sessions have been captured in these sing-along books allowing others to witness the beauty of connection through music and arts We hope our photos inspire others to embrace the power of music and arts in lighting up rooms and creating beautiful smiles regardless of age ”

Braywood Gardens looks forward to the ongoing collaboration with Handmade Theatre as the sing-along book takes its uplifting journey through other homes and the wider community, spreading the message that music and arts know no age limits

Important - Health and Safety Matters

Social Care Sector Continues To Drive Demand For Overseas Workers Data Reveals

recruit tens of thousands of workers onto seasonal agricultural visas with less advantageous visa conditions At the same time care workers themselves will become more isolated if they come to the UK alone, and so may become more vulnerable to exploitation

Work visas are currently the largest important contributor to overall UK net migration followed by international students according to official figures released last November Today’s visa data show that student visa grants declined slightly in 2023 from 619 000 in 2022 to 601 000 in 2023 In 2023 144 000 partners or children of international students received visas This suggests there was no rush of student applicants ahead of restrictions on family members that were announced in May 2023 but not introduced until January 2024

workers without addressing the underlying driver of shortages, namely the poor pay and conditions in a largely publicly funded sector On the other the social care route has been attractive to many overseas workers despite the poor conditions It offers a more accessible route to living in the UK than other sectors where it can be harder to find jobs that qualify for visas

In December 2023, the government announced a package of restrictions on work and family migration From March, care workers will no longer be able to bring their partners and children with them The precise impacts are difficult to predict however Dr Brindle added: “The UK may become less attractive to care workers with family members However, it’s also possible that employers will simply shift to hiring younger workers without families or people who are willing to leave their families behind In agriculture the UK has been able to

Dr Madeleine Sumption Director of the Migration Observatory, said, “When free movement ended, the government said that employers would have to adjust It turns out what this meant was that other employers would have to adjust Where workers are directly or indirectly employed by the government there has been much less enthusiasm to restrict This has meant the public sector has increasingly dominated the skilled work visa system

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:“The government has let social care get into such a dire state that the sector can no longer function without overseas workers to fill the huge gaps in staffing

Instead of grappling with the real problems by funding social care properly and tackling the exploitation of migrant staff, ministers now want to make matters even worse by stopping potential carers from bringing their children here with them

“Major reform of care is long overdue But until care workers are paid at rates that better reflect the skilled jobs they do the sector will struggle to recruit at the levels needed to meet growing demand A national care service and a fair pay agreement for care staff is the only answer

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

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Legal Support Often Essential In Battle for NHS Continuing Care

Lucie

are

18 their

is

a Chartered Legal Executive in Furley Page s

the

are complex and confusing To

qualify, an assessment will be carried out by the NHS, which looks at the person’s health needs in detail and determines whether they meet the strict criteria for support

“However even when the claim has been successful some families find that they still need to fight for the correct provision of care for their disabled family member Reports suggest that care is often insufficient to meet their loved one s needs or that the start of care provision is delayed meaning the family must continue to fund care privately, often at great expense ”

Some 33 000 adults are in receipt of long-term Continuing Healthcare support in England while at least 4,500 people under 18 years of age receive Children and Young People’s Continuing Care

The recent BBC report looked at 105 families who are struggling to obtain support to provide their children with the best possible care in the most difficult of situations Whilst the families had been successful in obtaining NHS Continuing Healthcare funding the care put in place by the NHS was often insufficient meaning that families were needing to provide round the clock care or care was withdrawn completely

Lucie continued “Unfortunately the problems identified in the BBC report are all too common and it appears that an increasing number of families are struggling to secure the support they are entitled to Sadly, this problem seems to be ever increasing as the NHS’ budgets are stretched even further and for many families legal support is the only avenue left to them

Meet Industr y Experts at CleanEx 2024

Skills for Care To Champion Registered Managers in March

Throughout March Skills for Care is focusing on championing registered managers with their latest campaign

Running across their website social media and other communications channels the campaign will be celebrating and supporting registered managers Skills for Care data reveals that turnover rates among staff are lower when an experienced registered manager is in post and services with a stable registered manager in place also have higher Care Quality Commission (CQC) scores

The Championing Registered Managers campaign will acknowledge the important role of registered managers signpost to the wide range of support and resources which Skills for Care has available for registered managers, and provide tailored information

The campaign will include blogs and real life insights on these topics from registered managers and other social care experts

Georgina Turner, Director of Engagement, Skills for Care says:

Registered managers really are at the heart of high-quality care We know from our close connections across England with registered managers just how rewarding and complex their job can be and that s why we offer a wide range of support for registered managers across all elements of their role We’re excited to launch this campaign focused on highlighting that vital role of registered managers and signposting to the support and information that we know many registered managers find incredibly useful in their roles ”

More information on the campaign and how to get involved can be found at:

http://www skillsforcare org uk/championingRMs

Follow the campaign on social media using #ChampioningRMs

Hopton on Sea Care Home Hosts Free Community Knit and Natter Project

NHS Disrepair Casts a Sector-wide Spotlight on Care Facilities and Provision

and

care at Forbes Solicitors (www forbessolicitors co uk), looks at why reports of disrepair in NHS buildings are a stark reminder for all care providers about the importance of maintaining satisfactory facilities.

A recent Freedom of Information Act request by the BBC found disrepair in NHS buildings Reported examples include parts of a ceiling collapsing in a clinical area and temperatures in an operating theatre reaching 29 degrees Celsius because of a broken air conditioning unit Other issues were also highlighted such as leaked sewage in a waiting area growth of green algae in a hydrotherapy pool and power being lost in an operating theatre

These examples were drawn from information provided by 86 NHS trusts which had responded from a total of 210 that had been contacted A key concern for all care providers is that disrepair and maintenance issues are impacting care provision According to NHS data, the care of more than 2,600 acute hospital patients was disrupted last year by estates and infrastructure failures

Any instances of compromised patient care and people being put at risk by poorly maintained facilities can quickly cast a spotlight on the entire care sector Private care providers should take heed of this especially now as organisations contend with potentially unsafe buildings caused by the historic use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)

DISREPAIR IMPACTING CARE

Fundamental standards outlined by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) cover the requirement for care providers to deliver person-centred care that meets the needs and preferences of people Alongside this standards also specify that individuals should not be given unsafe care or treatment or be put at risk of harm that could be avoided

The role – and expectation – of premises and equipment is also made clear by the CQC Its standards emphasise the need for places of care and treatment and equipment to be clean suitable and looked after properly The standards are a regulatory requirement under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and, at the very minimum, can be used by care providers as a check list for implementing and reviewing best practice

Regular inspections and testing of premises and equipment can help care providers to maintain satisfactory and savoury conditions for people This can be supported and formalised by policies that outline practical measures for the day-to-day running of premises It s advisable that this approach covers processes for quickly identifying any problems with facilities and triggering rapid responses to mitigate the impact on care provision and recipients of care

Not all issues of disrepair and equipment failings can be fixed straight away Generally speaking this is understood by the Regulator and demonstrating how any problems will be quickly isolated to minimise possible risks of harm can help to avoid compliance failures Policies and plans can also outline acceptable periods of time for remediation of problems and short-term emergency measures further helping to fulfil regulatory requirements that relate to ‘premises and equipment and safe care and treatment

UPHOLDING PERSON-CENTRED CARE

Looking beyond the regulations that specifically cover safety and facilities care providers need to be mindful about how disrepair and maintenance issues impact upon care regulations covering ‘dignity and respect and person-centred care This is particularly pertinent as the presence of RAAC in structures can leave buildings unusable until deemed safe If this limits access to facilities disrupts routines and service provision, or means that recipients of care must be moved, it may compromise whether people are receiving the levels of care they actually need

As well as being safe and effective care provision must be compassionate and high-quality There may be instances where disrupted routines or moving people from familiar settings causes stress Similarly delays to treatment or uncertainly about when services are being provided may lead to anxiety

Levels of stress and anxiety can occur among both people in care, as well as staff which risks further impeding levels of care provision It s important that organisations are considering scenarios where premises and equipment may be inaccessible and have contingencies in place for minimising the potential impact on the people in their care

Widespread reports of the risks of RAAC and high-profile cases of disrepair, whether in the public or private sector, are likely to intensify the focus on the condition and quality of care facilities It may be prudent for providers to take proactive steps to review how person-centred their facilities and services are and ensure that they have the policies and practices in place to continually put people first, despite any change in circumstances This could help to meet regulatory requirements and avoid complaints and claims, while also enhancing the quality of care provision

Local Care Home Resident Celebrates Her 21st Birthday!

Elm Bank care home in Kettering was filled with joy for one resident who celebrated her Leap Day birthday making her officially just 21 years old

Patricia a resident at Elm Bank, who was 84, was delighted to be celebrating her Leap Day birthday making her just 21 years old

Patricia was born in Liverpool on the 29th of February 1940, at one minuet past midnight Usually she would celebrate her birthday on the 28th of February, alongside her parents wedding anniversary Elm Bank surprised Patricia with a gift that made her smile after discovering she was a huge fan of a progressive rock and metal band known as the ‘Dream Theatre from the United States

Patricia said I was completely surprised with my gift after having a

lovely day out with my family and then coming back to my book I was on a video call to my friend at the time of opening my gift who is lives in America I did not even know that the band had a book out I have been to see the band over 60 times perform live, I used to follow all their tours around America

To end the day Chef Sophie delighted Patricia with a lovely home baked cake saying it is not often I get to bake a 21st birthday cake for one of our resident”

General Manager Marvellous Bindura said: It was lovely to surprise Patricia with her gift on such a special birthday the expression on her face when she opened her gift said it all

Kella Bowers, a partner

head of social

“I’ve Worked In Care For

Years - It's A Great Career Choice For The

With around 16,700 care homes across the UK, there are many care home job opportunities for the younger generation to explore For National Careers Week (4th - 9th March) staff from Ideal Carehomes have been sharing their experiences and advice for anyone considering a career in care

“Creating activities that bring our residents out of their shells and leave them beaming with joy is all I could ask for

Susie Carman, Lifestyle Manager at Ebor Court in York, plans and delivers regular trips and activities for the home s residents to enjoy I realised my love for care while volunteering in a local care home when I was in sixth form After leaving education I had various other roles throughout my working life up until about twenty years ago when I came back into the care sector Susie explains I had always realised the importance of residents being stimulated and active while living in a care home but when I first started out in the early 1980s activities were not an option in most homes Thankfully that is not the case now and the care sector has changed its views on activity provision for the better

“My current role is probably the most varied I have had throughout my 42 years in the workforce and I enjoy my job very much! I love exploring the different ways we can support our residents to live their lives to the fullest and getting to know them - everyone has a story to tell

Susie says, “When looking for care work many years ago, there were a few points I kept in my mind to help me decide on the right role Obvious things like the working hours and the salary but questions like ‘Will I feel confident to give the care required?’ and ‘Are there any training opportunities? were also important

“I would highly recommend a career in care to the younger generation – it s such an important and rewarding sector and there are plenty of different opportunities to suit a range of people and skill sets ”

After work experience in a daycare centre for the elderly I knew care was the job for me ”

Daryl James is a Care Assistant at Lime Trees in Shrewsbury After studying health and social care in college Daryl began working in care homes at the age of 18

I felt drawn to the care sector because it s so interesting Each resident has different needs, which you need to meet accordingly It means you re constantly learning and your mind is always stimulatedno two days are the same!” Daryl says

It s important for people looking at a career in care to be good communicators to be patient and to be willing to learn adapt and have an open mind These people can really thrive in care work ”

Daryl suggests If you re thinking about working in care take the

time to research and decide which areas of care interest you the most and consider how a path into these areas may look For example you may be able to take a course

In addition, it commits the group to engaging in a co-production and consultation process drawing in more people and organisations in social care

Read the full statement here

Dr Caroline Green from the Institute for Ethics in AI said

Adult social care is about supporting people to live independently and to protect fundamental human rights Generative AI offers many potential benefits and opportunities to adult social care However the rapid development and wide availability of generative AI, such as AI

chatbots is a concern when it comes to use cases in adult social care settings because some fundamental values defining what quality care looks like are at stake if such technology is used inappropriately We therefore need to address the gap of knowledge and guidance around generative AI quickly involving all groups of people who are affected and working in social care provision”

Professor Vic Rayner OBE CEO of National Care Forum said:

AI is impacting on all parts of our lives and it is right that we take a view on how it can and should be used in the care sector We need to advance our understanding of the benefits it can bring to care whilst recognising the need to proceed with caution in some areas

Generative AI is developing incredibly quickly and if we miss the opportunity to capture the good it can do for us, we risk losing out However as outlined in the statement we must ensure that the human rights of people using care, and the precious relationships the act of caring for someone creates are not sacrificed in pursuit of the capabilities of Generative AI”

Counting Butterflies Reduces Anxiety – New Study Proves

Wildlife

The

wellbeing

Researchers also found that spending just 15 minutes observing and counting butterflies boosted participants' feeling of connectedness with nature Noticing butterflies more often was sustained over 6-7 weeks after taking part How connected people feel to nature, known as nature connectedness, is directly correlated to how motivated they are to protect it Therefore the findings of this new study show that citizen science projects could play a vital role in nature’s recovery

Dr Richard Fox Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation said: While we have long known that there is a link between nature and human wellbeing, this study is the first to prove that the simple act of looking for and counting butterflies leads to a measurable decrease in anxiety

The results suggest that citizen science projects such as the Big Butterfly Count can play a part in improving people’s mental health, as well as gathering important data on how butterflies are faring to inform our conservation work

Dr Carly Butler a Researcher in Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby and lead researcher on the study said: "Our study showed that even small periods of time spent watching and counting butterflies are beneficial with the benefits of reduced anxiety and stronger nature connectedness being the same whether people carried out just one 15-minute count or took part multiple times This is key in proving that simple small pockets of time connecting with wildlife

and nature have a profound and beneficial effect on how we feel

Participants reported a range of positive and negative emotions, including joy, fascination sadness and concern; the latter driven by not seeing as many butterflies as they expected and fear over what is happening to our planet

Carly added: Interestingly the more intensely participants felt these emotions the more their feeling of closeness to nature and noticing wildlife increased afterwards with participants reporting they felt motivated to help butterflies and nature more by doing things such as transforming their gardens into butterfly-friendly havens ”

In conclusion Dr Richard Fox said: In order to save wildlife and ensure nature s recovery we need people to care, and we know that being connected to nature sparks these caring feelings and a desire to do something positive This study indisputably shows that citizen science activities such as spending just a few minutes counting butterflies makes people feel more connected to nature – a vital step in the battle to save wildlife

“We re at a tipping point, nature is in crisis, but we can all do something to help Simple acts such as creating wild spaces to provide a haven for wildlife or planting butterfly friendly plants in pots on a patio, terrace or balcony can have a positive impact

The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation s flagship citizen science activity involving tens of thousands of participants across the UK spending 15 minutes in any sunny spot and recording the number and type of common butterflies and day-flying moths that they see

This year s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 12 July - Sunday 4 August

For advice on creating a Wild Space for butterflies ready for the Big Butterfly Count visit www butterfly-conservation org/wild-spaces

The residents and team at Goodwins Hall Care Home in Kings Lynn have once again showcased their commitment

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

Win A Gardening Bundle For Your Local Care Home Or Hospice With Westland

Exemplar Health Care Appoints New Huntington’s Disease Nurse Consultant

her new role Joanna will bolster Exemplar Health Care s Huntington s disease training, the support provided to people living with the disease, and expand connections with other services and experts including local NHS Huntington’s disease teams

Exemplar Health Care currently supports more than 100 people living with Huntington’s disease across its 50 complex needs care homes Joanna will use her first-hand expertise of the extensive criteria needed for HDA accreditation to help more Exemplar Health Care homes achieve the

A former nurse has turned undercover boss in an attempt to improve quality and standards in care homes

Sathi Raghavan who worked as a registered nurse and midwife in both India and the UK before establishing her own business in the sector works shifts in homes to check care quality and suggest improvements The founder of Millennium Staffing which supplies staff to care homes hospitals and other healthcare settings across the West Midlands joins care home teams and works alongside her staff who are oblivious she s their boss

Sathi said: It all started when I was working as a nurse in a care home and got fed up with agency staff coming in many of whom refused to carry out the tasks they were needed to do to provide the best care That s what led me to set up my own specialist employment business And when I got my very first call from a care home asking for shift cover that evening I rang the small team I d recruited and no-one was free “So, I put on a uniform and turned up and worked the shift It gave me the opportunity to really understand the home how the team works their procedures and care levels so it’s something I’ve done ever since “I spend one or two days with all new homes so I can prepare and

required standard There are currently just eight care homes in the UK that hold HDA accreditation, two of which are Exemplar Health Care services – with a third Exemplar Health Care home currently awaiting the outcome of an earlier assessment Joanna s appointment forms part of Exemplar Health Care s continued growth strategy and desire to provide high-quality complex nursing care in more communities so that more people can live better every day receiving the support they need in a homely environment that is closer to their friends and family

Joanna McCabe, Huntington’s Disease Nurse Consultant, Exemplar Health Care said “I’m delighted to join the Exemplar Health Care team at this exciting time The work and dedication needed to provide the best possible support to people living with such a transformative condition as Huntington’s disease cannot be overstated The Exemplar Health Care team has already demonstrated their commitment to excellence, and it’s a pleasure to be working alongside a group of healthcare professionals who are driven to deliver their mission of making every day better for the people they support

In more than three decades of working in healthcare I ve seen every side of this neuro-disability and how it affects individuals and their loved ones With that in mind I cannot advocate strongly enough for the vital need for more expert Huntington’s disease care settings I’m excited to join Exemplar Health Care to make this a reality so that even more people with Huntington’s disease can access the specialist care they deserve ”

do

And last month Sathi joined a care home night shift at 1am with agreement from the manager to shadow the team and watch her

Elevate Your Employee Benefits Program With Blue Light Card

Blue Light Card is offering those working in the social care sector the opportunity to take advantage of thousands of exclusive deals, discounts and savings from big name brands as part of its exclusive membership

More than just a discount provider; Blue Light Card is a testament to your commitment to supporting staff wellbeing both inside and outside of working hours, by offering staff a vast array of benefits and perks. Offering a portfolio of over 13,000 partner retailersincluding big name brands such as Jet2Holidays, Nike, Apple, Schuh and Hotels com, Blue Light Card membership presents a surefire way of enhancing your employee benefits program and standing out as an employer of choice

Encouraging a healthy and sustainable work-life balance, Blue Light Card also grants members access to the hottest tickets in town Blue Light Tickets hosts members only ballots, as well as first-come-first-served ticket launches to events up and down the country - offering your staff a chance to get free access to attractions, gigs, music venues, sporting events, festivals and more.

As the UK’s number one discount service for emergency services, NHS, armed forces and social care workers, Blue Light Card allows over three million members across the country to take full advantage of savings, discounts and benefits that are often unavailable to the general public. In 2023, Blue Light Card saved its members a huge total of over £330 million across retail, travel, entertainment, and more.

With more than 850,000 Blue Light Card members already registered as working in the social care sector, don’t miss out on your chance to partner with the country's leading specialist discount provider, aligning your organisation with a brand that resonates with the values of care, appreciation and recognition

Registering for Blue Light Card membership as part of your employee benefit scheme is quick and easy A card costs £4 99 and includes access to the Blue Light card app where members can easily find information about all live offers. Membership is valid for two years, giving members access to exclusive offers and discounts on shopping, tech, meals out and more, all year round.

If you ’ re working within social care for a company that appears on one of the below registers, you ’ re eligible for a Blue Light Card

Never A Cross-Word At New Copford Place

Care Home’s Residents Are Definitely Not Clue -Less When It Comes To Their Daily Puzzles

favourite puzzles,” added Chelsey Leather, New Copford Place’s Activities Coordinator “ After having a chat, the residents decided that they had more than a top three Their favourites – in no particular order – are Word Searches, Scrabble, Number Puzzles, Matching Puzzles and Memory Puzzles,” Chelsey continued When it comes to a classic traditional jigsaw some of our residents enjoy doing the Relish Jigsaws which have been created for those living with dementia They are designed to stimulate minds and evoke happy memories which are inspired by real experiences and are full of vibrant colours

“Also a couple of our residents really enjoy tackling more challenging jigsaws I m so impressed with how brilliantly they complete them; I certainly couldn’t do as well as they do added Chelsey

“Puzzles are a very good pastime for our residents as they can improve mental speed and thought processes – and they are also a positive activity for improving short-term memory They can, of course be an individual activity but they are also a great group activity which creates opportunities for engaging with others chatting and conversations and making friends,” Daniel continued

Other benefits of puzzles include helping relaxation as by immersing yourself in a puzzle it can serve as an exercise in mindfulness and help to relieve stress For the elderly in particular the act of picking up puzzle pieces, turning them over and fitting them together can sometimes but quite a challenge However puzzles are a great way to exercise the small muscles in fingers and eyes

“One of our residents told me that jigsaws can be traced back to the 18th Century when European map makers put their maps on to wood and cut them into small pieces They did this to create learning tools to teach geography – so really, interactive puzzles have been around for quite a few hundred years,” Daniel continued I really do learn something new from our residents every day

“Our interactive Tiny Tablet is another example of our commitment to provide exceptional standards of quality care through person-centred care as all our residents can join in and take part in the group activities or use it on their own It’s up to them – they can do what they want to do when they want to do it ” Chelsey concluded

Fun Times at the Aria Court Generation Games in March

vide invaluable opportunities for them to engage with younger generations reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness

Mental stimulation - participating in activities with children whether it's crafting, playing games, or simply talking, stimulates the minds of our elderly residents helping to keep them mentally sharp and active

Emotional well-being - Interacting with children often brings a sense of joy and purpose to older people fostering emotional wellbeing and a sense of fulfillment as they share experiences and create memories with the younger generation

Bridging the generation gap – This type of event helps to bridge the generation gap by fostering understanding and mutual respect between different age groups

Sense of belonging - By involving residents in intergenerational activities care homes like Aria Court create a sense of belonging and community, where both young and old feel valued and appreciated

• Positive energy - children inject positivity into the atmosphere lifting spirits and creating a lively environment for everyone to enjoy

• Learning and growth - Children benefit from interacting with elderly residents by learning from their wisdom experiences and stories promoting empathy, respect for elders, and valuable life lessons

Enhanced wellbeing - Both young and old benefit from the sense of purpose companionship and connection that intergenerational events provide, leading to overall improved wellbeing for all involved

Dartmouth based care home Beacon House part of the Centrum Care Group has recently introduced an innovative hydration station in its communal lounge significantly enhancing the experiences of its residents particularly those living with dementia

The concept of the hydration station was inspired by the desire to promote greater autonomy among residents, enabling them to effortlessly enjoy beverages while watching their favourite television shows or engaging in conversations, much like they would in their own homes This project is perfectly aligned with Beacon House s focus on providing the highest quality of care and support and is a vital addition to its comprehensive hydration programme - emphasising the critical role of hydration in maintaining resident health and mitigating risks such as falls and urinary tract infections (UTIs)

The hydration station features a user-friendly Tassimo coffee machine offering a variety of beverages, including Cappuccinos, Mochas, Lattes, and Hot Chocolates The design of the machine with its conspicuous red colour and simple pod system is tailored to meet the needs of residents living with dementia ensuring ease of use and high visibility Additionally the station offers an assortment of cold drinks snacks and a small activity area where residents can partake in daily activities while they have their drink

The inception and implementation of the hydration station was a collaborative effort, involving both residents and team members Following comprehensive dementia training ideas were gathered and then executed This teamwork highlights the inclusive and community-driven spirit at Beacon House

The whole initiative has been met with enthusiasm and positive feedback from residents and their families It has become a social hub fostering camaraderie and conversation and has led to noticeable improvements in hydration levels

In addition to the station Beacon House is engaging in other innovative projects, which centre around promoting independence and a sense of purpose for residents For example the team encourage residents to pursue hobbies, take part in new activities and help out around the care home should

New Qualification To Boost Care Sector

Michael Childs moved into Black Swan’s Park House care home in March 2020 during the early months of the COVID pandemic to combat

the elderly during lockdown

Michael is an active and caring man who takes great pride in helping those around him He is often found keeping himself busy at the home maintaining the home’s garden area, often visiting garden centres to buy new plants and helping Clive the home s Maintenance Operative to keep the home presentable He also helps to set the dining room tables for his fellow residents for their mealtimes He is a very popular resident at the home, making friendships wherever he goes After a deterioration in his physical health and the loss of his wife, Michael expressed to Juliana, the home s Activities Coordinator how he wanted to do something to get himself fit again Juliana described how the newly opened Marina Centre on the sea front a short distance from the care home had helped her with different class-

with open arms and he now takes part in exercise class-

A new specialist dementia care suite has opened at Royal Court care home in Cheltenham and it is already making a difference!

Fiona Gillon, Care Home Manager at Royal Court shared “Within 24 hours of the Dragonfly Suite opening for residents to live in we could see a positive change with the residents They all seem so content – it’s more like being in your own home It’s comforting and the staff also love it

The Dragonfly suite is Royal Court care home’s second specialist dementia care suite It s been refurbished from an existing residential living care corridor, into a dedicated wing for those living with dementia Their Faithfull House care home in Suffolk Square also has an established dementia wing called Bluebell

The Dragonfly suite consists of seven apartments around its own lounge dining room and secure gardens – separate to the main home Residents needing extra care and support, flourish in this calm family sized environment It suits those who might otherwise feel lost in a larger home or find a busy environment overwhelming

including helping young people with disabilities and assisting with treatment and recovery from addiction

“I hope it will encourage school leavers to consider adult social care as a viable skilled career with progression opportunities rather than a stop-gap It will undoubtedly help to raise the profile of the sector and will give people with limited qualifications the chance to build their skills

“It’s well-known that people stay longer at places where training is available ”

People in adult social care jobs will be able to enrol on the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification between June this year and March 2025

There will be other training initiatives available including a new digital leadership qualification to help managers in the sector with the implementation of technology

But Lesley warned that this funding must be followed up with decisive Government action to plug the gap in care sector vacancies

She said: “There is a bigger conversation to be had at a time when there are 152 000 vacancies within adult social care It is predicted we will need 440 000 care workers by 2035

“While this is a good starting point the Government must pledge future funding to support the long-term sustainability of the sector to attract many more people into roles at all levels If decisive action is not taken soon we could be facing unimaginable consequences over the next decade

Valuing the current workforce and giving them opportunities to upskill is important but ultimately pay and conditions need to improve to attract new blood into the sector rather than going into retail or hospitality Realise is one of the country s leading training providers working with more than 1 000 employers and more than 10 000 learners a year throughout apprenticeships and adult education courses For more information, visit https://bit ly/realisetraining

es gentle weight exercises and mobility sessions supported by Rachel Lacey from the Marina Centre gym

Michael explained his new lease of life: Since joining the gym I feel like I’ve become physically fitter but also have gained many new friendships from other adults in the local community They don t believe me when I say I live at a care home, so I like to recommend Park House as a place to stay to everyone I meet!”

As well as his weekly sessions at the Marina Centre Michael likes to practice his exercises at the care home The team at Park House have supported Michael in purchasing a foot pedal system and some weights and even created a chart to track his progress

The combination of person-centred care and setting realistic and achievable goals with continued support from the extended team at Park House has had amazing benefits to Michael both physically mentally and socially This has really helped him to regain his fitness become more content and to gain friendships and continue to be a part of the wider community; the very things that brought Michael to the care home in the first place

Fiona Gillon continues, “It is

Team Leader in the Dragonfly Suite Cherie explains Our job is to make our residents as happy and comfortable as possible We are only in our first couple of weeks but it is really working everyone is settled relaxed and enjoying things Myself and Kiara we really look forward to coming to work With seven residents we get to know them really well and even in a short time I can tune into the little signs about what they need ”

New Rules Will Quadruple Recycling Costs For Welsh Care Homes

as well as charities and public sector organisations to sort their waste for recycling on site – although the NHS has a two-year exemption

She said: “Up until now we have been using a very good company who have been collecting all our recyclable material and separating it at their site but they ve written to us and told us they will no longer be able to do that and in future will only collect the black sacks of mixed residual waste “We have been paying them £250 a month to collect from our two 1100-litre bins with clinical waste collected separately by a specialist company and at the same time we ve been incinerating our paper and cardboard

“I have had one quote which was for £150 a week plus VAT and that doesn t cover the paper and cardboard which will also have to be collected It s going to cost us over £1 000 a month We have waste bins in each resident’s room and these are emptied every day and bins around the home which are emptied three times a day but many of our residents have dementia and just don t understand recycling so it will just be something else for our very busy staff to deal with

We are not a large care home but what will this be like for big care homes of 60 to 100 beds? At this time of year we are having to put prices up and we will have to consider the cost of the new recycling arrangements so the people that will really suffer will be our residents and their families and it’s going to be hugely expensive

“The bins Welsh Government are suggesting are only suitable for a domestic household but we have 34 people here being served food five times a day and the suggestion is that we will only need a 240-litre wheelie bin

That fills me with horror because having that in a bin area is just going to attract rats so there are real health issues

Time is ticking now and because our long-term recycling company have been forced to abandon collecting recyclable waste we are going to have to pay through the nose and face the prospect in this rural area of having about five massive bin lorries turning up here every week

It will mean us sourcing the kind of bins and what colour they have to be and we can’t afford to have too few, finding a supplier for them and making arrangements for collections by a national company we have never dealt with before

The first we heard about this was at the end of November we had an online webinar event to learn more about it in February and now we find ourselves having just weeks to make these arrangements because it all has to be done by April 6

She has written to her local Senedd Member, Peter Fox, and to the four Regional Members and is being backed by Care Forum Wales, the body which represents over 500 independent care providers in Wales

Their Chair, Mario Kreft MBE said: “They ve given the NHS in Wales two years to comply with this change but care homes which have just staggered out of four years of pandemic don’t even get a year to adjust

They ve been through this dreadful pandemic and kept hospitals functioning by taking hundreds of people off their hands and into the community so we need the Minister Julie James to tell us why there is an exemption for the NHS

That is because organising it is going to be difficult and the cost will be enormous but it is OK to put that on care homes who will have to increase their fees and take on more responsibility “The First Minister has described the social care sector as the scaffold which supports the NHS and I don’t think anyone has given any serious thought to the care homes of Wales or how that scaffold should remain in place

“Around 90 per cent of social care is publicly funded through councils or health boards but and the extra cost placed on care homes should be factored in to the fees paid to them The NHS is being made a special case and will be given two years’ grace before starting to do this and fairness dictates the social care sector should undoubtedly be treated in the same way As well as the extra financial burden there is also going to be a heavy cost in terms of staff time and it will impact care homes in the same way as it does hospitals ”

“All of this comes at a time when care homes are struggling with other unnecessary changes after the pandemic on top of suffering the effects of chronic underfunding by councils and health boards for decades ”

The sector has suffered enough – it s on its knees This is not a kind or intelligent thing to do Apart from any practical considerations, placing this unfair additional financial burden on care homes is ill-considered and unjust This blanket application of the new rules is plain crazy The First Minister Mark Drakeford pointed out that the social care sector was in a fragile state even before the pandemic struck ”

The economic viability of many care homes is now even more precarious so this policy could have catastrophic unintended consequences and could in some cases push some of them over the edge of the financial precipice ”

The National Association Of Care Catering Launches Its Care Chef Of The Year 2024

The National Association of Care Catering’s (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2024 competition has opened for entries officially starting this year s search for the best chef working in the care sector

The prestigious competition has been celebrating the culinary talent across the care sector for 24 years Open to all chefs and cooks working in care settings it recognises, showcases and celebrates their sector-specific knowledge, skills and flair

The entry brochure can be downloaded here and the deadline for entries is Monday 6th May 2024

The NACC Care Chef of the Year 2024 competition is once again kindly supported by Unilever Food Solutions as the main sponsor and event sponsor The Worshipful Company of Cooks

Focusing on the importance of food, nutrition and positive mealtime experiences as part of quality care entrants are challenged to create an appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £4 50 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced The menu must also feature at least one product from Unilever Food Solutions’ sector-relevant catering range2

All paper entries will be judged by a professional judging panel and the successful chefs that make it through to the next stage will compete at the regional heats in June 2024 Here they will have 90 minutes to produce their dishes and demonstrate their skill set and knowledge under the watchful eyes of the competition judges The judges will be looking for clear nutritional understanding of the foods they are using and how they benefit the needs of their clientele plus culinary flair through flavours menu balance execution presentation and hygiene best practice

The highest-scoring competitors from each regional heat plus wild cards selected by the judges will compete for the title NACC Care Chef of the Year 2024 at the national finals on Tuesday 1st October at Loughborough College

Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC, said: “I always look forward to this competition as it is one of the best opportunities of highlighting the fantastic skills of the innovative and creative chefs who find such job

satisfaction working within the care sector It is also an inspiration to others who may be thinking of embarking on a worthwhile career in care catering

Great dining experiences are at the heart of everything we do so there is no better occasion to showcase our talented chefs from around the country

The competition will again be overseen by the amazing head judge Steve Munkley, who provides constructive feedback after each regional heat That alone such be enough to encourage everyone to enter and celebrate the culinary excellence the care sector offers I wish anyone who enters the best of luck ”

James Birch Customer Development Chef at Unilever Food Solutions said: “We are very excited and proud to continue our sponsorship of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition in 2024 This competition provides a great opportunity for care chefs around the country to showcase their skills and raise the profile of care catering

Our team at Unilever Food Solutions is delighted to be working alongside chefs within the care sector to ensure that every mealtime is the highlight of the residents day be that supporting with activities to nutritionally analysed recipes training inspiration and competitions like this We look forward to seeing how this year’s competitors rise to the challenge and wish them the very best of luck ”

Mr Paul Galpin Master of the Worshipful Company of Cooks said: Once again the Worshipful Company of Cooks is proud to sponsor and be associated with the NACC competition For more than 500 years we have been involved in the world of cookery; initially being responsible for standards of catering and hygiene in the City of London and more recently closely engaged through our support for competitions such as this one in encouraging chefs to achieve high standards that they can then take back into their workplace We are heartened to witness the year on year raising of standards and skills by the competitors

To all competitors we send our best wishes and we look forward to being able to host the winner at our annual Prize Winners’ Lunch when you will be able to sit back and enjoy the results of someone else’s hard work Good luck!

For more information on the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2024 competition and to download the entry form go to https://www thenacc co uk/events/nacc-care-chef-of-the-year-2024

Residents At Friends Of The Elderly

Malvern ‘Twitching’ For World Wildlife Day

video bird boxes “Our first video bird box was donated to us by the family of a resident who sadly is no longer with us said Selena Whittaker, the Activities Coordinator at Perrins House “Our residents were keen to have the box put up so they could view the birds in real time and see what they got up to every day It has been extremely popular and with springtime nearly with us the residents are waiting for the birds to start nesting

“The video bird box at Perrins House is linked to the television in the care home s Lounge added Jo Bennett the General Manager at Friends of the Elderly Malvern Our residents love wildlife programmes, so to have their very own ‘Birdwatch’ is a lovely activity for them and a great addition to our existing wide and varied daily activities calendar

The ‘Twitching’ has quickly caught on with some of the residents now using their own binoculars to watch the birds in the care homes’ beautiful grounds “At Friends of the Elderly Malvern we have beautiful grounds and gardens surrounding all three care homes The Twitching has sparked a real interest in our

feathered friends and the residents have noted seeing a wide range of different birds including Blue Tits Robins and Sparrows Jo added

“Our residents have seen some funny bird behaviour and rather unusual birds too continued Selena We ve had Pigeons deciding to have an argument over who should be on the bird table first and a Sparrow Hawk who nested in a tree near Davenham our residential care home

“It’s a wonderful activity for individuals or groups to participate in and can be a very thought-provoking and absorbing activity It can provide those taking part with the opportunity to spend time in a quiet place without any distractions and for those living with dementia being able to see and experience the nature around them has been shown to reduce stress anxiety and depression ” added Selena

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“Brilliant Response” as Care Operators Sign Up to Care Workers’ Charter

work on behalf of us all It is only right that they are better paid and better supported to provide the high quality care that residents deserve ”

UNISON London regional secretary Jo Galloway said: Southwark Council is setting a great example in adopting this residential care charter and committing to improving the working conditions of those in social care This will encourage dedicated staff to stay in their jobs benefitting local residents who will experience a better quality of care We hope to see other councils across London following suit However councils can’t do it all by themselves and greater investment in social care is required from central government A National Care Service would mean the quality of care is of the same high standard no matter where in the country it was being provided ” The council is making good progress towards their commitment of having 100 per cent of care homes compliant with the charter by 2026

OUT OF 16 CARE HOMES IN SOUTHWARK, THE SIX THAT HAVE SIGNED UP ARE:

• Bluegrove Greenhive Rosecourt and Waterside which are all run by Agincare Camberwell Lodge which is run by Country Court

• Tower Bridge which is run by HC-One

Raina Summerson Chief Executive at Agincare said: “We are proud to be an early adopter of Southwark Council’s Residential Care Charter as part of the transfer of care teams at the four care homes we operate in the borough The charter outlies the high standards of person-centred care that our care home residents can expect from our trained professional teams In return, Agincare will continuously support and develop its team members to work towards their goals and aspirations for a long and successful career We continue to work closely with Southwark Council for a shared common goal that will improve the lives of care home residents and the people that support them

Jake Rollin, Director of Commissioned Care and Commercial Support at HC-One said: The social care workforce play such a vital role in supporting residents and their families We applaud Southwark Council’s Residential Care Charter as a meaningful and successful initiative that helps to give the care workforce the recognition they deserve and ultimately positively contribute to the experience of care home residents in Southwark

Lauren Gordon Home Manager at Camberwell Lodge Care & Nursing Home of Country Court Care Homes said: “We are delighted and proud to be one of the first care and nursing homes in the borough to sign up Our staff teams are at the heart of our care homes and Country Court

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Beloved Thames Ditton Care Home to be Renamed in Honour of its Riverside Location

welcome

Ruth Yates managing director of operations at Aria Care said As we embark on this exciting new chapter, our exceptional person-centred care, hospitality and lifestyle offering continues to place our residents at the heart of everything we do and Thames View will continue to be a symbol of unparalleled care timeless elegance and gracious living

We look forward to continuing to develop our relationships in the local community, working together to provide support in the Thames Ditton area ”

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rate up and down the steps- and beyond AAT visited Phil and Mel to assess the situation that the S-Max Sella would safely deal with the steps and that Mel and Phil were both comfortable using it Phil was so impressed he ordered one on the spot AAT delivered it set it up to their personal preference and trained Phil in how to use the equipment correctly and safely

Under Phil’s control with its integral seat and battery-powered kinematic climbing capability S-Max Sella safely gets Mel around her home again It gets her out of the house and into town It really is a fantastic piece of kit says Phil

Encanto and Cuba – Fabrics for Well-designed Contract Interiors

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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

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We do

We

Christina Larkin is JLA s Chief Data and Marketing Officer shaping the organisation s decision-making through analytics and insight As ESG lead Christina also inspires JLA s teams to put customer and sustainability-focused thinking at the heart of their actions As managers across the UK s care sector continue to navigate the triple challenge of infection control rising utility costs and the drive for greater energy efficiency what innovations and practices can be adopted to help future-proof care homes protect residents and staff and still enable organisations to meet their short and longerrange sustainability targets? In this piece on finding the balance JLA’s Chief Data & Marketing Officer, Christina Larkin shares her thoughts on an increasingly pressing question

WHY SUSTAINABILITY IN THE CARE SECTOR MATTERS

The Covid-19 pandemic has rightly seen the care industry – and the Care Quality Commission – place renewed focus on infection control From the laundry room to the kitchen care home hygiene and safety are rightly non-negotiable while compliance and residents safety remain everyone s top priority

At the same time initiatives to drive efficiency reduce waste and decarbonise the sector continue to gather pace with net-zero targets and more accessible alternative technologies allowing organisations to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising care standards The good news then is that energy savings are still highly achievable in care settings and can even help to demonstrate to your residents (and their families) that you are taking steps to becoming a more sustainable business which in turn enhances your reputation

Of course practically meeting these expectations will usually mean adopting a range of measures These could be as simple as switching to more sustainable everyday consumables and reducing waste sent to landfill It could mean upgrading boilers and associated heating equipment to more efficient hydrogen-ready units Or it could mean investing in more energy-efficient washing machine systems, which, thanks to technological innovations, will use considerably less electricity and hot water to disinfect a laundry load, and actually lower your day-to-day running costs

Whatever the path you take, improving sustainability brings a myriad of benefits – and not only in operational efficiencies or cost savings In fact, it s increasingly the case that committing to sustainability means investing in your people s wellbeing as well By making positive changes and working on sustainability together you can help to improve morale and reduce staff turnover which allows residents to build even deeper relationships

with your care team You ll also be a more attractive proposition to talent across the industry which further drives up standards

And as more and more families begin to consider the environmental impact of facilities while making crucial care decisions such a commitment to sustainability could well become the key difference between you and your competition

ADOPTING BEST PRACTICE SOLUTIONS

With commercial energy costs at record highs we often hear of care homes seeking cheaper domestic washing machines for their laundry rooms However research shows that this can be a false economy For one, domestic machines are much less robust, needing more regular repairs, while their smaller load capacities add up to needing more washes, at greater expense More importantly, it is unlikely that they can achieve and maintain the thermal temperatures required to keep you compliant with the requirements of HTM 01-04 A commercial washing machine is far more likely to control temperatures effectively, as well as providing the correct holding time to achieve the full penetration of a load for disinfection Alternatives to thermal laundry infection are becoming increasingly widespread too One example is ozone disinfection technology which uses the power of natural ozone gas to eliminate infection from laundry loads on an energy-saving cool wash During a study with Leicester s De Montfort University JLA s own ozone disinfection system OTEX was found to completely remove the coronavirus It also helped to cut hot water usage by up to 80% and electricity by 60%

As expected regular servicing and proactive maintenance are more likely to extend the working life of your equipment But when washers dryers and other appliances reach the end of their life it is always worth considering the latest developments to understand what they could save you in time energy and money This is because the most up-to-date technologies are likely to come with enhanced energy-saving features and help you spread savings across the year

Further utility savings can also be achieved through comparatively lowcost investments such as swapping double-headed taps for single-lever taps to help control hot water consumption installing showerheads that use aeration to save water adding reflective heat film to your windows to reduce energy loss and – a classic – powering down any unused appliances

ENERGY-SAVING INNOVATIONS ARE BECOMING MORE ACCESSIBLE

As technology for the care sector continues to evolve embracing it will be key to staying ahead Enabled by internet connectivity and state-ofthe-art sensors remote monitoring systems are now allowing providers to keep a watchful eye on your equipment spotting issues early and dealing with them before they can cause disruptive downtime Similarly customers are getting fresh insights into the way their laundry rooms are running; from one dashboard managers can easily view real-time data

without having to be on site By creating a fuller picture of a laundry room s daily use these systems offer a smart way to plan resources save time and make decisions that reduce energy use And as this technology expands we expect to see more and more use cases opening up JLA s own Connect service offers always-on monitoring for compatible laundry equipment Some of its features include improving efficiency by estimating the amount of energy and water machines use, in addition to suggesting better times to run them for maximum savings On top of that, JLA Connect offers a handy way to quantify and potentially reduce environmental impact with estimates of CO2 emissions

JLA has also introduced its own Energy Smart Hub, which combines practical tips, data-driven insight and actionable advice that is already helping customers tackle rising energy costs and stay energy smart We view this

Accessible Bathing in Nursing and Care Environments

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

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

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

and timing of bathing the use of aids and equipment and the involvement of family or caregivers

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

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

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Is a Sustainable Diet a Nutritious and Healthy

“In the most general terms as a population our current diet is not sustainable or healthy The most recent UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) data shows our intakes of saturated fat, sugar and salt are above the Government recommended levels Whereas intakes of fibre, fruit, vegetables, and oily fish are too low

In the UK the Eatwell Guide provides a model for a healthy varied diet It is estimated that if everyone adopted this diet nationally it would lead to reductions in associated GHGE (-45%) and land use (-49%) It includes eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day wholegrain and higher-fibre starchy foods, and diversifying protein intake more towards plant sources such as beans and other pulses as well as plant-based meat alternatives

A recent study found increased adherence to the recommendation on reducing red and processed meat consumption was associated with the largest decrease in environmental impacts and carbon footprints

This same study found if everyone in the UK consumed a diet in line with these recommendations it would lead to significantly less type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, strokes and cancer

All the evidence shows moving to a more plant-based diet means a positive impact on our health whilst meeting nutritional requirements and sustainable eating can absolutely include small amounts of meat fish and diary

Is this suitable for older adults? Aside from specific requirements if it is healthy safe and appropriate for the individual this is all very relevant for over 80s wanting to support the planet David Attenborough is a good example!

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PRESSURE CARE AND PATIENT HANDLING

How to Approach Patient Handling In A Disability Care Setting

changing needs to maintain a person-centred approach

BEING AWARE OF THE RISKS

When undertaking patient handling tasks there are a multitude of potential risks for both carers and clients For example both parties could experience

be a part of the community they live in To avoid this care providers should always work in partnership and communicate with other healthcare professionals such as social workers doctors and dentists to minimise this risk and ensure that clients receive the best possible care

Another risk to consider is understaffing and busy workloads for carers who are trained in patient handling This must be avoided at all costs as the quality of client care is greatly compromised if people rush tasks or can’t complete them at all due to not having capacity To minimise this care providers should have good rota planning to ensure the right staff are always in place, as well as ensuring that patient handling training is provided to the necessary people

CLEAR

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In a disability care setting carers should be aware that they are expected to follow the policies and protocols of patient handling for safety purposes This includes carrying out risk assessments and a responsibility to follow support plans for individual clients so everyone receives personalised care

In addition carers have a responsibility to communicate with clients and explain what they are about to do even if they are non-verbal and

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unable to respond as this maintains the client’s respect and dignity Carers also need to make sure the correct equipment is always used –not only to reduce risks but to make the job easier People should be able to properly use equipment such as hoists slings standing aids shower chairs grab rails slide sheets and wheelchairs – to name a few

THOROUGH LEARNING AND TRAINING

The best approach for moving and handling training is through practical lessons It s a very hands-on element of personal care so giving people practical experience will allow them to become familiar with the correct processes and methods – something that is vital to ensure they pass the training Not only this but in-person training allows learners to get immediate clarification on any questions they might have Compliance with patient handling training should also be monitored through practical assessments and regular on the job training as well as through reviews and client feedback forms

Patient handling is such an important element of care giving – it promotes the safety dignity and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities at the same time as safeguarding the physical health and professional wellbeing of caregivers

The Pressure Problem

Unfortunately, the physical strain of moving patients can significantly impact staffing levels, with back and musculoskeletal problems accounting for 17% of staff sickness days in the NHS Physical repositioning also deprives patients of sleep impacting recovery as sleep is vital for maintaining healing and is essential for quality hospital experiences

Encouragingly implementing sufficient prevention can reduce pressure ulcers by up to 87% with a cost saving of £513 000 and a 362-day reduction in the number of bed days per centre This reduces the impact on staff while addressing overall quality of life

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Our Optima Turn turning mattress one of our Optima Series products provides automatic and timer-controlled turning up to 30 supported by alternating pressure multiple pressure relief therapy options and manually deflatable air cells for heel relief care, all easily accessible through the intuitive pump interface, streamlining patient handling and caregiver workload

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Taking Control of Time and Attendance

Social Care

Can AI Ease Loneliness For Adults In Care?

By Jody O Neill CEO and Founder of Curam (www curamcare com)

vital role in providing not only basic physical care but also emotional support and understanding This is especially important for individuals with disabilities who may feel isolated due to their condition, or those with cognitive challenges and degenerative conditions such as Dementia

Chatbots are not suitable for everyone And in such cases human empathy is necessary to interpret the needs and communicate effectively with the patient

EMPOWER CARERS AND PATIENTS THROUGH TECHNOLOGIES

The use of technologies such as AI in care must be evaluated to ensure it complements and enhances human connection rather than replacing it This means there must be careful consideration when proposing how

into the roles of those who may be the people patients see and talk to most as well as how it can be used to make the care journey better for patients

Although chatbots cannot replace human carers, a combined approach of AI and other technologies can help care providers and facilitators

For example, currently, a typical caring schedule often includes three in-person visits per day for each patient However, due to time constraints, caregivers may have to rush these visits In this case, we would argue, that technology can be used to allow carers to perform a more thorough in-person visit and follow up with two video check-ins based on the patient's needs (these video care calls can even of course be instigated from overseas)

Remote intelligent monitoring and predictive analytics can also be used by carers to capture an accurate overall picture of a patient s well-being to design better care programmes in advance rather than spending too much time during an in-person appointment on data capture

As well as improving patient-centricity AI has the potential to streamline services for care facilitators by taking on mundane tasks and freeing up the caregiver s time and talent for creativity and innovation For example the administrative work involved in the daily operation of care providers and facilitators AI can handle emails user inquiries and information requests enabling users to access information quickly so management can focus on solving more complex issues efficiently

DON’T IMPLEMENT TECH FOR THE SAKE OF IT

Ultimately the current care system is dealing with legacy and complex technology which has held back much-needed innovation While AI can be a potential solution many care providers see AI as a cost-cutting solution without first addressing the underlying issue of an inadequate care model

Digital transformation within the care sector should instead prioritise the needs of patients and carers rather than simply implementing technology for the sake of it Technology should add value to the care journey for example making it safer by vetting carers ID and training documents with banking-standard technology or reducing the time carers spend doing admin so they can focus on their vocation Similarly it should enable patients to access care easily and quickly so that they aren t stuck in the hospital and have better care outcomes

PATIENT-CENTRICITY FOR UNLOCKING AI’S POTENTIAL

The successful implementation of AI in the care sector requires careful consideration of how it can meet the needs of patients And for that reason it s not an effective way of combatting the loneliness of people in care AI cannot replace the crucial interpersonal relationships between carers and patients that build trust safety and companionship

However it can help ensure carers have more time to put the needs of patients at the heart of their work

The key to successful AI implementation in the care sector is putting the patient first

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes

the whole building Alarms can be particularly disconcerting as they may encourage the person with dementia to respond or investigate what the matter is At the very least the loss of sleep will compromise a person s ability to concentrate It can affect their attention levels and capacity to cope, as well as being detrimental to their overall state of wellbeing Personal paging systems are preferable to bells and buzzers Modern Nurse Call systems can incorporate a number of methods to reduce their impact in a care home These include zoning whereby there are separate alarm types used depending upon

the location of the call In these circumstances, dementia sufferers and those vulnerable to noise can be located in one zone whist less vulnerable residents live in an alternative “zone” Each “zone” can operate different call tones, warning lights or other methods to alert when help is required

Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tranquil environment for residents Pagers have been around for many years are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise and can be added to most Nurse Call systems Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning e-medication etc Many Courtney Thorne clients are now utilising the “Go” app with their Nurse Call system With the Go app nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home

Calmer residents ultimately means that staff are less stressed also this creates a happier workplace where morale is greatly improved staff are retained and CQC ratings improve Clearly the positive ramifications of a quiet Care Home run deep Get in touch today to find out how we can help your home become a quieter calmer and more tranquil environment

For more information email us at: info@c-t co uk or see the advert below

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First Free E-Learning Resource on Data Security and Protection for Care Staff Launched

Care

–

Speaking about the

The

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

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 manag-

er 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

Grey Matter Learning Set To Support Over 180 Care Leaders Thanks To Skills For Care Funding

We have seen a huge

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance