The Carer Digital - Issue #192

Care Minister Rejects Prospect of a

Care Ser vice…

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

Editor Peter Adams

Last week's Care Show at London's Excel was a resounding success bustling with activity and vibrancy that truly exemplified the spirit of our industry and thank you to the many people who stopped by our stand to say hello and share their views

As representatives of THE CARER, we were delighted to participate in this essential event connecting with care providers and workers from all corners of the sector to exchange insights gather feedback and celebrate the dedication that defines our profession

The care sector faces numerous challenges but the Care Show was a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of those within it

Throughout the event, we witnessed firsthand the resilience and passion of caregivers managers and innovators who continue to strive for excellence despite the complexities of our field Their commitment to improving care standards and enhancing the lives of residents was truly inspiring

One of the highlights of the Care Show was the palpable atmosphere of innovation and collaboration The exhibition floor was alive with a diverse array of supplier products and services each showcasing innovative solutions designed to enhance efficiency and quality of care The seminars led by industry experts provided invaluable insights into emerging trends and best practices empowering attendees with knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare provision

Above all, the Care Show exemplified the profound passion that underpins our sector

From interactive workshops to engaging discussions every aspect of the event underscored a shared commitment to elevating standards and driving positive change in adult social care It was heartening to see professionals come together united by a common purpose to deliver exceptional care and support to those who need it most

On a side note In a recent speech Care Minister Helen Whatley (see front page) firmly dismissed the idea of implementing a National Care Service in England emphasising the government's stance against such a system This statement has sparked debates across the healthcare sector particularly within the residential and nursing care home community, where the need for comprehensive reforms to address the challenges of adult social care is keenly felt

The proposal for a National Care Service comes at a critical time as our population ages with many individuals living longer lives but facing multiple complex health issues

The demand for adult social care is increasing exponentially placing significant strain on existing services and resources While my opinion is that of a “layman” a centralised

National Care Service could potentially provide a more streamlined and equitable approach to delivering care, ensuring that individuals receive consistent and high-quality support regardless of their location or financial circumstances This could alleviate pressures on families and local authorities struggling to cope with the demands of an aging population

However the devil is in the costings Despite the compelling need for reform the absence of detailed costings and financial plans for a National Care Service remains a significant obstacle Implementing such a service would undoubtedly require substantial public investment, and the question of how this would be funded remains unanswered Moreover the reality is that many individuals approaching the age where they might need care have not adequately prepared financially for these eventualities Without addressing these financial challenges the sustainability of a National Care Service would I feel be called into question

The need for transformative change in our approach to caring for older adults and those with complex health needs is undeniable Still any proposed solution must be accompanied by clear and transparent financial strategies that address the affordability and sustainability of such reforms

The voices within the residential and nursing care home sector are instrumental in shaping these discussions Providers caregivers and advocates must continue to engage constructively with policymakers to ensure that any future reforms are not only aspirational but also grounded in practical realities By addressing both the pressing need for enhanced care services and the fiscal challenges associated with their implementation we can strive towards a more inclusive and effective system of adult social care in England

The debate over a National Care Service encapsulates broader societal discussions about how we value and support our aging population The future of adult social care demands bold vision tempered by fiscal prudence a delicate balance that must be achieved for the benefit of individuals and communities across the country I can also be contacted at any time at editor@thecareruk com

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Care Minister Rejects Prospect of a National Care Ser vice

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

The key elements of the proposals included:

1 For everyone: under the plan support will be available to everyone regardless of their means and at an earlier stage as their care and support needs develop Disabled people and unpaid carers will be automatically referred to the service Everyone will have peace of mind about help being there for them in the future

2 Stronger rights: citizen rights will be spelled out in a co-produced National Care Service constitution and people will have control and choice over the support they get Disabled and older people will have a new right to choose where they live and to take part in society Unpaid carers will be asked how much they wish to care and will have a new right to short breaks A formal appeal process will be introduced

3 A new public service: the National Care Service will offer end-to-end support under a shared brand delivered together by national government local councils and licensed care providers Independent providers will be fairly funded but expected to operate as part of a public service with new standards on care quality workforce and financial conduct National leadership and consistency will replace postcode lotteries

4 A fair workforce settlement: a sector-wide Fair Pay Agreement will be negotiated including a sector minimum wage and minimum employment conditions People employed by contracted National Care Service providers will have national pay-bands and employment terms designed to achieve parity over time with similar roles in the NHS

5 More affordable charges: reforms to care funding should run in parallel to other changes so that support becomes more affordable over time as services start to improve Incoming ministers should match any government funding reforms announced before the next election As they develop the new service they should also consider other options like making support free for people with lifelong disabilities

“FAMILY AFFAIR”

Ruling out the prospect Ms Whately said “At one end you hear from people who think that social care should be nationalised That it should no longer be the responsibility of the local authorities you are part of Nor should it be delivered by independent providers They call for a national state run service – a national care service if you will

At the other end you hear from people who think that care should be an exclusively family affair

She said she finds herself arguing against both of these viewpoints because social care supports so many different people with so many

different needs” so “a one-size-fits all approach is not the right answer”

Ms Whately also expressed “frustration at talking down of social care” during a speech: “The next time someone says to you that social care is broken – or that its problems are being ignored – or that it’s not being reformed – or that care workers need a career structure tell it as it is

“Yes, social care has big challenges, but we’re working on them ”

This “work” that the government has been doing to “reform” social care includes a “care workforce pathway” launch increase in grant funding for local authorities up to £8 6bn and £20m in the Accelerating Reform Fund Ms Whately said

She also highlighted 15 areas of the country that are using their Accelerating Reform Fund to scale up Sharing Lives Care a scheme to support working age adults with learning disabilities mental health problems or other needs

BACKING INNOVATION

Speaking on technology and innovation Ms Whately said: We re also backing innovation through technology Because the potential for technology to improve care and help people live more independent lives is hugely exciting – and there is some brilliant innovation going on but often in pockets rather than at scale

If we take digital social care records as an example Replacing paper care records with digital records is a no-brainer It makes social care more efficient by reducing the time staff spend filling in forms and chasing information by phone It can also mean better safer care

Digital care records can alert the GP if their patient needs medical treatment, or it can alert staff if medication has been missed “

Another “crucial part” of the government’s reforms is the Care Quality Commission’s assurance of local authorities’ delivery through the Care Act

She said: “These new assessments and ratings will mean that – for the first time – everyone will be able to understand how their local authority is delivering adult social care and how it compares to others ”

Addressing concerns from local authorities, she added: “This assurance is really important It will shine a light on the brilliant work so many councils are doing

“It will mean those who are doing a great job will get the recognition they deserve and it will help councils who are struggling get the support they need to do better for their communities

Ms Whately added: We need a modern care system with the flexibility to respond to changing needs

We need a diverse care system where people can choose the care

that works best for them and we need a care system that’s rooted in our communities drawing on the strengths and skills of local organisations professionals and people s loved ones

The former Chancellor Nigel Lawson once said that the NHS is the closest thing we have to a national religion ”

FRUSTRATION

“Now like many of you in this room sometimes I get frustrated that social care doesn t get thought of in the same way

For the skill and dedication of everyone working in the care sector

For the compassion and humanity in almost every interaction And for the way care quite literally helps people to carry on living ”

“But actually the truth is that we don t need another national religion

We need a modern care system with the flexibility to respond to changing needs

“We need a diverse care system, where people can choose the care that works best for them ”

“And we need a care system that’s rooted in our communities drawing on the strengths and skills of local organisations professionals and people s loved ones

FORGOTTEN FRONTLINE

Earlier this year general election candidates from all parties were asked to support the creation of a new national care service in England

Trade union body UNISON said that too many people across the country cannot access the social care they desperately need because the current system is broken and said it wants to see a new service based on high quality care and a fairly rewarded workforce Although these changes wouldn t happen overnight, the union believes the reforms would put an end to 15-minute home care visits long waits for care packages and low wages for staff

A national care service would also mean the quality of care is of the same high standard, no matter where in the country it was being provided, says UNISON

UNISON’s general secretary Christina McAnea a long-term advocate for care workers and co-chair of the Future Social Care Coalition said one of her key priorities is for the union to lead along-overdue reform of the social care system

“We need a national care service – like the NHS Care workers need parity of esteem with their colleagues in the health service We’ve seen how the two systems are completely intertwined – if one fails so will the other Social care can no longer be treated as the forgotten frontline

Breaking the Stigmas Surrounding Care Home Environments

Families placing a loved one in a care home often have many fears and trepidations about doing so - a recent study by the UK’s leading provider of dementia care Vida Healthcare has revealed that a fifth (20 percent) of adults surveyed said their perceptions of care homes were negative

This is due to the many myths and preconceptions about care homes that position them as unwelcoming and isolating environments

Vida Healthcare is dedicated to dispelling the stigmas surrounding care homes in the UK The team is passionate about challenging and changing perceptions of care homes, and wants to highlight how engaging with a care home can be hugely beneficial for both potential residents and their loved ones, particularly if the person requiring the support of a care home is living with dementia

Here James Rycroft, Managing Director at Vida Healthcare discusses and dispels five of the most common misconceptions surrounding care homes

CARE HOMES ARE FOR THOSE WITH MEDICAL NEEDS OR NEARING END-OF-LIFE?

Care homes are often associated with people who have severe illnesses or nearing the end of their lives

This is partly due to the fact that many people don t know what different levels of care are available in care homes or what the variations of care involve

A recent survey conducted by Vida revealed that almost a quarter (23 percent) of UK adults aren’t confident that they know what residential care is 24 percent aren t sure what nursing care is more than a quarter (28 percent) aren’t confident they know what dementia care is, while almost a third (31 percent) don’t know what social care or respite care involve

This lack of understanding around the different levels of care available has led to a sector-wide misconception that care homes solely cater for people who have significant care needs but this isn t the case

While many care homes do cater for that level of need and assistance this is not the only type of care they provide

Residential care for example refers to the general care provided in a non-nurse-led environment where residents do not require continuous clinical oversight but will still receive support from primary services when needed for both physical mental and emotional well-being Nursing care meanwhile becomes essential when an individual’s needs require continuous clinical monitoring

Many residents chose to move into care homes whilst they are still independent and able choosing to move in for peace of mind, safety, extra help and company Whilst living in a care home, residents will be supported to help maintain their independence for as long as possible

CARE HOMES ARE CLINICAL AND UNWELCOMING?

Historically care homes have been perceived to be cold clinical and depressing places that have a particular odour and aren t particularly inviting Nowadays, this is far from the case!

Many care homes are warm and attractive environments that provide residents with a sense of safety and calm Care teams encourage residents to bring their own home comforts family photos and familiar items to create a more homely atmosphere

At Vida Healthcare all homes are purpose-built and feature homely interiors with facilities that encourage community involvement and interaction amongst residents

Everyone is invited to personalise their rooms to make them more familiar spaces while the communal areas feature decor designed to create a sense of familiarity for residents, encouraging them to engage and

share stories with one another

Some of our communal areas have been designed to support social interactions and ensure Vida s residents have a high quality of life At Vida Court for example we have a cinema florist coffee shop sweet shop, landscaped gardens and sensory destinations amongst other things

What s more the Vida team supports its residents in remaining involved in community life including taking trips to local parks farms gardens cafes libraries local events and groups and places of worship

CARE HOME FOOD IS NOT TASTY OR NUTRITIOUS?

While there may have been instances in the past where care home food was not up to standard care homes today provide highly-tailored seasonal menus featuring nutritious food for residents to enjoy in order to support their health and wellbeing

At Vida Healthcare the menus are nutritious and balanced designed with residents' nutritional needs and special dietary requirements in mind Inspired by different countries and cultures the majority of the food served is made fresh on site

It’s important to remember that no two residents are the same and the head chefs at Vida work closely with team leaders and care staff to tailor menus to every resident s individual needs

RESIDENTS JUST SIT AROUND ALL DAY IN A CIRCLE?

It is a common misconception that residents don’t do anything in care homes and, instead, either sit around in a circle and watch TV or simply sleep the day away

Of course if a resident wants to watch TV then they are more than welcome to do so however a varied programme of activities is an essential part of a care home’s life Tea parties, games, exercise classes and trips out are just a few activities that residents can take part in

Maintaining a normal daily routine for residents is of paramount importance - simple activities like getting dressed in the morning, washing going for a walk, setting the table for dinner and getting ready for bed all form patterns and routines within daily life that will help create a sense of familiarity for residents

We know that access to the outside world is incredibly important and living in a care home shouldn t compromise this Vida’s three care homes feature sensory courtyards and gardens which are both calm and peaceful

Designed by Dr Garuth Chalfont a leading expert in the creation of care environments for older people living with dementia, Vida’s gardens connect the internal to the external encouraging residents to maintain the health and well being created by spending time outdoors

PEOPLE GET MISTREATED IN CARE HOMES?

While there have been well documented instances of unacceptable levels of care within care homes these are very much the minority and there are also many positive stories and experiences of those residing in care homes that aren t as likely to be covered by the media

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has a thorough and robust regulation process and monitors all aspects of care delivery closely, including identifying safeguarding concerns, effective recruitment and training to ensure a strong culture of respect for residents is at the heart of good care homes

Vida s commitment to investing in creating better care for people living with dementia has led to all three of the company’s care homes being rated as Outstanding by the CQC, becoming the only Outstanding rated specialist dementia care provider in the District of Harrogate

Every person who is residing at Vida Healthcare will receive high quality dementia care Individuals living with dementia are going through a very personal journey each of which is unique and different from the next while their family and friends are also navigating their own passage through their loved ones dementia diagnosis The Vida team is committed to delivering the highest quality person-centred care while also offering wider support to family members

For more information on the leading care available to people living with dementia at Vida Healthcare please visit www vidahealthcare co uk

Laureate Court Spreads Acts of Kindness in Celebration of St George’s Day in Rotherham

As part of the St George’s Day celebrations the compassionate team at Laureate Court care home, alongside residents, embarked on a heartwarming mission to spread joy and generosity throughout the local Rotherham community Residents and staff members hand-delivered goodie bags filled with tokens of appreciation to business owners and residents igniting smiles and fostering connections in the spirit of the occasion

Leanne Simms Customer Relations Manager at Laureate Court expressed her delight in being part of such a meaningful initiative She stated We love getting the opportunity to go out into the community and give back The Rotherham community is always so welcoming to us, and the bags were very well received "

These acts of kindness did not go unnoticed as the local community warmly embraced the gesture with open arms In a heartening display of reciprocity, the owner of a nearby café extended gratitude by offering complimentary hot drinks to the Laureate Court team further solidifying the bonds of goodwill It was a lovely morning the people of Rotherham never fail to disappoint in the gratefulness and in spending time to chat with our residents

The event served as a poignant reminder of the power of community and the beauty of coming together to spread joy and kindness Laureate Court remains committed to fostering meaningful connections within the Rotherham community and looks forward to continuing its tradition of giving back in the future

Ban On Dependents Decimates Health & Care Visa Applications

Health and Care visa applications fell from 18,300 during August 2023 to 2 400 in March 2024 after the new legislation affecting dependents was introduced in December 2023

The visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS an NHS supplier or in adult social care

TO QUALIFY FOR A HEALTH AND CARE WORKER VISA, A PERSON MUST:

be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional work in an eligible health or social care job

• work for a UK employer that s been approved by the Home Office have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK be paid a minimum salary – how much depends on the type of work you do If a care worker or senior care worker working in England, your employer must also be registered with the Care Quality Commission

However, on 4 December 2023, the Home Office announced changes to visa rules intended to reduce immigration and published further details on 21 December THESE CHANGES HAVE NOW COME INTO FORCE, FOLLOWING 2 SETS OF IMMIGRATION RULES CHANGES RELEASED ON 19 FEBRUARY 2024 AND 14 MARCH 2024:

• the baseline general salary to be sponsored for a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa has increased from £26 200 to £38 700 while the going rate minimum salary specific to each job has also gone up significantly a list of jobs for which it is possible to sponsor someone for a ‘Skilled Worker visa at a reduced minimum salary has been made shorter and renamed the Immigration Salary List the minimum income normally required to sponsor someone for a spouse/partner visa has risen from £18 600 to £29 000

Social care workers arriving from overseas are no longer allowed to bring dependants (that is partners and children) on their visa which has led to a significant fall in application

In response to new figures Professor Martin Green OBE Chief Executive of Care England said:

“Since the Government’s announcement of their intention to ban overseas care workers from bringing dependents to the UK the number of overseas care worker applications has decreased by more than half This directly contradicts the Government’s own estimation of impact, which stated the policy would not affect applicant numbers With the policy now in place the sector has been left to pick up the pieces

Between April and September 2023 88 800 ‘main’ applications were made for people who want to go into a care and support role Between October 2023 and April 2024 only 40 800 applications were made accounting for a reduction of over 50%

When the policy was first anounced in December 2023, Care England and others in the sector warned that it risked reducing overseas applicants at a time when they were a lifeline for the sector

Professor Green spoke in front of the Health and Social Care Select Committee in December 2023 noting the care sector was blindsided by this change He also pointed out the clear disparity in the way healthcare and social care are treated with no such legislation chances being made for international recruits for the NHS

Professor Green continues: “While we all want to see a sector that can be sustained by domestic labour there is nothing to suggest the Government s workforce reforms have made the sector a sufficiently attractive destination for work such that it can cope with this drop in international applicants These figures only serve to renew the need for meaningful workforce reforms that make the sector an attractive destination for domestic staff if we are going to shut off the route for overseas recruitment ”

WE NOW SUPPLY A WIDE RANGE OF FURNITURE

The Transformative Power of Art and Music Therapy in Care Homes: A Novel Perspective

By Amaan Sadiq, Director of Compliance and Auditing, Langdale Care

The modern landscape of residential care has gradually started to shift its focus towards a more holistic and person-centred approach

An integral part of this evolving paradigm is the incorporation of diverse therapeutic interventions that champion mental and emotional well-being Among these interventions art and music therapy emerge as powerful tools providing residents with a platform for selfexpression, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation

Art therapy in its essence is a form of psychotherapy that utilises the creative process of making art to improve a person s physical, mental and emotional well-being In a residential care setting it offers an invaluable outlet for residents to communicate their thoughts and feelings often when words fail them It provides a sense of control and autonomy fostering self-esteem self-awareness and the capacity to cope with life's challenges Similarly music therapy is a research-based practice where music is used to actively support people to improve their health, functioning, and well-being In a care home environment, it can facilitate cognitive function reduce anxiety and enhance the overall quality of life Furthermore it offers an avenue for residents to engage in social interaction promoting camaraderie and collective harmony

In this context a noteworthy initiative that has garnered attention in the care sector is the pioneering use of the Magic Table developed by the company Social Ability This innovative tool an interactive light projector has been specifically designed to cultivate joy and engagement among elderly residents particularly

those living with dementia The stimulatory effects of the Magic Table extend beyond pure entertainment It is known to noticeably lift mood levels, decrease apathy and restlessness, and foster social wellbeing

As the Director of Compliance and Auditing at Langdale Care Homes my commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents transcends traditional methods and I believe it is incumbent upon us to actively engage with all advancements that will enrich the daily lives of our residents We have had great success with the Magic Table across our seven homes The magic lies in the simplicity of the Magic Table It uses light projection to stimulate physical and cognitive activity, encouraging residents to interact with it in several ways; it provides beautiful scenery engaging games and much more Aptly named the Happiness Programme, it has a profound impact, fostering a sense of joy, improving mood, and enhancing social interaction

However it's essential to remember that the benefits of art and music therapy along with the use of tools like the Magic Table are not confined to the realms of residential care alone They present an exciting opportunity for all of us to reconsider how we view ageing and mental health The potential for these therapies to improve the quality of life for our loved ones, and indeed ourselves, is vast and largely untapped In summary the role of art and music therapy in residential care homes is becoming increasingly prominent and needs to be explored fully Our work lies in paving the way for a future where care is not just about physical health but also about promoting happiness fostering social connections and celebrating individuality It is about making a very active effort to get to know each resident and what makes them happy catering to their unique preferences It is a future we should all aspire to for ourselves and for our loved ones As we continue to learn and evolve the power of creativity in care is a narrative we should keep telling for it holds

Rose House Unveils New 61-Bed Facility with Grand Opening Celebration

• OZONE ROOM SANITISERS THE INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST CONSULTANCY FOR IMPLEMENTING:

• ANTIMICROBIAL FABRIC TREATMENTS

• L AUNDR Y HYGIENE AND EFFICIENCY

• ANTIMICROBIAL HARD SURFACE COATINGS

• LEGIONELL A CONTROL

• Energy and utilities procurement

• Energy survey to identify savings

• Carbon footprinting, net zero strategy and sustainability

• Building services management

Government To Appear In “Landmark Court

Case” To Avoid Revealing Social Care Data

Two Government departments are set to appear in court against the Information Commissioner (ICO) in an attempt to dismiss requests from the ICO to reveal critical information around government funding for adult social care The hearing in the Information Tribunal will take place on 29th April

The litigation derives from Freedom of Information requests made by specialist legal rights charity Access Social Care (ASC) to reveal data available to and used by policymakers in relation to decision making on social care funding HM Treasury and the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities denied the requests Their decisions were overturned by the Information Commissioner in July 2023 who ruled that disclosure was in the public interest and outweighs the argument from HM Treasury and DLUHC that it should be

exempt as it is live government policy Now, the Government is appealing the decision in the Information Tribunal

The ICO will be represented in the case by John Fitzsimons of Cornerstone Barristers while Access Social Care will be represented by Niamh Grahame of Public Law Project and Stephen Cragg KC of Doughty Street Chambers HM Treasury and DLUHC will be represented by Laura Shepherd of 30 Park Place

Access Social Care’s CEO, Kari Gerstheimer, said “The social care sector including public bodies charitable and commercial organisations, are all aligned that social care is critically underfunded Government s position is that social care is adequately funded but they are refusing to reveal their maths

For two years two government departments have refused to share this information despite the Information Commissioner stating that sharing is in the public interest

Access Social Care is a data led legal rights organisation that exists to make sure people can access the social care they have a right to Through our casework and our data we see that everyday older and disabled people are denied the social care they need and have a right to This case strikes to the heart of the need for government transparency to enable good quality public decision making

In fighting for this information ASC is trying to reveal and understand the decision-making that guides social care,

Ritson Lodge Care Home Gets All Historic

Dementia Diagnosis Has Improved Thanks To Better Collaborative Working

Integrated care systems are enabling the improvement of dementia diagnosis by supporting collaborative working across the health and care system new research from health and care think tank The King s Fund finds While there is much more progress to be made, integrated care systems (ICSs) present a significant opportunity to enhance ways of working between different services and to enable people to receive improved dementia diagnoses and more co-ordinated support

The research shows that some ICSs are beginning to make progress towards their goals of ensuring people using health and care services experience better and more joined-up care while supporting a shift in focus towards prevention and early intervention Commissioned by Alzheimer s Society this project examines progress through the lens of dementia, exploring the enablers and barriers to improving diagnosis rates The research included interviews with people from three ICS case study sites visits to dementia support services to understand lived experiences and a roundtable with national and local organisations

There are 900 000 people living with dementia in the UK and this number is expected to rise to 1 6 million by 2040 While there is currently no cure for dementia an early and accurate diagnosis enables people to access support and potential treatment to manage symptoms better helping them to maintain their independence and quality of life for longer It also enables people and their families to plan ahead better, and may help the health and care system save money in the long-term

The research finds that ICSs are helping to create the conditions for better collaboration between different parts of the system and there are pockets of improvements in dementia diagnosis as a result For example where partners within a system are working together to prioritise the improvement of diagnosis rates and creating a shared delivery plan to do so; or where they are sharing learning and spreading good practice across their local system The authors found key enablers of improvement include efforts to strengthen relationships between primary care, memory clinics and other services, and the introduction of new extend-

ed roles for GPs (for example to improve dementia diagnosis in care homes)

However the authors also highlight that there are more opportunities to be realised For example, where it is not already happening, organisations within an ICS can work together more closely to shift resources towards prevention and early diagnosis, and to co-ordinate training opportunities for GPs and other clinicians on dementia diagnosis

The authors have recommended that the government and national bodies must ensure that national policy and accountability arrangements help to promote the local partnership working which lies at the heart of successful ICSs and also that ICSs have the support they need to test and scale up learning from new approaches to dementia diagnosis

Sally Warren Director of Policy at The King s Fund said: ‘ICSs were created to bring about whole-system improvements for the treatment of conditions such as dementia so that people can access high-quality co-ordinated care It is good to see that there is evidence of this happening in some areas and that ICSs can be effective vehicles to drive this forward when their potential is fully used When ICS partners come together with a shared plan cross-system leadership a culture of collaboration, and a goal of addressing inequalities, they can successfully help people to live better and manage their complex health conditions

‘With an ageing population, it is possible that the landscape of dementia diagnosis and care may change significantly over the coming years and there is a real risk that some ICSs may lack capacity to plan for the future at the same time as responding to immediate pressures In the long term ICSs will need further support from the government NHS England and other national bodies to build capacity for testing new approaches and spreading successful innovations and ways of working for diagnosis and support as well as to strengthen collaboration between system partners ’

Burscough Manor Makes Residents Wishes Come True!

Residents at Burscough Manor Care Home in Lancashire celebrated World Wish Day in style adding their wishes to a Wishing Tree situated in the foyer for the past week

World Wish Day is a day that celebrates wishes in all forms! This includes wishes that have not been granted yet as well as those that have been and a Wishing Tree proved to be a wonderful opportunity for residents to ask for whatever they would like with the staff working at Burscough Manor doing their best to make their wishes come true One of the residents has already

What Providers Need to Know About the Duty of Candour

The Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) is currently reviewing the statutory duty of candour and how it applies to health and social care providers in England As part of the review the DHSC has called for evidence in relation to how the duty of candour is working in practice The purpose of the review is to understand to what extent the duty of candour is honoured, monitored and enforced What is the Duty of Candour?

The purpose of the duty of candour is to ensure that care providers are open and transparent with service users when something goes wrong There are two types of duty of candour - the professional duty and the statutory duty The professional duty is overseen by regulators of professionals such as the NMC and the statutory duty is regulated by the CQC under Regulation 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014

Under Regulation 20 there are certain situations called notifiable safety incidents’ which need to be reported to the CQC in order to comply with the statutory duty of candour To determine whether something is a notifiable safety incident, a provider should ask itself the following three questions:

1) Did something unintended or unexpected happen to a service user during care or treatment?

2) Did it occur during the provision of a regulated activity i e , during the provision of personal care?

3) In the reasonable opinion of a healthcare professional, has it already or might it result in death or severe or moderate harm to the person receiving care?

You must answer yes to all three of the above questions in order for it to be a notifiable safety incident If you answer ‘no’ to any of those questions it is not notifiable

THE IMPORTANCE OF ROBUST PROCESSES

It is important that all providers have robust processes in place to manage the duty of candour requirement and a key part of this is ensuring that there is a culture of openness and transparency within a service Having an open culture means that staff are more likely to raise issues and concerns rather than trying to hide things if something goes wrong

The CQC expects providers to have a strong safety and learning culture and is assessing providers under its Quality Statements to see how well they promote learning for safety Providers should be able to explain how they support their staff to be open and transparent when something goes wrong and how this sits within a broader culture of safety

To meet the duty of candour requirement if there is a notifiable safety incident the registered person (in the form of the registered

By Anna Fee, Senior Associate Solicitor, RWK Goodman

manager or provider) must inform the person concerned or their representative about the incident and provide an account about what is known about the incident at that time and set out what the next steps are in terms of further enquiries or investigations It is important to apologise for the harm caused as well as being open and transparent about what has happened An apology does not in and of itself amount to an admission of negligence or breach of a statutory duty It acknowledges that something could have gone better in a particular situation THE IMPLICATIONS OF GETTING IT WRONG

The ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the duty of candour is complied with rests with the registered person The CQC does not investigate every notifiable safety incident it will only investigate an incident where it has concerns However, where the CQC believes that Regulation 20 has not been complied with, it can use its enforcement powers which includes issuing warning notices imposition of conditions on registration and criminal prosecution

CONCLUSION

Given that the DHSC is reviewing how the statutory duty of candour is working in practice it is likely that this will become a CQC hot topic Therefore it would be sensible for all providers to review their duty of candour systems and processes within their service to ensure that they are robust and effective

The DHSC’s call for evidence on the duty of candour closes on 29 May 2024 Anyone wishing to contribute can complete the DHSC s online survey which can be found on its website

If your service is experiencing any issues with the CQC it can be helpful to seek specialist legal advice Our lawyers at RWK Goodman can assist with this For further information, call 02030 069727 or visit https://rwkgoodman com/sector/health-social-care

RAF Trailblazers Past And Present Meet At Royal Star & Garter

Important - Health and Safety Matters

(NASHiCS)

NHS Reminds Care Residents to Get Covid Jab

The NHS is encouraging everyone eligible to book a slot to get vaccinated as soon as possible via the NHS website on the NHS App or by ringing 119 free of charge

Following JCVI advice this year those eligible include those aged 75 and over by 30 June 2024 older adult care home residents and immunosuppressed individuals aged six months and over Eligibility for a spring vaccination is similar to previous years but those with a weakened immune system are now eligible from six months old instead of five years

Thousands of appointments are available every day across the country until the end of June with most happening at pharmacies and GP practices As well as booked appointments some sites offer walkins with a full list of local locations available on the NHS walk-in finder

Vaccinations began earlier this month in older adult care homes and for eligible housebound patients with wider appointments from April 22

The NHS is contacting everyone who is eligible via text email or letter but people do not need to wait for an invite to book

Covid-19 can still be very dangerous and even life-threatening particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system The vaccine gives good protection and helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death needing to go to hospital catching and spreading the virus and protects against different variants

UKHSA surveillance data on last year’s spring Covid-19 vaccination programme showed that those who received a vaccine were up to 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 for three to four months after vaccination compared to those

who did not receive one

The NHS is also encouraging those eligible to get the shingles vaccine which is recommended for all adults turning 65 from 1 September 2023, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system Anyone eligible should be contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening said: Since this spring s NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme kicked off on Monday we have already seen visits to over 3 400 older adult care homes and 700 000 of those eligible booking appointments online to get that all important jab

“Protection against Covid-19 reduces over time which is why it is so important to get this top-up if you are in one of the most at-risk groups, with data from last year showing those who received the spring jab were up to 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital for three to four months afterwards

“With appointments available from next Monday I would encourage anyone yet to book to visit the NHS website the NHS App or call 119 – and a reminder if you are eligible, you do not need to wait to receive your invite to book

Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisations at UK Health Security Agency said: It s good to see many thousands have already booked in to get their spring COVID-19 vaccine since the bookings opened

COVID-19 is still causing hospitalisations and severe illness particularly among those most at risk I urge all those aged 75 and over and those who have a weakened immune system, to book as soon as possible – ensuring they top up their immunity to give them the best possible protection ”

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What Allergy Sufferers Need To Know About Vegan Food Labelling

With more people adopting a vegan diet due to dietary restrictions from food allergies what is often overlooked is whether these foods are actually safe for allergy sufferers Whilst the availability of vegan and ‘free from’ products has increased so also has the confusion around labelling on these products which has in some cases been fatal

Tess Warnes Dietitian at independent food procurement expert allmanhall (www allmanhall co uk), examines food allergy labelling and vegan products and whether there is any protection in Law

New research by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) showed 62% of people who react to animal-based products or who buy for someone who does are confident that products labelled vegan are safe to eat

This is not necessarily correct

Firstly it is important to understand the terminology

VEGAN

The term "vegan" refers to products that do not contain any animal-

derived ingredients or by-products Vegan labelling on packaging provides assurance to consumers who choose to avoid animal products for ethical, environmental or health reasons But in the UK, the use of

vegan labels is not strictly regulated by law

FREE FROM

Free from foods are special ranges of foods made without certain allergens If a label states that the product is 'free-from milk or 'peanut free', it has to be based on specific and rigorous controls These controls need to ensure that the final product is completely free of the particular allergen This includes checking that all ingredients and packing materials do not contain this allergen and that cross-contamination from other foods made on site is prevented

PRECAUTIONARY ALLERGEN LABELLING (PAL)

Commonly known as may contain these statements are voluntary and not regulated by law PAL is used to communicate the possible unintentional presence of a food allergen at any stage in the food chain There are

PAL includes phrases like:

May contain nuts

‘May contain traces of egg’

‘Made in a factory that handles peanuts’

Not suitable for milk allergy sufferers

VEGAN LABELLING

Vegan labelling does not have a legal UK or EU definition regarding what they can or cannot contain Voluntary labelling of terms such as “vegan” are covered by the Food Information Regulations 2014 and Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 which states products cannot be misleading and as a vegan diet does not include animal products, by labelling a food vegan the food must therefore not contain animal products This however does not mean

the food will be safe from contamination or traces of animal products as a vegan claim does not need to go through any rigorous tests

This means a food can be labelled vegan and have a PAL statement for milk or egg

Vegan food can be prepared in factories and areas where products of animal origin may be present This could mean that some vegan food products could unintentionally contain allergens

The Vegan Trademark was designed to provide clarity for those following vegan diets and removing the need to read through ingredients list And whilst the trademark standards require minimising cross-contamination as far as possible, rigours tests of complete removal of animal products are not required

This is why many products include precautionary statements such as “may contain milk” while also being labelled as ‘vegan’ The Vegan Society does not claim that products registered with the Vegan Trademark are suitable for people with allergies to animal products; this depends on the standards achieved by individual manufacturers

It is this that has caused confusion for consumers, many wrongly assuming vegan products are suitable for someone with a milk allergy for example

How to keep your diners safe

Do not rely on vegan labelling (even those with the Vegan Trademark) when preparing dishes for those with allergies – vegan products may be contaminated with animal products

Always read the ingredients list and PAL/ May contain statements Free from claims - check which allergy they are actually free from! ‘Free from’ may only be one allergy and does not mean free of all allergies again always check the ingredients list There are 14 major food allergens which food providers should be aware of and are legally required to provide warnings for when they are used as ingredients in any food and drink that they provide

Baby Chicks Bring Spring Joy To Care Home Residents

for a week brought back lovely childhood memories for me!”

Bringing back such positive memories for residents is just one way the home supports their wellbeing and mental health

Lizzie Brighouse Manager at Burscough Manor Care Home said: Spending time with animals brings great health benefits for older people Research has shown that petting something fluffy and cute helps to reduce stress lower blood pressure and stabilise heart rate

“Memory is also a great tool for helping to create a sense of wellbeing in our residents and interacting with the chicks brings back strong positive memories of our residents’ childhood pets

The residents loved having the chicks staying within the home The happiness and smiles they provided to everyone was fantastic!”

After spending a week with residents at Burscough Manor the chicks have returned to the farm to live a happy free ranging life

Artful Moves as Care Home Residents Go

Hands-On With Paint, Clay, Oil and Willow

Older People Demand Their Voices Are Heard As They Call For A Commissioner

New survey supporting the campaign reveals that more than three in four (78%) people over 65 surveyed in England think older people are badly understood by the government and has led to calls for the creation of a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in England to the heart of Westminster in the latest phase of our campaign

Campaigners joined representative from the Centre for Ageing Better, Independent Age and Age UK, as well as from older person’s organisation the National Pensioners Convention to deliver a petition of more than 37 000 signatures to political party leaders

The campaign is calling for an independent commissioner to focus attention on the issues facing people in later life including pensioner poverty, which affects one in six older people across the UK, difficulty accessing social care and loneliness and social isolation

With a changing population which will see one in four of the population aged over 65 within the next 20 years campaigners say that a commissioner is needed to help facilitate the long-term planning required to ensure the economy and society adapts for this demographic shift so that everyone has an opportunity to age well

Representatives from the four organisations delivered the petition to the doors of 10 Downing Street as well as delivering to Labour and Liberal Democrat representatives

Joined by campaigners they brought placards illustrating a carrier pigeon, walkie talkie, tin can and string, and a megaphone, to show that it shouldn t be this difficult for older voices to be heard

Dr Carole Easton OBE Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better said “The public has spoken on this issue and it is clear there is huge popular support for a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing More than anything, people can sense the unfairness that older people

in Wales and Northern Ireland already have an advocate standing up for their rights but not in England ”

When we launched this campaign last year we knew there was a compelling case to create a commissioner for England Events since then have only served to highlight the necessity and urgency for change

“Our anti-ageism campaign has highlighted the overwhelming presence of ageism within our society Our State of Ageing report has highlighted the very dire financial insecurity, and inequality among older people – a situation which will only deteriorate following last month’s Budget And our new Safe Homes Now campaign reveals the reality for millions of older people who are living in homes that pose a direct threat to their health

If we want this country to become the best place in the world to grow older we need to protect the rights of older people and better consider our ageing population in the policies we set and the society we build That work needs to start with the creation of a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing ”

Joanna Elson CBE Chief Executive of Independent Age said: Older people have told us they re fed up of feeling ignored and like their voices don’t matter ”

The people we speak to who are facing financial hardship hit with high costs while managing on a low income desperately need an independent advocate with the power to make change ”

We have a rapidly ageing population so these problems will just affect more and more people unless we make tackling them a priority We need to see an urgent focus on the challenges older people face and creating a commissioner is one of the ways this can be done ”

A poll of people aged over 65 in England found that three in four (75%) do not believe that society understands the issues facing older people

A commissioner would amplify the voices of the diverse community that exists in later life support businesses and public services to meet older people s needs and have the power to bring together government departments and to make the experience of ageing better which would benefit everyone as they reach later life

Commissioners for older people already exist in Wales and Northern Ireland and have taken the lead on campaigning on cross-cutting issues that affect older people from all walks of life from bus passes and care during COVID to the uptake of social security entitlements

Independent Age is leading a similar campaign for an Older People s Commissioner in Scotland

New Educational Resource Developed To Ensure The Needs Of LGBTQ+ People At End Of Life Are Met

A new educational resource for healthcare professionals has been launched with the objective of removing the barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people in accessing palliative and end of life care

Funded by the end of life charity Marie Curie and developed by The Mary Stevens Hospice, ‘It s more than rainbows in reception – Working with LGBTQ+ people in palliative and end of life care aims to equip any individual working in healthcare, whether it’s at a leadership level or providing hands-on care, as well as those who commission services with the right information to address the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals

A co-production team which consisted of LGBTQ+ people and allies many with lived experience of bias or prejudice when facing ill health came together to help positively inform palliative and end of life care, education, policy, and practice

Gemma Allen, No

Twin Scholars Receive Academic Excellence Award

a comprehensive pack-

including full fee waivers, maintenance grants, and paid internships, designed to support the next generation of health and social care professionals

John Godden chief executive of Salutem Care and Education expressed his admiration for the twins’ achievements saying: “Kehinde and Taiwo embody the very essence of what our scholarship programme aims to support We normally offer one scholarship but how could we choose between twins? Their dedication, resilience, and academic prowess are truly inspiring and demonstrates what a great decision we made supporting both of them It’s a testament to the impact that targeted support and recognition can have on the lives of ambitious and dedicated young people ” Jane Tapsell interim head of Kingston Business School also praised the twins highlighting the significance of their success: “Kehinde and Taiwo s achievements underline the importance of nurturing talent

and providing opportunities for students to excel Their success is a shining example for their peers and a proud moment for Kingston University We are delighted to celebrate their continued academic excellence ”

Kehinde Alimi reflecting on his journey shared

“The Salutem Scholarship has been a cornerstone of my academic and professional development The opportunities for the internships and practical experiences have been invaluable Being able to apply what I have learnt in class to the real world has been fantastic and seeing how even in accounting I can make a difference to people’s lives “Winning the Academic Excellence Award again is not just a personal achievement but a milestone that motivates me to aim higher in my future endeavours ”

Taiwo Mubarak Alimi added: The support from Salutem and Kingston University has been instrumental in overcoming financial barriers and enhancing my practical skills The work placement has allowed me to interact with people from all different walks of life, which is not usually something you see in accounting

Award is a recognition that fuels my determination to persevere and excel in both my

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

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contributing to community projects that will greatly benefit from an improved outdoor space NEW HORIZON PEAT FREE ORGANIC ALL PLANT COMPOST

Success in gardening all starts with compost, and with Westland’s New Horizon compost, you can be sure it is great for the garden and great for the planet Our relentless pursuit of excellence in ingredients processes and quality has resulted in our most environmentally friendly and highest performance compost range ever It provides everything plants require for optimal growth and health

The New Horizon compost is our most sustainable variety and is the leading sustainable brand in our growing media category It’s naturally peat free, it’s 100% sustainably sourced, and helps all plants and nature thrive

New Horizon has been specially created to be the perfect blend for vegetables, fruits, and flowers The ingredients start to nourish plants immediately and continue to feed for up to 6 weeks

Chelmsford Care Home Celebrates Success After Glowing CQC Inspection Report

NHS Waiting Lists Grow by 330,000 says Lib Dem Report

Waiting lists have gone up by 330 000 since Rishi Sunak pledged to cut them in January last year says Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey NHS TARGETS MISSED INCLUDE:

• NHS waiting lists: NHS waiting lists stood at 7 54 million outstanding treatments in February 2024 up from 7 21 million in January 2023 when Rishi Sunak pledged to cut them This is an increase of 330,000 (NHS England)

65 week waits: There were 75,000 65-weeks for treatment in February despite a target to eliminate them by March 2024 (NHS England)

• A&E: 71 3% of patients were seen within 4 hours in all A&E in February against a target of 76% (NHS England)

• Cancer 63 9% of people treated began cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral in February 2024 against a target of 85% (NHS England)

A Liberal Democrat report revealed that 100 000 patients waited over 24 hours to be admitted to hospital at A&E last year These appalling waits have increased tenfold since the last General Election (Hospital Trusts)

Behind each one of these figures the lib Dems say is a story of someone waiting in pain worried sick about getting the care they need, a spokesperson sad: “These numbers expose the reckless damage done by this Conservative government s neglect of the NHS and care We desperately need more hospital beds and a long-term solution to the social care crisis, to end these devastating A&E delays ” Responding to the figures shared by the Liberal Democrats about elderly patients waiting over five days

on hospital trolleys Matthew Taylor chief executive of the NHS Confederation said:

These new figures paint a bleak but sadly not surprising picture of how long patients particularly those who are elderly and more frail are having to wait in A&E

The number of so-called trolley waits has risen significantly since the pandemic, following a decade of underinvestment coupled with rising demand from patients who have more complex needs

“The more unwell a patient is the greater the likelihood that they will need to be admitted to hospital something which is reflected in the recent record number of emergency admissions They are also likely to need to stay longer in hospital

Our members continue to report how difficult it is to discharge patients into community or social care, which, in turn, is making it much harder to free up beds for patients coming through from A&E This is creating bottlenecks throughout the urgent and emergency care system and creating a domino effect

Health leaders and their teams have been doing everything they can to keep patients safe and provide the best care possible but are often having to rely on methods that were rarely used a decade ago These include treating patients in corridors or overflow wards This is not always safe for patients frustrates staff who want to provide the best care possible and must not become the new normal But sometimes it may be a less risky option than leaving patients waiting in the back of ambulances queuing outside hospitals, so NHS staff are constantly having to do what they can to manage the risks to patient safety in very trying conditions ”

Care Home Resident Enjoys Birthday Trip To Football Match

for the birthday boy after Coventry saw out a 2-1 victory

Speaking the day after his trip out Brian said:

“This was the best birthday present ever! I had a great day and the hospitality at the stadium was great

“I would like to thank Vicki for her kindness in taking the time out to take me to the match I really appreciate it

Brian’s favourite Coventry City memory like many fans is of the Sky Blues lifting the FA cup trophy in 1987 Although he was unable to get to

Marr Procurement:

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

Wembley on the day he remembers watching the game at home on television and the celebrations around the city that followed His favourite player ever is Ian Gibson who played for Coventry in the 1960s and his favourite current player is US forward Haji Wright

Having worked all his life as a factory planning engineer Brian has always lived in Coventry and watched City games with his wife and grandchildren many times over the years The first game he went to was in 1945, which was also the first game after the end of the Second World War and which he attended with his father The next game he went to after this was at Manor Park where he watched the great Stanley Matthews play the only time Matthews ever played in the area

With another big FA cup match coming up Brian said he will be watching the semi-final game against Manchester United on television again, surrounded by his fellow residents at Victoria Mews care home He is confident of another Coventry City win against the odds Vicki Melia Deputy Manager at Victoria Mews care home said: “It was a great experience taking Brian back to see his beloved Coventry City especially as it was his birthday and even better to see a Sky Blues win!

agency programmes We areexcited to bring that experience to our clients ” Dan spent 6 years at Priory Group During my rewarding six-year tenure at Priory, I had the privilege of beingappointed as the inaugural UK Agency Manager where I honed my skills in enhancing their PSL offering Thisexperience has provided invaluable insights into the principles of effective temporary agency management reduction and control Now, as the Head of M-Resourcing at Marr Procurement I aim to leverage this knowledge tointroduce innovative strategies for temp agency reduction to benefit our clients My goal is to ensure the delivery ofa cost-effective and compliant offering, especially in the face of increasing sector costs

With a rising demand andour commitment

alike and always doing the right thing Marr Procurement was set up in 2008 and has since servedmore than 50 care clients in delivering savings through sourcing over £1bn of spend

Christoph Marr CEO Marr Procurement: At Marr Procurement we believe in seeking to

Social Care Is A Priority, West Yorks Mayoral Candidate Promises

Care Home Residents Soar with Owl Encounters!

Catherine House and Frome Nursing Homes, both homes part of Evolve Care Group welcomed some special guests recently Owl Enlightment based in Glastonbury kindly brought in Bubble and Squeak who are brothers, and were raised by Michelle from Owl Enlightment since they were two weeks old These species of Owls are native to Africa, and known as southern white-faced owls For those on a Dementia journey, connecting with animals can provide a sense of calm and can often encourage communication Also it can reduce feelings of loneliness and promote a sense of wellbeing Owl Enlightment’s ethos mirrors this,

“Interactions are motivational, educational and therapeutic to enhance quality of life External factors can disturb the balance of the mind This can be helped with positive influences such as animal assisted therapy especially in the early stages of mental health and can greatly improve symptoms “ Catherine House and Frome Nursing Home recognise the importance of holistic care for their residents (fondly referred to as family members), and outings like these serve as a reminder of the simple act of popping to our neighbours can have a strong sense of community

Lura Care Launches its Mobile Dental Care Ser vices for

Care Homes and Day Centres

a full life with an optimal quality of life With this objective, the company offers flexible and interest-free financing options for treatments so that no person is left without the care they need for financial reasons and reinvests a portion of the revenue back into the centres through bonuses to help improve their services

Founded in

Charity Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Sensor y Pool Disco For Disabled Kids

The new aqua disco, believed to be a world first, has been as hailed a game changer for disabled families

The aqua disco sessions, run by national disability charity Sense, are planned totally around the needs of children with complex disabilities and include sensory lights disco tunes inflatable musical instruments and rubber ducks

Mum Sameerah Siddiqui says her daughter Ariana 11 has a new lease of life’ since she started attending the sessions, where she loves dancing along to Taylor Swift

A first-of-its-kind sensory pool disco especially for disabled children has opened with a splash in north London

The disco is designed to get children with complex disabilities aged 4 to 16 and their families into the water doing exercise and having fun – and nothing like this has ever been tried before

The all-new party sessions have been launched by the national disability charity Sense at New Barnet Leisure Centre Hailed as an absolute game changer” for disabled families in the area, the 30 places for the first session were rapidly snapped up and the session could have been filled four times over as the wait list swelled to 120 people In response the charity has added extra discos for the coming months

During each hour-long session the pool’s newly installed multicoloured lights are switched on disco tunes play and the pool is filled with glow-in-the-dark balls, inflatable musical instruments and microphones and floating rubber ducks This can be very sensorily stimulating for children with complex disabilities, as well as encouraging physical exercise in a fun and inclusive environment

An instructor encourages the children along with their siblings parents and carers to take part in party games and dances and ensures there’s free time to play with the equipment before a final chill-out ten minutes to calm down before home time The sessions are completely free for participants

Sense came up the idea of holding the discos to help children with complex disabilities to improve their balance be sensorily stimulated meet new people and get moving – but wasn t sure at first if it d be possible The venture has been strongly supported by Better who run the leisure centre

Better installed the sensory lights system in July 2023 and ensured disabled disco goers can now access the learner pool using a lift Barnet Council who approved the spend has also given their full backing to the project The charity is now working with Britannia Leisure Centre in Hackney which is also run by Better to offer sessions to more disabled children in London

Sense has been using a £2 2 million grant from Sport England to reimagine and reinvent different activities, like tennis and football, and now the aqua disco to help people with complex disabilities to enjoy activities that were once inaccessible

Katie Sawyer Sport and Physical Activity Co-ordinator at Sense said:

When Sense first dreamt up the idea of a sensory disco we didn t know if it would even be possible But we committed to the idea because swimming and aqua disco is a great form of exercise but it can often be impossible for disabled families to access swimming pools because of the cost the lack of pool lifts crowded mainstream sessions and pool closures in so many areas

Seeing the disco come to life has been a brilliant experience At the first session everyone went ooohhh’ as soon as we turned the lights on and parents are saying they absolutely loved it they want to come again and they think it s an absolute game changer for their children and the area ”

Dan Morris Partnerships Manager for Better in the London Borough of Barnet, said:

We re proud to host the sensory disco session at New Barnet Leisure Centre in partnership with Sense When we installed the sensory lighting system we expected it would benefit people in the local community and we have been blown away by the demand for the

disco sessions Swimming has so many benefits for everyone and it s incredible to see how much it means when sessions and facilities are accessible to all

‘MY DAUGHTER HAS COMPLEX NEEDS, WATCHING HER DANCE AND MOVE IN THE POOL IS PURE JOY’

For Sameerah Siddiqui 50 watching her daughter Ariana at the aqua disco is a joyous experience Ariana 11 has complex needs including severe mobility delays and learning disabilities Because of a clot in her brain from birth, Ariana also has issues with her balance

Ariana, who lives with her mum and dad, Ozair, in Barnet, really benefits from being in water as it helps her to build muscle tone and teaches her brain how to balance Ariana who also has epilepsy used to go to a hydro-pool but this unfortunately shut due to council budget cuts so she hasn t been going for three years

When Ariana’s parents found out about Sense’s new aqua sensory disco mum Sameerah admits she was initially dubious But since attending, Sameerah says Ariana has a new lease of life:

There are so many activities that are badged as SEND friendly but really they don’t take into consideration the challenges that children like Ariana experience But with the aqua disco everything has been thought of – from the depth and temperature of the water to the fact there are lights that are visually stimulating, but not flashing, for children with epilepsy

The aqua disco plays music that the children recognise, from Baby Shark to Ed Sheeran Sameerah recalls a particularly happy moment when one of Ariana s favourite songs, ‘Shake it Off’ by Taylor Swift, came on:

“She loved it! She was shaking her arms around in the water and playing along with her inflatable air guitar One hour of dancing to songs she loves is exhausting – she was knackered after the first session, so she clearly did a lot of exercise, which I really struggle to get her to do at home

Sameerah says the aqua disco has caused a flurry of excitement in her SEND mums WhatsApp chat and she s not surprised sessions are booking up so fast as they’re “a little bit of everything – fun sociable therapeutic and energising”

Bedfordshire Police Officers Visit Residents at Mulberr y Court Care Home

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Smiles All Round As Afternoon Tea Raises Funds For Dementia UK

Visitors to a Cheltenham care home were served up a treat this week in aid of a cause that is close to their hearts Friends and family of people living at Cheltenham s specialist dementia nursing home, Wentworth Court came together to raise £66 for Dementia UK s biggest fundraiser of the year, Time for a Cuppa

Wellbeing team members spent the morning preparing the home s café with decorative bunting fresh flowers and colourful tablecloths before welcoming residents and their guests with pots of tea and delicious cakes and tray bakes

A prize draw for a Victoria sponge cake created by Ellenborough Park-trained head chef Brendon Cole contributed to the fundraising total Wentworth Court managing director Mitesh Dhanak said: “We are thrilled that our event has raised some vital funds for

Retirement Community Enjoys Birthday Bash For Resident’s 100th Year

A retirement community in Torquay marked one of its residents centenary year with an afternoon of celebrations

Mr Oswald Oz Tackley recently marked his 100th birthday at Dunboyne Court a retirement community run by Sanctuary Supported Living with a grand celebration in the communal lounge Organised by his sons the bash was complete with balloons and a personalised cake and attended by the rest of his family as well as fellow residents and staff

Born in Harrow London in 1924 Oz has lived through some of the most significant events of the 20th century Just after World War II He qualified as a dentist in 1946 from the Royal Dentist Hospital and met his late wife soon after who worked as a receptionist They shared many beautiful years together marked by a letter from the Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip for their Golden Wedding Anniversary In 1947 he was called up to do two years service in the army spending a year in Cyprus Despite the challenges of the time he fondly recalls his service years noting that his officer status

Experts Call For Greater Access To Social Prescribing To Help Charities And NHS Reap Benefits

After a significant amount of research has shown that volunteers report improved wellbeing and mental health from charitable activities, charity leaders have outlined how further funding for social prescribing initiatives where doctors prescribe volunteering over medication, could massively benefit the not-forprofit sector and health services

A study published by Shaping the Future with Volunteering showed that 80% of the 29 000 volunteers surveyed felt their lives had become more enriched since starting their charity work

This has led to charity experts calling for ‘social prescribing’ to be utilised more in order to help with a person s health and volunteer numbers for charities ‘Social prescribing was introduced by the NHS after it was proven to be an effective alternative to medicine It allows healthcare professionals to prescribe services and volunteering to a patient to help boost their mental and physical health as well as providing employability support housing advice and addiction support

Last year the NHS further announced its £10m Volunteering for Health programme to deliver grant funding and tailored support for 15 organisations to develop new volunteering approaches

Kathryn Hughes volunteer programme manager at Epilepsy Action said aside from the health benefits of social prescribing, it also helps to support the efforts of the charity

She said: As a large national charity we have seen the rise and fall of volunteer numbers over recent years, especially as a result of Covid The social prescribing of volunteering opportunities not only helps patients with their mental and physical health it provides them with new skills to aid employability Furthermore it also helps charities to keep volunteer numbers consistent to continue providing vital services

Another challenge we face is that there are thousands of social prescribers across the country, and it is impossible to engage with them all to promote our volunteer opportunities and services Software systems that can be used to enable us to promote our opportunities to a wider range of social prescribers will help us to focus our efforts on delivering services rather than marketing

The Access Group offers a tool within its software to help charities and

Mill Lane Introduces Visual and Sound Therapy Program

leveraging visualisations and soothing sounds such as waves crashing and children playing caregivers take residents on immersive sensory journeys fostering relaxation and joy

One remarkable success story from this program involves a resident who despite physical limitations found immense pleasure in visualising a sunny day at the beach With sounds of waves and laughter filling the room he smiled and even mimicked sunbathing demonstrating the visceral impact of this therapeu-

Another instance involves another resident who following a guided meditation session, experienced remarkable tranquillity and calmness, dismissing her previous agitation Through personalised one-on-one sessions focusing on breathing techniques the team were able to provide a sense of peace and relaxation, significantly improving the resident's mood and well-being

Supporting meaningful engagement for residents living with advanced dementia is so important for wellbeing however it is complex Said Suzanne Brindley, Manager at Mill Lane "The team s work with guided meditation and visualisation is a joy to watch Responses from residents however small are proof that these expressive and relaxing interactions are taking place It is a reward for staff who put so much effort into this exchange ”

The Benefits of Intergenerational Connections for All Ages

As we mark Global Intergenerational Week this week, a care home in Sevenoaks are proving how valuable intergenerational connections are between the young and the elderly Pupils from Sevenoaks School have visited Kippingtons Nursing Home weekly since 2022 and have enjoyed getting involved in a variety of activities from chatting and playing games to painting nails These intergenerational bonds can benefit residents by combatting loneliness improving mental and physical well-being and promoting mutual learning between generations Here's what the students have to say about their experiences at the home:

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR VISITS TO KIPPINGTONS?

It s such a friendly place with lovely staff and it s such a positive experience Everyone is welcoming and it is a very friendly environment to return to WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU DO WITH THE RESIDENTS?

Making of Christmas decorations was lots of fun Our visits consist mainly of talking and exchanging experiences with the residents

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR FUTURE VISITS?

We would love to enjoy a group game of scrabble, and other cognitive enhancing games WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO START A CAREER IN THE CARE SECTOR?

Dedicating a day to others is fulfilling and understanding people s life history is enriching These are things that we enjoy when we visit Kippington and

New Deputy Manager at Newcastle Care Home

Handling

and Social Care

In her role as deputy manager Sandra is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the home liaising with medical professionals and leading a

team to ensure the

standards of care for all residents Her responsibilities also include staff roster management addressing complaints and enhancing staff well-being

Sandra said What I cherish most about my job is making sure our residents feel cared for and respect-

Relative and Residents Become Part of the Hickathrift Care Home Team

Birds Of Prey Swoop In To Wow Dorset Care Home Residents

Hartford Care Acquired in £100m Deal

Care Provider Manager Runs London Marathon

To Raise Awareness Of Pulmonar y Fibrosis

Matt Capener has run his first London

He

the way,” he say

Dovehaven Care Homes Expands Portfolio, With Acquisition Of Ashton View Nursing Home

CEO of Dovehaven Care Homes said: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Ashton View Nursing Home marking another significant milestone in Dovehaven s journey of growth and expansion As we continue to enhance our presence within the senior care industry, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering compassionate personcentered care to every individual we serve We look forward to welcoming the residents and staff of Ashton View into the Dovehaven family and building upon the strong foundation of care excellence established at the home ”

Your Operating Costs!!

Care Home Residents Get Their Dancing Shoes On

Care Innovation Challenge 2024 Welcoming Applications Ahead of Innovation Weekend in June

The National Care Forum (NCF) is looking for budding innovators to apply for the 2024 Care Innovation Challenge a creative competition which seeks to develop new solutions to the biggest challenges facing the care sector

The Innovation Weekend will again return to the Technocentre at Coventry University a space dedicated to nurturing the start-up and development of innovation-led, high-growth, knowledge-based businesses and will take place on 29th and 30th June Applicants will take part in a creative weekend of idea generation and prototype trialling and receive mentoring from industry experts Five finalists will secure funding and further mentoring to prepare for the final and then the winning team will receive £1 000 in prize money and further mentoring to develop a viable business

Professor Vic Rayner CEO of NCF said: “As the challenges within social care continue to evolve and change so does the scope of opportunity and discovery for our participants and mentors This year we are encouraging those taking part to think about the power of community action in affecting change to consider our changing demography and the challenges that creates for social care the increasing number of dementia sufferers particularly among BME communities and the possibilities for advancement in AI and environmental sustainability

As usual we re looking forward to welcoming a new group of innovators and can t wait to spend time with them during the exciting Innovation Weekend where we’ll meet them in person at Coventry University’s amazing Technocentre to work through solutions together I m confident we will attract an inspiring group of

individuals to match up and work with our expert mentors who bring with them an enormous range of experience ”

Joining the challenge this year as a new partner and mentor is Colligo Labs which was founded by Hina Choksy Evans and Paul Hainsworth to support providers, local governments and NHS to enhance the delivery of care and support through data analytics and solutions A particular focus of Colligo Labs is building the strength and resilience of communities to develop their local health and social care capacity especially in terms of recruitment and retention Colligo Labs also works with care providers to help them on their journeys to Net Zero through the use of holistic digital tools Other customers of Colligo Labs are local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) keen to optimise efficiency and meet localised

Rotherham United Supports Laureate Court in Fulfilling Residents’ Wishes

Laureate Court care home in Rotherham has been on a mission to grant wishes to its residents and thanks to the generous support of Rotherham United Football Club two residents’ dreams recently came true

Over the past few months, Laureate Court has been dedicated to bringing joy and fulfilment to its residents by fulfilling their heartfelt wishes Among these wishes, two residents expressed a desire to attend a Rotherham United football match a passion close to their hearts

Upon learning of the residents’ wishes Laureate Court

immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a live football match As they joined the crowds of supporters making their way to the stadium they were no longer just residents of a care facility; they were passionate football fans soaking in the sights and sounds of match day John Clinical Deputy Manager at Laureate Court shared his

Board Game Get Together Bridges Generational Gap

EIGHT DECADES separated the players of an

and Frustration with elderly residents ranging from 79 to 91 years of age Prior to the games night, members of the youth group wrote to the care home s residents about their visit Lois, who attends St Thérèse of Lisieux R C Primary School, said: “I m looking forward to seeing you I ve been to the care home with my school before Daisy who also attends the primary school quoted her school motto: “Kindness is my guiding star In its light I’m sailing ”

Among the other youth group members were Phoebe and Hannah who enjoyed games and chatting with residents including Ann Armstrong, 79, Sylvia Wheeler 90 Charles Naggs 91 and Olive Smith 88 Olive said “The girls were so nice We had fun playing dominoes I won the first game but, once they got the hang of it they beat me every time

Ann added What lovely girls It was so nice of them to come and see us I can t believe that I won the game of Frustration ”

Matthew Carter home manager at Ingleby Care Home also joined in with the games He said “Bringing different generations together really helps with communication and social skills while boosting confidence self-esteem and understanding “The residents loved spending time with the young people from the Cornerhouse Project It was wonderful to see how easily they all bonded over the games they played

Everyone is looking forward to the next visit especially as the youngsters have plans to play prize bingo with the residents It’s going to be great fun ”

Natalie Johnson from the Corner House Youth Project added:

Intergenerational friendships demonstrate no matter the age we can all still learn and grow together

It is a beautiful way to bridge generational gaps and create meaningful connections Witnessing such friendships develop is so heartwarming

The young people thoroughly enjoyed the games night and are already planning for our next visit

First Resident Moves Into New Nursing

Dementia Community At Wirral Care

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Food Procurement Experts, allmanhall are Supporting Nutrition and Hydration in Care Homes

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Moor Coffee Ltd.

and

Machine accessories can be added to create a complete model and once you have chosen your machine we will deliver install and train you and your staff After-sales support is taken seriously so we provide you with a comprehensive back-up service with regular customer contact a range of point-of-sale material and a fully equipped service department

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Blueleaf Care Launches the Integra-Mat Mattress to Alleviate and Prevent All Grades of Pressure Sores

Blueleaf

step-down mattress system the Integra-Mat can be used as a static mattress or it can be stepped-up to support the active prevention or treatment of painful pressure sores and ensure residents who do experience them remain as comfortable as possible Over 700 000 people in the UK suffer from pressure sores almost all of which (95%) are avoidable with the right care and equipment For residents requiring Grade 1 pressure care the air mattress fully inflates in static mode with the foam mattress on the top surface under the cover; for Grades 2, 3 and 4 the

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cells or air pockets, fully inflate and deflate around the pressure sore in dynamic alternating mode This action mimics residents natural sleep movements to optimise the flow of blood and air to the affected area The integral foam mattress can be stowed underneath the cells if needed for Grades 3 and 4 to create a full mattress system with maximum therapeutic hyperaemia

Additional features include: Auto Weight which automatically weighs the patient and adjusts pressure accordingly removing the need for manual intervention; Auto Upright which automatically optimises pressure when the patient is sitting up; and Auto Firm which adjusts

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Transform Laundr y Management Within Your Care Home with Forbes Professional

Commercial Kitchen and Laundr y Solutions (CKLS)

Laundr y Specialists Lavamac Receive Sustainability Award

Never A Cross-Word At New Copford Place

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

Recreo VR - Bringing a Change of Scener y to Care INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY

ories

Also

“Puzzles

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

Can AI Ease Loneliness for Adults in Care?

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

By 2030 one in six people in the world will be aged over 60 (including me!) The WHO now outlines loneliness as a key risk factor for the wellbeing of people in later life As a potential solution we’re increasingly seeing AI companions championed for being virtual friends who will listen and talk to individuals With loneliness and feelings of isolation rife amongst the elderly and vulnerable it begs the question: could AI chatbots be beneficial in care?

In short we would argue no Here s why

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS ARE KEY

Complex issues such as loneliness cannot be solved by technology alone AI chatbots may seem like a promising solution but they cannot replace the human element of companionship and care that is so essential especially for those who are vulnerable and have complex needs

Carers play a 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 to fit technology 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

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Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions

Crash Mats Designed to Reduce Injuries from Bed Falls

Frequency PrecisionSensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor

Those in Care

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PASS Becomes First and Only NHS Assured Solution to Achieve

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For more details about PASS and its digital social care solutions, visit https://www everylifetechnologies com/

To get a deeper understanding of the NHS Digital Social Care Records Standards and their importance in care provision visit: https://nhse-dsic atlassian net/wiki/spaces/DSCR/overview?homepageId=11971330147

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Enabled Heaters to LST Range

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Behaviour Smart

It records not just the de-escalation techniques used, but also their effectiveness This data is exported to a welldesigned behaviour plan, or ‘Smart Plan Our customers have experienced significant reductions in behaviour incidents, with some reporting over an 80% reduction after using Behaviour Smart for just one year

Dean Cotton, Director, Behaviour Smart info@behavioursmart co uk www behavioursmart co uk

Pass Profile 2023

To

Cloud Doing Good: Award Winning Care Accounting Software for Care Homes

Like it or not, financial accounting is crucial to the operations of your care home Without accurate reports, you cannot make proper forecasts, build accurate budgets, get paid on time by multiple funders and keep bed occupancy at optimal levels

Unfortunately, many care homes don’t have the time or budget to invest in powerful, care home accounting software This results in a vicious cycle where financial teams are so busy running manual tasks that they cannot take the time to improve their accounting systems, only to find each year they are farther and farther behind the technology their care home will need in order to thrive in the long term

Cloud Doing Good, a licensed partner of Oracle NetSuite, is here to stop that vicious cycle We believe care homes should have access to enterprise-level software without ballooning their budgets, so we donate the base software with up to three users to qualifying non-profit care homes

Why Care Home Accounting is So Complex

You know better than anyone that care home management is complex, and we know better than anyone that care home accounting gets complicated fast Balancing income for each resident from Councils, private sources, and family members requires detailed billing practices Add on top of that multiple legal entities, multiple care homes, the need for timely occupancy tracking and your finance team quickly becomes bogged down in repetitive, manual, and frustrating work

To make it worse, most accounting software are designed for slick enterprises (and priced for slick enterprise budgets) That leaves too many care home finance teams battling spreadsheets and duplicate reports to accomplish basic care home accounting tasks

How Cloud Doing Good Makes It Simple

Cloud Doing Good partners with care homes to

implement Oracle NetSuite’s enterprise-grade accounting software at as low a price as possible Here’s how Cloud Doing Good simplifies your care home’s accounting:

Single Source of Truth

Pull all your financial data into a single platform Even with multiple legal entities, multiple care homes, complex billing structures, bed occupancy tracking, resident admissions and departures and additional unique needs, our system aggregates all the pieces of information into a single repository

Robust Reporting

Whether you need to get an overview of last year’s spending or forecast income, you can run the necessary reports in a matter of clicks This makes it simpler for your team to build forecasts, track spending, track bed occupancy and the financial implications in real time, and manage billing and collecting resident payments easily

Implemented By Experienced Accountants

When it comes to your financial systems, you need financial experts not call centre IT to set you up for success After all, with cloud software the IT should be pre-built and proven With pre-built base software, we

match our experienced system accountants with your project to make sure it reflects your accounts, your finances, and your people So you get not just powerful accounting software, but confident end users within as little as 15 chargeable days From the start of the project through your first month’s ends, you will have a team of system accountants on call to walk you through doing the day job on the new system

Donated to Qualifying Care Homes

Cloud Doing Good’s mission is to bring streamlined accounting management to organisations that deserve it, so we keep it simple For qualifying non-profit care homes, we donate the base Oracle NetSuite software, including up to 3 users and unlimited UK entities This way, you can upgrade to enterprise-level accounting management without ballooning your budget

Keeping Your Data and Care Home Secure with Oracle NetSuite

When you partner with Cloud Doing Good, you get access Oracle NetSuite’s award-winning accounting management software 25+ years of investment and trusted by over 1 million users, Oracle NetSuite safeguards your data in a cloud network with the latest security protocols and automatic updates to protect against breaches We’ll also integrate the platform into your existing data security structure for smooth, uninterrupted, and safe operations as needed This way, you can focus on your care and let us worry about cybersecurity Don’t risk your data and care home on a solution running small numbers of customers: Oracle NetSuite is powering 38,000+ organisations

Find Out If You Qualify

We stand ready to simplify your care home’s accounting. Reach out to discuss your needs: Iain Goldmann, Director iain@cloudoingood.com Mobile: 447404354865

LinkedIN: www linkedin com/in/iaingoldmann/

Curam Forges New Partnership with Doctify to Advance Patient-centric Feedback in the UK Care Market

Curam (www curamcare com) the largest care worker marketplace and home-care technology platform in the UK today announces a strategic partnership with Doctify (www doctify com/uk) the leading global platform for patient reviews of health and social care, to power enhanced trust and transparency in the UK care sector through patient verified reviews when choosing carers

The partnership will address the critical need to improve patient experiences where only 14% of households are satisfied with care services Providing more choice confidence and quality of care for patients and their families is therefore essential – and that

Patients

As

Separation of sponsor and service user responsibilities permits unlimited sponsor/service user relationships and as any number of charge codes may be defined this allows complete flexibility of service user/sponsor /charge code definition

one outstanding application package

New Qualification To Boost Care Sector

It

That

Policies and Procedures Within Social Care

Excellence Through Training: The Health & Safety Group’s Commitment to Exceptional Care

At The Health & Safety Group, we understand that the process of getting your care workers through their Care Certification can be pretty demanding So we ve made it our mission is to make the training process as flexible and accessible as possible without increasing your costs or sacrificing the quality of our courses

We recognise that some prefer traditional classroom learning for the benefits of immediate instructor feedback hands-on skills practice and connecting with likeminded professionals However if committing to fixed schedules and locations proves difficult staff may favour the unmatched flexibility of e-learning Our online courses allow caregivers to learn at

Our Care Certificate Training Course designed specifically for care workers healthcare assistants and social care support workers is just one of our high-impact training courses available both face-to-face and online through our e-learning platform Mapped to the ‘Skills for Care’ Care Certificate standards this course equips caregivers with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of their roles empowering them to deliver comprehensive

RECRUITMENT & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Recruiting Success with CVMinder ATS

Introducing The Carer Recruitment