The Carer Digital - Issue #207

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Issue 207

Steep Fall in Overseas Visa Applications Sparks Fears of Care Staff Shortage Time is “Running Out” Government Warned

Adult social care providers are calling on the Government to urgently bring forward its workforce plan for the sector amidst fears of a dire shortage of staff.

Detailed Home Office data shows that it approved 89,085 visas for the health and care sector in the year to June 2024 – more than 80% down on April to June of the year before.

The number of grants for health and care worker main applicants stood at 6,564 for that period, down from 35,470 for the same three-month spell the previous year.

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PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

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

The recent 80% drop in the number of overseas applicants for health and care worker visas has caused considerable concern within the care sector.

Home Office data showing a fall from 35,470 to just 6,564 visas approved from April to June this year is alarming.

This sharp decline coincides with the former government’s decision to ban international care workers from bringing dependants to the UK—a move described as "brutal" and one that has effectively severed a crucial lifeline of overseas staff.

Editor This decline could not have come at a worse time for our sector, which is already grappling with severe staffing shortages.

The situation has been exacerbated by a domestic recruitment crisis, with 30,000 fewer positions filled by British nationals this year alone—a cumulative drop of 70,000 over the last two years.

This has sent alarm bells ringing among care providers, who now face the dual challenges of dwindling domestic interest and a “choking off” of international recruitment.

It is admirable that the government wants to prioritize domestic recruitment, but as the old saying goes, "Rome wasn’t built in a day."

Building a robust domestic workforce in the care sector will require a comprehensive training and recruitment program—an endeavour that takes time, which is a luxury most care providers do not have.

In the interim, care must be provided, and the burden of under-staffing is falling disproportionately on the existing workforce, leading to burnout and driving up staff turnover.

The sector is demanding action now, yet so far, we have seen precious little comment, let alone action, from the new government.

I also noted the recent decision by NICE to withhold NHS approval for the Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab, despite its approval by the MHRA, adds another layer of frustration.

The drug, which costs around £20,000 per patient per year in the US, (there are no estimated costs for its use in the UK so far) has not been deemed value for money.

This decision, while unsurprising given the NHS’s financial constraints, raises questions about how much this could potentially offset the £35 billion annual cost

Peter Adams

of dementia care in the UK. This Summer has certainly seen a celebration of the (sometimes!) warmer weather in social care settings across the country.

From garden fetes and parties that have brought communities together, to outings and visits, the creativity and dedication of care home staff have shone brightly.

Residents have been active in their care home's gardens as well, showing the health and social benefits of gardening and spending time outdoors. All of these activities have created memories that residents and staff alike will treasure and we're always more than happy to share these wonderful stories with our readers.

So, a heartfelt thank you to all who have shared these uplifting stories with us.

Your dedication and passion are truly inspiring. Please do keep them coming—we can’t wait to see what other wonderful ideas you have in store as the year progresses!

I can always be contacted at editor@thecareruk.com and encourage our readers to sign up for our bi-weekly digital newsletter at www.thecareruk.com and follow us on social media for all the latest news.

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We are committed to keeping you informed with the latest news, views, products, and services on the sector's most popular adult social care website www.thecareruk.com , which receives almost 4,000 visits and 26,000 page reads every day.

However, with costs rising significantly, we recently put out an appeal for support.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to readers who have responded and pledged their support with a £10 donation covering the next two years, and thank you also for your very kind words of support too!

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 3

Steep Fall in Overseas Visa Applications Sparks Fears of Care Staff Shortage Time is “Running Out” Government Warned (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

a reduction of over 50% between October 2023 and April 2024.

The fall has been attributed to a ban on international care workers bringing dependants to the UK which came into effect in April this year under the Conservative government, and which has been branded “brutal” and blamed for cutting a “lifeline of overseas staff”.

RUNNING OUT OF TIME

DOMESTIC RECRUITMENT ISSUES Other restrictions gradually introduced by the previous government amid pressure to cut the record number of people legally arriving included a drastically increased salary threshold for skilled workers to £29,000 from April and £38,700 by next year.

Figures published by Skills for Care earlier this year revealed that there were 131,000 vacancies on any given day, with a rate of 8.3% for the social care sector, around three times the average for other sectors.

That report also revealed that domestic recruitment remains a problem, with the number of posts filled by people with a British nationality having fallen by 30,000 – a drop of 70,000 over the last two years.

BRUTAL MEASURES Mike Padgham, Chair of the care provider organisation, The Independent Care Group (ICG) said: “A fall in the number of overseas staff is the last thing social care needs at the moment, as we are struggling to fill shifts as it is. The last government’s brutal measures are working and the lifeline of overseas staff to help staff homecare and care and nursing homes has been cut.

“The question is, what do we do now? As we warned at the time, no serious measures have been put in place to replace those overseas workers who have played such a key role in helping us to keep delivering care.

“We desperately need to see the new Government’s promised care workforce strategy and with it some funding measures that will help us to properly reward care workers and enable us to recruit at home, otherwise we will be in dire straits.

“Skills for Care reports that there are 131,000 vacancies in social care – with the availability of overseas staff dwindling, we are going to be very, very short.

“And as we approach winter, when staffing levels in health and social care are always placed under the greatest demand, will we be able to cope?

“With 1.6m people unable to get the care they need and demand for care growing every day, we are struggling to maintain services.”

In December, when the former Home Secretary announced restrictions on foreign workers, Care England warned about the impact this would have on our sector, but these warnings, they say were ignored.

In May, Care England drew attention to the decrease in number of overseas care worker applications, with

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England said: “The Government is running out of time to listen. While the decision to restrict applicants was made by the previous Government, it is incumbent on those now in power to take ownership of their inherited situation. They must make the changes needed to ensure the social care sector remains sustainable.”

“Our dedicated workforce is social care’s biggest asset, and without the proper measures in place to draw in domestic recruits, the gap left by international recruits will reach an untenable level. Adult social care needs a fully funded workforce plan, with boosted pay, terms and conditions, the change for career progression, parity of esteem with NHS colleagues. Without this, our sector risks not having enough staff to deliver the care and support this country’s needs now, or in the future.”

REVERSE POLICY Migrant charity the Work Rights Centre called for the Labour Government to scrap the ban on dependents, saying it isolates workers from their families.

Its chief executive, Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol, said: “The ban on migrant care workers bringing dependent family members may have acted as a deterrent to people seeking a career in care in the UK. “This has come at the cost of isolating skilled workers from their families. We urge the new Labour Government to reverse this cruel policy decision.”

The charity also called for more protections for migrant workers amid a welcome “crackdown on unscrupulous employers”.

Dr Vicol said the current system, which ties a person’s immigration status to their employer and can see them lose their visa if an employer has action taken against them, is “grossly unfair”.

She added: “Work visas should give migrant workers the freedom to change employers and the ability to report exploitation and access remedy, on the same terms as their British colleagues.”

EXPLOITATION Earlier this year a report written by former independent chief inspector of borders and immigration David Neal criticised the “inappropriateness of the sponsor licensing regime for low-skilled roles” saying it had “created a system that invited large numbers of low-skilled workers to this country who are at risk from exploitation”.

An inspection of the immigration system relating to the social care sector revealed that 275 certificates of sponsorship were granted to a care home “that did not exist” the report added.

Figures suggest social care will need to recruit an extra 540,000 care workers to cope with rising demand, by 2040.

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

Navigating Legal Responsibilities as A Care Manager Amid Increasing CQC Prosecutions The role of a care manager holds immense responsibility.

From ensuring high-quality care to maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, the demands are significant. In recent months, there has been an uptick in prosecutions by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) against care providers.

This escalation underscores the importance of understanding the legal responsibilities and potential consequences for breaches, as well as adhering to best practices.

Here, Gareth Martin, partner and regulatory expert at leading criminal defence firm Olliers Solicitors (www.olliers.com), explores potential areas of concern that could result in prosecution, a care provider’s legal responsibilities, and the consequences of breaches while offering advice on best practice.

THE ROLE OF THE CQC The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the regulatory body responsible for monitoring and inspecting England's health and social care services. Its remit includes care homes, dental and GP surgeries, NHS Trusts, and aesthetic clinics. The CQC oversees various elements, such as registration, inspection, and criminal enforcement.

The CQC's power to prosecute stems from several legislative acts, most notably the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

Within the Acts, several critical provisions could lead to criminal investigation and potential prosecution, including: Health and Social Care Act 2008 • Section 10 – Carrying on regulated activity without registration.

• Section 33 – Failure to comply with the condition of registration.

• Section 34 – Carrying on regulated activity while suspended.

• Section 76 – Disclosure of confidential information.

• Section 91 – Offences by bodies corporate (consent, connivance, neglect).

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ACT (REGULATED ACTIVITIES) REGULATIONS 2014 These regulations set out various offences that a registered person can commit. Notably, Regulation 22(2) deals with avoidable harm—whether physical or psychological—to a service user, which tends to attract significant media attention, such as the recent case of sexual assault in Warwickshire.

Other common breaches that may result in enforcement action include: • Regulation 12 – Safe care and treatment.

• Regulation 13 – Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment.

• Regulation 14 – Meeting service users' nutritional and hydration needs.

• Regulation 16 – Receiving and acting on complaints – The Warwickshire case also involved the manager receiving complaints about what was happening but failing to take appropriate action to address them.

• Regulation 17 – Good governance.

WHEN MIGHT THE CQC PROSECUTE? The CQC's enforcement policy aims to ensure consistency in prosecution decisions. It states that they will consider prosecution where there is evidence of factors such as avoidable harm to a person using a service, a care receiver being exposed to a significant risk of harm or a case of theft, misuse or misappropriation of money or property.

In addition to evidence of the above, the CQC will also consider the gravity of the incident, whether there has been a disregard for the requirements of a registered person and if there have been repeated or multiple breaches that give rise to significant risk or persistent and significant poor compliance. Other factors that come into play include whether the service is breaching fundamental standards of care and whether enforcement sends a broader message to a sector and encourages improvement.

ALTERNATIVES TO PROSECUTION Whilst the number of prosecutions may be said to have been creeping slowly up in recent times, prosecutions should really be reserved for the most severe cases. That is why most prosecuted cases relate to safe care and treatment, or lack thereof.

There are alternatives to prosecution, including a simple caution, where the CQC has sufficient evidence to prosecute but decides that considering the limited impact of the alleged offending on service users and the likelihood of achieving improvements by working with the provider and individuals involved, this is a proportionate and effective way to address the issues. They also have the power to issue financial penalty notices.

Of course, holding any registered person accountable for breaches of what may best be termed fundamental principles of care is essential. Still, it is crucial to work with providers where such breaches can be remedied and presented as learning opportunities.

BEST PRACTICE FOR CARE MANAGERS To minimise risk and maintain high standards, care managers should consider the following: 1. Be familiar with CQC Fundamental Standards – These set the minimum level of care required.

2.Implement and Adhere to Policies and Procedures – Regularly review and update policies, especially after adverse incidents.

3.Conduct Regular Quality and Compliance Meetings – Ensure preparedness for CQC inspections.

4.Invite and Act on Feedback – Engage with service users and their families to continually improve.

5.Swiftly Address Complaints – Take immediate action on complaints to prevent escalation.

Stay Updated on Sector Changes – Keep abreast of trends and regulatory updates.

6.

7.Understand Consequences – Ensure all staff are aware of the implications of falling short in care standards.

Foster a Positive Working Environment – High staff morale improves care and lowers turnover.

8.

Navigating the legal responsibilities as a care manager is critical, especially given the increasing scrutiny and potential for prosecution by the CQC. By adhering to best practices and maintaining a proactive approach to compliance, care managers can ensure they provide the highest quality of care while mitigating legal risks. By prioritising quality care and compliance, we can create safer, more effective healthcare environments that benefit both providers and service users.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 5

Providers Say “Enough Is Enough On Hospital Discharges” Care providers say “enough is enough” and the Government must reform social care to end the scandal of older, vulnerable and disabled adults being trapped in hospital when they are well enough to be discharged.

They are calling on ministers to reform social care so that people can get the help they need when and where they need it.

The care provider organisation, The Independent Care Group (ICG) said the need for reform to help tackle such delayed discharges was well overdue.

Their warning came after a survey of providers revealed that people well enough to be discharged could be stuck in hospital for as long as two to three weeks.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “We are enormously disappointed to see this situation is not improving. This is the latest in a long line of reports that paint a bleak and unacceptable picture for people who need care “Enough is enough, the system is in need of reform so that people can get the care they need, when and where they need it. In our region we are working with health bodies and care commissioners to come up with some solutions.

“We need to streamline the system. At the moment we have an unnecessarily complex system which delays people from getting where they want to be.

“We need a system that allows hospitals to discharge people directly to care providers to get people moving more quickly.

“We also know that there are times when people are well enough to be discharged from hospital but there aren’t care packages available to support them, either at home or in a care or nursing home.

“There is a very clear case for some funding to be reallocated from the NHS to social care so that we increase the availability of care so that it is there when and where people need it, rather than the postcode lottery we currently have.

“There is a dreadful social and health impact of people being in hospital when they don’t need to be as well as a huge financial impact of people being in costly hospital beds when they should be cared for elsewhere. “For a government which is intent on making every penny count, spending millions on people being unnecessarily in a hospital bed looks like a very obvious place where urgent action is needed.”

A survey by later-life care directory, Autumna, found that 17% of care providers say the average length of time for discharge into their care after a patient has been declared fit to leave hospital is one to two weeks, while 7.3% say the average length of time is three or more weeks.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, 10% of respondents said it took over three weeks on average for a patient to be discharged into their care.

“The system is in need of reform so that people can get the care they need, when and where they want it,” Mr Padgham added. “Nobody wants to be in a hospital bed longer than they absolutely have to be and the delays reported by care providers illustrate that currently they are remaining there for an unacceptable time, even when they are well enough to be discharged. This is a scandal and it can’t go on.”

Highview Lodge Care Home Celebrates South Asian Heritage Month with Cultural Festivities Highview Lodge care home recently hosted a lively celebration in honour of South Asian Heritage Month, bringing together staff and residents for a day filled with cultural appreciation and community spirit. Held on 14th of August, the event featured traditional South Asian attire, energetic singing and dancing, and a variety of delicious dishes prepared and shared by the staff.

The celebration provided an opportunity for everyone at

!

Highview Lodge to experience the rich and diverse traditions of

South Asia. The enthusiastic participation from both staff and residents made the day especially memorable, fostering a strong sense of unity within the care home.

Jade Perry, the receptionist at Highview Lodge, shared her

thoughts on the event, calling it a “beautiful experience with wonderful food.” Resident Cheryl was particularly taken with the traditional dresses, remarking that they looked “like princesses.

“Fellow resident Eddie expressed his enjoyment of the day’s culinary offerings, noting the “lovely variety of tasty food.”

Gemma from the wellbeing team highlighted the broader impact of the celebration, emphasising that it not only brought everyone together but also served as a valuable team-building experience and an opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures within the community.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR VALUED READERS Since 2004, we have been delighted to provide you with The Carer free of charge, delivering quality news, industry insights, and expert commentary right to your doorstep. However, due to surging postal costs, we must make a change to continue maintaining the high standards you expect from us.

Starting from September, we will be asking for your help with a £6 per year contribution for postage on the printed issue of The Carer.

This decision was not made lightly. Our priority has always been to offer you the best content without burdening our valued advertisers with increased costs.

To sustain our quality delivery, we now need your help.

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PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

The Unheard Voices. - The Challenges Of Being An Unpaid Carer

By Sabina Kelly RN Ba (Hons) B.Sc. (Hons) (07976 287189) Some media sources suggest that there are approximately 8 million unpaid carers in the UK. They are rarely supported by the government and there is minimal support from the NHS and local authorities. Indeed, unpaid carers are saving local authorities and government vast amounts of money that would be deployed into caring for elderly and frail citizens, both fiscally and in resources. Unpaid carers were often not supported pre-pandemic or during the pandemic. Local authorities are financially stretched in the adult care sector, coupled with staffing problems.

The Corona 19 virus exacerbated the problem of caring for the elderly in their own homes. It forced many people to care for their loved ones due to the fear of having paid carers entering their homes. Therefore, the choice of having external help was extremely limited. The impact that this has had on unpaid carers has been extremely challenging.

Alongside many other people during the pandemic unpaid carers became socially isolated. Whilst respecting the view of their loved ones to remain in their own home. This results in a loss of friends and their social circle and places one in a lonely situation. Again, there is little opportunity to enjoy socializing. When they can get out, they may suffer from feelings of anxiety of what is happening to their loved ones when they are not there. They will worry if their relative is safe, have they fallen? So, in fact, they cannot really relax fully as there are often underlying worries. The social isolation factor of being an unpaid carer can lead to poor mental health and conditions such as constant anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. They may also feel anger and resentment at being forced to become an unpaid carer. It may be that they are the sole carer with little help from other members of their family. This can have long term and lasting effects.

In addition to this the physical impact on a carer can have dramatic effects that has to be also taken into consideration. A common scenario maybe that their loved one has fallen and indeed, some people are unaware that they can call paramedics to assist them pick them up or they may not be able to reach a

phone to call. So, their only option is to do it themselves. Carers are at a very high-risk level of potential back injury and chronic pain. Often, they are not taught correct manual handling procedures. Frequent turning if the relative is bed bound or taking them to the toilet all impact a person’s physical health. This hugely impacts on physical health and a big toll on a carer’s body. Again, fatigue has an impact on a carer’s physical and mental health due to 24 hour caring and lack of sleep. It has been known for carers to sleep on a couch or a trestle bed in their loved one’s bedroom. They are constantly on alert for noises or movements. If a relative is living with dementia there is always a risk of them getting up in the night and pacing and can be a falls risk. Or they may become aggressive and display challenging behavior. The carer may be at risk of assault. They will also have to get up repeatedly during the night to attend to physical needs.

There appears to be little support for unpaid carers, and it is only when crisis point has been reached and the carer cannot cope any more that they may have access to help. There are long waiting times for an assessment from adult social care and the pandemic has exacerbated this.

Financial criteria are also a consideration that needs to be explored. It is suggested that the number of carers receiving support by local authorities has decreased by 35% between 2011 and 2017 and it is also estimated that there are 1.2 million unpaid carers spending 50 hours a week oin caring duties. It would appear that caring duties increase at night. This can lead to a burnt-out carer at the end of their tether, feeling as if they are leading chaotic lives and who is caring for them? The likelihood of them getting a break is minimal. The impact of financial challenges is also an issue. Firstly, they may have to reduce their working hours or indeed give up work completely. It may be the case that it was a job they loved and have spent years building up their careers. This can only be devastating to a person’s self-value. There may be reduced income or indeed no income at all coming to them. I would suggest that time is also a financial challenge, paying for carers if they have them, buying food, taxis to medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, hiring or buying specialist medical equipment- the list is endless. It paints a very bleak picture whereby unpaid carers are trying to cope, unsupported to the best of their ability and at great personal cost. The government must recognise the personal sacrifices and contribution that unpaid carers are giving to society.

Support by government and local authorities Must be reviewed.

Sabco Health and Wellbeing provides a free 30-minute support line specifically for unpaid carers. Carers can discuss their concerns and advice and support will be given.

The government need to recognize the amazing contribution unpaid carers make and lets face it save huge amounts of money being spent on social care.

Residents At Penarth Home Go On Trip Down Memory Lane With Classic Car Show Residents at a Penarth home went on a trip down memory lane thanks to the home arranging a classic car show for them.

MHA Ty Gwyn welcomed four classic cars to the home, which were well received by the car enthusiastic residents at the home.

The cars were brought in by a member of the community, Malcolm and his colleagues.

They brought with them a Mercedes SIk (1998), a Mercedes SIk Amg (2004) a Morris 1000 Traveller (1967) and a Austin 1300 (1972).

MHA Ty Gwyn provides nursing care for 45 residents.

Mary- Anne Rawle, activities coordinator said: “We got the idea of the classic car show from another MHA home, Morel Court.

Social Care TV

Social Care TV continue to fly the flag for highest quality online training for Health and Social Care, after unwavering commitment to excellence within the sector for over 25 years.

Their widely-used health and social care specific courses - produced and edited in-house - are expertly designed to make learning engaging, informative and, therefore, highly effective for learners.

Accredited by CPD and endorsed by Skills for Care, training with Social Care TV is quality assured, comprehensive and relevant.

As one of the leading online training providers in the health and social care sector in the UK, they supply training for local authorities, recruitment agencies, care home groups and other health and social care organisations.

Their feature-rich Manager platform has further been enhanced this year with the introduction of several new Manager tools designed to aid with compliance, reporting and trainee management. Features now available include: • Compliance Dashboard with Traffic Light System • Downloadable Trainee Matrix • Custom Bundles • Trainee Groups

“Malcolm and his colleagues visited the home and we liked the idea and decided to do the same for the residents at MHA Ty Gwyn.

“Some of our residents are very knowledgeable when it comes to cars and they were very happy to see them.

“The cars would have been very popular when our residents were car owners.

“They were quite intrigued to see the cars and had huge smiles on their faces.

“Doing activities like this helps us to get a better understanding of what our residents like to do.

“I think our gents in particular enjoyed the visit, it worked out quite well and it’s something we would definitely be up for doing again.”

• Bulk Uploads • Bulk Enrolment Onto Custom Bundles • Course Enrolment Notifications • Course Reminders SCTV regularly release new and updated high-quality courses.

Previews for all courses can be viewed at: Courses - Social Care TV (www.social-care.tv/courses/course-details) To enhance their learners' experience further they have created free, comprehensive subject-specific workbooks which were rolled out across all courses this year. This unique addition provides excellent value and a fully robust training package.

SCTV are delighted to have won several awards over the last 12 months including: • Best Online Health and Social Care Learning Platform’ – Global Health & Pharma Social Care Awards 2024 • ‘CPD Provider of the Year’ – The CPD Awards • Social Care Training Provider of the Year’ - Corporate Livewire Innovation & Excellence Awards Gold standard customer service remains a core staple of the business, with expert support and guidance provided via telephone, email and live chat. They place great importance on the training and development of their customer services team to ensure that they continue to provide a personal, friendly and knowledgeable service.

Their much-loved ‘Care Worker of the Month’ award recognises and

rewards the selfless dedication shown by care workers across the UK and they proudly support the Care Workers Charity who aim to advance the financial, professional and mental wellbeing of social care workers.

SCTV believe that high quality training should be accessible to all and offer regular, free courses which include a digital certificate accessible via their website.

The company stands behind a clear mission and set of values which define their ethos and their dedication to both the Care Sector and those within it. These can be viewed at: Mission Statement and Core Values - Social Care TV (www.social-care.tv/about/mission-statement-and-core-values) Social Care TV are a responsible business, committed to ensuring that their actions have a positive impact on their employees, customers, the wider health and social care community and the environment.

Above all, SCTV consistently strive to make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of those being cared for.

For more information please see: Homepage - Social Care TV (www.social-care.tv) and see advert on page 4.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 7

Increase In Reports Of Migrant Care Worker Contract Exploitation The number of foreign social care workers reporting that they are trapped in exploitative contracts has, according from data from the Royal College of Nurses risen sixfold over the last three years.

According to the data employers are using repayment clauses to demand thousands of pounds from migrant care workers who want to leave their jobs, claiming the money is to cover hiring costs, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

In 2021-22, the union received 22 calls from members about repayment clauses; in 2023-24, it heard 134 complaints and cited a reported case of one care worker who suffered severe bullying and harassment but was unable to leave the role due to a £10,000 repayment demand, despite no specific figure of repayment figure being included in their original contract.

The RCN warned that the figures were the tip of the iceberg, since many migrant care workers are not trade union members, or may be

too afraid to report their employers.

It called on the Government to launch an urgent investigation, something the new home secretary promised during the General Election campaign.

RCN general secretary and chief executive Nicola Ranger said: ‘The exploitation being allowed to spread is deeply inhumane and undermines the entire social care sector.

‘Faced with our evidence, ministers were right to commit to an investigation during the election campaign and this must now happen with urgency.’

A government spokesperson said: ‘There has been an unacceptable rise in the recorded abuse and exploitation of care workers in the adult social care sector.

‘The sponsorship system, which holds providers to highest standards, has highlighted these unethical practices, and

Care Home Residents Celebrate 70 Years Together!

A couple from Hyacinth House care home, in Stapehill, Wimborne have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Conrad Graham, 91 and Margot Graham, 89, first met while working at the Inland Revenue in Esher, Surrey in 1950. Conrad fondly recalls that it was Margot’s first day and he was asked to show her where to receive her luncheon vouchers.

It was love at first sight!

Conrad went on to complete his National Service and achieved the rank of Colonel. The couple moved frequently due to Conrad’s service, before eventually settling in Bromley. They used to enjoy travelling abroad together and have built a loving family with three children and seven grandchildren.

When asked about the secret to a long and happy marriage, the couple shared, “There is no secret, just behave yourself and love each other.” To mark this milestone, their family gathered at Hyacinth House for an afternoon tea party, prepared by the home to celebrate the special occasion.

For their Anniversary lunch, Conrad and Margot were treated extra special and enjoyed a private romantic dining experience with a menu of their choice.

General Manager, Kamila Gagala at Hyacinth House said: “We have had such a lovely day helping them to celebrate their anniversary. It’s so wonderful to see two people still very much in love after all these years!”

urgent work is taking place across the sector to address this.’

PAGE 8 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

Training and Upskilling Funding: Another Scrapped Policy

By Jo Henney, CEO at Nugent (https://wearenugent.org) Training & Upskilling: Yet another policy scrapped by Labour causing over 30 leaders in the care sector sending a joint open letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting raising concern with the new government’s decision to scrap funding set aside for training and upskilling social care workers. What will be the impact on social care recruitment and retention in the near and distant future?

I share my peers' concerns over the scrapping of funds to train and upskill social care workers.

I’m proud to be part of the social care workforce - we are fiercely resilient and have overcome impossible hurdles in recent years, such as the pandemic, ongoing staffing shortages and the increased complexity of care needs, but if those in power keep pushing and expecting us to achieve the impossible with minimal support, we will break.

Social care is the backbone of society, providing essential support from the beginning to the end of life for millions of individuals every day while being undervalued and underfunded by those it relies on.

In his statement, Stephen Kinnock said that the government would maintain last year’s budget for adult social care learning and development; however, that funding wasn’t enough then and it isn’t enough now - we need to be moving forward, not sitting

in the past.

Funding is more than just a financial resource, it is a lifeline that enables us to equip our workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to provide compassionate, competent, and safe care for the millions who need it.

While I understand that the current government is dealing with shortfalls inherited from previous regimes and they shouldn’t be blamed for trying to put out someone else’s fire, this decision is short-sighted, leaving those of us in the industry feeling stranded, especially without a clear Plan B in sight.

Without a concrete strategy and clear funding solutions, the quality of care across the UK will decline, the risk of burnout among care workers will increase, and in years to come, we may not have a functioning care system at all.

At Nugent, we've seen firsthand how investing in our staff leads to better outcomes for the people we support; I believe that the cost of maintaining a skilled social care workforce pales in comparison to the long-term costs of allowing our social care system to deteriorate.

I remain hopeful that the Government does have a plan in its back pocket, but in the meantime, they are leaving a crippled sector feeling abandoned.

Dorset Care Home Sets Tails Wagging With Charity Dog Show A fun-filled community dog show set tails wagging in the garden of a Dorset care home.

Residents, relatives, friends, staff and prize pooches came together to enjoy the popular annual crowd-pleaser at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown.

Across ten categories, owners showed off their handling skills as canine competitors vied to win the titles of loveliest lady, most handsome man, fanciest dressed, fastest recall, waggiest tail, best biscuit catcher, golden oldie, best trick, best ball retriever and dog egg and spoon.

Winners included Izzy, resplendent in crown and sash, for loveliest lady and Roly in a tuxedo for most handsome man.

A pair of cowboy hat-wearing dachshunds, Freya and Heidi, won the judge’s hearts to take the fanciest dressed title.

Companionship Team Leader Kirsty Richmond Cole said: “Our golden oldie award was won by Bertie, a regular visitor to the home with his owner Mandy.

“He loves a fuss and makes himself at home whenever he visits. You could hear ‘aww’ coming from the crowd as he did his runway walk.”

The competitions culminated in an egg and spoon race in which owners had to run round a circuit with-

out dropping their egg and while keeping their dog on the lead as they went.

The show was hosted by Home Manager Diane Nicholls and judged by resident John Hyde, home volunteer Hayden O’Neill and Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer.

John said: “It was great fun judging the entries and seeing the dogs entertaining everyone with their personalities, agility and outfits.”

Diane said: “We thank everyone involved for their hard work and all the competitors and visitors for helping to make the show such a success.

“This is an event that we all look forward to and we were thrilled with the turnout on the day. It was even bigger and better than in previous years.

“The egg and spoon race in particular gave the crowd plenty of laughs and it certainly tested doggy owners’ fitness.”

As the categories progressed, winners and competitors were rewarded with rosettes, certificates and treats prepared by residents.

Ahead of the show, residents made dog toys, bandanas, treat jars, resin tags and other crafts that were available to purchase on the day, with proceeds going to the home’s charity of the year, High Mead Farm.

Along with entry fees, the sales helped to raise nearly £140.

Fairview’s Summer Fete Brings The Local Community Together Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Fairview House to enjoy a Mediterranean themed Summer Fete that was held in the home’s grounds earlier this month.

Fairview House hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a BBQ, hosting a local business market, a tombola stall and live entertainment, which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event.

Staff at Fairview House made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of refreshments, such as Cold beers, light refreshments, burgers, hot dogs and fries prepared by the catering team, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all – it really was a team effort!

Mark Hurst, Operations Manager at the home, said: “Staff at Fairview House are dedicated to making sure that the home is a hub of the local community, and this event, along with all their hard work, has definitely paid off. It was a resounding success!”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 9

Data Reveals Extent Of Healthcare Employment Crisis: Vacancies And Application Numbers Tumble The number of people applying for healthcare jobs has nose-dived

on reducing agency use with its ‘bank first’ approach, coupled with a

over the last year, far outweighing the fall in vacancies noted over the

big rise in direct contracts, it paints a picture of a healthcare market

same period, demonstrating the very real challenges hirers face

struggling to find talent.

attracting talent. That’s according to the latest insights from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

Ann Swain, Global CEO at APSCo, commented: “This latest data indicates the extent of the struggles in the healthcare employment

The data revealed that the number of professionals applying for

market, with both vacancy numbers, and applications falling over

permanent healthcare jobs has fallen by 65% year-on-year, and by

the past 12 months. Ongoing skills shortages continue to present major challenges for employers. However, most concerning of all is

49% for contract assignments.

APSCo’s report also shows a sharp fall in vacancy numbers year-on-

the significant drop in application numbers noted in recent months.

year, albeit not at the same rate as the decrease in application num-

The new Government’s pledge to place more focus than its prede-

bers. Permanent roles dropped 45% between July 2023 and July 2024,

cessor on resourcing the sector will come as welcome news to

and contract positions decreased by 23% over the same period. While

employers struggling to source skills. However the devil will be in

this fall can be attributed, in part, to the NHS placing a greater focus

the detail so it remains to be seen how this pans out.”

Hen Party Fun for Ashcombe House Care Home Residents Residents at Barchesters Ashcombe House in Worting road celebrated a senior carers upcoming wedding with a hen party hosted at the home.

Residents and staff all got involved with the spirit of Hen party by decorating the room with balloons and banners. Residents dressed up with hen party boppers and sashes for the’ Bride Tribe’.

Senior carer of the home Mellisia Irwin was shocked as she entered the room to residents singing wellknown song ‘Love and marriage’.

The afternoon was filled with hen party games

such as pin the ring on the finger, and staff and residents enjoyed snacks and drinks Resident of Ashcombe house Joan Howes, said: “I’ve never been on a Hen night before it’s been a huge amount of fun, we all wish Mel a fantastic wedding and we are all looking forward to seeing her photos afterwards.”

Resident Jose Horton added “ What a wonderful afternoon, Mel is going to make a beautiful bride and we all wish her lots of love and luck for her wedding day”.

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 11

Alzheimer’s Drug, lecanemab Approved but “Too Costly” for NHS The UK’s medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) – has given the green light for Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab to be sold in Great Britain.

However, the drug has not been deemed value for money for the NHS. A provisional decision, made by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), means that as things stand, people in the early stages of the disease will be denied access to lecanemab through the NHS. For the foreseeable future, it will only be available to those who can afford its steep price tag in the private sector – which will be prohibitive for many.

The MHRA’s landmark decision makes lecanemab the first licensed treatment in England, Scotland and Wales that can slow down early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, rather than manage people’s symptoms.

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Chief Executive, Hilary Evans-Newton, described the news as “bittersweet.”

“It’s a remarkable achievement that science is now delivering licensed treatments that can slow down the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s, rather than just alleviating its symptoms. However, it’s clear our health system isn’t ready to embrace this new wave of Alzheimer’s drugs,” she explained.

The MHRA’s decision that lecanemab is safe and effective enough to be granted a license is based on Eisai’s CLARITY AD Phase 3 clinical trial results published in November 2022. The trial involved 1,800 patients over an 18-month period. The drug was shown to slow participants’ cognitive decline by 27% and slow their decline in quality of life by up to 56%.

Experts warned that, like first-generation treatments for other diseases, lecanemab has modest benefits and side effects that need careful monitoring.

Lecanemab carries the risk of a potentially serious side effect, known as ‘amyloid related imaging abnormalities’ (ARIA). These are changes in the brain that can be seen on MRI scans, that are linked to swelling or

bleeding.

Around one in eight people who received lecanemab during the trial developed ARIA. Although most of those people (80%) did not have symptoms. However there were three deaths attributed to lecanemab during the trial – just under 0.2% of the total number of participants.

Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Today’s MHRA approval of the first safe and effective Alzheimer’s disease treatment, shown to slow progression, is a defining moment for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in the UK and a significant step towards a more hopeful future.

“While we welcome the MHRA approval, it is disappointing that NICE has not recommended approving lecanemab for use on the NHS at this stage. The news that lecanemab will be restricted to certain groups of patients will also lead to uncertainty for many people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones.

“We respect the decisions regulators have made, however we know these announcements will bring a mix of emotions for those who have been waiting a long time since the promising trial results were first announced.

“The NICE recommendation reflects the urgent challenges which must be addressed regarding how we diagnose and treat people with dementia. A third of people affected by dementia have not received a diagnosis, and for those who have been diagnosed, it’s often not early or accurate enough for a person to be eligible for new treatments.

“A dementia diagnosis not only opens up the potential for treatment. It is also the single most effective route to the care, support and information we know is so important for everyone living with dementia and their loved ones.

Resident's Wish Comes True with a Family Visit to Anglesey Abbey Resident Joan Nichols from Hilton Park Care Home in Bottisham had her wish come true today. Joan wished to spend time with her family at the nearby National Trust property, Anglesey Abbey.

Although Joan and her family live locally, they had never visited Anglesey Abbey before.

Joan expressed her delight, saying, "It's so wonderful, especially the roses. This is so beautiful." Her family echoed her sentiments, stating, "This is so beautiful. We never imagined how big it is. I think we took it for granted because we live locally and always chose to go

somewhere else. We will definitely come back here again.

Geanina Tinca, General Manager of Hilton Park Care Home, said: "It was so lovely to see Joan enjoying a day out with her family, especially as she had never been on one of our minibus trips before.

Outings in the home's minibus are a regular event for our residents, particularly when fulfilling their wishes to visit special places, and we always ask for suggestions on where they would most like to go. The day was truly memorable, and the family were so pleased to have a day out with their mother."

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PAGE 12 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

Immigration Laws Decoded: Impact On Health And Social Care Health and social care is the underappreciated backbone of our society, providing essential services to vulnerable people and their families across the UK. The industry is also heavily reliant on a diverse and reliable workforce, with recent reports finding approximately one in five NHS staff in England are non-UK nationals, and care homes across the country saying they would not be able to cope without the help of non UK national employees With immigration laws constantly changing and updating, care homes can be significantly impacted in their ability to recruit and retain staff.

Keeping up to date on the changing rules can be confusing, but with guidance, care home managers and staff can keep up to date and within the law.

care providers seeking to recruit qualified healthcare professionals.

• The Health and Care Worker Visa: This visa category was introduced to address the acute shortage of workers in the sector. It’s essential to grasp the eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, and the role of the Code of Practice to ensure compliance.

• Sponsor Licence System: Amendments to the sponsor licence system, such as increased compliance duties and penalties, can impact care providers’ ability to employ foreign workers.

Navigating the intricacies of immigration law is a major challenge for care providers, with constant updates to a wide variety of rules and regulations. To mitigate risks and ensure compliance, organisations must implement clear and defined strategies that are communicated to staff, but also be sure they understand the various routes and laws in place. Conducting regular workforce audits, implementing thorough right-to-work checks, and developing comprehensive immigration policies are essential steps.

Seeking expert legal advice from immigration solicitors specialising in the health and social care sector can provide invaluable guidance, helping organisations stay informed about the latest regulations and avoid costly penalties.

THE ROLE OF EMPLOYMENT LAW

All businesses need to understand the intricacies of immigration law, from visa requirements to right-towork checks and sponsorship obligations. This is even more pertinent in sectors like health and social care, in which a high percentage of staff may be affected by these rules and where the work they do has such a significant impact on the public.

By staying informed about regulatory changes and seeking expert guidance, care providers can mitigate risks and maintain service delivery.

Collaborating with industry bodies to influence policy and advocate for the sector's needs is also vital. By working together, care providers can contribute to shaping a more supportive immigration environment for the healthcare sector.

The healthcare sector is increasingly reliant on a diverse workforce. However, constant changes to immigration regulations present significant challenges for care providers. Care home managers need to take a proactive approach to hiring and maintain a thorough process with staff to guarantee they are following the law.

Ultimately, a successful immigration strategy involves a delicate balance of attracting talent, ensuring compliance, and building a resilient workforce.

The interplay of immigration law and employment law is a nuanced one. While immigration law dictates an individual's right to work within a country, employment law governs the relationship between employers and employees. It's crucial to understand the interplay between these two legal frameworks.

Employment contracts, for instance, must adhere to both immigration and employment law stipulations and employers must ensure compliance with minimum wage, working time regulations, and other employment standards, particularly when hiring foreign workers.

It’s important to also consider that termination of employment, whether through dismissal or redundancy, may have deeper implications for employees with different immigration statuses. Understanding these complexities is essential for care providers to maintain compliance and avoid potential legal issues.

THE CHANGING IMMIGRATION LANDSCAPE Immigration law reforms that came into place in April 2024 have introduced changes that have a significant impact on the health and social care sector. These changes include: • The Skilled Worker Route: While primarily aimed at high-skilled occupations, this route has implications for

ADAPTING TO THE NEW NORMAL

Resident Celebrates 105th Birthday At Longueville Court Care Home Celebrations have been in full swing at Longueville court care home, as one of its residents reaches her 105th birthday in style.

Henrietta Gavaghan was joined by staff, relatives, and other residents as she received a Birthday card from the King in recognition of her landmark birthday.

A Party was held at the home, Henrietta and her granddaughter enjoyed a special afternoon with entertainment from Leslie Ann who visited Henrietta in

enjoyed the entertainment, and all the lovely gifts I’ve got”.

Activities Coordinator Karina Dunn said: “Henrietta was singing and clapping along with all the songs, it really was great seeing Henrietta having so much fun, I am so happy she enjoyed her day”.

Krzysztof Krzysztofiak, General Manager of Longueville Court care home added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable Women as she

her room, Henrietta then enjoyed her birthday cake made by the home’s chef

reaches this amazing milestone. Henrietta is such a popular resident who

with her grandson-in-law at tea time where all the staff sang happy birthday.

always has an interesting tale to tell about her piano playing days, and we

The Birthday girl, said: “I have had such a wonderful afternoon, I really

look forward to hearing many more as.”

New Dementia Campaign Launched to Raise Awareness and Offer Support This article was funded by Luye Pharma Ltd A new campaign to raise awareness of dementia and offer help for those whose lives have been affected by the condition has launched this month.

‘Let’s talk Dementia’ - www.letstalkdementia.co.uk, which is organised and funded by Luye Pharma Ltd, offers information about the condition, as well as resources that individuals, community groups and carers can access. It covers everything from types of dementia and what the symptoms are, through to advice on nutrition, staying active and guidance for carers.

There are currently more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia1 and one in three people will care for someone with the condition at some point in their life.2 By 2040, it is estimated that up to 1.7 million people could be living with dementia in England and Wales.3 The launch of Let’s talk Dementia comes following a survey with 1,000 people4, carried out by Luye Pharma Ltd, which showed there is concern about access to dementia information. 57% think there is not enough available, while 22% are unsure.

Contributing to www.letstalkdementia.co.uk are partners and support groups with expertise in the dementia field. They include GP and media medic Dr Rosemary Leonard, the movement education specialist Joël Kruisselbrink, who creates exercises and games for the elderly, and nutritionist Jane Clarke, who devises recipes and nutritional advice for those with dementia. Also involved in Let’s talk Dementia is the carers support group Tide (www.tide.uk.net), which offers support and advice to those caring for someone with

dementia.

Said Dr Rosemary Leonard, who worked with Luye Pharma Ltd as a consultant on the Let’s talk Dementia campaign: “As a GP, I see a lot of people with dementia, and their carers, and this has increased significantly since Covid. People are scared of dementia and automatically fear the worst, which is why we need to start talking about it more and provide help and support for those going through it. The Let’s talk Dementia website is a really useful resource – it offers advice and tools that can make a positive difference for those living with dementia.”

To find out more, go to www.letstalkdementia.co.uk * The research was conducted in March 2024 with 1,000 people across the UK aged 18 to 65 years old to gain an understanding of what people know about dementia. Participants were asked 15 questions, covering areas including what causes dementia, can it be treated, how many people are affected, what are the risk factors and what is the care burden.

1 NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about-dementia/what-is-dementia/#:~:text=How%20common%20is%20dementia,because%20people%20are%20living%20longer. (accessed June 2024) 2 NHS England https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/dementia/ (accessed June 2024) 3 Chen Y et al. Lancet Public Health. 2023 Nov;8(11):e859-e867. doi: 10.1016/S2468-2667(23)00214-1. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(23)00214-1/fulltext (accessed June 2024) 4

Data on file (Luye Pharma Ltd, March 2024)

UK-LTD-42

July 2024

PAGE 14 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

Ashlynn Grange's Musical Project: Bringing Harmony To The Care Home Sue Varley –PR and Communications Lead at Athena Care Homes In a novel upcycling initiative, Ashlynn Grange Care Home in Peterborough has introduced a unique project that is striking a chord with its residents. The Musical Wall is a creative and engaging venture, part of the broader Athena in Bloom series of activities designed to enrich the lives of our residents through meaningful experiences in our garden spaces.

The idea for the Musical Project sprang from Ashlynn Grange’s dedicated lifestyles team, who saw an opportunity to repurpose everyday items into something special.

With an emphasis on recycling, they transformed an old wooden pallet into a vibrant musical wall, adorned with a variety of instruments crafted from unconventional materials. Residents contributed to this project by painting the pallet in bright, cheerful colours, turning it into a lively and eye-catching addition to the garden.

The musical wall features an array of percussion instruments, including metal pans, bells, and even a washboard, all ready to be played with wooden spoons or other tools. This interactive installation not only serves as a source of fun and entertainment but also promotes sensory engagement and creativity among the residents.

Music holds a special place in the lives of many, and its impact is particularly profound in care homes, especially for residents living with dementia. The introduction of musical activities, such as this latest project at Ashlynn Grange, brings numerous benefits, enhancing the overall wellbeing of residents.

1. COGNITIVE STIMULATION: Music stimulates the brain and can help to maintain cognitive function. For people living with dementia, familiar songs and melodies can evoke memories and emotions, often providing comfort and a sense of connection to their past.

2. EMOTIONAL WELLBEING: Music has the power to lift spirits and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression. Engaging with music can promote positive emotions, helping residents feel more relaxed and content.

3. SOCIAL INTERACTION:

Musical activities encourage socialisation, whether it’s playing instruments together, singing along to a favourite tune, or simply enjoying the rhythms and sounds as a group. This fosters a sense of community and belonging among residents.

4. PHYSICAL BENEFITS: Playing musical instruments, even simple ones like those on the musical wall, can improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills. It also provides a gentle form of physical exercise, contributing to overall health.

5. CREATIVE EXPRESSION: Projects like the musical wall offer residents a chance to express themselves creatively, whether through painting the pallet or making music. This can be incredibly fulfilling and helps to maintain a sense of identity and personal agency.

6. STRESS RELIEF: Music has been shown to reduce stress levels, not just in listeners but also in those actively making music.

The rhythmic activity of playing instruments can be soothing and meditative, providing a peaceful outlet for emotions.

The Musical Wall is not just about making music; it’s also about creating a beautiful and engaging environment for the residents. The colourful pallet brightens up the garden space, making it a more inviting place to spend time. The residents’ involvement in painting and assembling the wall adds a personal touch to the garden, giving them a sense of pride and ownership over their environment.

This project at Ashlynn Grange is a wonderful example of how creativity, community, and care can come together to enhance the lives of care home residents. By integrating music and art into daily life, Ashlynn Grange is promoting wellbeing as well as ensuring that our residents continue to enjoy a rich and fulfilling quality of life.

Burnley Care Home Celebrates Therapy Dog That Brings Joy To Residents On International Dog Day HC-One’s Dove Court Care Home in Burnley, Lancashire, are celebrating International Dog Day on Monday, August 26, by highlighting the benefits and joy that a special therapy dog brings to residents and colleagues.

The HC-One care home is honouring Boris, a therapy dog, who frequently visits the home.

Dog Boris has been travelling weekly to meet residents at HC-One’s Dove Court Care Home, which provides residential, nursing and dementia care.

Dove Court honoured the special dog that always helps put a smile on residents’ faces by showing their appreciation for Boris, who makes an immense difference when visiting residents and colleagues.

Resident Steven Molloy, who is registered blind, looks forward to his weekly visits from Boris and says they always brighten up this day. Another resident living at Dove Court, Rita Summerscales enjoys taking Boris on walks, and says his visits remind her of when she used to have a dog called Sophie, who was a Lhasa Apso breed.

Resident Susan Gulaiczuk says she loves seeing animals and loves seeing Boris and receiving cuddles from him. Resident Gordon Cligram also likes to give Boris a treat when he comes to see him.

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We have close links to the NHS, giving back much needed revenue, whilst also working with diverse

International Dog Day was created in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige, to bring awareness to the condition of animals as well as to encourage adoption.

The awareness day also highlights the importance of helping people take better care of their pets and make more responsible choices when it comes to getting or looking after a dog.

Having a pet dog in a care home can offer many benefits to residents, including enhancing therapeutic care and providing companionship. Residents can also improve their wellbeing by engaging with dogs and they can help facilitate better social interaction.

Wellbeing Coordinator at Dove Court Care Home, Nicola Martin, who helps arrange the visits, commented: “Our residents look forward to their weekly visits from our therapy dog Boris and can’t wait to give him extra cuddles and stroke him.”

Stephanie Tillotson, Wellbeing Coordinator at Dove Court Care Home, stated: “It’s lovely to see the residents faces light up when they see Boris, he is such a friendly lovable dog who loves to come in and see our residents.”

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PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

How to Resolve Key Challenges in Care Home Laundry Rooms Those tasked with managing a care home laundry face a delicate balancing act between maintaining optimal hygiene standards and laundering items as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. That’s on top of ensuring that the laundry facility is running efficiently and safely at all times, with the appropriate commercial washing machines and commercial tumble dryers and best practices in place to reduce the risk of cross-contamination from infected linens and clothing.

With this in mind, what are the main pain points in care home laundry rooms? And how exactly do you resolve them? This guide will look at the most common challenges faced in social care laundry facilities, along with some solutions on how to avoid them.

DIFFERENCES IN CARE HOMES COMPARED TO OTHER SETTINGS The needs of care homes pose unique challenges to laundry personnel and managers alike. This is largely due to the sheer diversity of items coming through the laundry at any one time, including: • Residential linens like bed sheets, towels, tablecloths and cushion covers • Personal clothing belonging to residents • Contaminated and infected items from specialist nursing wards • PPE and staff uniforms Few other laundry facilities, in any sector, see such a wide variance in laundry type, with the residential element of care homes placing a significant demand on the centre’s laundry processes.

Care home laundry regulations dictate that facilities take a proactive approach to infection control and hygiene to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. As such, special processes and technologies are required to maintain optimal health and safety standards – something which requires significant investment in the right equipment and staff training.

It is important to have separate ‘dirty’ and ‘clean’ zones within a care home laundry room, which is essential for reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

Dirty and clean laundry must be handled, stored and transported separately as part of the infection control process.

THE CHALLENGE OF CARING FOR PERSONAL ITEMS IN NURSING HOME LAUNDRIES Of all the items to pass through nursing home laundry facilities, personal items belonging to residents pose the biggest challenge to staff and administrators alike. But why?

Since personal items like clothing need to find their way back to their original owner, tracing forms a large part of the sorting process in laundry facilities. Tagging items is, therefore, a critical step, but one that can take time and resources to complete on top of additional duties.

Not only that, but personal items may require additional care and maintenance depending on what they’re made from, meaning that staff may need to alter the chemicals and processes used. This can cause a particular headache when handling contaminated and infected items which require special treatment and care.

For more advice on laundry equipment for care homes, contact JLA today at www.jla.com

INFECTION CONTROL AND CROSS-CONTAMINATION

Former Cricketer Becomes Honorary ‘12th Man’ At Weymouth Match An ex-cricketer was thrilled to be reunited with his beloved former club with support from his Weymouth care home team.

Gerry, who lives at Buxton House care home in Radipole Lane, was invited to watch the home match between Weymouth Cricket Club and Portland Red Triangle Cricket Club at Redlands Community Sports Hub. Gerry played for Weymouth Cricket club from the late 1950s to the late 1970s as a wicket-keeper.

Before the match started, Gerry got to meet the team from Weymouth Cricket Club, put on some wicket-keeper’s gloves and was presented with a cap emblazoned with his initials. The team also listed Gerry as their honorary ‘12th player’ in their match programme.

Gerry said: “I would never dream that I would get to do this. I’ve had a lovely time. I want to come back here every week.”

Andy Anderson, former captain of Weymouth Cricket Club and

now a member of the committee team, said: “It was a real honour and a privilege for us to welcome Gerry to meet the team and for our captain, Lloyd, to present him with a cap. You could tell that he loved being around people who love cricket as much as he does. We look forward to seeing Gerry again to watch another match.”

Lauren Taylor, Home Manager at Buxton House, said: “Gerry was very emotional when he received the cap from the captain, Lloyd, as it reminded him of playing cricket with his brother in his younger years. At Care South, we love helping the residents to enjoy activities that they used to do but no longer feel able to do it without some assistance. Gerry beamed all afternoon as he watched the cricket match and has been talking about it ever since, so we are pleased that we could make that happen for him.”

Blueleaf and TENA Partner to Promote Best Practice and Sustainability In Continence Care And Host Bloom and Grow Workshops Blueleaf Care is promoting best practice in continence care to help care homes deliver better outcomes for residents and help reduce their environmental impact through the choice of products they purchase.

During Continence Care Week Blueleaf partnered with global leading continence brand TENA, to run Learning Circles for carers across 16 care homes. Each of the sessions included discussion on best practice for care home staff, with TENA experts explaining the health and sustainability benefits of using the right products for its intended purpose.

With two out of three people in care homes requiring continence care, best practice can deliver the dual benefit of increasing a resident’s quality of life while reducing a care home’s environmental impact.

In addition to the education sessions, Blueleaf and TENA are also marked World Continence Week by hosting a series of Bloom & Grow activity workshops for residents, providing sunflower seeds for them to sow in pots for their rooms or around the home. These sessions were designed to support the care home’s commitment to provide social activities, which are beneficial to residents’ cognitive function; so too is connecting with nature by handling soil, watering and tending flowers.

Ellen Brown, Sales and Marketing Director of Blueleaf Care, says encouraging best practice is a priority for

Blueleaf: “Well managed continence care improves a resident’s quality of life considerably, preventing avoidable accidents which can result in further health complications, but it also helps to improve sustainability in care homes.

“With government priorities and CQC regulations steering our industry towards more sustainable practices, we’ll be doing all that we can support our care home customers. Collaboration is going to be key to a safe, responsible, and sustainable future. By running this series of workshops we informed carers on the right products to use for each resident, which will in turn reduce waste – and cost – as well as help to preserve the dignity and quality of life of every individual.”

Richard Barker, Key Account Manager at TENA says World Continence Week provided a platform to break taboos in continence care: “Here at TENA, we’re educating care workers that using the right product for each resident is critical. In doing so, we are helping to prevent leakages and poor skin health, while also helping to reduce laundry costs and overall workload for care workers; freeing them up to spend their time caring for residents.

“We want to encourage a new way of thinking for care homes and really see the value in ‘use better, use less’, directly helping to reduce costs and reduce the environmental footprint at the same time.”

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

People Living With Dementia Can Be Powerful Design Collaborators, New Heriot-Watt Research Shows People living with dementia should have more power and creative freedom in collaborative design projects, new research from HeriotWatt University suggests.

This includes using their own ideas and actions to shape, lead and deliver projects, rather than always having projects given to, for or with them.

Dr Euan Winton, a design expert at the University’s School of Textiles and Design in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, has proposed a new framework that outlines this way of working. It follows six years of working with members of an Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre who designed projects and services including printed textiles, ceramics, table top gardens, lighting, travel postcards, sculptural signage for a community allotment and a photo scanning service.

Collaborative design – shortened to co-design – helps communities and groups contribute to design projects, with guidance from professional designers. It is a growing field in settings including health, community development, innovation, public sector and charities. But there are huge variations in the extent to which participants are involved in these projects, Dr Winton argues. His research paper, The co-design participatory power pyramid, formally defines these different levels of involvement and illustrates them as a pyramid with four layers – ‘to’, ‘for’, ‘with’ and ‘by.’ ‘To’ is at the base of the pyramid and ‘by’ is at the top.

“Good collaborative design is about helping people play a significant role in rethinking things that inform or shape their lives,” Dr Winton says. “And really that should mean you’ve collaborated on more than 50% of the project. Your thoughts, your actions, your ideas and the content you generate is important and you should have quite a bit of agency in making changes. We see a lot of co-design projects being done to, for or with participants. But the most empowering model is co-design ‘by’ – when designs for products or services are generated entirely by people living with dementia. It’s about reinforcing the idea that people need to be recognised for what they can do, recognised for having rights and that they should be listened to.”

Dr Winton’s maternal and paternal grandmothers both had dementia. The mother of research co-author Paul Rodgers, Professor of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management at the University of Strathclyde, also had dementia. Dr Winton started his research as part of a PhD focused on design for dementia and over six years has worked on collaborative design projects with around 20 members of the Glasgow Dementia Resource Centre, which supports people with dementia and is run by Alzheimer Scotland, Scotland's national dementia charity.

The participants were aged between their 40s and 60s and diagnosed with early onset dementia, when symptoms develop before the age of 65. The research included walking tours and visits to museums and art galleries with people living with dementia, to get ideas for designs.

“One of the very first conversations I had was with a man who said he used to quite like photography, but

no one would give him a camera these days,” Dr Winton relates. “I replied – that's the first thing I'm going to do when we go out walking. You’re all going to have cameras – and will be collecting the images and things that inspire you.”

The inclusive approaches, which also involved working with a dementia group in Edinburgh, generated 15 design projects which are outlined in the research paper. Some of the products created were sold in a pop-up shop in Glasgow and the projects overall promoted “self-belief,” “free thinking” and a “stronger sense of capability, belonging and independence.”

The products and services that were co-designed by people living with dementia include: • Printed textiles inspired by murals in Glasgow of comedian Billy Connolly.

These textiles were turned into products including cushions, bags and lampshades.

• Ceramic plates with face designs inspired by a ‘floating head’ exhibit at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

• Tabletop gardens inspired by outdoor walks that the participants design and created themselves.

• A decorative light inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, made with coloured lighting gels.

• A concrete sign for Bellahouston Park Allotments in Glasgow that was designed by the participants and then crafted by a stone specialist.

• A photo scanning service to help other people living with dementia revive memories from old photographs.

Dr Winton said the participants all took enthusiastic ownership of their projects and “regularly expressed elation” with their abilities and a “sense of disbelief” at what they had achieved. They also learned about design practices and took projects in their own direction.

The research paper concludes that people living with dementia should be involved as much as possible in as many stages of the design process as possible. These stages include background research; developing the product design brief based on customer needs; generating ideas and concepts; developing technical drawings and prototypes and then detailed design, incorporating exploration of materials and manufacturing techniques.

Dr Winton said the co-design participatory power pyramid could be applied to collaborative design projects in any sector. He is bidding for funding to further develop his research and presented his paper in June in Boston, United States, to the Design Research Society, a learned society committed to promoting and developing design research.

Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design is a centre of excellence in design and dates back to 1883, when classes in weaving, dyeing and chemistry were introduced to train workers for the local textiles industry.

Honorary Graduates include the late British fashion icon Dame Vivienne Westwood.

Bingo, Bubbles, and Big Wins: Highview Lodge Hosts Memorable Mecca Bingo Event Highview Lodge, part of the Runwood Homes group, recently welcomed Mecca Bingo Luton for a lively and engaging bingo event that left everyone in high spirits. On the 10th of August, residents, staff, family members, and friends gathered together for an afternoon filled with fun, games, and prizes. The event was further enriched by the presence of staff members from Mecca Luton and attendees from the local day centre.

The afternoon kicked off with a series of bingo games, where participants had the chance to win some fantastic prizes. The excitement was palpable as residents and their guests enjoyed a friendly competition, accompanied by glasses of prosecco. The event was a wonderful opportunity to bring together the Highview Lodge community, welcoming family and friends into the home to share the fun.

Dave, a regular attendee from the day centre at Highview Lodge, captured the essence of the day, saying: “It was amazing—such a great day out. The grandkids really enjoyed themselves too, even more so because we were winners!”

Family members were equally enthusiastic, with one commenting: “It was a lot of fun; we’re so glad we took part in this event.”

The Mecca Bingo event at Highview Lodge was more than just a day of games; it was a vibrant celebration of community and togetherness. The shared laughter and excitement underscored the importance of events like these, which bring joy to residents and strengthen the bonds between them, their families, and the wider community.

Care Show Birmingham Awaits You...

Summer is here and with it a renewed motivation to enjoy life at its fullest. We feel inspired to learn and work to towards a brighter future. And we have just the right thing: Care Show Birmingham comes full of inspiration and celebration, getting better every year.

Registration is open and care professionals can book their free tickets to attend the event held at the NEC Birmingham on 9-10 October 2024.

There is a big focus on policy, regulation, and funding from both local authority and private equity, as well as discussions on the development of ongoing issues including international recruitment, sustainability and the new Single Assessment framework from the CQC. This year’s programme will also introduce an increased focus on learning disabilities and environmental social governance (ESG).

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the sessions you will find at the show: • ‘What’s happening in homecare?’ with Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO, Homecare Association • ‘LGBTQ+ inclusion: meeting the feedback requirements of the CQC Single Assessment Framework’ with Jim Glennon, Policy Director, Pride UK • ‘Workforce wellbeing: recognising your employees as the biggest asset in your organisation’ with Sonia Rai, CEO, Nectar HR, Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO, Walfinch, Nadra Ahmed, Executive Chairman, National Care Association, and Karolina Gerlich, CEO, Care Workers’ Charity • ‘Secrets for success: sales and marketing tactics for launching a new care home’ with Carl Roberts, Associate

Sales & Marketing Director, Boutique Care Homes, Lisa Vile, Sales & Hospitality Manager, Athena Care Homes Ltd, Vicki Pickering, Head of Sales, Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, Stephanie Bowie, Head of Sales, Signature, and David Martins, Head of Sales, Westgate Healthcare The speaker lineup includes some of our ThirtyUnder30 Class of 2023 and many recognised speakers such as Nadra Ahmed, Executive Chairman of the National Care Association, Professor Mary Larkin, Professor of Care, Carers, and Caring at The Open University, and Tim Dallinger, Director at Social Care Consultant Ltd.

A CELEBRATION AND RECOGNITION OF NEW TALENT The 2024 event will host the second edition of ThirtyUnder30 on Wednesday 9 October, to recognise the future leaders shaping the sector, and provide them with a support network of like-minded individuals.

THE RETIREMENT LIVING SHOW Care Show Birmingham will be co-located with the Retirement Living Show, an event for professionals working to create independence for senior living, from raising finance, construction, business models, understanding legalities, and architecture to affordable living.

Book your free ticket here: www.careshow.co.uk/tcuk Tickets to Care Show Birmingham and the Retirement Living Show are complimentary for those who work for a social care provider (including but not exclusive to care homes, nursing homes and domiciliary care), in addition to healthcare, allied healthcare, NHS, public sector professionals, architects and interior designers.

PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

Stop The Clock Initiative Brings Residents And Our Team Closer At Langdon House Care Home Langdon House care home in Cambridge has introduced an innovative new initiative called “Stop the Clock,” designed to strengthen the bond between residents and those working at the home, enhancing the overall wellbeing of everyone involved.

Launched this week, the “Stop the Clock” programme encourages all team members to set aside dedicated time each week to spend with the residents.

This initiative reflects the home’s commitment to a holistic, whole-home approach to care, ensuring that every resident feels valued and engaged.

Every Thursday at 2 pm, the entire care home pauses its usual activities for 15 minutes. During this time, all team members—from the catering, gardening and maintenance teams to carers, admin personnel, and the home manager— step away from their duties to spend quality time with a resident or a small group of residents.

While 15 minutes might seem brief, it is enough to make a significant impact. Residents can engage in a variety of activities, such as singing, chatting, strolling through the garden, playing games, or enjoying a mini massage. This dedicated time, often spent with a member of the team they don’t usually interact with, fosters personal connections and helps residents feel valued and cared for.

Project Support Manager Carolann Hinson emphasized the importance of these brief yet impactful moments: "Every team member—whether they are carers, nurses, reception staff, gardeners, or part of the catering team—is encouraged to spend 15 minutes with a resident, dedicating a small portion of their day to foster meaningful interactions. This could be a chat and a cup of tea, a walk in the garden, taking part in an

activity together, or providing a mini-massage or pamper treatment—whatever the resident prefers.

“We understand that the little things often have the biggest impact. By committing to just 15 minutes, our team members are making a significant difference in the lives of our residents."

The “Stop the Clock” initiative at Langdon House is not just a new routine— it's a powerful reminder of the profound impact that simple acts of kindness and connection can have on both residents and our teams.

These brief interactions provide several vital benefits: • Social interaction: For residents without regular visitors, these moments of engagement help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, enhancing their mood and overall well-being.

• Emotional support: Building relationships through these encounters offers emotional support, helping residents feel valued and cared for.

• Mental stimulation: Conversations, sharing a cup of tea, and reminiscing about the past provide mental stimulation, helping to maintain cognitive function and mental acuity.

• Improved mood: Interaction with others is a powerful mood booster, alleviating feelings of depression and anxiety and replacing them with joy and a sense of connection.

• Sense of purpose: When residents see that someone is taking the time to be with them, it instils a sense of purpose and importance, positively contributing to their self-esteem and happiness.

• Physical health: Social interaction benefits physical health too, with studies showing it can lead to better outcomes like lower blood pressure and reduced risk of certain conditions.

Codebreaker At Bletchley Celebrated Her 100th Birthday Celebrations have been in full swing at Hampton Grove in Hampton Vale Peterborough as one of its residents reaches her centenary in style.

Betty Everest was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as she received a Card from His Royal Majesty king Charles and Queen Camilla in recognition of her landmark birthday. A party was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef.

When asked what Betty’s wishes were for her birthday, it was to visit Hunstanton and have lunch with her friends at the Salvation Army day centre that she used to attend in Peterborough.

Hampton Grove helped to arrange this with the Salvation Army, and on the day of her birthday the Salvation Army band also came to play for her.

Family and friends from far came to celebrate this special birthday with her.

As a job Betty used to analyse signals intercepted from European embassies at Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes during World War Two. Her job was to look out for key words and then flag the signals up to higher levels of the park, then went on to work for the Hertfordshire City Council as a short hand typist.

Ewa Drzewicka, General Manager of Barchester Hampton Grove added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone. Betty is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more as she breaks into her next century.”

Wilmslow Care Facility Welcomes New Manager New Care has appointed Darren Molyneux as registered home manager at Wilmslow Manor, its luxury 63 bed care facility on Handforth Road.

As home manager, Darren is tasked with overseeing the day-to-day running of the care home, leading and managing staff so they can perform their roles to the best of their ability and ensuring they have all the skills required to care for the residents.

Darren initially joined New Care in 2018 as Team Leader and has since furthered his care career at the company, taking on the roles of Head of Care and Deputy Home Manger in recent years, as well as achieving a diploma in Level 5 Leadership and Management in Adult Social Care with distinction. He was keen to use his knowledge and skills within a managers’ role and jumped at the chance to lead the team at Wilmslow Manor.

Darren says: “I am really proud of all that I have learnt and achieved at New Care and am even more passionate about my new role than ever before.

Wilmslow Manor is a stunning care facility with an amazing team located in a beautiful setting, and I am looking forward to building strong relationships with the residents, their relatives and the staff.

“My ultimate aim is to work towards an outstanding rating with the CQC for Wilmslow Manor’s first inspection; that would be an incredible achievement.

And of course, I’d like all residents to continue living life to their full potential, enjoying the warmth, comfort and vibrant community that Wilmslow Manor offers.”

Dawn Collett, Commissioning Director at New Care, concludes: “It is wonderful news that Darren has been promoted to a home manager’s position and I wish him well in his new role at Wilmslow Manor. For the last six years Darren has continually proved himself, constantly working hard and remaining fully committed to providing professional care and support. He has excelled in every position and is a real asset to New Care.”

There’s No ‘Winging’ It For Resident’s 86th Birthday Celebrations!

At Bernard Sunley, the Woking-based residential, nursing and dementia care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, the care team and residents have been helping Vivian Best celebrate his 86th Birthday, in ‘High Flying’ style, making sure he enjoyed all his favourite things.

Vivian, who has been a resident at Bernard Sunley since November 2022, moved to the care home from Scotland, to be close to his son. “I am very happy with the care I receive here. The home is beautiful, all the care team are lovely and the gardens are stunning,” said Vivian. “Smiles Café is a great place for coffee and a delicious cake too. You can always find me there with my friends.”

Born in Worthing, West Sussex, Vivian lived in the seaside town until he was 16years-old before moving to Woking to join the Aircraft Industry as an Aircraft Engineer. “At school, my favourite class was Metal Work as I just loved making things. That love stayed with me, and as an Aircraft Engineer, I worked for the well-known aircraft and submarine manufacturer, Vickers,” continued Vivian.

“I loved my job. It was so interesting, just like solving puzzles and putting Lego® together. I loved solving any problems and working out a way to fix them on each machine I was involved with. I worked on many aircraft including the Viking,

Concorde and V-Bombers. Seeing the finished submarines and aircrafts was so special.” added Vivian.

“Last year, Monika our Activities Coordinator, arranged for me and some other residents to visit Brooklands Museum. Back in the day, it was where I worked and some of the aircrafts I’d help build where on display. It was great to see them again,” Vivian added.

“Vivian is such a lovely resident, we wanted to make sure he had a fantastic birthday,” said Monika Ahmed, the Activities Coordinator at Bernard Sunley. “Vivian especially enjoys the performances from one of our visiting entertainers, Nigel Dawson, so as a birthday surprise, we booked a ‘Dawson Talk’ for him. The ‘Dawson Talks’ are interactive shows which include sing-alongs, reminiscing stories and a themed talk.

They are great sessions for all our residents, and everyone got into the birthday spirit and had a great time,” added Monika.

“Vivian is such an interesting man,” said Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley. “He tells us such fascinating stories about his time building aircrafts and submarines, he’s so passionate about it. It was wonderful to see him enjoying his special day. It truly is great to have him living with us at Bernard Sunley.”

FUN FU U At OakNorth Bank, we’re proud to support a sector that supports others.

Our secured business loans start from £500,000 and are built with the care industry in mind, so owners, operators, residents, and whole communities can ¿ÊûÊœĦʇÜěāúʇ¿ÊğĦɨåûʇÀõ¨ğğʇÀ¨ěÊʇâāúÊğʇ¨ûÆʇěÊĦåěÊúÊûĦʇľåõõ¨ÝÊğɉ

Why partner with us?

Get funded faster Unlike high street banks, we can have the funds in your account in weeks

}¨åõāěʇŅāīěʇœû¨ûÀÊʇĦāʇŅāīěʇÜīĦīěÊ XīěʇŔÊńå¿õÊʇõā¨ûʇܨÀåõåĦåÊğʇğʨûʇĦâÊʇÜīõõʇ length of your project

QÊÊĦʇóÊŅʇÆÊÀåğåāûʇú¨óÊěğʇ ÊʇåûľåĦÊʇŅāīʇĦāʇ¨ʇ ěÊÆåĦʇ āúúåŕÊÊʇ meeting and keep you updated

ÀâåÊľÊʇğīÀÀÊğğʇĿåĦâʇāīěʇÊńĘÊěĦğ Xīěʇœû¨ûÀÊʇĦʨúʇ¨ěÊʇ¨Ŀ¨ěÆɨĿåûûåûÝʇ ÊńĘÊěĦğʇåûʇğÊûåāěʇõåľåûÝ

“Having worked alongside OakNorth on numero ous transactions, we were hugely impressed with their knowledge of our business and the care e home industry as a whole. This made them the ideal funding partner for our latest sale and leaseback project in Scotland.”

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Get started on your funding journey today

Email us at questions@oaknorth.co.uk Call Lorraine Thompson at 0207 493 7211 Visit us at oaknorth.co.uk/business-loans/senior-living

PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

New Research Reveals ‘Shocking Neglect’ Of Disabled People’s Health In The UK

Daisy Copp surfing, Credit Ben Birchall/ Sense

As the Paralympic Games begins in Paris, experts have said the health and wellbeing of disabled people in the UK is being “shockingly neglected”, in response to findings, published today, by the national disability charity, Sense.

A poll of more than a thousand adults with complex disabilities in the UK, reveals four in five (81 per cent) do less than 150 minutes of physical activity a week, with more than a third (36 per cent) getting less than 30 minutes. The NHS recommends that adults aged 19 to 64 get at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week to help maintain physical and mental health, with those

doing less than 30 minutes classed as ‘inactive’.

The results mean around 1.3 million people with complex disabilities in the UK are not active enough to be healthy.

Nearly half (46 per cent) of those quizzed said they wanted to be more active to boost their physical and mental wellbeing but were prevented from doing so due to societal barriers. Inaccessible venues and transportation, as well as a lack of skilled staff to support disabled people, were highlighted as significant barriers by nearly a third of respondents. More than a quarter (26 per cent) highlighted the lack of information on inclusive sport opportunities Greg Whyte, former Olympian and Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moore’s University, has condemned the findings, stating that disabled people’s health is being “shockingly neglected”.

Professor Whyte pointed out being physically active, at a level that best suits each person’s individual needs and abilities, improves people’s physical, mental, emotional and social health – and can help reduce pressure on the NHS and social care as a result. He has called for change.

Greg Whyte, Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moore’s University, said: “The health of people with complex disabilities is being shockingly neglected. It’s indefensible that four out of five are not active enough to be healthy and the barriers stopping them, like inaccessible exercise venues or a lack of trained coaching staff, are completely unacceptable.

“What we are seeing is quite simply mass disability neglect at a time we are focused on elite disability sport. As Daisy Copp standing on her surfboard, Credit Jenny Copp/Sense we’re gearing up for the Paralympics, it would appear that authorities are pretending to care without a strategy to ensure that sport is truly for all.

“Simple changes, like training staff, fitting ramps or improving transport, could have a profoundly positive effect on disabled people’s physical health and resistance to illnesses like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke. There are huge mental, emotional and social health benefits too, leading to improved quality of life.

“And by reducing pressure and costs to the NHS and social care, the whole of society will benefit.”

Alissa Ayling, Head of Sense Active, the charity’s sport and physical activity programme, said: “Sense wants everyone to have the chance to be active in a way that’s meaningful for them and we see on a daily basis how much that can boost people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“That so many people are getting less exercise than they need to be healthy is incredibly disappointing, but sadly not surprising. There’s a lot of work to be done to ensure being active really is for everyone.

“Disabled people experience many barriers to exercising, from inaccessible sports venues and transport to a lack of an upskilled workforce and closures of local facilities. But if there’s enough determination to break down the barriers, it will happen.”

Care Home’s Flower Power Raises £700 For Charity Through NGS Open Days Two garden open days at a Dorset care home have raised hundreds of pounds to help take local families out of hardship.

The public afternoons at Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors were part of the home’s ongoing annual involvement in the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

Admission charges, donations and proceeds from the sale of plants and craft items made by residents together raised more than £700.

Of this, £168 is for NGS charities with £534 going to STARF, the home’s main nominated community cause for this year.

Standing for ‘Stronger Together Across Ringwood and Fordingbridge’, STARF is a group of volunteers from the two towns who co-ordinate funding and support for families and individuals living with poverty, debt worries and mental health issues.

More than 70 visitors joined Brook View residents on the two open days, admiring the wide variety of

plants and flowers on show in the home’s gardens.

Brook View Companionship Team Leader Lauren Parrett said: “It was a joy to open our beautiful gardens to the public once again, all in aid of charity.

“Our gardeners have been working tirelessly throughout the year to produce a wonderful and peaceful space for our residents, relatives and community to enjoy.

“Residents were proud to show off projects they have been working on such as outdoor decorations, hedgehog homes and hanging lanterns made in arts and crafts sessions.

“These items were set up on our craft stall where we sold them to raise funds for our charity.”

Brook View resident Rosa Leicester said: “The weekend was wonderful, there was something for everyone.”

Hair Salon at St George’s Court Gets a Modern Make-Over

As part of the environment updates taking place at St Georges Court Care Home in Cambridge, the hair salon has been the most recent facility to receive a modern makeover!

The salon is a popular place where people are pampered with spa treatments, haircuts, makeovers and beauty treatments, so ensuring the space is warm, welcoming and inviting for all is important. The people at St George's Court enjoy looking after themselves and going to the salon for a fresh haircut or a new coat of paint on their nails, which in turn, has a positive effect on their wellbeing and self-confidence.

Ahead of the renovation, the salon was stripped of all the equipment and decoration to create a blank canvas.

Business Support Partner, Carly then began to bring her vision for the room to life, starting with a fresh coat of paint. With support from the main-

tenance team, new equipment was then installed which included a salon-style sink, hood dryers, new storage solutions, and comfortable seating.

The room was coming together with the additions of modern equipment and was almost ready to be opened! After some final finishing touches to add colour to the walls and windowsill, the salon refurbishment was complete!

All this activity in the salon attracted attention from the people living there, with one lady saying it looked just like a salon she used to visit in her younger years! This was wonderful feedback to receive, as Carly wanted to create an environment that replicated a professional salon, aiding reminiscence and providing a luxury facility that is available to people in their home.

Since the salon opened, the people who live at St George’s Court have enjoyed receiving their treatments in the new environment.

Sona raises £22m to help large Social Care organisations access AI-driven WFM We are excited to announce this new round of investment and how it will impact large Social Care organisations and their employees.

partners are looking to make their operations more efficient and reliable, improve staff satisfaction, and become financially sustainable organisations that can easily grow and support more people.

The fact that we can confidently say Sona is a solution that pays for itself - and then more! - is something we’re incredibly proud of because it provides organisations with a new revenue source they can re-invest into employee wellbeing and a better experience for the people they care for.

committed our Customer Success and Implementation

teams are to always going the extra mile, helping them

optimise and grow their business. We want to make sure

that as we grow ourselves, we only improve this

experience and provide even more comprehensive

support every step of the way. For that we’ll be on the lookout for the best talent available.

So, what does this mean for the Care sector?

1. A truly intelligent AI-driven solution

Together with my fellow co-founders, Oli Johnson and Ben Dixon, we’d like to thank Felicis who led the financing with participation from Northzone, Google’s AI-fund Gradient, SpeedInvest, Antler, BAG Ventures, and the numerous notable angels who participated in the round.

When we founded Sona in 2021, we wanted to solve the unique challenges of frontline work with technology that empowers every employee, on every level of a large organisation.

Two years later, Sona is doing just that for over 100,000 people. We are grateful to the many organisations who have chosen us to support them on their digital journey, including Community Integrated Care, iVolve, Affinity, Yorkshire Care, Greensleeves Care, Cartrefi Cymru, and Livability, helping them deliver almost 5 million seamless shifts. We’d also like to thank our partners who share in our vision for an integrated tech landscape for Care, including Nourish, Radar Healthcare, and Lottie.

We want to empower Social Care enterprises to forecast their staff needs based on what is best for the people they support with maximum accuracy and automatically tailor their operations accordingly. This will help organisations speed up their scheduling, gain real-time views of their shift runs, and encourage growth in a way that tech simply hasn’t in the last decade. Previously, the focus was mostly on digitising paper-based processes, but as many organisations are now starting a vendor-replacement cycle, we want to provide them with a real nextgeneration solution.

2. Automated HR processes Our HR solution is already closely linked to Scheduling and communicates seamlessly as solutions built to work together from day one should. The next step is to bring automation to the HR processes that currently take up the most time and are heavily prone to errors. Our goal is to make the data we feed into our Payroll engine as accurate as possible and remove the potential for mistakes to snowball, leading to drops in employee satisfaction, more admin time, and even legal risks down the line.

3. User-first technology

Sona co-founders Ben Dixon, Steffen Wulff Petersen and Oli Johnson

Some of the most talented and motivated people around have joined us to make this possible, and I’d like to give a particular shout-out to Hayley Horwood and Richard Upshall. Together, they have more than 25 years of experience in the Care sector and their insights have guided us every step of the way.

This deep involvement has taught us that the complexity associated with multi-location, 1000+ staff operations is coupled with the pressure and responsibility to provide the best care possible. Social Care demands a state-ofthe-art solution, built with the kind of technology that isn’t just the latest right now, but that is flexible enough to continue being state-of-the-art ten years from now and later into the future.

The financing is a big step on our journey to becoming the go-to WFM for large Social Care groups, but - more importantly - it is an investment in the sector as a whole.

Over the past year, we’ve seen demand for a nextgeneration solution like Sona increase fourfold. Our

One implementation challenge organisations have experienced with legacy software is low tech adoption rates from frontline staff. But what oftentimes is seen as fear of change, is actually a natural reaction to employee apps which were not designed to be accessible. The Sona mobile app - together with all our interfaces - is built with usability in mind and consumer-grade standards. We want to enrich this experience with even more features that make user life more efficient and increase satisfaction, particularly around self-service and onboarding new staff. We believe the first impression new employees get of their organisation and its processes is key to their retention.

4. High-quality research and contributions to Social Care in the UK The feedback we’ve received for our industry-leading reports, webinars, and other research activities has always been incredible and we’re only looking to add more. Social Care is first and foremost about the people and the community. We plan to continue reporting on the pulse of the sector, bring together leaders and visionaries to share their insights, and always spotlight the many opportunities Care offers. At the same time, we want to expand our existing charitable contributions and make sure that we’re always giving back to those on the frontline.

5. A trustworthy partnership for all our UK customers Our partners have consistently highlighted how

Overall, with Sona, I like to think of it as building the “self-

driving car” of running a Care business. The last 20 years

of workforce management were dominated by legacy

point solutions that digitised simple paper processes.

Sona is building the next generation of WFM with a truly

intelligent platform that enables organisational leaders in complex, multi-location enterprises to put the right

people, in the right place, at the right time; and to seamlessly manage their workforce end-to-end.

We believe we can deliver this because our exponential

growth has been driven by tangible factors: speed of

product delivery, high configurability, and sector expertise.

Unlike legacy platforms, Sona’s technology has been built

from the ground up for real-time data processing and

insights. Leveraging the Elixir programming language and

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PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

A Snapshot In Compassion: Carers Care workers in Yeovil were captured in their element, showcasing their dedication and compassion to the job as part of a portrait photography project.

Photographed while at work at Chestnut Lodge, run by care provider Camelot Care, the prints aim to shine a light on what are often seen as the unsung heroes of the social care system.

The project, the brainchild of filmmaker and photographer Daisy Moseley, seeks to acknowledge and salute the hard work and commitment of the country’s more than 10 million carers.

To capture the essence of caregiving, Daisy, 35, visited dementia specialist Camelot Care’s four homes in the region, photographing the lives of care workers at their workplace.

“I was inspired through helping my mother provide end of life care for my late grandmother and saw just how much work goes into it,” said Daisy.

“It made me realise how vital and demanding the role of a carer truly is. Caring for someone can be a beautiful thing, but it’s also physically and emotionally draining.

“I want to document the incredible work of these individuals and share their stories and raise awareness to a wider audience."

Daisy, who grew up in the West Country, believes the role of caregivers is undervalued in society.

"It feels like no one noticed the work they did until covid hit—some at the cost of their own lives—and their vital work behind the scenes.

“One minute we were all on our doorsteps clapping them, the next, it feels as though we forgot all about them again, as though nothing had ever happened.”

Daisy, who is a freelance art director for commercials and a set director, shot the photographs in both colour and in black and white.

“I spent quite a lot of time with each person, talking with them about their job, why they became a carer and what the work means to them.

“It was touching to see how much they care for the people they look after, the different relationships they have with the residents, and how it’s different for each one of them.

“The carers that I met were from all different walks of life – some who had been in the profession for 20 years, others who were just coming into the sector.

"Each one I met had a unique story about how they came to be there – some inspired by personal experiences, others wanting to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

"Carers are the unsung heroes of our society.

Through this project, I want to ensure their efforts are recognized and valued."

Daisy visited Camelot Care homes in Yeovil, Bridgwater, and Wellington.

She is hoping to get art funding to stage an exhibition of the photographs and create a book as a lasting tribute to carers and the work they do.

Paul Teasdale, director of Camelot Care, expressed his support for Daisy.

"We are delighted that Daisy is highlighting the crucial role of care workers. Her photographs beautifully capture the dedication and empathy our staff bring to their work every day."

"We are delighted that Daisy is highlighting the role of care workers. Her photographs beautifully capture the dedication and empathy our staff bring to their work every day," Chestnut Lodge is one of four specialist dementia care homes run by Camelot Care in Somerset and Devon.

Further details at www.camelotcare.co.uk For more information on Daisy Moseley's work visit www.daisymoseley.com

Elm Bank Care Home Resident Becomes ‘Resident Head Gardner’ Resident Brian, at Elm Bank care home in Kettering was very pleased to be announced as the homes ‘Resident Head Gardner.

Elm Bank care home always encourages its residents to enjoy meaningful life enriching activities that allow residents to be the best they can and enjoy life to the fullest. Resident Brian has always had a love of gardening prior to moving in to Elm Bank, and since his arrival his passion of gardening has blossomed. Brian has created a wonderful space for all to enjoy that he tends to everyday with enthusiasm.

Resident Brian said, “I have always loved gardening, I am more of a fruit and veg man, but since coming here to stay, I have had the opportunity to learn about flowers. I have been out to get myself books and have learnt so

much about new plants. I really enjoy the garden and I am really proud to have been given the title of ‘Resident Head Gardener.”

General Manager Marvellous at Elm Bank said: “Our garden is a much loved space, residents really enjoy watching the changes throughout the seasons. Brian really has transformed the space and really made it colourful with beautiful flowers for all to enjoy. We pride ourselves on providing meaningful life enriching experiences for all our residents” Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Life’s A Picnic At Melbourn Springs Melbourn Springs care home in Melbourn made the most of the warm weather with an impromptu Picnic Day in the grounds of the home.

Residents were invited to pull up a chair and enjoy a whole host of treats which were prepared courtesy of the team of chefs, whilst the care team, led by the General Manager, were busy making sure of all of the residents were treated to table service.

Plates were filled to the brim with fresh bread, a selection of cheese and pate and pork pies, for residents to enjoy al fresco. The fun didn’t stop there as some of the other delights on offer included refreshing juices and a variety of freshly baked cakes and pastries.

Maria Ulian, General Manager at the home, said: “The warm weather is a great excuse for us to get outside in the sunshine and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful gardens. It is lovely to be able to make the most of the summer sun.”

Margaret Beedham, a resident at the home said “I’ve always loved a picnic, it is so nice to be able to sit outside in the sunshine with my friends. The food was absolutely delicious, a lovely bit of pork pie, lots of different tasty cheeses and the cakes and pastries were amazing – it was a perfect day.”

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

Football Comes Home For Hilton Park Resident Football came home for a resident at Hilton Park Care Home in Bottisham when his wish to watch the team that he used to manage came true.

Steve O’Donohue has been a resident at Hilton Park Care Home for the past 18 months but in his younger days was well known locally for his involvement in the non-league football scene, most notably as the Manager of Mildenhall Town Football Club.

After expressing a wish to watch a live game of football, the activ-

City, another of the clubs that Steve has an association with.

Officials from both clubs took time to meet with Steve and he was re-introduced to several of his old acquaintances who were delighted to see him and Karen and took the time to reminisce about their experiences on and off the pitch together.

Geanina Tinca, General Manager of Hilton Park Care Home, said: “Stephen’s love for football goes back many years so it was amaz-

ities team at Hilton Park made contact with representatives from

ing for us to be able to grant his wish to go to watch one of the

Mildenhall Town and were delighted when they received an invite

teams that he used to manage. When he came back to the home

for Steve, and his wife Karen, to watch the August Bank Holiday

afterwards, he had the biggest smile on his face and was so happy

Monday derby match between Mildenhall Town and Cambridge

that so many people had remembered him.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 25

More Staffing And Patient Care Cuts Likely Unless Government Addresses Growing NHS Deficit The government must use its autumn budget to tackle the NHS’ mounting financial crisis or risk health leaders having to make further service and staffing cuts and there not being enough capacity in place to manage winter pressures.

The NHS Confederation is urging Chancellor to use her first budget on 30 October to plug the health service’s £2.2 billion deficit – a funding gap that is likely to widen when the extra unplanned costs of GP collective action (estimated to be £570m) and higher than planned pay rises are factored in.

This deficit comes while the health service continues to face record demand against a revenue settlement that was almost flat in real terms, meaning leaders are having to make tough choices about what services and staff they can afford.

NHS leaders need to see a chunk of any new funding provided immediately so that health systems can prepare for what will be another very difficult winter. This should include investment to boost staff and capacity in social care to support urgent and emergency care services.

In a new survey, nearly nine in 10 local health system leaders (87%) told the NHS Confederation they will not be able to meet their ambitions within their current budgets. Thirty-one out of England’s 42 integrated health systems have a deficit plan for the year.

Without additional funding NHS leaders fear they will face yet more impossible choices between balancing their books and cutting services and staffing posts, while not being able to secure the extra capacity they need to respond to patient demand this winter.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, warned that this winter will be a crucial first test for the government to make sure the NHS does not become overwhelmed.

He said: “We have welcomed the new government’s focus on improving health and care services and believe it shares the same long-term goals as NHS Leaders. We understand the very difficult economic circumstances they have inherited and the perilous state of the public finances.

“But as winter looms and the NHS reports a growing financial black hole, the Chancellor needs to take urgent action ahead of the autumn budget to ensure NHS leaders are not forced into a position of having to cut more staff and patient care to balance their books.

“We’re already looking at a £2.2bn deficit for the year but that was before the extra costs of GP collective action, the likely cost of settling the pay dispute with junior doctors and the extra costs of the latest pay awards for nurses and other agenda for change staff. The vast majority of these costs were either not planned or cost much more than was budgeted for at the start of the year.

“With a revenue settlement for this year that was almost flat in real terms we have no doubt that had the Conservative Government been re-elected they would have had to inject more money ahead of winter, as they had to on several other occasions.

“Winter will be the first big test for the new government’s management of the health service. Far better for the government to get ahead of what’s inevitable by giving the NHS the funding certainty it needs going into winter so that posts can be saved and extra capacity be lined up. In the past, we have seen governments come to this conclusion and provide extra funding but too late in the year for it to have an impact.

The new government must avoid that this year.

“As the NAO and others have said, the reality is that the NHS needs a financial reset ahead of the government’s new 10-year NHS strategy that will be published next spring. If the immediate funding crisis isn’t addressed, then we risk not only presiding over another damaging winter but also harming efforts to cut record waiting lists and making other long-term improvements such as shifting more care into the community.”

NHS leaders are also looking to next year’s Spending Review to place the NHS on a more sustainable footing, with Mr Taylor adding: “The government must move away from flat revenue growth for the NHS and give it the long-term financial security it needs to properly plan for winter each year without relying on last minute pots of cash. This is on top of the capital funding needed to repair crumbling estates, replace out of date equipment and invest in the latest digital technologies.

“But in the meantime, there is no doubt that the health and care sectors will need some kind of cash injection to get through the winter. Some of this must be used to support the smooth flow of patients from ambulances at the front door of the NHS right through to their discharge back home or into social care.”

A Sunlit Stroll with Memories in Bloom Residents from Hilton Park Care Home in Bottisham, enjoyed a delightful day out, reminiscing about their past. Keith and Joy Gipp both share a deep connection with the land. Joy once ran her own flower shop specialising in dried flowers, while Keith has been farming all his life.

The couple had a wonderful time at Rougham Sunflower and Pumpkin Farm

joyed by the experience, and Keith, of course, picked the perfect sunflower for his beloved wife, Joy. Geanina Tinca, General Manager of Hilton Park Care Home, said: “It was so heartwarming to see our lovely couple truly enjoy their day out at the sunflower farm. Trips out in the home’s minibus are a regular event for the residents, and

in Bury St Edmunds, strolling in the sunshine, breathing in the fresh air, and shar-

we always ask for suggestions on where they would most like to go. The day

ing the story of how they met. Keith couldn’t stop laughing as they recalled the

was truly memorable, reminiscing about how their love story began, and we

early days of their love, which remains as strong as ever. They were both over-

were fortunate to have great weather for the outing.

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PAGE 26 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

OSJCT Employees Honoured with Medals of Merit Presentation The Order of Malta awarded Bronze Medals of Merit to 24 employees and volunteer from The Order of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) in a special ceremony this summer, in recognition of their exemplary service to social care. This prestigious accolade highlights the dedication and exceptional support these individuals have provided to the Trust and its residents.

The following employees and volunteer received their Bronze Medals of Merit from H.E. The Grand Prior of England Fra’ Max Rumney and H.E. The President of the British Association, Lady Celestria Hales at a mass and investiture held on St John’s Day at The Brompton Oratory in London: June Brammer, Volunteer, Boultham Park Matthew Brett, IT Applications Support Lead Maggie Coleman, Area Operations Manager Vilma Collaku, Home Manager at Isis House Lynne Donaldson, Deputy Home Manager at Monkscroft Care Centre Sally House, Night Care Leader at Seymour House Jo Johnson, Home Manager at Boultham Park Natalie Leigh, Domiciliary Care Manager at Moorside Place & Orchard Meadows

Samantha Lewis, Learning and Development Advisor Mugove Tobias Matonhodze, Home Manager at The Meadows Andrew Palmer, Finance Systems Support Officer

Ivana Pavlova, Area Operations Manager Paula Sayer, Senior Learning and Development Advisor Emma Thompson, Regional Secretary Rachel Wasmuth, Payroll Manager.

Employees who were unable to attend the ceremony in person but were also awarded Bronze Medals of Merit included: Brenda Broadberry, Care Leader at Foxby Court Debbie Chapman, Carer at Whitefriars Rebecca Deacon, Head of Care at Athelstan House Sian Dewhurst, Volunteering Development Manager Julie Klukowski, Senior Support Worker at Hayward Care Centre Violeta Kostova, Nurse at Paternoster Paula Robinson, Head Housekeeper at Hartsholme House Carol Smith, Volunteer, Paternoster House Jacqueline Litwin, Learning and Development Advisor was awarded a Silver Medal of Merit.

The Order of Malta is one of OSJCT’s sponsoring orders and has been dedicated to caring for those in need since the Middle Ages. To this today, the Order of Malta delivers medical, social and humanitarian projects in most countries around the world.

Fern the Sausage Dog Steals The Show At The Oaks Care Home’s Summer Fete

On Friday the 16th August, The Oaks Care Home hosted its annual summer fete, bringing smiles to the local community on Newtown.

Residents, families, and visitors from the local area were invited to enjoy a day filled with entertainment and fun activities. The day was a huge success, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone who attended.

Fern the sausage dog, along with her friends from Animal

Encounters, stole the show and the hearts of the residents, when she made a special trip into The Oaks Care Home, for any residents who weren’t able to come outside to join in with the fete. The Oaks recognise how much joy their residents get from pet visitors and made sure that everyone who is able to meet Fern and her friends, gets the opportunity to do so on the day.

Highlights on the day included entertainment from DJ Tony, Animal Encounters introduced residents and guests to a variety of animals, face painting and fancy dress, plenty of games, and the cake and sweet stand went down a storm, selling out before the end of the day!

Visitors from a local children’s summer club came together to share in the festivities. The event was not only a celebration of summer but also a testament to the strong sense of community The Oaks Care Home enjoys.

“We’re so proud of the success of our Summer Fete,” said Jen Roberts, Home. “Our goal was to create a joyful day that our residents and visitors could share with their loved ones. Watching everyone have such a wonderful time, from engaging with the animals to enjoying the entertainment, was a truly special experience.”

Empowering Carers Through Technology The job of a care worker, though immensely rewarding, is not without its challenges. A growing demand for social care has seen carers placed under greater strain, with a mounting workload and limited resources.

Increasingly, carers are also exposed to abusive and even violent behaviour from service users and their relatives. Be it deliberate or, as often the case, unintentional. Such aggression can leave a profound mark on diligent and dedicated care staff.

The solution to many a modern-day problem is often tech and so too is this the case when dealing with today’s care landscape.

STAFF ALARM SYSTEMS Tech has proven to be a friend to the care worker, automating administrative tasks, enhancing reporting and, in the case of staff alarm systems, protecting them from potential harm.

What was originally a bell to alert colleagues to the need for assistance has become far more sophisticated. The modern safety alarm is discreet, can be easily attached – if not part of – the wearer’s uniform.

It is supremely efficient and designed with the accuracy to pinpoint the exact location of an active call in a ward of over 80 rooms.

With the press of a button, carers have immediate access to a team of responders able to assist, provide cover, and - where needed - intervene to de-escalate high-risk situations. This access instils confidence

in staff: confidence that the highest quality of care can be delivered, and confidence in their safety in the workplace.

For overwhelmed care workers, the ability to summon help with the press of a button is incredibly empowering. Be it calling lunchtime cover on a 1-to-1 patient, or requesting urgent assistance with an abusive resident, the alarm offers staff a greater deal of control, assurance and resources while at work.

HOW DOES IT WORK? In Pinpoint’s case, an integrated staff safety system ensures full site security. When activated, a personal staff alarm emits infrared signals to receiver units installed throughout the building. These, in turn, send vital information to display units and devices, such as pagers, and desktops, detailing the exact location and type of call – assistance or emergency.

Within 85 milliseconds of triggering an alarm, colleagues are informed that an incident is taking place and, crucially, exactly where it is in the building.

The application of infrared technology to provide precise, reliable and efficient data is critical here. Rather than rely on WIFI-dependant systems - which are prone to interference and inconsistency – Pinpoint’s infrared systems deliver an accurate, consistent service that care workers can trust. And, for a growing care home population, such

precision and dependability have never been more important.

SUPPORTING THE WORKFORCE The presence of high-performance alarm systems in care home settings has proven invaluable to workers.

With increasing demands being placed on care workers due to a growing care home population and staff shortages, the ability to quickly summon additional assistance is crucial to their sense of wellbeing and security.

For staff in St Brigid’s Hospital in Galway, the installation of Pinpoint’s staff alarm system provided reassurance that help was only a buttonpress away. Maria Donnellan, a Clinical Nurse Manager on the ward, said “If a resident becomes abusive toward a member of the team, or if a patient is choking, staff can quickly call for support and know it will soon be on its way.” As a result, staff report higher levels of job satisfaction and reduced stress caused by the threat of violence.

As the care home environment evolves, so too have alarm systems.

Far from the traditional bell caller of old, the modern alarm is a wireless integrated system that ensures a precise and efficient response.

A testament to innovation, the contemporary staff alarm system is a tool to empower care staff in what can be a challenging setting. By enabling immediate response to emergencies, promoting a safe environment, enhancing communication, building confidence, encouraging accountability, facilitating regulatory compliance, and providing peace of mind, staff alarm systems are essential for modern care environments. pinpoint.ltd.uk

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

Those Suffering With Dementia And The Frail Report Worse Hospital Experiences People who are frail or who live with dementia, Alzheimer’s or a condition affecting their mobility all report poorer than average experiences in hospital, according to a newly published CQC report.

Responses to the 2023 survey show that people admitted for emergency care, those who were considered frail, and those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s or a condition affecting their mobility all reported poorer than average experiences for most questions analysed.

In contrast, older people, people who were in hospital for an elective admission, and those who stayed in hospital for only one night were generally more positive about their care.

The results of the latest annual survey of hospital inpatients) show patient satisfaction levels are largely unchanged since 2022 but remain signifzcantly worse than pre-pandemic.

They also highlight continued frustration with waiting times and an increase in the number who felt their health worsened while waiting to be admitted for elective care.

The 2023 adult inpatient survey captures the views and experience of more than 63,500 people who stayed in one of 131 acute and specialist NHS trusts in England for at least one night during November last year. It has been carried out annually since 2002 and is the longest running survey in CQC’s NHS Patient Survey Programme (NPSP).

The survey asked people to give their opinions on the care they received, including quality of information and communication with staff, whether they were given enough privacy, the amount of support given to help them eat and drink, and on their discharge arrangements.

Results covering waiting times have continued to decline. Forty-two per cent of respondents who were in hospital for elective care in 2023 said they would have like to have been admitted sooner (compared to 39% who said this in 2022).

Additionally, 43% said their health deteriorated while waiting to be admitted (up from 41% in 2022). Of those who reported a decline in their condition, a quarter (25%) said it got ‘a bit worse’ and just under a fifth (18%) said it got ‘much worse’.

Seventy per cent of respondents reported ‘always’ getting help to wash or keep themselves clean (unchanged from 2022, but still down from 75% in 2020). And the proportion of people who needed help from staff to eat their meals that said they ‘always’ got that help fell slightly from 65% in 2022 to 64% in 2023 – and remains significantly lower than in 2020 when it was 69%.

People’s experience of being discharged from hospital also remained poor. Only 33% of respondents said they were involved ‘a great deal’ in decisions about their discharge – a notable drop from the 37% who said this in 2022. Less than half (44%) said they ‘definitely’ knew what would happen next in their care after leav-

ing hospital (down from 45% in 2022) and fewer people said that staff discussed the need for further support from health and social care services with them before they were discharged (77% in 2023 compared to 79% in 2022 and 81% in 2020).

However, the majority of respondents were still positive about their interactions with doctors and nurses – as has been the case in previous years. Most people surveyed (75%) said they ‘always’ felt included by doctors in conversations about their care (up from 74% in 2022) and over four fifths (82%) felt they were ‘always’ treated with dignity and respect by hospital staff (unchanged from 2022).

More than three-quarters of respondents (78%) said that they were given the right amount of information about their care and treatment and a large majority (90%) felt they were able to talk to hospital staff about their worries and fears (59% ‘always’ and 31% ‘sometimes’).

Furthermore, satisfaction with staffing levels showed some slight improvement in 2023.

Fifty-six per cent felt there were ‘always’ enough nurses on duty to care for them in hospital – an increase on the 52% who said this in 2022, although still lower than in 2020 (62%). And 63% of respondents said that they were ‘always’ able to get a member of staff to help when they needed attention, an increase from 2022 (62%), although remaining 3 percentage points lower than 2020.

Despite the limited change in a number of question areas, when asked to rate their overall inpatient experience, just over half (51%) gave a score of nine or higher out of ten – compared to 50% in 2022.

Nicola Wise, CQC’s Director of Secondary and Specialist Healthcare, said: “It’s disappointing that we haven’t seen more improvement in patient experience since the last time the survey was carried out.

Overall, satisfaction rates remain far lower than they were pre-Covid with delays in accessing care and poorly coordinated discharge from hospital both clear factors impacting on the quality of people’s hospital stay.”

“It’s also concerning that we’ve seen an increase in the number of people who feel their health deteriorated while they waited for elective care – further evidence that the current imbalance between patient demand and treatment capacity is putting people at risk.

What is encouraging is that the majority of people surveyed continue to report positively about their interactions with staff – we know that staff and leaders are doing all they can to minimise delays, manage the flow of patients from admission through to discharge and provide compassionate person-centred care.”

“But as pressures persist, ensuring the best possible experience throughout the entirety of the patient journey is a task that needs input from all parts of the health and care system.

It also needs to be supported by continued efforts to address staff shortages, improve retention of our highly skilled workforce and ensure recognition of the commitment and dedication from frontline staff.”

Calm Outdoor Space for Locals Living with Dementia Staff and residents at a Taunton dementia care home who have been busy creating a tranquil and productive garden are now offering to share it with other local people living with or caring for someone with dementia at a free new dementia café they have set up.

Abbie Foster, manager of The Rectory care home on Trinity Road, said: “Gardening is a wonderful activity to do with people living with dementia.

“Being outside in nature is calming, with lots of sensory rewards from the feel and smell of the plants and soil on your hands and it’s so lovely seeing our residents engaged in planting, weeding, deadheading, watering or just having a cuppa and watching other people at work.

“Our garden is looking so beautiful that we want to share it and – weather permitting - have started using it as a setting for our recently-established dementia café.”

The café, which is free to attend and aimed at anyone living with or caring for someone with dementia, will be running from 10.30am -12.30pm every Wednesday until 25 September.

Visitors are offered a supportive and friendly environment where they can relax, make new friends and – if they so wish – have a chat with Abbie, her colleagues and each other about the support available and strategies that can make it easier to live with the challenges of dementia.

Any local people either living with dementia or affected by its impact on a loved one are welcome to

drop by for coffee, tea or a soft drink, a slice of cake and a ‘listening ear’.

Abbie Foster said: “As well as the memory café, people can also find out more about how to plan a dementia-friendly day at The Rectory’s summer fete on Saturday 31 August.

“This will run from 11am to 3pm and is always an event with lots of fun activities - a lovely opportunity to engage with the local community.”

The Rectory is a specialised dementia care home with capacity for up to 25 residents, located near Taunton town centre, where gardening forms part of a varied activities programme available to residents.

It is one of three homes run by White Care Group, the other two being St Benedict’s in Glastonbury and St Cecilia in Shepton Mallet.

Staff and residents at The Rectory have been growing vegetables and flowers in raised beds and have already harvested strawberries, various herbs, summer carrots, lettuce and plums.

Gardening is recommended by Alzheimer’s Society as an activity that can increase the wellbeing of a person with dementia by giving them a sense of accomplishment and connection with others, stimulating their senses and memories, delivering benefits from physical activity and that being in nature has a calming effect and can induce feelings of positivity.

Beaufort Grange's Summer Bash Brings The Local Community Together Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at to enjoy a Summer Bash that was held in the home’s grounds on 24/08/24.

Beaufort Grange hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a BBQ, tombola stall, live enternainment provided by Mini Concerts, a police and firefighter visit. which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event.

Staff at Beaufort Grange made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of refreshments, such as, juice, mint and lemon infused ice water, BQ chicken burgers, hot dogs, homemade biscuits and cakes, prepared by the catering team, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all – it really was a team effort!

Resident, Julia, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surrounded by lots of great people, and the refreshments kept flowing. Most of the fun had to be moved indoors due to the weather but by the afternoon it was sunny so we all enjoyed a go with the firemans hose. Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together.”

Raji, General Manager at the home, said: “Staff at Beaufort Grangeare dedicated to making sure that the home is a hub of the local community, and this event, along with all their hard work, has definitely paid off. It was a resounding success!”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 29

Orchard Care Homes’ CEO Hayden Knight Takes Key Policy Board Role At Care England Orchard Care Homes has announced this week that its Chief Executive Officer Hayden Knight has been appointed to the Policy Board of Care England.

Orchard Care Homes operates 23 care homes across the North of England and Midlands.

Orchard’s Dementia Promise aims to remove the stigma surrounding dementia and encourage positive care approaches, with the goal of achieving true equity and respect for people living with dementia.

Under Hayden’s leadership, the group are working to eradicate formulaic “care home life” and make the experience of living in their homes as close to normal life as possible.

Hayden will be working with the Policy Board to identifying the major issues for the social care sector and developing the key strategic priorities for Care England.

He said: “I am delighted to be entrusted with this role for Care England. It is vital for our people to be well represented and their interests taken into consideration as our sector undergoes rapid change now and into the future.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, added: “Hayden will be a valuable addition to Care England’s Policy Board because he brings a wealth of experience and a track record of innovation in the social care sector.”

Avocet Court Is A Finalist In Three Categories At Suffolk Care Awards 2024 Avocet Court, one of the Athena family of care homes, has been shortlisted as a finalist in three prestigious categories at the Suffolk Care Awards 2024.

The Suffolk Care Awards, hosted by Care Development East, is a highly anticipated annual event that celebrates the exceptional work of social care providers across Suffolk. Now in its seventh year, the awards continue to shine a spotlight on the teams who deliver the highest standards of care daily.

Avocet Court has been named a finalist in the following categories:

1. END OF LIFE CARE This category is a testament to Avocet Court’s compassionate and holistic approach to end-of-life care. The team at Avocet Court has gone above and beyond in providing exceptional support not only to their residents but also to the residents’ families and the dedicated team who care for them. This recognition reflects the deep empathy and commitment shown by the team in making the final stages of life as comfortable and dignified as possible for all involved.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION In a category newly introduced this year, Avocet Court has been shortlisted for its innovative efforts in addressing environmental challenges within the care setting. The team’s

proactive approach to reducing pollution, conserving resources, and mitigating environmental impacts is helping to set a new standard for sustainability in the care sector. This nomination highlights Avocet Court’s leadership in integrating environmental responsibility into their daily operations, ensuring a healthier future for both the residents and the planet.

3. HEALTH & WELLBEING Avocet Court’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of both its residents and staff has earned it a finalist position in this category. The nomination acknowledges the home’s dedication to creating a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes the physical and mental health of everyone within the care home. From tailored wellness programmes for residents to initiatives that support the wellbeing of the team, Avocet Court continues to demonstrate that caring for those who care for others is just as important as the care provided to residents.

A spokesperson said: “The team at Avocet Court and the Athena Care Homes family are honoured by this recognition and look forward to the awards ceremony which takes place on September 26th. Here’s to celebrating the outstanding achievements of Avocet Court and all the finalists at the Suffolk Care Awards 2024.”

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PAGE 30 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

Community Integrated Care Shortlisted In Annual Charity Times Awards Community Integrated Care, one of the UK’s largest social care charities, has been shortlisted for a prestigious accolade at the 25th annual, Charity Times Awards.

The charity has been shortlisted for The Charity Times’ Digital Transformation of the Year Award which recognises charities that are able to evidence they have undergone an overhaul of their digital operations, to create greater efficiencies across the organisation.

In 2022, Community Integrated Care launched a bold new organisational strategy–Best Lives Possible–which underpins every project and initiative undertaken by the charity.

The aim of the strategy is in its name; to ensure the people the charity supports and the people who support them can live happy, full lives. From creating smart on-call systems that enable greater work-life balance for colleagues, to promoting digital inclusion and accessibility for the people they support–Community Integrated Care is committed to

embracing digital transformation in creative and strategic ways that improves both the charity’s processes and more importantly, transform people’s lives.

Chief Operating Officer, Karen Sheridan, commented: “We’re proud to be amongst the finalists for the Digital Transformation of the Year accolade.

To be recognised for our charity’s work in Technology Enabled Care, implementing digital solutions to improve the work lives of our colleagues, and our efforts to promote digital inclusion amongst the people we support, through our partnership work with technology experts, Okta is a great achievement.

“None of this would be possible without the dedication of our 6,000 colleagues and we are extremely proud of all they have achieved, in order to provide better care for the people we support. We are shortlisted alongside some amazing charities, and we wish everyone the best of luck.”

Local Care Home Gives Back To Vital Charities After Summer Fundraiser A Doonfoot care home has donated over £1,000 to two local charities to thank them for their work and support over the year.

Residents at Meallmore Group’s Greenan Manor Care Home chose to split the proceeds raised at their annual Summer Fete between Canine Concern Scotland Trust and Dementia Arts Trust. Both charities provide much-loved services to the residents at Greenan Manor.

Pet therapy charity, Canine Concern Scotland Trust are regular visitors to the home, bringing special furry friends every other day to support residents and bring joy, while dementia arts charity, Dementia Arts Trust was chosen due to the fantastic work that they do in the local community.

Canine Concern Scotland Trust manages the Therapet® visiting service where volunteers and their approved Therapets® which are either a dog or a cat, regularly visit care homes, as well as special needs schools, hospitals, and day centres, where the pets provide four-legged therapy and companionship to animal lovers who are unable to care for a pet full-time.

Ayrshire-based Dementia Arts Trust is the leading art-based Dementia charity, which delivers life enhancing art lessons to people living with dementia. Scientific studies show that art activities have signif-

icant impact on wellbeing and sense of identity, with the classes reducing isolation, increasing confidence and allowing individuals living with dementia to connect with others.

A fantastic £1,100 was raised by Greenan Manor through traditional summer fete activities, including a raffle, bottle roulette, face-painting and home baking stalls, as well as craft stalls selling crafts handmade by residents.

Entertainment on the day was provided by Ayrshire Ukulele Clan, who kindly donated their fee to the fund.

Greenan Manor care home manager, Elaine Hughes, said: “Opening Greenan Manor to the local community for events such as the Summer Fete provides us with an opportunity to nurture relationships with others in the area and raise funds for meaningful organisations.

“The services provided by Canine Concern Scotland Trust and Dementia Arts Trust are vital to many families in Scotland, but we chose them because both are particularly special to many of our residents. Both charities bring a lot of happiness to Greenan Manor throughout the year, and we’re delighted to be able to give something back to them. We had a wonderful day and would like to thank everyone who helped and supported with the event.”

Resident At Coventry Home Celebrates 65th Wedding Anniversary There was plenty to celebrate at a Coventry home following the 65th wedding anniversary of one of their residents.

Jill Watkins lives at MHA Abbey Park and celebrated her 65th wedding anniversary at the home with her husband Derek.

The couple met on the 1sts of January 1954, when they were both 17 at a youth club at the Methodist Central Hall in Coventry.

They dated for a few years before marrying on the 15th of August 1958 and have one son Nick, who was born in 1968.

Derek comes to visit Jill at the home every day and on the day of the anniversary bought a bouquet and card.

Speaking after the visit Derek said: We met at a youth club run by the Methodist Central Hall in Coventry.

To begin with we dated just a couple of times a week, but this soon became nearly every night as we both realised that something special was happening. “ It wasn’t long before I realised that Jill was the girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

“In short I’d fallen head over heels in love with her. We grew closer together over the next four years and in 1958, when we were both 21, I asked Jill to marry me and to my joy she said ‘yes’.

“We were married a year later on 15 August 1959 at the Methodist Central Hall.

“On 2 July 1968 our son Nick was born, and our happiness was complete and over the years we had many good holidays both in this country and abroad.

“About six years ago I started to notice changes in Jill’s behaviour and personality.

“Between April and August 2022 she was in and out of hospital four times following various falls and seizures.

“I realised then that I could no longer cope with caring for Jill at home – after all we were both 85 years old by then.

“Jill was referred to Abbey Park and moved in on 6 September 2022.

“It took her a while to settle in but soon she became happy there and I know she’s safe and being extremely well cared for, which is a weight off my mind.

“I’m always made welcome and the carers, nurses and other staff members have become my friends. Jill likes to get involved as much as she can in the wide range of activities organised every week and particularly likes music therapy.

“It makes me feel as though I’m giving a small something back in thanks for the truly loving care that Jill receives at Abbey Park; I feel that in some small way I’m involved.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 31

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES MOWOOT II for Constipation Free Life MOWOOT II – proven solution to chronic constipation without medication Developed by a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals, MOWOOT II performs gentle abdominal massage to speed up intestinal passage in people experiencing chronic constipation.

Clinically proven, safe and effective, relaxing and sideeffects free, MOWOOT II Abdominal Massage Therapy System combats constipation and provides soothing relief to affected people.

Easy to use and comfortable, the MOWOOT II treats and manages constipation in people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis sufferers, Parkinson’s Disease patients and people with constipation related to prescription medication. MOWOOT II also helps to relieve idiopathic constipation experienced by menopausal and post-menopausal women

and older and elderly people.

In clinical studies MOWOOT II increased evacuation frequency, softened stools, improved regularity, reduced gasses, relieved bloating and eased off abdominal discomfort.

10 to 20 minutes daily of relaxing abdominal massage with MOWOOT II rapidly reduces symptoms of constipation. Evident results are experienced only a few days after the first treatment. Regular abdominal massage with MOOWOOT II ensures lasting health benefits and better quality of life.

MOWOOT II – effective solution to chronic constipation for better quality of life!

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Dementia Activity App Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary A museum-led dementia awareness programme, House of Memories, is marking 10 years since its memory activity app launched at the House of Commons.

The free My House of Memories app, co-created with people living with dementia, was launched two years after the creation of the wider House of Memories programme, which is led by National Museums Liverpool. The aim of the app is to develop connections and conversations between people living with dementia and their families and carers, through digital collections of objects. Together, people can explore pictures of museum objects and everyday items – which range from a Singer sewing machine to a 10 shilling note – and discover things which resonate with them. Images are brought to life with sound, music and descriptions, which can help to spark memories of days gone by. Users can also save favourite objects to a digital memory tree, digital memory box or timeline, and add their own photographs to the ‘My Memories’ feature on the app.

Over the last decade, objects on the app have been interacted with more than a million times.

In order to support professional carers working

with people living with dementia, as well as families and friends, House of Memories also provides online and in-person training where you can learn how to use the My House of Memories app and hear about other dementia activities and resources. The in-person training takes place in Liverpool every month, while online training – made up of 31 expert videos across four modules – can be completed at any time.

The House of Memories team also offer bespoke dementia awareness and app training to organisations which work with or support people living with dementia, from the likes of residential and nursing homes to housing associations and groups offering support services.

The My House of Memories app is available to download for free on iOS devices via the App Store and on Google Play for Android devices.

Information about in-person, online and bespoke training is available on the House of Memories website.

Find out more about the House of Memories programme on their website at www.liverpool museums.org.uk/house-of-memories

Serve in Style with Euroservice Trolleys

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

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

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

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

Or see the advert on page 9.

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

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

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

Our popular and vibrant range of Soft Knit covers in a choice of 5 colours, provide a softer alternative,

ideal for the colder seasons and are designed to fit snug over our waterproof rolls for maximum protection and comfort.

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

10% OFF our entire catalogue for The Carer readers. Use code CARER24 for any purchases ordered online using our order form, by email or phone until end of August 2024. See the advert on page 6. *excludes carriage.

Penile Retraction and Incontinence: As you get older, your penis and testicles may get slightly smaller. One reason is the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries reducing blood flow to your penis. This can cause withering of the tissue cells in the spongy tubes of erectile tissue inside your penis making it awkward to stand at urinal to urinate – but having incontinence on top of this can make matters very difficult to manage.

If you suffer from Penile Retraction and Incontinence – Men’s Liberty has you covered: Men’s Liberty is the discreet, dignified, dependable alternative for urinary incontinence that you have been looking for. It is made of a gentle, skinfriendly material called hydrocolloid, a proprietary adhesive that softly stretches and moves with a man as he changes position. Unlike diapers that

can cause diaper rash, yeast infections, and dermatitis, Men’s Liberty attaches to the tip of a man’s anatomy, directing urine to a discreet collection pouch. It’s comfortable, unnoticeable to others, and -best of all secure.

Male External Catheter Designed for everyday • use.

• Directs urine away from the skin.

• A completely external urine collection system.

• One size fits most anatomy.

One Men’s Liberty keeps you dry and comfortable for up to 24 hours. Available on NHS GP Prescription, we can post you samples to try out – just call us on 01923237795 or email info@mypelvichealth.co.uk or visit MyPelvicHealth.co.uk for more information.

See the advert on page 7 for further information.

New Ways to Avoid a “Long Lie” New developments at leading mobility equipment innovator AAT GB are supporting Occupational Therapists in their fulfilment of RCOT guidance on falls.

Data(1) reveals that of the 2.6million falls in the home each year by people over the age of 65, only 4%- 140,000- result in a trip to hospital. If people do not have the ability to pick themselves up, they face the prospect of a “long lie” whilst they wait for either a care giver or emergency services to pick them up.

That can be more dangerous than the fall itself, experts say(2), physically and/or psychologically.

AAT is rising to the challenge by expanding its range of easy-to-use, compact fall recovery options.

Prescription of the aids has multiple benefits for elderly clients: - It eliminates the risk of a ‘long lie’ - It avoids adding pressure to already stretched ambulance crews - It removes the psychological worry for the client - It represents positive risk It further supports their care-givers, reducing effort and strain in the in physically helping the client back to sitting or standing.

Observes AAT Director Peter Wingrave: “RCOT falls guidance states ‘contingency planning for the management of future falls that may occur

should be explored. This may include advice and practice, where appropriate, on [] how to avoid the consequences of a ‘long lie’lying on the floor after a fall for a period of 60 minutes or more.’

“The simple step of prescribing aids that empower the client to pick themselves up, that is easy for them to use, that can be re-allocated to someone else when they no longer need it, is surely a reasonable and practical consideration in any falls management strategy?”

AAT’s fall recovery aids are all compact, fold-away solutions that are tried, tested and proven in domestic and healthcare environments.

Battery-powered, the equipment is fully portable. AAT’s fall recovery equipment can safely restore anyone up to 150kg (23st) from being prone on the floor. With their integral seat, they give the client confidence and the time to rebalance.

Details of AAT’s range of lifting devices can be found here: https://www.aatgb.com/lifting-devices/. AAT offers a free, no obligation assessment service to support OTs, and provides training of the recipient on the equipment’s correct usage as part of the service.

References: (1) https://taking.care/blogs/resources-advice/elderly-falls-and-healthcare-report (2) https://www.carehomeprofessional.com/guest-column-why-a-long-lie-can-have-disastrous-consequences-for-older-people/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 33

CLEANING AND HYGIENE

The Power of Dry Steam Cleaning Dry Steam cleaning fights the battle against bacteria and viruses on three fronts with thermal and chemical disinfection and decontamination by mechanical action of surface penetration and extraction to eliminate contaminants. The innovative design and cutting-edge dry steam technology can help tackle the risks of transmissions both inside healthcare settings and outside, where you need to offer the safest and cleanest environments.

Dry Steam penetrates common surfaces that are porous – like unvarnished wood — and/or have non-smooth, textured and rough surfaces that harbour and hide biofilm and soil. Where manual cleaning isn’t possible, the Dry Steam Vapour reaches those areas and delivers a hygienic environment, and peace of mind that it’s free from risks of infection.

Scientific studies by OSPREYDDEEPCLEAN, TNO and UCLH -

University College London Hospital-, focusing on the efficacy and removal of all biofilms and microbiological decontamination, demonstrated that Dry Steam Vapour performed equal to or better than other disinfection practices. While the use of water and an approved detergent provides an environmentally friendly and effective alternative to more toxic disinfectants.

Dry Steam is also ideally suited to be combined with Microfibre cleaning regimes and SteamMops are available as optional accessories.

Further Laboratory evaluations using OspreyDeepclean steam cleaning/sanitising machines establish the destruction of hospital infection strains - including the antibiotic resistant superbugs MRSA and VRE - in less than 2 seconds.

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

As a result, a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market, including antimicrobial technology. Angloplas’ range of dispensers are produced in the

world’s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas.

This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product, reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99.99%.

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

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

Many hospitals and healthcare facilities also regularly use OspreyDeepclean machines to sanitise beds, wheelchairs, lifting apparatus and other types of equipment used by patients and staff alike.

Contact: sales@ospreydc.com; www.ospreydc.com

PAGE 34 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

CATERING FOR CARE The First Menu Planning and Food Service Guideline for Care Homes for Older Adults Launches A new set of menu planning and food service guidelines for care homes catering to older people has been launched.

The Food Services Specialist Group and Older People Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) have worked in collaboration to launch these guidelines under the title Care Home Digest.

The Care Home Digest is the first of its kind, providing menu planning and food service guidelines to support care homes, to provide high quality food and drink services for residents.

No such resource currently exists in England and this document should complement existing dietetic guidelines available in the other nations of the UK. The overall food and dining experience can have a huge impact on quality of life for residents and is often one of the highlights of the daily routine. Undernutrition, dehydration and other nutrition related health concerns, which often impact those living in care or residential homes, mean that providing appropriate and appetising meals that meet nutritional requirements can be more challenging.

With many care homes unable to access a food service dietitian service, the Care Home Digest allows homes to access the information to support them to plan nutritionally balanced and appropriate menus to meet both the nutritional needs and preferences of their residents.

By having a clear set of standards and guidance that provides consistency and clarity in the approach for eating and drinking in care homes, managers, nurses, care and support staff and caterers will better understand what they should be providing as part of their overall food service.

Helen Ream, Healthcare and Food Service Dietitian at Compass Group UK & Ireland and Vice-Chair of the BDA’s Food Services Specialist Group says, “It has been a privilege to chair the working group of dietitians and NACC colleagues to develop these guidelines. I hope they will be the ‘go to’ resource for care home teams to support them to understand what their food services and menus should include to support residents to have a great mealtime experience whilst also meeting their nutritional needs.”

Mealtimes play an essential role in the wellbeing of some residents. They allow residents to connect with each other, as well as with carers and family members and give moments of happiness or reflection when there are cultural or religious celebrations.

Chapters in the Digest include delivering a positive mealtime experience, menu planning and design and catering for special diets.

Helen, who is also a member of the NACC, says, “The Care Home Digest builds on the work of the BDA’s Nutrition and Hydration Digest, a resource for all those involved in the provision of food and drink services in hospitals and which forms part of the National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink. Until now, no similar national food service standards have existed to support care homes for older adults to meet the nutritional needs of their residents. We hope these guidelines will be widely used and become a nationally trusted resource in the same way.”

The information and checklists within the guidelines are intended to support care homes to review their services to understand what they are already doing well and where improvements could be considered and made.

Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC says, “The National Association of Care Catering is proud to have been working in collaboration with the BDA for this unique Care Home Digest.

“This document is a welcome and necessary publication to enable consistency across the care home sector. A multidisciplinary team bringing hospitality and nutrition together is the best solution for an all-encompassing approach to meeting residents nutritional needs. This is a must-have document for all catering teams in care homes, from induction through to ongoing reference and review. No care home for the elderly should operate without this.

“Thank you to Helen Ream and the entire team who have worked so hard in putting this together and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone in the care sector.”

It is hoped this document will also support the Care Quality Commission and other nations’ inspectorates to know what they should be assessing and checking for during their visits to care homes and further influence the development of improved standards in such a vital aspect of care.

OHK - Your Specialist Partner for Dysphagia Management Founded by Preston Walker and James Ball, globally recognised experts in texture modification and culinary applications for modifying food, OHK is your specialist partner for Dysphagia management.

Our mission is to provide comprehensive training programs and implementation support that empowers healthcare providers to deliver safe nutrition and reduce risk across the care setting. We work in collaboration with you and your teams to secure a better quality of life for individuals with specialised diets. Because everyone deserves the right to safe nutrition.

WHY CHOOSE OHK? We offer validated and clinically endorsed training programs, ensuring your setting complies with current best practices and standards. Our courses are mapped to the Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, and delivers best practice guidance reflecting the globally recognised International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI).

OHK provides high quality, cost-effective eLearning modules tailored to dysphagia training needs. These modules are available as bundles or individual courses, which can be accessed via OHK’s or your own Learning Management portal, providing flexibility to meet your organisation’s requirements. For advanced training needs, we also offer in-person courses.

MORE THAN JUST A TRAINING PROVIDER. OHK assists you in establishing a safe, auditable process and internal framework, helping to enhance your specialist catering solutions. Whether you have 1 or 100+ beds, we have a solution for you that is cost-effective, accessible and scalable.

Our courses are developed and maintained in collaboration with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, ensuring the highest quality and accuracy of guidance.

Expert Dysphagia Consultancy OHK’s expertise has attracted partnership from a range of organisations, including Norse Care, Belong Villages and numerous NHS Trusts, including East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Ayrshire and Arran NHS and the States of Guernsey. OHK provides Care England with care catering expertise to support its members and improve standards in the sector.

At OHK, we are more than just a training provider; we are your partners in delivering excellence in dysphagia care. Together, we can help you transform your healthcare setting and ensure safe, enjoyable nutrition for all.

Call Us Today 01572 337188 Email us info@oakhouse-kitchen.com Or visit www.oakhouse-kitchen.com

Bidfood Reveals Its First Group of Listed Suppliers on the Path To Acceleration Through its SME scheme, Open Doors After the successful launch of its SME scheme last October, Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, is proud to announce the initial group of suppliers selected through the Open Doors Programme.

Aimed at small food and beverage suppliers, the Open Doors Programme identifies the most innovative businesses trying to establish themselves within the industry and raises awareness of their products so they can make their mark in wholesale.

Despite the recent deceleration in inflation, the share of small businesses aspiring to grow this year has significantly decreased during the last six months. Small businesses within the food sector have shown the biggest drop in confidence that their business will grow, at more than 70%.[1] As a result, Bidfood’s Open Doors Programme has continued on its mission to unlock the potential of emerging suppliers, supporting their development journey, while also providing its customers with first-hand access to some of the most interesting brands out there.

Following a three-step development journey to nurture, champion and finally accelerate, the initiative has resulted in seven brands being officially listed with Bidfood, along with a selection of their products: Bio&Me – A B-certified brand, Bio&Me has a range of handy on-the-go porridges created to support gut health. Bio&Me is also part of the ‘Buy Women Built’ community, which shines a light on brands built by women.

Boundless – Using activated ingredients, Boundless snacks support gut health and are free from the top 14 allergens. They're also members of the ‘Buy Women Built’ community.

Flawsome! – Another B-certified brand, Flawsome! produces a variety of juices, sparkling fruit waters and health shots made from wonky and surplus fruits.

Ninju – A true kitchen table start-up, Ninju is a range of fruit and vegetable-based children’s drinks packaged in 100% recyclable cartons.

OGGS – Offering a vegan alternative to eggs, OGGS is the third B-certified brand out of the newly listed sup-

pliers and will soon be a part of the ‘Buy Women Built’ community.

TeaJoy – Designed to serve the growing demand for bubble tea in the UK, TeaJoy’s products are a quick and easy solution to making bubble tea using authentic Jasmine leaves from Taiwan.

TRIBE – High protein vegan flapjacks with a strong stance against modern slavery.

Commenting on the newly listed suppliers, Sales and Marketing Director at Bidfood UK, Tim Adams said: “We have made fantastic progress in the past six months, from having our first SME supplier conference in October, to hosting dozens of guidance sessions to prospective suppliers. Now, we have seven amazing and inspiring brands listed with us that can work across a variety of sectors.

“Working with Andrew Allen has allowed us to tailor the Open Doors Programme to suit small food and beverage businesses, who are still facing some tough market challenges, and making their presence known in wholesale.

“It coincides perfectly with Bidfood’s vision to be a positive force for change and we will continue to be the voice for underrepresented founder groups with incredible brand stories, as well as suppliers who offer excellence in carbon reduction and social value. We can’t wait for the next six months and what this will bring for more small businesses.”

Cathy Mosely, founder of Boundless added: “Open Doors has done exactly what its name promises; opening doors for small brands like Boundless to thrive under expert guidance, in order to reach levels of distribution otherwise impossible for a start-up.

“Through mentorship and unlocking marketing opportunities normally reserved for big corporations, our projected growth with Bidfood is exponential and we’re extremely excited for the next 12 months.”

To learn more about the Open Doors Programme and to sign up for the ODP newsletter, visit here: https://www.bidfood.co.uk/about-us/open-doors/

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

CATERING FOR CARE

Enhancing Care for Dysphagia: Establishing EDS Competencies for Improved Quality of Life Article supplied by OHK (www.oakhouse-kitchen.com) Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a condition that can significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals, particularly residents in health and social care facilities. Addressing the needs of those with, or at risk of developing, dysphagia is crucial for enhancing their daily experiences and ensuring high standards of care, to ultimately improve their quality of life.

To achieve this, it's essential to establish Eating, Drinking, and Swallowing (EDS) competencies across whole care teams, to fully equip the multidisciplinary team (MDT) with the expertise needed to provide comprehensive support.

EMBEDDING EATING, DRINKING AND SWALLOWING COMPETENCIES – A QUICK DIGEST. Establishing EDS competencies involves identifying the specific knowledge and skill sets required for each role within the care and catering teams, as outlined in the Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework (EDSCF). This approach ensures that every team member, from carers and nurses to caterers and managers, possesses the necessary competencies to support residents effectively.

Fundamental to this is adherence to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Framework, which details the exact methods for preparing high quality, nutritious meals and drinks that are tailored to residents’ specific swallowing needs.

Supporting a sustainable implementation of EDS competencies involves addressing staff turnover, accommodating new staff members, managing role changes and providing ongoing training. Clear objectives and straightforward management protocols are essential for maintaining these standards over time. Additionally, regular feedback mechanisms should be established to continually assess and improve the care provided, ensuring that residents receive the best possible support to enhance their quality of life and reduce the risks associated with dysphagia.

IMPLEMENTING EDS AT SCALE: IS IT ACHIEVABLE? Implementing EDS competencies at scale has been successfully demonstrated in various regions and care settings across the UK, with adoption globally too.

Examples of this include East Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust, South Tyneside NHS Trust, the States of Guernsey, Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust, along with private settings, Norse Care & Catering and Belong Villages. Between 2,000 and 6,000 staff from each organisation, across a wide spectrum of care, catering and management roles, enrolled and completed EDS and IDDSI specific training schemes. In all settings, integration of EDS training and systems has significantly benefitted the care facilities and their residents.

TANGIBLE RESULTS DEMONSTRATE EFFICACY AMONG MDTS. Following an EDS training pilot with South Tyneside NHS community settings, 74% of participants reported they would change the way they would work as a result of completing the programme, with 34% stating they were more confident in knowing how to refer residents for assessments.

In East Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust, 86% of staff stated the catering for dysphagia diets course helped them in the way they work due to improved knowledge, which positively impacts quality of life, food safety and the choice that can be offered to patients in these settings.

Similarly, the States of Guernsey implementation report, showed that both the kitchen services and an acute stroke ward demonstrated an improvement in the production of foods for the IDDSI Framework, and the understanding and confidence in all staff to support patients with dysphagia.

Norse Care & Catering and Belong Villages have also seen improvements following engagement with a IDDSI and EDS-specific training programmes. Norse noted that 84% of attendees to the onboarding sessions felt they left with a good or strong understanding of supporting people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. Belong also

attested to training’s efficacy in improving confidence in compliance and quality practices.

THE POTENTIAL OF SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED EDS TRAINING IS HUGE. The outcomes of implementing sustainable, integrated EDS training and systems are substantial. The pilot with East Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust led to reductions in incidents, increased confidence among staff, higher quality referrals as well as improved food quality. Specifically, an initial drop in incidents of 85%, with a year-on-year reduction of 33% in incidents on the unit until end of 2022. Since the introduction of this training, there has been just one incident in 2023 and no ‘never’ events or near misses. A value that cannot be underestimated.

Staff now also have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients with dysphagia, enabling more compassionate and effective support to patients, resulting in meaningful impact on their lives.

Systematic catering systems provide numerous additional benefits.

The States of Guernsey audit report highlights improvements in staff efficiencies, consistency in service delivery, effective and speedy problem solving and enhanced due diligence processes. For example, all chefs undertaking IDDSI level specific food training responded ‘very confident’ or ‘extremely confident’ for all IDDSI food production levels.

Fiona Gardiner, Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, commented following the pilot; “Guernsey has embedded training throughout levels 1 and 2 of the EDSCF. The dysphagia modules support all levels of staff to meet their competency on the framework, and this training has meant that risks for people with dysphagia have significantly been reduced. In addition, we have used IDDSI catering training throughout the hospital catering departments, which has inspired the chefs.”

IMPROVING QUALITY OF CARE FOR THE LONG TERM. These systematic approaches improve the immediate care environment and, through robust data capture highlighting better outcomes, can help provide confidence to organisations aiming to invest in a strong dysphagia management strategy. Establishing and maintaining EDS and IDDSI competencies across care teams is what’s needed to enhance the quality of life for residents with dysphagia and ensure long term sustainability and resilience in care standards.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 37

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

TSA and De Montfort University Look To Set New Standard For Healthcare Laundry Wash Processes The Textile Services Association (TSA) recently presented a new standardised test protocol for evaluating the disinfection efficacy of laundry wash processes at its spring conference. This marks the latest stage in the ongoing partnership between the TSA and De Montfort University (DMU). The research aims to provide accurate information and usable methods of ensuring hygienic cleaning of textiles, particularly in relation to sectors more vulnerable to infection, such as healthcare.

The new protocols were developed following a four-year research project led by Professor Katie Laird at DMU, which was funded and supported by the TSA and other national associations from Europe and America.

Professor Laird and her team have extensive experience in studying healthcare textiles and have previously investigated the survival of microorganisms on textiles and specific wash processes required to decontaminate laundry, among other topics.

The importance of creating an effective standardised test for evaluating hygienic cleaning is something that Simon Fry, owner of specialist

laundry firm Micronclean Ltd and a TSA board member, has been focussing on since joining the TSA over eight years ago. "The idea for this project came about when manufacturers began introducing chemicals for cold washing," he says. "While it's a great idea in terms of energy saving, it can introduce risks in terms of less effective disinfection, which is compounded if the traditional tests being used weren't giving accurate results."

"You could almost pick the test to get the results you wanted," says Simon. "I realised that we would need something that accurately showed the kill rates of bacteria, which could be used by all stakeholders to deliver data that allows everyone to work on a level playing field."

The TSA reached out to Professor Laird and began funding research with the aim of creating standardised testing protocols that definitively measure how many pathogens are killed by laundry washing processes.

In order to achieve this the DMU team needed to study existing infection controls and the current processing methods for healthcare laundry.

They also needed to understand the attitudes and knowledge of healthcare staff in terms of infection control policies and how these apply to textiles. Alongside funding the research, the TSA also organised surveys of both its members in the UK as well as overseas to help build a clearer understanding of the landscape.

The test developed by Professor Laird and her team accurately demonstrates the disinfection efficacy of laundry during a wash process-

es in a way that can be used throughout the healthcare sector, whether it is in outsourced laundries or on-premise laundries. The test involves placing a sample of inoculated fabric within a membrane, which looks similar to a teabag that allows water and chemicals through but stops bacteria from escaping, meaning that the effectiveness of the decontamination of the laundry process can be properly evaluated. This allows for a like-forlike comparison of different washing methods and equipment types, and how effectively they kill bacteria present on textiles, helping to ensure that infection control standards are maintained.

"Being able to measure disinfection accurately within a working laundry is paramount in managing textiles as a transmission route for infections, particularly in healthcare settings", Professor Laird "The publishing of these test protocols is an important milestone in our ongoing research collaboration," says David Stevens, CEO of the TSA. "The next phase we will see the test methodology incorporated within best practice standards driven by the other national associations, this will include working with the TRSA in America and ETSA in Europe."

Professor Laird's team will continue their research into improving hygiene in laundry, focussing on spores that aren't killed thermally and biofilms that form inside laundry equipment.

For more information on the new testing protocols visit tsa-uk.org

Brewer and Bunney – Pioneering Commercial Laundry Solutions Brewer and Bunney, proud to be the best in the South West for over 40 years, provides specialised laundry services and equipment specifically tailored to the needs of healthcare facilities, including NHS and private hospitals.

Emphasising the critical importance of infection control and legislative compliance, Brewer and Bunney aligns its offerings with standards such as the Department of Health HTM 01-04 guidelines. They equip hospitals with advanced, energy-efficient laundry machines designed to meet the rigorous demands of hospital environments.

Brewer and Bunney offers comprehensive services, including expert consultation, installation, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring that hospital laundry operations are both efficient and effective in maintaining high hygiene standards crucial for patient care and safety. For NHS facilities, Brewer and

Bunney also provides specialised solutions like mop laundry and microfibre cloth management, essential for maintaining cleanliness and reducing crosscontamination risks in hospital settings.

In addition, Brewer and Bunney supports healthcare facilities in setting up inhouse laundry operations, helping hospitals regain control over their laundry processes. This approach optimises costs and improves quality and compliance with health standards. By bringing laundry services in-house, hospitals can ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes that meet the specific needs of healthcare environments, including effective infection prevention.

0808 500 8093 brewerandbunney.co.uk enquiries@brewerandbunney.co.uk

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Forbes Professional Ensures Smooth Laundry and Warewashing in UK Care Homes For care homes, laundry and dishwashing operations are a crucial element of hygiene control, and a central component of daily operations. Consequently, when there is an equipment problem or breakdown, it can have far reaching ramifications.

Established in 1926, Forbes provides a much-trusted service provision to care homes across the UK. They understand the critical role that reliable laundry and warewashing equipment plays in a care home and their team of manufacturer-trained engineers provides a first-class service support. Any disruption can significantly impact the comfort and well-being of residents and Forbes ensures swift and efficient repairs to minimise any downtime. Their depots and vans are equipped with a wide range of spare parts, allowing them to deliver a fast response and an impressive first-time fix rate.

Forbes’ Complete Care solution offers care homes access to premium commercial machines without the burden of costly upfront expenditures. This rental service includes their multi-award-winning reactive and maintenance support, at no additional cost for the life of the contract.

Forbes Professional’s flexible service options also include ad-hoc service callouts as well as all-inclusive

maintenance contracts. These contracts offer same/next day breakdown response, annual gas safety checks, annual duct cleaning, and full certification.

Regular servicing not only prolongs the lifespan of your equipment but also restores efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and prevents costly repairs. It ensures that your laundry machines are always performing at their best, providing peace of mind and protecting your investment.

Gas safety is a paramount concern in any care home environment and Forbes’ Gas Safe engineers ensure full compliance with Regulation 35 of the Gas Safety Regulations 1998, providing requisite gas certification and safeguarding your operations and safety. Additionally, Forbes’ nationwide dryer duct cleaning service helps prevent fire hazards and inefficiencies caused by lint accumulation; a legal requirement and an essential part of preventive maintenance.

Forbes understands that every care home has unique requirements. Whether you wish to rent, lease, purchase or access repair and maintenance services, they will find the right solution. Contact their advisors today on 0345 070 2335 to discover how they can support your care home. forbespro.co.uk | info@forbes-professional.co.uk | 0345 070 2335

C.R. Wood - The Commercial Laundry & Dishwashing Experts in the South West We are the South West’s leading supplier of commercial laundry and dishwashing equipment. No matter what your business, we can supply the right machine for you from high-quality manufacturers like Miele, Electrolux, Speed Queen, and Primus.

C. R. Wood Electrical was established by Christopher Robin Wood in 1959. The company began as an electrical contracting company before moving into white goods in the 1970’s.

In 1985 it became a professional partner with Miele who are an internationally renowned manufacturer of high quality domestic appliances and commercial equipment. Making us one of the first independent Miele dealers in the U.K. Our knowledgeable team will ensure you’ll receive the highest level of customer service from first contact all the way through to after sales support. In fact, it’s what we’re known for and why so many customers place their trust in us to keep their appliances working

day in, day out.

We offer expert advice on which appliances are best for your needs, as well as a full installation service and unparalleled support, repair and maintenance for the liftetime of your machines.

When you choose to partner with C.R. Wood, you don’t just buy a commercial appliance – you also get access to expert advice and post-sales support, including our rapid repair service and ongoing maintenance to keep your machines working perfectly.

Whether you prefer to purchase or rent your machines, you’re in safe hands with C.R. Wood. f you have any questions on choosing the right appliances for your business/organisation, please get in touch and one of our highly trained team will be happy to assist. Call us on 01803 812498 or Email sales@crwood.co.uk

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

Timeless Presents

Timeless Presents are an award winning husband and wife team working to connect and engage those living in the later stages of dementia. Inspired by a father’s journey with Alzheimers Timeless Presents have created innovative activities and engagement solutions that can be used to engage in the later stages to the benefit of the user, the carer and the caring organisation. Their innovative approach combines familiar traditional pastimes with design features that enable users with late dementia to easily engage.

Their first three products have all been accredited as Dementia Inclusive by the world leading Dementia Services Design Centre at Stirling University and have also achieved an Innovation award at the recent Dementia Care Awards 2024.

Drawing from their personal experiences and informed by the current understanding of cognitive issues faced by those with dementia, Sharon and Chris Daltrey have embarked on a mission to make a difference in the lives of individuals currently living with dementia. Forbury Residential Home had this to say, “Our residents really enjoyed them. The

Curiosity Box is amazing for one of our residents who continually claps her hands. Since having the Curiosity Box she has been occupied with it and engaged in a meaningful way. Our residents are also loving the puzzles and colouring books. Thank you so much for giving our residents a better quality of life.”

In a significant milestone, Timeless Presents recently achieved accreditation from the internationally renowned Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) for three of its products, being the first time that they had assessed activities of any sort. This accreditation underscores the company's commitment to creating dementia-inclusive products that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness. They also recently exhibited at the Alzheimers and Dementia Show at London Excel in June 2024 to a warm reception from industry professionals including occupational therapists, Activity Co-Ordinators and Admiral Nurses who all commended their products.

With a focus on affordability, accessibility and impact, Timeless Presents aims to empower individuals with dementia and their caregivers to navigate the challenges of dementia with dignity and joy. Through their innovative approach and dedication to excellence, Timeless Presents is shaping the future of dementia care, one meaningful interaction at a time.

07936 408 941 connect@timelesspresents.com www.timelesspresents.com

Focus Games - Game Based Training for Every Situation Focus Games are the leading game developers focused on education for healthcare staff and patients.

Game-based learning is an innovative approach to education that leverages the principles of games to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. This approach has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to motivate learners and improve retention rates. Healthcare staff can benefit significantly from game-based learning, as it can help them acquire new knowledge and skills in a fun and engaging way. The key benefits of game-based learning for all healthcare staff are: 1. Enhanced engagement 2. Improved knowledge retention 3. Safe learning environment

4. Customizable learning experience 5. Collaborative learning With over 20 years of experience, we have developed games aimed at improving knowledge and outcomes, and have won numerous awards for our innovative approach.

Visit our website to learn about over 150 existing games, or get in touch to discuss creating a unique game or simulation to meet your needs. We also have a unique commercialisation model which means your game idea can also be a revenue generator.

Find out more at www.focusgames.com or see the advert on the front cover of this issue.

Activities to Share

Tired of the same old song and dance when it comes to planning engaging activities? Well, fear not! Activities to Share is here to sprinkle some excitement into your daily routine.

If you've been feeling like you're stuck in a creative rut, we've got the antidote. Picture this: a wonderland of activity ideas, free downloads that are basically the golden ticket to fun, and a treasure trove of products that'll make your heart skip a beat (in a good way).

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

Our website, activitiestoshare.co.uk, is your go-to haven for all things fun and engaging. Need a burst of inspiration? We've got your back. Looking for activities tailored to different abilities? We've got that covered too!

But wait, there's more! We've teamed up with carers and activity coordinators across the land to ensure that every product and idea we offer is top-notch and practically oozing with

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

fun. And if you've got a creative itch that needs scratching, we're here to help you bring your unique ideas to life!

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

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

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 41

INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES Unlocking Joy and Vitality: Embrace Hashtag Quiz and Bingo Software for Enhanced Memory and Cognitive Wellness In today's fast-paced world, maintaining mental agility and memory sharpness is crucial, especially for our beloved seniors.

Gone are the days when traditional quizzes and bingo were the only options for mental stimulation. Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software brings a fresh, tech-savvy twist to these beloved activities, making them more accessible and enjoyable for the elderly. This software offers a plethora of features designed specifically to cater to the needs and preferences of seniors, ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit.

MEMORY RECALL AND BRAIN EXERCISE One of the most remarkable benefits of using Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software in care homes is its positive impact on memory recall and cognitive health.

Regular engagement with quizzes and bingo games has been shown to stimulate various parts of the brain, enhancing memory retention and recall abilities. The software includes a wide range of quiz topics, from history and geography to music and movies, allowing residents to tap into their long-term memories and share their wealth of knowledge.

Bingo, on the other hand, promotes concentration and mental alertness. As residents listen for their numbers and mark their cards, they are unknowingly participating in a fun yet highly effective brain exercise. This dual approach of quizzes and bingo ensures a wellrounded cognitive workout, keeping the mind sharp and agile.

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING Beyond the cognitive benefits, Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software fosters a sense of community and belonging among residents. The interactive nature of

these games encourages social interaction, teamwork, and friendly competition.

Whether it's a lively quiz session or a thrilling bingo game, residents come together, share laughs, and create lasting memories. This social engagement is essential for emotional well-being, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that can sometimes affect seniors.

EASY TO USE AND HIGHLY CUSTOMISABLE

SIMON WILSON

07941 322339

HASHTAG QUIZ and introducing the

HQ.FM QUIZ SOFTWARE

The software is highly customizable, allowing caregivers to tailor the difficulty levels and content to match the preferences and abilities of each resident.

This adaptability ensures that everyone, regardless of cognitive ability, can enjoy and benefit from these activities.

A WORTHY INVESTMENT FOR EVERY CARE HOME Investing in Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software is an investment in the health, happiness, and well-being of our residents. The blend of cognitive stimulation, social interaction, and sheer enjoyment makes it a valuable addition to any care home's activity repertoire. As we continue to prioritize the holistic health of our residents, incorporating such innovative tools will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter, more engaging future.

Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software is more than just a game; it is a gateway to a more vibrant, connected, and mentally active life for our seniors. We encourage all care homes to consider integrating this exceptional software into their daily routines. Let’s unlock joy and vitality, one quiz and bingo game at a time!

Find us TODAY and access your FREE 7-day trial at: https://hashtagquiz.co.uk/quiz-for-the-elderlyand-seniors/

BINGO & PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT - ALL INCLUDED

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INSTANT ACCESS TO QUESTIONS, QUIZZES AND MORE

HashtagQuiz.co.uk Accredited by the Dementia Services Design Centre, our designs are engineered to empower individuals facing cognitive and sensory challenges, to foster meaningful connections and enhance their quality of life.

07936 408 941 connect@timelesspresents.com www.timelesspresents.com

HashtagQuiz HashtagQuiz OPS@HASHTAGHOSTS.CO.UK

PAGE 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

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

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

Wireless door/window exit alerts

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR SENSOR PAD

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

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

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

The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering.

An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors.

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

FOR ALL THE LATEST PRODUCT NEWS FOR THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR VISIT WWW.THECARERUK.COM

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 43

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Stay Safe with Smart Wireless Nurse Call In the post pandemic world, we have all seen the effects of supply chain problems with the invasion of Ukraine and other alarming global factors, ever increasing costs of living and other more local issues which have driven up the rate of inflation over the last few years. The impact of this meant that most manufacturers of electronic products had to increase their prices as costs spiralled. This, of course, has impacted the end user.

The most dramatic impact has been on the Care Industry. An industry that has lacked the support it desperately needs in these trying times.

Courtney Thorne, at the same time, took a strategic decision to take a close look at our core products, right down to component level, the objective being to make us less vulnerable to future global supply chain issues, and to reduce the cost of each product with the amin of ensuring that we deliver the same high quality product at a cost protected price. We had to ensure that this would happen without jeopardising the superb lev-

els of support we provide to our valued customer base.

This ground up review involved all departments from Research and Development right through to the Field Service team (and everything in-between). This in-depth collaboration took time as we had to ensure that each and every element was refined, perfected and tested to our (and our customers) rigorous requirements.

Whilst many organisations have limited-time or end of product line offers, we are very pleased to announce a price reduction on our core Connect and Connect Health Nurse Call system ranges. With flexible terms, full integration with Care Apps, celebrated service delivery and the most reliable and robust solution now at a new lower price, there has never been a better time to talk to us about a new nurse call system.

For more information email us at: info@c-t.co.uk or see the advert on this page.

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

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

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

The best part is that Blaucomm NMS links into your existing nurse call system - we work with all major

brands such as Aidcall, ARM, Courtney Thorne, C-TEC, ENS, Intercall, Medicare, SAS and TeleAlarm.

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

Head of IT Trudi Harrow at WCS Care had this to say about Blaucomm NMS: “We find Blaucomm is a genuinely fantastic company with a reliable product.

"We would highly recommend this to anybody who wants to replace expensive pagers and silence those annoyingly loud nurse call screens!”

To find out more about Blaucomm NMS, visit www.blaucomm.co.uk/healthcare See the advert on the front cover for more details.

Crash Mats Designed to Reduce Injuries from Bed Falls Medpage Limited has collaborated with a leading UK manufacturer of crash mats to deliver a cost-effective tool for falls management strategies. The inclusion of the new TumbleCare full-length pressure mat sensor ensures that should a patient tumble out of bed, an alarm signal is generated to alert care staff to the incident, resulting in a recordable improvement to patient safety and service.

Crash mats act as a protective barrier, absorbing the impact of a fall and reducing the risk of serious injuries when a person tumbles out of bed. Beneficial for individuals who are at high risk of falling, such as older adults, patients recovering from surgery, or those with neurological conditions such as epilepsy.

Falls can pose significant risks, especially in healthcare settings and senior care facilities.

Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries due to falls from beds and other furniture. To prevent these accidents and ensure the safety of patients and residents, it is essential to implement effective falls and safety management strategies.

Further details can be obtained by telephoning 01536 264 869 or emailing sales@easylinkuk.co.uk See the advert on page 2 for details.

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

PAGE 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

One Call Systems, have developed one of the most reliable, streamlined wireless nurse call systems on the market. The rechargeable technology, water-resistant casings, and long-range radio capabilities set us apart.

At the heart of the innovative Nursecall system is the One Call Display Panel, which runs on an efficient internal radio network. Designed to provide the highest level of performance and reliability. The Display Panel allows staff to view live calls instantly. Qualified installers will set up your system quickly and efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum benefits.

With the ability to connect to the internet, you can easily monitor your Home's call records from anywhere. The panel is completely configurable from the display, allowing you to customize your Home's settings to your preferences. Trust our innovative system to provide the safety and efficiency your Home’s needs.

The One Call Room Units are designed to withstand the rigours of your busy care environment.

There are five alternative versions - Pear push lead, Pull Cords, Out of Bed, Door monitor and Leadless Units that you can choose from that best suit your needs.

Watertight casings and fitted rechargeable batteries mean that you can rest assured that the units can be easily washed and will provide reliable service for up to 2 years on a single charge.

The Call Logging system is designed to meet the safety and care requirements of Care Homes and nursing facilities. The digital solution ensures complete and accurate logging of every call to prove evidence of care. This invaluable tool ensures the safety of your residents.

The Call Logging system is a must-have for any Care Home that wants to ensure they are providing the best possible care.

Onecall provides the ability to monitor response times, attendance duration, and which Carer has attended which call. You can be sure that you have complete oversight of your care provision. Not only does this system provide valuable evidence of care, but it also helps to motivate and encourage staff to continue providing an exceptional level of care.

Please email info@onecallsystems.co.uk or call 01252 448137

www.onecallsystems.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

The Increasingly Important Role of Integrated Care and Technology in the Care Sector With care homes increasingly oversubscribed and resources as stretched as ever, Sharon Bye, Director of Care for Central and Cecil Housing Trust (C&C) and Aster Group, highlights how new smart technology can allow providers to have greater oversight of specific resident care and maximise efficiency.

Readers will be well acquainted with the operational challenges facing the care sector.

An ageing population combined with limited resources and a persistent skills shortage has left the sector under increasing pressure. Having celebrated the 95th birthday of Central and Cecil Housing Trust (C&C) in 2022, we are well aware that these are by no means novel challenges, and our past experience has provided us with useful lessons for navigating these headwinds.

However, it’s critical that we as care providers take every opportunity to tackle these challenges. With the support of integrated care services and unified technology, we’ve seen firsthand how its enabled us to more effectively monitor, triage and, if needed, arrange bespoke treatment for residents within the comfort of their own home, while simultaneously reducing the burden on NHS services.

USING TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY IN CARE The crux of the issue facing care home managers is the ability to deliver joined up, effective services with less resources. By adopting proven technologies and developments in the integration of care services, care home managers can critically refocus their efforts on delivering the best in care services. Technology is the enabler to help drive efficiencies throughout operations, without compromising the quality of care provided.

This topic was the subject of a recent visit to one of our homes by Conny Helder – the Dutch Minister for Health, Welfare and Sport – as part of a state trip to the UK to find out more about best practice on how early adopters of integrated care services are delivering effective adult social care.

Rathmore House is a 20-bedroom residential care home in Camden

where we provide specialist care for people with advanced dementia in tandem with the North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB).

Our work at the home has validated how the roll-out of integrated care systems and new digital technology can improve and reshape care provision.

Examples of the technology we use on site include a motion sensor and acoustic monitoring system, called Ally, to help care teams monitor residents who may be at risk of falls and movement difficulties. Carers are made aware of sudden motions and alerts pinpoint when it’s necessary to intervene with professional assistance to prevent undue falls or distress for those residents.

This has subsequently allowed for better sleep hygiene for the residents, with night checks now taking place every two hours for most residents and every three hours for a few more depending on their needs and risks. In the case of one resident, we’ve been able to track a significant decrease in overnight falls – none since December 2023 – and significantly reduce the need for staff members to visit her throughout the night, with the motion sensor system allowing us to monitor from afar without unnecessary disruptions. This means care staff can focus on residents who require hands on care during the night.

We’ve also utilised the ‘Whzan Blue Box’ early warning system, which monitors and stores information on vital signs. It automatically and immediately notifies a wider team of geriatricians, clinicians, and care home staff of any risks, concerning results or medical attention needed. When clinicians or paramedics do attend, they are able to compare the resident’s readings to wider historical data on the system to establish a baseline. In many cases, this is preventing unnecessary medical treatment and significantly reducing the number of unplanned hospital trips for residents.

In one case, a resident presented with what appeared to be low oxygen saturation levels but, when medics arrived, they were able to look back at the range of recorded observations and conclude this wasn’t out of the ordinary for him. A hospital admission was avoided, and the resident didn’t have to receive off-site treatment that could unduly displace and distress them. The software unifies historic data, allowing staff to make clearer diagnostic and more specifically informed decisions about treatment based on past experiences with individual patients.

EASING THE BURDEN The benefits of integrated care services and digitalisation are not just limited to inside the care home either, with shared patient diagnostics helping to ease pressure on local emergency services as well as GP practices. Rather than assessments being isolated, a more cohesive integrated system enables heightened accuracy and a quicker response.

Rathmore House has also been utilising a new connected triaging system named Silver Triage. Installed in 2022 in collaboration with the NCL ICB as well as local NHS and ambulance trusts, Silver Triage is designed to reduce unnecessary hospital trips and ease the burden on ambulance services, while enabling geriatricians to remotely assess, advise and guide ambulance paramedics attending patients in care homes where needed.

Doctors using the service can also help access and coordinate community services to provide care at home if the person does not need to go to hospital. The number of ambulance call outs resulting in a visit to the emergency room has since fallen from a high of 75% in 2018, to 20% in 2023. The new system has played an integral part in the reduction of patient discomfort and unnecessary displacement to hospital when they can be more comfortably and well cared for in their home.

Of course, it’s important to recognise that such systems are not a panacea. It’s vital to treat integrated care and technologies as symbiotic tools needed to achieve individual objectives, rather than a solution to all problems. The results for our care home residents, especially when their needs are more acute, have been undeniably progressive and beneficial.

Our team, residents as well as family and friends have increased peace of mind knowing care of those most vulnerable is better placed and traced.

The quality of life for those most vulnerable and frail is improved, and risks are being diminished with a more cohesive and effective holistic approach in the local and wider communities.

Ultimately digital transformation through integrated care services gives us the chance to reshape how we deliver care, but only when used in conjunction with practices that enable care staff to make the most of the opportunities it presents. Thanks to the successes at Rathmore House, we’re actively looking at where we can integrate further helpful technology across our other care homes to develop optimum health and wellbeing outcomes for residents to live a better quality of life with us.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 45

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Imagine, Act And Succeed's Shift To Digital: A Game Changer!

After over 30 years, care charity Imagine, Act and Succeed finally swapped their paper rotas and timesheets for a digitised system to help manage their 85 locations and 460+ staff.

Emma Hobbs, Payroll Officer at the charity, grew frustrated over the inaccuracies and errors of this cumbersome process - especially when it led to wages. The system was often outdated and staff frequently missed shift changes. This led to lost time, money, and patience for both managers and employees.

So, how can turning to digital systems like RotaCloud improve this?

“The information is accessible to us in payroll straight away, which is an absolute godsend. Being able to see instantly where someone is working, what shift they've actually done, the clock-in and clock-out records are just - it's made our payroll side so much more streamlined to what it was beforehand.” - Emma Hobbs, Payroll Officer Accuracy is the biggest benefit for Emma and her team. There’s no more chasing people for paperwork or last-minute runs for payroll. Managers can instantly access live reports, from labour costs to attendance, with clocking-in data automatically feeding to timesheets. When clocking in and out is as simple as a click or tap via mobile, web, or a terminal, employees (and Emma) can trust that all wages are correct.

Communication has also improved. By having everything at their fingertips, from shifts to requests, everyone works from the same page. It has made staff’s lives much easier and saved managers time. Enabling notifications also means any updates to the rota, annual leave requests, or available shifts are immediately

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

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

CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM To meet the wider needs of the PASS community All-in-one PASS

sent to the appropriate staff. No more sending out WhatsApp updates, missed messages, or stress trying to find cover.

Before RotaCloud, Imagine, Act and Succeed managers sat down for two days to create rotas - before any changes were made! It now takes less than two hours to complete, and any changes are as simple as a drag-and-drop on the rota, which instantly notifies staff.

They have saved time and costs this way and can even track labour costs while scheduling shifts. This saved time and money can now be better spent on service users and staff training!

All of this contributes to improving the work-life balance of all staff. Simply offering staff the ability to view rotas far in advance allows them to plan their lives accordingly. They can even input their availability into the app, from specific hours to days, meaning they feel in control of what they work and when. With the option to pick up additional shifts, too, employees have that flexibility to plan work around their lives - not the other way around.

Staff are happier when they feel in control, whether it’s transparency or trusting their wages will be correct. Managers are happier when they have more time and money to spend on more important tasks. Happy staff, happy service users.

When one digital system creates all of this… Well, you understand why so many care services are reaching for the recycling bins.

See the advert on the back cover for details or visit www.rotacloud.com/care-homes

has recently been launched , bringing advanced rostering functionality to our established digital care planning platform. As a result advanced staff scheduling, payroll and invoicing functionality is now seamlessly linked with care planning and reporting, reducing the technical complexity, risk and overhead associated with integrating two separate systems.

As a result, PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools, available from a single platform, designed to: • Save you time • Increase the efficiency of your teams • Improve the quality of care • Deliver better outcomes

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect. The first product of its type to offer this feature, PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care

management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration, and is the only one offering it to the home care market.

PASS GP Connect provides authorised social care staff with realtime access to their client’s GP records. It makes medical information available when and where it is needed, leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes: • Visibility of allergies, vaccinations and medications, especially useful for clients unable to reliably share their personal information • Using medical information to inform care planning • Ensuring that the right medication is delivered to the right person in the timeliest manner. In one case, this allowed the administration of antibiotics on a Friday evening, aiding the service user’s swift recovery from infection Available to all PASS users at no additional cost, PASS GP Connect is significantly more efficient than waiting for a GP response. It’s also a positive step forward on the path to the DHSC’s goal for widespread digitally enabled care and is in full alignment with their ambition for joined up care for everyone.

Get in touch: www.everylifetechnologies.com hello@everylifetechnologies.com

PAGE 46 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207

RECRUITMENT & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

LPA Now

Getting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a good idea for all of us and is particularly helpful for those who are in need of professional care. Anyone benefiting from residential or domiciliary care will need support from close family or friends to manage their financial affairs and to speak up for them if they become less able to do that for themselves. An LPA gives those you trust the legal authority to provide support in this way and removes

the obstacles companies operate behind in the name of data protection.

LPA Now’s home visiting service makes us ideally placed to assist people who are in a care situation. We solve the problem of finding a Certificate Provider which can be a major issue for care facility residents, as family members and care home employees are not permitted to perform this role. Our friendly staff will happily guide both donors or attorneys through applying for and registering an LPA, making the process as easy as possible.

We are keen to build relationships with care providers and encourage you to contact us so that we can explain our referral package and how we can effectively work together.

Please contact Malcolm Roberts on 01228 307360 or email: malcolm.roberts@lpanow.com

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

JJ Recruitment has the large database of well qualified applicants with experience in the health-care industry, such as health care assistants, senior carers, and nurses from overseas. We also have an expert team of solicitors for the necessary legal proceedings and advices.

WHY JJ?

• We have very minimal processing fees.

• We assist you to get a sponsorship license.

• Qualified and experienced candidates from overseas.

Tel: 01704 808227 www.jjcarerecruitment.co.uk admin@jjrecruitment.co.uk

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

We have organised over £1.8bn for clients in the past 30 years, providing clients with competitively

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

priced funding to refinance existing debt, ease cashflow and develop businesses further.

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

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

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

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 207 | PAGE 47

RECRUITMENT & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Swift Management Services Limited Swift Management Services Limited provide expert support through a network of highly experienced healthcare professionals who have many years of working within the health and social care sector.

These include nurses, care managers, Registered Managers, Operating Theatre staff, & ITU staff.

The team is able to provide holistic support packages ranging from a short term improvement project to substantial change management programmes including interim staff where required. Our innovative action plans which are tailored to your specific service requirements are interactive and are held on our secure server for ease of access. These have proven especially popular with CQC as it is easy to evidence progress and improvements through our ‘You said- we Did’ information programme.

We can deliver training sessions in person or remotely using a variety of platforms that are designed for your service.

We can support your service through a crisis or on an ongoing basis with our retained consultancy service package, providing regular one to one coaching and development, quality monitoring reviews, mock KLOE

inspections, unlimited telephone and email support tailored service improvement plans and access to a dedicated care consultant to work in partnership with you to drive sustainable improvements.

Swift Management Services Limited can create staff friendly bespoke policies and procedures for you as required to help you achieve compliance.

SERVICES • Mock CQC inspections & compliance audits • Compliance support • Preparation of action plans • Enforcement action support • NOP, NOD support • Factual accuracy responses • Training- face to face or virtual • Crisis management • Registration support • Coaching & mentoring • Competency assessments of staff • Policies, Procedures and Forms Tel: 020 8087 2072 Email: info@swiftmanagement.org.uk Website: www.swiftmanagement.org.uk

Empower Your Care Services with TEF Social Care Services Ltd TEF Social Care Services Ltd specialises in recruiting, training, and providing expert care professionals across London. Our mission is to deliver exceptional care tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With a rigorous selection process and comprehensive training programs, our care professionals are equipped with the skills and compassion necessary to provide top-notch service.

Whether you need support for elderly care, dis-

ability assistance, or mental health services, TEF Social Care Services Ltd guarantees high-quality, reliable, and personalized care solutions.

Partner with us to ensure your clients receive the best care, enhancing their quality of life and your service's reputation. Choose TEF Social Care Services Ltd for dedicated, professional, and empathetic care services.

Contact us today on 07402 958 398 or visit www.tefsocialcareservice.co.uk

A Lasting Power of Attorney advice and guidance service covering all of England and Wales • Home visiting service provided by our network of local consultants.

• Local consultants can act as Certificate Provider and signature witness.

• Avoid the pitfalls of a DIY application.

• Benefit from our experience and knowledge.

• Registration queries dealt with on behalf of applicants.

• Full after care service.

• Transparent and reasonable charges • Rated Excellent on Trust Pilot.

Contact us today for details of our attractive referral package LPA Now, 17 High Cross Street, Brampton, CA8 1RP

Tel: 01228 307360 Email: tellmemore@lpanow.com Web: www.lpanow.com

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING