The Carer #66 May/June 2023

The Carer is published by RBC Publishing Ltd, Suite 4, Roddis House , Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset Contributions are welcome for consideration, however, no responsibility will be accepted for loss or damage Views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team Whilst ever y care is taken when compiling this publication to ensure accuracy, the publisher will assume no responsibility for any effects, errors or omissions therefrom All rights reser ved, reproduction is forbidden unless written permission is obtained All material is assumed copyright free unless otherwise advised

I have just completed a couple of the Care Roadshows - one day events at Villa Park football ground and Aintree in Liverpool

These are care sector trade events and, and delighted to say how busy and informative they are

For us it is always a wonderful opportunity not only to meet with clients and prospective clients but also to get valuable feedback from those at “the coalface” And our front page story is one of the most pressing issues facing the sector That being recruitment and the possibility that restrictions may significantly impact on the sector s ability to recruit from overseas

At the moment I see it as speculation The government is under enormous pressure to reduce immigration However, I have yet to come across anybody who has objections to planned recruitment of workers with skills and abilities to enhance the economy

In recent years, the care sector has relied heavily on the invaluable contributions of overseas workers These dedicated individuals have played a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and quality of life for countless vulnerable adults across the nation and the potential restriction of overseas workers from serving in UK care homes would be nothing short of a catastrophic disaster for adult social care

The UK care sector is facing significant challenges and has done for many years primarily due to an aging population and the increasing demand for specialized care services Overseas workers have filled crucial gaps in the workforce bringing their skills expertise and compassion to provide essential care and support They have become an integral part of the care sector offering diverse perspectives and cultural understanding that enriches the lives of both residents and their families

It really is imperative that the UK government recognizes and addresses the importance of be implemented to facilitate the recruitment and retention of these vital workers Restricting their ability to work in UK care homes would be disastrous in the short and long term The government must prioritize the recognition and support of overseas workers to ensure the well-being and dignity of vulnerable adults in our society Failure to do so would have farreaching consequences that we simply cannot afford

Please do keep your stories coming in we are delighted to publish some delightful stories from various homes around the country from birthdays to fund raising from baking to growing vegetables - anything you would like to share please do send it to me editor@thecareruk com

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Peter Adams

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Editor Peter Adams

Government Warned “Spare Social Care From Overseas Worker Cuts”

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

The social care sector is going through a recruitment crisis with an estimated 165 000 vacancies within the sector hampering the sector’s ability to provide proper care to hundreds of thousands of people That staffing shortage added to the impact of the pandemic and ensuing increases in costs has led to further care and nursing home closures and the closure of homecare providers

Since last year, care providers have been able to recruit care workers from overseas if they got a Home Office licence to do so

MAKING A “HUGE DIFFERENCE”

Mr Padgham added: “In the case of my own care business, we have recruited more than 20 overseas staff who have made a huge difference to us

They have brought their skills and expertise new thinking and ideas and new cultures to our centres and we are all the better for their presence

“We and many other providers would struggle to operate properly if that source of staff was in any way restricted We want to maintain the flow of overseas staff provided the source countries care resources are not depleted as a result

He said the Government needs to carry out urgent reform to the social care sector beginning with the extra funding needed to recruit staff

We have a staffing shortage and the main reason for that is that social care workers are not rewarded or recognised adequately in this country and prefer to choose other careers instead ” Mr Padgham added

Properly funding the sector and giving the workforce the pay conditions and prospects they deserve would enable care providers to recruit from this country and abroad and tackle the 165 000 staff shortages we currently have Whether they are staff from overseas or this country they deserve better pay on a par with their NHS counterparts

TENSIONS RISE

Joe Milner Partner and Solicitor Advocate of Loch Associates Group, said: Whilst tensions rise in the UK Government around migrants and migrant workers, there is limited Government direc-

tion on how the care sector can tackle the shortage in available staff here in the UK Regardless of this we anticipate continuing to see an increase in not only the care sector but all sectors turning to migrant recruitment ”

Milner warned that businesses are losing out due to visa limitations with many companies being unprepared A lot of employers are not aware of the preparation time required before they can hire potential talent abroad This has meant that overseas workers are being snapped up by businesses who already have their sponsorship licence – whilst those only just discovering the need for it are missing out Once you have been awarded a sponsorship license it remains in place for four years enabling employers to manage their recruitment process abroad as and when required ” said Milner

Care sector businesses which have relied heavily on migrant workers are experiencing difficulties securing new and experienced staff from outside the UK due to post-Brexit restrictions and are facing strong competition from companies based in London that can offer higher salaries and benefits

Milner commented: “The care sector has always been a key area for migrant workers, pre- and post-Brexit – and certainly postCOVID as well However the application process needs to be started well in advance if employers want to ensure they can guarantee long-term success with their recruitment ”

Businesses applying for workplace immigration will find the process to be a front-loaded exercise It can take anywhere between six to twelve weeks for a sponsorship licence to be approved due to current government backlogs for immigration applications This makes it vital for business owners to have a long-term strategy for whether migrant workers will be needed in the future and – if so – apply for their licence sooner rather than later RELIANCE ON

NON-BRITISH WORKFORCE

Last year, 17% of the social care workforce identified as NonBritish,1 with 10% from countries outside of the EU The percentage of new starters arriving in the UK to work within the adult social care sector increased from 4% to 11% between 2021 and 2022,

highlighting a dramatic increase in reliance on Non-British workers to plug the care recruitment gap

Equally 16 5% of the NHS workforce was comprised of NonBritish staff members in 2022 2 with 40% of all new nurses and health visitor joiners being from outside of the EU INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT FUND

Earlier this year to encourage overseas care workers the government confirmed that it will make £15 million available over 2023 to 2024 to help support international recruitment within the adult social care sector confirming it says its commitment to helping providers make more effective use of international recruitment to help grow the adult social care workforce alongside wider action to improve domestic recruitment and retention

A spokesperson said: “Although international recruitment has the potential to fill thousands of vacancies, we recognise that many providers find it difficult and experience a number of different barriers This fund is being established to provide employers with a range of support mechanisms so that they are able to take advantage of the benefits presented by international recruitment It is also designed to help ensure an ethical approach to recruitment and employment practice and that international recruits are provided with a range of support to help them make an effective transition to working in England

Our aim is to promote collaborative arrangements which reduce administrative complexity and burden, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) providers For example, the local support arrangements may offer providers help with identifying overseas candidates completing sponsorship licence and visa applications onboarding and ongoing support for international recruits

“This fund is being established to provide employers with a range of support mechanisms so that they are able to take advantage of the benefits presented by international recruitment It is also designed to help ensure an ethical approach to recruitment and employment practice and that international recruits are provided with a range of support to help them make an effective transition to working in England ”

T ime to Act to Save Social Care says ADASS

Social care leaders have issued a stark warning that we ve run out of road” for social care to carry on as they publish a roadmap to transform adult social care in England

With waiting lists spiralling leaving many who are older or disabled without the care needed carers the report says are burnt out with staff leaving,

The 46 page report entitled Time to act: a roadmap to reform care and support in England, says that there’s a consensus on what sort of care and support system we need but for decades no political or collective will to make it happen

he roadmap proposes how care and support could be transformed in England, focusing on 10 key areas for change: from improving housing options for those of us who are older or disabled tackling the chronic social care staffing issues including pay and conditions, to supporting carers and making care more affordable

CHANGES NEEDED

It charts what needs to be done in the next two years, what changes are needed in two to five years and longer term over the next ten years to ensure that everyone who needs care and support, can access it whoever they are and wherever they live in England The report also includes examples already in train that are improving care and support for people

The report was commissioned by Sarah McClinton, departing president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and has been developed by social care experts Kate Jopling and Dr Anna Dixon They studied research and thinking about social care reform from the past ten years and synthesised it into a practical action

plan for change It s being presented to adult social care leaders at the ADASS Spring seminar today a conference to discuss the challenges leaders face in the coming year against a backdrop of the biggest crisis social care has ever faced caused by years of under-investment

“DECADES OF FALSE DAWNS”

Sarah McClinton President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) said After decades of false dawns on reforms and funding never in my professional career have I seen the adult care system so close to breaking point Millions of people are in pain or distress because they aren t getting the care they need and family and friends picking up the pieces are being pushed to the edge

We ve been trying to patch-up social care for years but we ve run out of road We need to act now to save social care We don’t expect the Government to wave a magic wand but we do need the political will to invest in a long-term plan to ensure good care is available to everyone everywhere

“And the Government must back local leaders and local people to take charge of fixing care in their communities because they know what’s needed What’s impressive in this report is that despite the odds we ve faced – the pandemic the cost-of-living crisis chronic underfunding – local people are showing what’s possible But they need the backing of the whole country to make it happen everywhere

The report highlights changes that can be made today at a local level (p 13) many without the need for huge amounts of money It also showcases innovative programmes around the country already providing solutions to some of the toughest challenges in improving care and support for people

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT

Report author Dr Anna Dixon said “The good news is this report shows that when it comes to care and support we all want the same thing: a fair system that enables everyone to live in the place we call home with the people and things that we love in communities where we look out for one another doing what matters to us

Report author Kate Jopling said: “We know where we want to get to Now is the time to act; for everyone to take responsibility and have the courage to say care and support is important to them ”

BROKEN PROMISES

Silver Voices director Dennis Reed said “After promising to ‘fix social care once and for all’ this report reveals the extent of betrayal by the Conservative Government of older people and all those who need social care support

Radical action is needed by the next government to stop the social care system breaking down completely with social care deserts developing across the country

“As a minimum in the necessary revamping of social care, there should be a universal entitlement to free personal care on the same basis as the NHS care workers pay should be raised to the same levels as equivalent NHS jobs and at least £15billion extra is required each year to resolve unmet demand

Shadow Care Minister Liz Kendall said: “Thirteen years of broken Tory promises has left our care system on its knees, with record staff vacancies and millions of older and disabled people without the care and support they need

How Heartbreak Has Turned To Happiness For Devoted Husband Mike

A devoted husband has told of his heartbreak at moving his wife of nearly 60 years into care when he was no longer able to look after her at home

However Mike Keoghan has no regrets about the family s decision that Joan who lives with dementia should become a permanent resident of Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford

The couple are both service veterans, and Mike says Broughton House was the ideal choice for Joan when the time came for her to require a care home environment

Devoted Mike 78 now makes the 53-mile round trip from his home in Cheshire at least four times a week to visit Joan and he has even stayed at Broughton House himself for respite after surgery to be close to her

He has become a popular volunteer at the home too, spending time with other residents and accompanying them on outings

Joan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017 and Mike became her carer at their home in Mobberley He continued to look after her there for four years even after he underwent surgery for a number of issues including a heart operation

Then one day daughter Julie – one of the couple s three children –spotted what she thought may be a melanoma on Mike’s nose during a FaceTime call with him from her home in Australia

A friend of Mike’s who lives Down Under had seen an advertisement for Broughton House in a magazine and passed it on to him The family thought it would be a suitable place for Joan to go for respite care while Mike again underwent surgery this time to remove the

melanoma

Joan spent six weeks there and the family were so pleased with the care she received that they decided she should move in permanently, which she did in April 2021

Mike said: Joan could shuffle around the house and go out in a wheelchair I was feeding her and dressing and bathing her, but it was at the stage where I could not cope any longer I d had a shoulder operation too, which also restricted my ability to look after her adequately

It was a very hard decision to let her move into full-time care We were married in August 1965 and had such a wonderful life together, raising three children and then welcoming the arrival of five grandchildren and two great-grandsons

“I was in tears at night wondering whether I’d done the right thing But as we are both service veterans I knew it was the right place for Joan I cannot speak highly enough of the place – the staff, the management the activities and the facilities – they are all amazing

“There’s a great sense of camaraderie and the new building is excellent Nothing is too much trouble for the staff

“Naturally I wish she was at home with me I really miss her but I visit very often and I have become a registered volunteer at Broughton House which means I get to spend lots of time there and go with Joan and other residents on a variety of outings in the home s minibus

“She is very settled and content, and she enjoys the wellbeing activities and exercises as well as when a singer comes to perform for the residents Spending lots of time at Broughton House helps me overcome the loneliness of being at home without Joan

Karen Miller chief executive of Broughton House said: It is an honour and a privilege for all of us here at Broughton House to be able to support Mike and Joan They truly have a remarkable story together and they are an inspiration to everyone they meet

Although heart-breaking we are glad that to be able to offer the comfort and peace of mind to Mike and his daughters and son, that Joan is being well looked after in a loving and supportive environment

Care Home Open Week Returns with Inaugural ‘Great British Care Cycle Relay’

Championing Social Care a volunteer-led group of leaders from across the social care sector has announced it will be hosting Care Home Open Week from 26th June to 2nd July this year with a packed agenda aimed at encouraging communities to engage with care home residents and the exceptional care professionals that care for them

To celebrate the length and breadth of care homes across the country participating in Care Home Open Week the inaugural Great British Care Cycle Relay will travel from the North to the South visiting care homes along the way that are at the heart of each community across the country

The relay will fly the Championing Social Care flag high passing on a travelling 'baton' between care homes throughout the week to reach a landmark destination in London The relay is expected to attract some of the largest participation of its kind with care teams, suppliers, friends and supporters, along with some able residents, cycling short routes between each participating Care Home Further details will be shared in due course along with information on how to take part in this milestone event

Once again Care Home Open Week will provide homes with the opportunity to show what facilities activities and services they can offer, and will also showcase the career opportunities available in the sector and encourage communities to support and volunteer for their local service

July focusing on musical activities which will have a special emphasis on the unsung and often unseen army of carers Over the past two years 15 million people have taken part in this chance to say thank you for everyone and everything that makes our communities great places to live in and to get connected with the people they live alongside all year round

2 EDEN PROJECT COMMUNITIES ‘The ‘Month of Community’ is a time to celebrate everything that makes our communities great It began in 2021 in recognition of so many wonderful community initiatives taking place around the same time of year A whopping 20 million people took part in 2022 and we hope you ll join us in 2023!

1750 care homes have already signed up to participate in the event, with a record 4 000+ homes expected to participate this year 40 MPs are already planning visits to local care homes The week-long activities are aimed at encouraging communities to engage with care home residents and the exceptional care professionals that care for them

Niharika Noakes Championing Social Care Director says: “Last year’s Care Home Open Week really succeeded in highlighting the incredible value of the social care sector to society, and the special relationships between care homes, residents and local communities

We re excited about making Care Home Open Week 2023 even more successful than previous years and are targeting record numbers of Homes across the country participating and even more MP visits ”

Interested participants can register for Care Home Open Week 2022 or learn more by visiting https://championingsocialcare org uk

Petition Launched to Demand Care Worker Pay Parity with NHS

Dimensions, a not-for-profit supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people has launched a petition calling for government to align minimum care worker pay to NHS Band 3 – a plea backed overwhelmingly by the public

The petition launches in the wake of £250 million being cut from funding promised to the social care workforce at a time when urgent action is required to prioritise recruitment and retention There are currently around 165 000 social care vacancies – an increase of 52% since 2020-21

After years of delayed reform the public backs the social care sector in calling for the recognition it deserves Our latest research reveals that 80% of the public thinks social care is as important or deserves the same respect as the NHS Only 6% of the nation do not think social care workers should receive the same pay as NHS Band 3 workers – falling to just 3% of those over age 55

NHS Band 3 includes clinical support workers, therapy assistants pharmacy assistants administrative workers and clerical staff who are currently paid £11 67 per hour Dimensions – and the public –believe social care workers skills and professionalism should be recognised at an equal level with these important roles to reflect the complex caring tasks they undertake alongside supporting people to gain choice control and agency over their lives

At present four in ten social care workers earn less than the real living wage Between 2013-2020 a sales assistant went from earning 13p per hour less than a care worker to 21p more on average but social care providers are restricted in increasing pay by tough limits on local authority budgets Amidst

the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, many skilled social care workers feel they have no choice but to leave the workforce for better paid roles elsewhere

To reverse this issue, our petition calls on the public and social care sector to unite in a call for government to benchmark pay with the NHS Band 3

This will allow support workers to earn a wage aligned with their skills and responsibilities and encourage a much-needed pool of talented dedicated workers into these vital careers

Rachael Dodgson, Chief Executive of Dimensions, recently spent a week working as a support worker with a team in London, supporting adults with profound learning disabilities with all aspects of personal care medication and daily living She says: “The shortfall in funding for the social care workforce is a betrayal of the hardworking skilled individuals who were on the frontline of the pandemic and continue to provide essential care and support for older and disabled people who draw on social care support

The NHS simply cannot function without social care

so social care deserves the same recognition that the NHS rightfully has ”

Increasing support worker pay is not the silver bullet to workforce challenges but it is a critical first step and will make a measurable difference We ve implemented three pay rises for our support workers in the last year but we re restricted in going further by tough limits on local authority budgets Yes a larger better-paid social care workforce comes with costs but it s an investment in people – both in rewarding and retaining a dedicated workforce and in providing people with the support they require to live happy and healthy lives ”

Why Workforce Health Should Be at the Centre of Social Care

By Dr Lara Shemtob, general practice, occupational health and the department of primary care and public health at Imperial College London (www imperial ac uk)

This month reports that the government are set to halve the £500 million they pledged to invest in the social care workforce came as a blow to the sector There are currently around 250 000 vacant posts across health and social care with more than 160 000 unfilled post in social care The NHS and social care are dependent on each other to work efficiently While the NHS is facing its own challenges a functioning social care system is necessary to keep people well in the community and to discharge them safely home after acute treatment

Workforce health is relevant to recruitment, retention, safety and productivity of staff Working in social care has similar challenges to working in health care- including hazards and risks around manual handling infection and mental health of staffcausing issues including work-related stress and burnout But while NHS workers have access to occupational health services to help keep them well and keep working access for social care workers is likely to be more limited

What is occupational health and where does it fit into social care?

Occupational health is all about the relationship between work and health: how our health affects our work and how our work affects our health

Occupational health teams support people working while living with ill health such as through recommending changes to the workplace or the role When someone is not well enough to work occupational health can put a plan in place to get them back to work when their health and function improves Occupational health clinicians also help organisations assess and manage hazards and risks in the workplace Occupational health was excluded when the NHS was first set up which means access varies from

employer to employer Even the most generous estimates suggest around 50% of workers do not have access to any occupational health support People working for organisations with <250 employees are less likely to have access to occupational health compared to workers at large private sector organisations, or the public sector People who are in insecure employment and on zero hours contracts are least likely to have access to occupational health

The social care sector is made up of more than 18 000 employers mainly private sector small and medium sized enterprises with at least 25% of the workforce on zero hours contracts This profile of organisation is unlikely to be providing occupational health support to its workforce Pay for a social care worker is around £8000 less than an NHS healthcare assistant But pay is not the only working condition Workforce heath matters too

HOW DOES THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR MOVE FORWARD?

Because of how heterogenous the social care sector is we do not know exactly what is happening in terms of work and health issues and work and health support in each organisation Evidence tells us that occupational health support keeps people working increases the safety and productivity of staff and improves safe service delivery Yet all stakeholders stretched in resourcing any change As well as the financial barrier to getting support, small business owners say they do not have the time to invest in identifying their own needs

The Spring Budget 2023 highlighted the gap in the occupational health landscape and suggested some solutions but we are still very far away from universal access Meanwhile the government s response to the health and social care committee enquiry on burnout suggested extending the NHS staff survey to social care which will help us clarify what is happening across the social care sector

Integrated care systems could be a way of bridging the gap between health and social care organisations We need parallel workforce planning across health and care and as part of this we should be growing occupational health services to meet the needs of the social care workforce as well as the needs of the NHS workforce

There is a long way to go but understanding where we are is important Are you a stakeholder in social care with a view on this? It would be great to hear from you via this stakeholder scoping inquiry

Bridging the Intergenerational Gap

A music project between residents at a Surrey-based nursing home and a local school was named a finalist in the National Children and Young People Awards Now staff are encouraging other care homes to pursue joint projects after witnessing the benefits it brings to both the young and the old

The Move and Groove project is a partnership between Intergenerational Music Making and the Youth Sport Trust The aim of the Move and Groove project is to accelerate the growth and impact of intergenerational practice and maximise the health and social benefits of young and old alike plus the wider community through an innovative and inspirational intergenerational music and movement programme

The initial six week pilot engaged with 10 care homes and 10 schools around the UK Tupwood Gate Nursing Home, run by leading health and social care company Cygnet Health Care were linked with Clifton Hill School a Special School in Caterham for children and young people aged 11-19 with severe and profound multiple learning difficulties

The young people and their teachers visited Tupwood every Friday morning and participated in a music and movement facilitated session with a group of residents

Paula Deadman was Tupwood Gate Nursing Home s Service Manager at the time of the partnership She said “It was a fabulous project and our Friday mornings were full of singing and laughter It was an absolute joy to see the bonds formed between these amazing young people and our residents

Dr Richard Wright is the Lead GP at Tupwood Gate Nursing Home

He added “One of the best parts was the vibrancy and seeing the impact on the students who would leave at the end of the sessions skipping out the door In terms of our residents it wasn t just seeing the anecdotal improvements we were receiving direct reports about the benefit it was bringing It was a joy to behold ”

Sue Clark is the Activity Co-ordinator at the care home and she offered advice for any organisation or service considering embarking on an intergenerational project

She said: “It was an amazing privilege to be part of Move and Groove and witness the young and older generation together

For anyone considering the same I would recommend getting in touch with youth groups such as the Brownies, schools, dance schools as well as approaching others that are relatively local in the community

There is never any harm in approaching and asking and the benefits for both the young and the old can be huge It had such a massive impact on the residents at Tupwood Gate

“If you plan the event together ensuring there is support from both sides it really can be the start of something special

Cornerstone Healthcare and PremaLabs

Collaborate to Test Staff for COVID-19 Antibodies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Structural Weaknesses Left Social Care “Struggling” with Covid Pandemic

Structural weakness, including poor workforce pay, insecure funding and under-investment in data undermined social care’s ability to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic in a timely way a new report has revealed

Building a resilient social care system in England, published by the Nuffield Trust in conjunction with the London School of Economics, explored how the social care sector responded to the outbreak of Covid-19 in England identifying areas that would make the sector more resilient in future

The report said that the sector was in a ‘precarious state’ at the point the pandemic hit and Covid-19 further exacerbated its underlying issues

SYSTEM FRAGMENTED

The report examined issues which emerged with the Covid-19 response in the social care sector in England Focusing on the initial four months of the pandemic response (February-May 2020), and revealed that the fragmented nature of the system and a shortage of civil servants working on social care contributed to confusion over who was responsible for decisions and implementation in the Covid response which for example undermined the effective distribution of PPE and testing for care staff

Drawing on interviews with sector experts workshops with social care stakeholders including people who use care policy documents and literature this research has pinpointed areas that could put social care on a more resilient footing in the future

KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:

The government NHS England and Public Health England missed opportunities to prepare the sector for a pandemic or other crises in

the years immediately before Covid-19 They excluded social care from pandemic-planning exercises such as Exercise Alice After exercises that did include the sector, such as Operation Cygnus, action was not taken to address the problems that were identified Once infections took hold in England, the government did not sufficiently apply preexisting knowledge of infection spread in care settings There had been no dedicated director general for social care in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) since 2016 No adult social care representatives sat on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) in the opening weeks of the pandemic This meant social care leaders felt largely invisible despite the critical role of the sector

The wider Covid-19 response which was perceived to be hospitalfocused at the outset, caused many issues for social care staff because the structure of the workforce and what their jobs involved were not well understood For example, a lack of access to Covid testing and sick pay had far-reaching consequences for staff when selfisolation policies were in place, especially for those on zero hours contracts

The long-term tendency of governments to allocate funding to social care in the form of sporadic injections of cash limited the scope for strategic investment and had implications for how robust the sector, and its infrastructure were when entering the pandemic Many providers of care which are often small businesses entered the pandemic with little or no cash reserves

During the pandemic the succession of emergency funding pots offered to social care initially took a long time to reach the front line and their short-term nature prevented strategic planning While seen as a lifeline for care providers extensions to the funding were frequent-

ly announced with only weeks, days or in one case hours before the end of the scheme and did not allow those on the front line to spend it to meet the needs they could see

There was a lack of data and information about who uses and provides adult social care services and how to communicate with them Covid19 has accelerated efforts to collect data, and this is helping to lay the foundations of a robust source of standard data

The government did not adequately consider the fragile state and the complexity of the adult social care infrastructure in particular residential care buildings and equipment Small organisations that make up much of the sector lacked the back office capacity to interpret continually updated guidance and outdated care home buildings struggled to isolate or group together infected residents and to accommodate wider infection control measures

POSITIVE PROGRESS

There has been some positive progress in learning from these problems the report adds with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) bolstering its social care capacity and expertise and the signalling of it as a priority area with the appointment not only of a specific director general but also a chief social care nurse Following the first four months of the Covid-19 response progress was made to plan for ongoing outbreaks in the short to medium term for instance with the establishment of the social care taskforce in June 2020 and the decision to continue to provide PPE purchased centrally The smoother subsequent rollout of vaccinations in social care settings pointed to improved collaboration between the government and social care partners and the prioritisation of carers in the vaccination rollout was widely regarded as a positive step forward

New Approaches Needed to Help Ease Symptoms Amongst People in the Last Days of Life

Patients in the last days of life at home or in care homes sometimes need fast access to medications to ease their symptoms but new approaches are needed to ensure this happens say Dr Ben Bowers (University of Cambridge Primary Care Unit) and colleagues in their BMJ Opinion published today

For patients dying in the community, rapid and tailored access to last-days-of-life medications can be difficult to organise although these medications can help avert preventable suffering in the final days and hours of life

Dr Bowers and his co-authors who are all experts in end-of-life care propose four additional options to help ensure ready access to medications for all patients who need them

• resource some community pharmacies to supply end-of-life medications 24 hours a day seven days a week; enable emergency paramedics to carry end-of-life

medication stocks that they can administer to dying patients;

trial community healthcare services and nursing homes holding a stock of end-of-life medications; • change pharmaceutical regulations to permit endof-life medications prescribed for one care home resident to be repurposed for another resident following a medical assessment and individualised prescription (as was permitted during the pandemic)

The research team conclude: These options will all need careful piloting and robust evaluation of their clinical effectiveness safety unintended consequences and patients and families views and experiences of care Taken together they may not only considerably reduce medication wastage but most importantly help to avoid preventable suffering in the final days and hours of life

NHS Hits 3m Spring Boosters

The NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has vaccinated almost half of those eligible with a spring booster a month after the campaign’s formal launch

More than three million people have taken up the offer of a spring COVID jab to keep up their protection from the virus

Around 6 6 million people are eligible, including those aged 75 and over with a weakened immune system or care home residents

The offer formally opened to everyone outside of a care home on 17 April

NHS staff have also been going into older adult care homes to offer residents the vaccine since 3

April

NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell said: “One month into the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme s spring campaign more than three million people have come forward for a booster to keep up their protection from COVID –that’s almost half of everyone eligible

While the NHS has been able to stand down the COVID incident – thanks in large part to the success of the vaccination programme – the virus is still with

us and we must continue to ensure the most vulnerable in our society continue to receive this important protection

“If you are one of those due a jab this spring but yet to come forward – please do book an appointment online or via the NHS App as soon as feasible”

The campaign is set to end on 30 June when the offer of a first or second dose for anyone yet to come forward will also end as COVID vaccinations move to a seasonal targeted offer

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme continues to give people the protection they need and nearly half of those at greatest risk of the virus have already had their spring booster

“I d like to thank our fantastic roving NHS teams, who’ve been visiting care homes to make sure those at risk get their jab to protect them from COVID

Getting your vaccine couldn t be easier with thousands of sites open across the country and I would urge anyone eligible to come forward as soon as possible

From Searching to Ser ving: The Captivating Tale of a Volunteer-turned-Care Home Entrepreneur

By Billy Dulay, billydulay , www globalcareltd com

Hey there I m Billy and let me tell you life hasn t always been this meaningful Ten years ago I was lost going from one job to another, never quite finding my groove Retail work, construction sites the traditional 9-to-5 grind I tried them all desperately searching for a path that would give my life purpose But truth be told it felt like I was wandering through a foggy haze unsure of where I was headed I explored different avenues pursued my passions and listened to the whispers of my heart And slowly but surely clarity began to emerge

Growing up with the values instilled by my immigrant grandparents and my shopkeeper parents I ve always had a deep desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others It was during my soulsearching journey that I stumbled upon an incredible opportunity to volunteer at my uncle's care home Little did I know that this experience would become the turning point of my life

Witnessing the immeasurable joy and profound difference that the dedicated staff brought to the lives of the residents I had a powerful realization I had found what I had been yearning for I knew deep down that this was my calling With unwavering determination I took a leap of faith and purchased my first care home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, at the age of 28 in the summer of 2020, amid a global pandemic (Timing couldn t have been any worse)

Despite the challenges that surrounded us mine and my team’s commitment to providing quality care to those in need remained firm

When the pandemic hit my team faced unimaginable obstacles We had to work tirelessly to ensure the

safety and well-being of our residents I still remember the heart-breaking outbreak that claimed the lives of ten beloved residents within just two weeks It was a deeply emotional and trying experience that tested our strength and resilience The tears shed and the sorrow felt by the team and the families of those we lost will forever stay with me But even in the darkest of moments we refused to surrender We rallied together fuelled by our unwavering determination and love of our residents to provide the best care possible This humbling journey reminded us of the immense power of teamwork and perseverance And today I am immensely proud to say that we emerged from that challenging period stronger more united and more committed to our mission than ever before “Thank You to all the staff at Prospect House – you were the real heroes

In early 2023, I took on another endeavour by purchasing my second care home in East Yorkshire, Hull, with a rating of Requires Improvement I knew that turning things around would demand the same level of dedication and hard work as before Shoulder to shoulder with my exceptional care staff, I dove into the day-to-day operations giving our all to enhance the care home s rating While we eagerly await the inspection, I am confident that the collective efforts of my team will lead us to success

I am immensely grateful for the unwavering dedication and hard work they bring to our care homes They are the backbone of our operation and without them none of this would have been possible Their passion for helping others and making a difference continues to inspire me every single day Now I find myself eagerly seeking my third care home excited about the path that lies ahead

Today, I stand before you, forever transformed by the lessons and experiences that have shaped my journey I have discovered my true calling in the care home industry a place where I can make a real tangible difference in the lives of others The road hasn't always been smooth and challenges still arise, but the rewards far outweigh the struggles If there s one thing I ve learned from my own story it s that sometimes you have to venture into the unknown to find what truly sets your soul on fire So if you're feeling lost or uncertain take that first step Trust me the path may be winding but the destination is worth every twist and turn

ISO to Develop International Care Standards for Older People

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has revealed its plans to create an internationally recognised set of standards for the care of older adults

ISO has announced that it will develop an international care standard for older people as part of its global programme of standards under the Ageing Societies umbrella The standard will consider people in all care settings and will be the eighth standard aimed at improving the quality of life for older people and their carers

Paul Newman Chief Executive of Greensleeves Care and Founding Chair of the UK Committee on Ageing Societies at the British Standards Institution (BSI) welcomed the news saying,

We have campaigned for this standard since we formed the ISO Committee in 2017 The fact it received unanimous support from 26 nations around the globe

demonstrates the effectiveness of the campaign and recognition of the shared global challenge so many societies face

To date we have developed and published three global standards to improve the quality of life for older people, including age-inclusive workforce (ISO-25550), carerinclusive organisations (ISO-25551) and dementia-inclusive communities (ISO-25552) plus four further standards already in development

I look forward to working with fellow technical experts from across the globe to combine our shared knowledge and experience to develop a standard that will deliver a step change in the quality of care older people receive ”

Once published the ISO standard will allow care providers to evidence they deliver care in line with international best practice

Hydration and Nutrition Moves to the Top of the Menu

Edensor, a fifty-bed care centre for the elderly with nursing and dementia needs in Clacton opens a Hydration and Nutrition Station for residents

As part of regular meetings with PROSPER (who promote safer provision of care for elderly residents in Essex) Edensor has been discussing what additional measures they might employ to help with residents health Part of a recent discussion included improving residents wellbeing by encouraging them to snack and drink more often outside meal times

Further discussions after this initial meeting during staff Montessori training sessions led to one of the team suggesting an area in the heart of the Home be turned in to an innovative Hydration and Nutrition Station for residents and their visitors

Ewa Ruskowiak a Care Coordinator at Edensor Care Centre said We re delighted to have been able to establish this Hydration and Nutrition Station in the main lounge It will give our residents access to a large selection of snacks and drinks throughout the day and will help to give them some added independence by choosing when to take additional refreshments out-

ATurning Point

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

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

Limited mobility/unable to change posi-

tion without help

• A loss of feeling in part of the body

History of pressure ulcers or having one now

Not having eaten or hydrated well for a sustained period

Thin dry or weak skin

A significant cognitive impairment

HOW DOES A PRESSURE ULCER OCCUR?

side meal times The clear signage in text and picture form is particularly important for our residents living with dementia, so that they can more easily identify what snacks and drinks are available that day ”

Edensor resident Sue aged 71 said “I love the choice of snacks and drinks and I really like the bright colours and pictures

Sabina Mach Edensor Care Home Manager said I m proud to work with a team who are always thinking about new and innovative ways to improve the care we offer our residents Danielle who is part of our care team formulated the idea of the Hydration and Nutrition Station and then Ewa and Lucy worked hard to put the idea into practice We use the Montessori approach to allow our residents to live life to the full and giving those with dementia more independence is so valuable Being able to decide when and what they might like to snack on or drink will be very important especially for those living with dementia and we have already seen the residents encouraging each other to go and get refreshments which is wonderful to see

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Research Aims to Revolutionise Care for Older People

New research on social care and older people resulted in a toolkit designed by The Open University aimed at transforming the well-being of older people and staff in the care sector

It is based on an emerging understanding of relational care an approach which represents a shift to a more multidirectional flow of care where staff do things with rather than for residents An example of this is where older people and care staff share activities learn from each other and support each other through challenges

Underpinned by academic research from the report The value and practice of relational care with older people which was funded by the Hallmark Foundation the toolkit offers practical guidance for managers and staff on how to create the right conditions for relational care in their community or residential settings

With a sector that has a soaring workforce turnover of 25% at least 160,000 staff vacancies and 18% of care homes having to close in recent times researchers say that the toolkit they have created from this research could have far reaching benefits and provide more positive outcomes for staff and residents In practical terms this could mean higher staff retention rates reduced recruitment costs and improved wellbeing across the sector at little extra cost to care providers

Dr Manik Deepak-Gopinath Lecturer in Ageing and Professor Mary Larkin Professor of Care Carers and Caring at The Open University said: Our research has enabled a better understanding what relational care looks like and the positive impact it has on older people their families and care providers We know that meaningful relationships are developed in an environment that facilitates a mutual sense of belonging trust and inclusivity and where everyone can feel respected and valued”

Avnish Goyal CBE Chair Hallmark Foundation and Hallmark Care Homes; Chair Care England said: “Hallmark Care Homes have been implementing relational care for years because we know it works Relational care supports happier older people it makes our homes happier places and it makes for happier team members A real win-win-win which I recommend to all care providers”

Jenny Kartupelis MBE expert in relational care said Relational care is already practised in settings around the UK and now this seminal research bridges the gap between theory and everyday good practice with new replicable and accessible tools to help ensure a more fulfilling life for all involved

The research was conducted across the four UK nations in settings where relational care was being practiced These included three residential homes one day centre and one supported sheltered housing complex

In addition to the toolkit which can be found at https://oro open ac uk/88663/ there will be resources available on OpenLearn the OU s free learning platform later this year

A summary of the report is available at https://www open edu/openlearn/

Raising Money for NSPCC, with a Classic Car Show

Runwood Homes care home Waterfield House in Hadleigh hosted a classic car show in the heart of the community, whilst raising funds for the NSPCC

Residents staff families and the community enjoyed a day of refreshments, raffles and an array of classic cars

On display at this year’s car show was a 1974 Triumph Spitfire a VW Beetle a Wolseley 1955 model a TVR and a 1953 MGTD

In total, the home collectively raised £117 for the charity

Brian W, Resident at Waterfield House said: “I used to drive a blue VW Beetle like the one that is here it was the most uncomfortable car I drove It has brought back some memories of it always breaking down at the most inconvenient times”

Resident Alex at Waterfield House was particularly fond of the Black Wolseley recalling many fond

memories:

I used to have a Black Wolseley a different model to this one This Model was used as a police car, I remember the sirens chasing me very well Customer Relations Manager, Lindsey Fletcher, said: We were thrilled to see so many fantastic cars on display at Waterfield House care home For some of the residents at the home the cars brought back many memories from their youth and for others it was their first time seeing the cars in person We want to thank the community and the team at Waterfield House for coming together to make this such a special day whilst raising money for a fantastic cause ”

Waterfield House would like to extend their thanks to everyone for their help and support and look forward to continue working closely with the community in the future

Healthcare Market Demand Continues to Outstrip Supply Says Knight Frank

The supply of beds in the UK healthcare market reduced for the first time by 177, despite the continuous demand with an expected shortfall of more than 200 000 beds by 2050 according to global property advisor Knight Frank

Knight Frank’s ‘Healthcare Development Opportunities’ report outlines the UK care home market consists of older converted stock that in some cases may be considered obsolete This comes down to size and lack of en suite or full wetroom facilities With this in mind an opportunity presents itself to those willing to repurpose and reposition the current supply The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need to focus on virus control and wellbeing while ESG and net zero pressures will also play a role in the direction of future supply However, what is apparent now more than ever is the need to pay attention to the weak points in the current supply and as a sector work to rectify these

While 2022 saw a circa 15% dip in the number of new homes completed we have seen a promising start to 2023, which is likely to have benefited from the delayed completion of some of homes that had been due

to complete last year In 2022, approximately 10,000 new beds were granted via planning application This number represents a mix of refurbishment and extensions to existing stock as well as new-build schemes While completion of these schemes will add to the circa 480 000 existing bed supply an important consideration is the scheme type and delivery potential Knight Frank’s Development Hotspots Index gives a simplified insight into which locations offer the best prospects for care home development The index highlights the dominance of the South East and East of England, with seven of the 12 hotspots falling into these regions This also includes Greater London which has the second-highest index score this year

Julian Evans Head of Healthcare at Knight Frank said: “The UK elderly care market is at risk of reaching capacity by the end of the decade and this is a worrying projection Not only must we build more care homes but we must take action to support standing stock to reduce the level of home closures which continues to work against the delivery of new homes as we attempt to grow the supply level ”

Gosport MP Pushes for Older Person’s Commissioner

Dame Caroline Dinenage has once again asked for better rights for children to see their grandparents following parental separation in Questions to the Justice Secretary – she also pushed the Minister Mike Freer MP, for the Government to appoint an Older Person s

Commissioner

The Gosport MP and former Justice Minister stated that England should be following the lead of other UK Nations – Scotland who have an Older Person s Minister and Northern Ireland and Wales who both have an Older Person’s Commissioner, in order that the issue of grandparental alienation and a range of other vital matters affecting older people, can be better represented

Caroline asked Justice Minister Mike Freer: We know that the bond with a grandparent can be one of the most precious relationships in a child’s life and yet so often in the adult wars of family breakdown children are a weapon and actions by grandparents through the family court are incredibly expensive and quite frequently fruitless What more can the Department do to give grandchildren that right

to see their grandparents? And isn’t it about time that we followed the example of Scotland who have an Older Person s Minister and Northern Ireland & Wales who have an Older Person’s Commissioner to take up issues just like this one?”

Whilst the Minister responded advising that an Older Person s Commissioner would be a matter for the Prime Minister he did add that legal aid eligibility extensions could help grandparents in guaranteeing their rights to access to grandchildren He said:“If I could take the last point first in terms of an Older Person’s Commissioner my Rt Hon Friend may wish to take this up with the Prime Minister as I suspect that’s well above my pay grade

In terms of addressing the issue of access for grandparents it s well recognised that we recently extended the ability of legal aid for special guardianship orders which may well be accessible for grandparents to ensure that they get SGO s to guarantee their rights of access ”

Commenting Caroline said: This is something I intend to take up with Number Ten There are 11 million people aged over 65 in England alone – we have an aging population but no single voice to champion their interests which often end up slipping through the net due to their cross-departmental nature

There is a Children s Commissioner – but no one with the same legal powers to stand up for Older People

The issue of intergenerational relationships is a case in point The grand-parent – grand-child bond can be so precious and formative, and cause such distress on both parts when it becomes the collateral damage of a parental split

Other UK Nations have an Older Person’s Minister or Commissioner – we need an Older People and Ageing Commissioner in England to act as an independent champion to take on these issues and ensure that policy making across Government consider the needs of our older population

Caroline has previously raised the issue of Grandchildren s rights after a meeting with former Lord Chancellor Dominic Raab in the Ministry of Justice to explore the suggestion further She has also raised this with the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Tom Pursglove in March 2022 who said The Government understands the important role that grandparents often play in children’s lives – something that I can very much relate to through my own experiences growing up – and the stability they can provide particularly during times of divorce separation or bereavement

I know she had a productive meeting with my Rt Hon Friend, The Deputy Prime Minister recently This is a matter that is under active consideration at the moment, at pace, and we will revert to her as quickly as possible ”

Care Workers Walk More than 1 Million Steps for Prostate Cancer

Four residential care workers have marched their way through March in a bid to raise awareness and cash for Prostate Cancer UK

Members of staff from Colchester based Newlands decided to take on the challenge of walking 11 000 steps a day after one of the individuals supported by the facility was diagnosed with end stage terminal prostate cancer

The quartet walked more than one million steps between them over the month and raised £320 for the charity

Newlands, which is a residential service that provides support for individuals with learning difficulties mental health conditions and autism has been Alan Farmcombe s home for more than 30 years The 77-year-old who is a popular character at the facility was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, prompting his carers to raise awareness of the deadly disease

Alan’s love for the Beatles is common knowledge to others living at Newlands who can often hear him humming to some of their hits of the 60s

Laura Shea Sarah Louise Pavitt Elena Mitrea and Victoria Ludwinowicz each walked 11,000 steps each day, and had customised t-shirts printed to raise awareness for the cause

Laura Shea deputy manager at Newlands said We re delighted to have

raised £320 for Prostate Cancer UK and more importantly raise awareness of a disease that is often diagnosed too late

The other girls and I have our smart watches and often compare how many steps we have done in a day, so we decided that it was a great way to challenge ourselves by doing 11 000 steps a day

We ve been up early most mornings getting the majority of our steps in before we start our working day

“We love having Alan here at Newlands so it’s very sad to see him go through all this treatment for a disease which affects thousands of men across the UK every year

John Godden MBE CEO at Salutem said Everyone at the Salutem is very proud of the women at Newlands who have put in the miles for Prostate Cancer UK

The money they have raised will contribute to all the great work the charity is doing to help with early diagnosis and treatment for those with prostate cancer

“We were very saddened to hear the news about Alan and its important as Salutem family we come together and support those who need it most

Social Care Fund for Hospital Discharges

By Ben Troke, qualified mediator and solicitor at Hill Dickinson (www hilldickinson com), specialising in the law and ethics around the delivery of health and social care

INTRODUCTION

In January 2023 the government announced an additional £200 million fund to speed up hospital discharge for ICBs to fund maximum stays of up to four weeks per person in care homes and other settings with wrap around support, with the money to be spent by the end of March

The aim of course is to reduce the number patients in hospital with no medical need to be there:

In December 2022 more than 13,000 beds, out of a total of around 100,000 hospital beds in England, were occupied by patients who were medically fit for discharge and bed occupancy was above 95 per cent for adult general and acute beds well above the maximum threshold of 92 per cent set by the NHS to maintain patient flow Delayed discharge not only reduces the availability of hospital beds for newly admitted patients but also brings additional risk that patients may acquire infections in hospital from longer stays, and makes it harder for people to regain their independence after leaving hospital increasing their need for post-discharge care

IMPACT?

This funding is on top of the £500 million adult social discharge fund announced in September 2022 which involved a twin-track route where £200 million would go to local authorities and £300 million to ICBs but was announced before the impact of that first tranche of extra funding has been assessed Equally, with the new £200 million discharge fund having to be spent by 31 March 2023 it is too soon to really see the impact this has had

Initial suggestions from local authorities are that the funding helped maintain safe staffing levels in social care during the grant period

whilst also helping to discharge patients from hospital Nevertheless the time-limited nature of the fund does restrict its impact on the wider underlying issues within social care most obviously the workforce challenge with 1 in 10 posts now vacant affecting pre-discharge assessments and identifying and securing placements for patients in need

The number of patients remaining in hospital overnight who no longer meet the criteria to remain still averaged 13 771 in February 2023 a 9 4 per cent increase from the 12 589 patients in April 2022

There may be a more significant impact from the government adult social care policy paper “Putting People at the Heart of Care” published on 4 April 2023 though the dominant initial response from the sector was to decry the apparent reduction in funding for the social care workforce from amounts previously committed

It may also be misleading to see on social care services as the main problem Of the patients stuck in hospital at the end of 2022 only 37% were due to waiting for social care services; problems with social care provision have never accounted for the majority of delays (in February 2020 the NHS was solely responsible for 60% of the delays in discharges)

Diagnosing the key problems for delayed discharge is challenging as the dataset collection has been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic However rather than simply seeing social care as to blame there clearly needs to be a collaborative long-term plan for social care and hospital including coordination of assessments of post-acute care needs organising discharge to assess (D2A) pathways and ensuring people without complex needs are discharged rapidly LEGAL ISSUES?

The idea that they might be swiftly moved out of hospital into block booked residential homes might have a positive effect on delayed discharges, but there is a risk that it is not an appropriate placement for that individual s care or rehabilitation needs (fewer than 5% of people discharged from hospital actually need 24hour bedded residential care)

In some (but not all) cases we will be dealing with the discharge of a patient who lacks capacity to make a decision for themselves about their discharge destination in which case there is an issue about whether such a discharge could be said to be in the patient’s best interests (among the available options) per the Mental Capacity Act 2005

And in some of those cases there is a question whether such a discharge placement may amount to a deprivation of the person’s liberty (DoL) requiring authorisation under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS if a registered care home) which strictly speaking should be put in place before their discharge there including if appropriate an opportunity to challenge that DoLS authorisation before any move if it is contested either by the patient or by family / others on their behalf

For patients who lack capacity for the relevant decisions the same problems of proper MCA compliant best interests decision making and (prior) authorisation / challenge of any DoL may also arise in the context of any move onward from the initial residential placement whether to another residential setting (perhaps closer to home) or back to the person s own home if and when an appropriate dom care package can be arranged

Capacity or not in a great many cases there will be a risk of people staying in those residential placements much longer than is appropriate or necessary Whilst assessments of care needs were to be done within the four weeks a patient was in a residential care home, the £200 million fund does not provide for a person still being at the care home after the four weeks The guidance to providers apportions ongoing funding responsibilities to ICBs or to local authorities depending on what stage the assessment has reached at the end of the four weeks but the fund did not cover long-term care needs following completion of a Care Act or CHC assessment

Aside from any concerns about ineffectiveness and insufficiency of the fund, there may also be unintended consequences, which raise legal issues

Care Home Residents Learn the Ropes at Bell Ringing Challenge

A 50-day marathon bell ringing challenge concluded with residents from Care South’s Sussexdown residential care home in Storrington learning the ropes at Storrington Church on 30th April Starting with basic ringing patterns 10 residents from Sussexdown were given a lesson on how the skill is performed After some practice and careful instruction the team were chiming bells together in harmony and performing short methods – memorised ringing patterns that create a melodic tune This bell ringing activity was part of a challenge organised by the Activities Coordinator at Sussexdown care home, Vicky Chase, who wished to celebrate her 50th birthday on 27th April by ringing 50 Sussex bell towers in 50 days in the run up to and on the weekend of her birthday Vicky wants to encourage more people to train as bell ringers as the pandemic has left a shortage of those with the skill whilst also recruiting ringers to ensure that all bells in West Sussex can be rung for the King s Coronation

Vicky Activities Coordinator at Sussexdown said: Many ringers stopped during the pandemic, but I hope I’ve inspired others to pick up the skill Residents at Sussexdown were very enthusiastic about joining in on the challenge and they certainly have a natural talent for it With the Coronation of King Charles III now is the perfect time to ring for The King I ve thoroughly enjoyed this challenge Bell ringing a big passion of mine and although it s required a lot of work, I’m so pleased to involve so many new people in bell ringing Bringing the challenge to a close with residents – people I already have lots of fond memories with – was a special way to end ”

One of the participating residents said I love getting the chance to be involved in new experiences I ve never tried bell ringing before Vicky is a great teacher and I’m very thankful we got to make new memories as part of her challenge Happy birthday Vicky

Teesside Care Home’s Museum of Curiosities

A MUSEUM of curiosities has popped up at a Teesside care home to mark International Museums Day

Victorian and Edwardian era medicines old fashioned household products antique toys and vintage newspapers are just some of the items on display at Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road Thornaby The cabinet of old remedies includes fake cocaine drops for toothache and tobacco treatments for asthma and bronchitis Surf washing powder Murray Mints and carbolic soap can be found in the home section, and there are dozens of old school photos and posters

Residents at the care home have been enjoying examining the curated items some of which have sparked strong memories from their younger days Patricia Dobson, 84, was particularly struck by one news items in an

old newspaper She said I remember watching the moon landings on telly

This is amazing I never expected to see something like this ”

A display entitled smells of the blitz brought back Patricia s memories of the Second World War She added: You can smell the fires

Ella Atkinson 89, recalled her sister after seeing a doll in the toy exhibition

She said: How interesting I had a doll like that but I sold it after the War to buy my own bicycle as I thought it would be a lot more use to me My sister kept her doll though It s nice to see one again ”

For resident Dorothy Sleightholme 76 a replica Fabergé egg piqued her interest She said: I ll bet they had something very expensive in there

When asked about the school display particularly about using the abacus and individual slate chalkboards, she responded: “How old do you think I am!”

Athena Care Homes Takes Another Step Towards Zero Waste

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

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

The solution can be used as a cleaner, degreaser, sanitiser, fabric cleaner, carpet shampoo and odour

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

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

Katherine Foley Group Operations Director at Athena Care Homes said:

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

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

For more information on Athena visit www

£15 Minimum Wage for Care Workers Would Boost Economy Says TUC

Paying carers £15 an hour would boost the economy by £7 7billion, research has revealed

The research provides a local breakdown of the financial benefit to the care workforce and the wider economic benefits of raising wages to a fair minimum of £15 per hour across the social care sector stating that their pay would help fill the estimated 165 000 vacancies in the sector bolstering social care and easing pressure on the NHS according to analysts

The social care workforce accounts for £52 billion of England’s economy (GVA), however, nine out of ten care workers currently earn less than £15 an hour and many are paid less than the Real Living Wage rate of £10 90 according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC)

There are 1 790 000 posts in social care but around 165 000 of these are vacant The vacancy rate increased to a record 10 7% in 2021/22

The shortage of care workers has led to a surge in the number of people waiting for social care assessments and millions of hours of commissioned home care going unprovided

According to the research, low pay and job insecurity are the main cause of the recruitment and retention crisis

• Nine out of ten care workers earn less than £15 per hour and many care workers are paid less than the real living wage (£10 90)

Almost a quarter (24%) of workers in the sector are employed on zerohours contracts

The research also finds that a £15 minimum wage across the social care sector would mean:

An annual full-time wage of at least £29 250 for care workers

Pay rises for 541,700 care workers across England

Pay boost for high numbers of women workers (who make up 79% of care workers) and BME workers (who make up 31% of care workers), helping to reduce gender and race pay gaps

The union body is calling for the cost to be met by the Treasury rather than local authorities that remain cash-strapped following cuts since 2010 to the overall funding they receive from central government

The net cost would be substantially lower than the £5 9 billion upfront requirement to bring pay up to £15 per hour for all care workers This is because the Treasury would benefit from higher tax returns and reduced in-work benefits payments, and from the economic impacts of the additional consumer spending

REGIONAL AND LOCAL IMPACTS

The research calculated which regions and local authorities would gain the biggest economic boosts relative to population size

The top three regions in ranking order, along with their annual economic boost:

1 East Midlands – £803 million

2 North East – £422 million

3 North West – £1 111 million

The top 10 local authorities, along with their annual economic boost:

1 Sefton – £47 million

2 Nottingham – £53 million

3 Leicester – £58 million

4 Torbay – £22 million

5 Liverpool – £74 million

6 Hartlepool – £14 million

7 Stoke on Trent – £39 million

8 Blackpool – £21 million

9 Bedford – £27 million

10 Newcastle upon Tyne – £43 million

UPGRADING CARE WORK AND CARE SERVICES

Alongside a £15 minimum wage in social care the TUC is calling for ministers to take the following action to improve care work and the quality and reliability of care services:

Establish a sector Fair Pay Agreement to negotiate minimum standards of employment in social care covering all social care workers

Ensure good employment conditions for care workers, including proper sick pay and ending zero-hours contracts

• Develop a new National Social Care Forum to coordinate the delivery and development of services and agree a new workforce strategy

Launch a long-term sustainable investment plan to fund high-quality social care employment and services

Reduce the role of private sector providers and move towards insourcing of care services

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“Most families need social care services at some point And we all want to know our loved ones will receive a high standard of care But that’s only possible if social care jobs are paid well enough to attract and retain the right people

We re calling for a £15 per hour minimum wage across the adult social care sector This will reduce staff turnover

and help fill the thousands of vacancies in care services

“There’s another upside Our research shows that raising social care wages to £15 per hour will have wider economic benefits where care workers live and work When they spend their higher wages local businesses will get a boost And that will support job creation and higher wages for other workers too

RAISING THE STANDARD OF STAIR CLIMBING SOLUTIONS

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

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

How Healthcare Workers Can Raise Concerns Without Fear of Reprisal

by Nicholas Hayes and Andrew Pepper-Parsons at Protect Whistleblowing charity (www protect-advice org uk)

The NHS is currently facing unprecedented pressure because of staffing shortages and funding cuts Healthcare workers are feeling overwhelmed and patient health and safety is being put at risk

Consequently staff from the health sector feel obligated to speak up and Protect the UK s leading whistleblowing charity advised 350 healthcare workers on how to blow the whistle safely last year alone

It is vital that health care workers feel comfortable raising their concerns without fear of reprisal: they are the eyes and ears for organisations regulators and the public But it s not always clear how to navigate the process

WHISTLEBLOWING LAW

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) gives workers protection against negative treatment from their employer after raising their concerns The protection applies where a worker, including primary care professionals has raised public interest concerns about specific types of wrongdoing

WHAT TYPE OF CONCERNS ARE PROTECTED?

Any matters that may affect the health and safety of an individual or breach of the law may fall within whistleblowing concerns In the health sector, some of the examples we see include:

Poor clinical practice

Unsafe staffing levels

• Inadequate training

Culture of bullying and harassment

Safeguarding failures

Fraud

It is important to note that you do not have to be certain that wrongdoing has occurred and hard evidence although helpful is not necessary to raise your concern You simply need to have a reasonable belief that there is cause for concern and provide information rather than just an allegation about the wrongdoing WHERE CAN I RAISE MY CONCERNS?

Internally

Approaching a line manager or supervisor with concerns is often a sensible approach and the law protects this approach whether a disclosure is made to a line manager or the Chief Executive

It is important to be able to raise concerns higher in the management chain However there will be times where the concerns are about the conduct of the line manager or they have failed to deal with concerns in the past, so approaching this person would not be appropriate

This is where an employer s whistleblowing policy will be useful as it often explains the best person outside of line management to approach Following a policy is not a requirement though it s a guide on who to approach there can be real value in approaching a manager or director you trust with concerns inside the organisation Many health sector organisations have Freedom to Speak Up Guardians who can support those raising concerns

Externally

Where the concerns have not been addressed or if you have little faith the concerns will be addressed internally e g because you are aware of other whistleblowers being victimised or ignored or maybe past concerns you ve raised have been ignored you can go outside of your employer

The law protects whistleblowers who raise concerns with a regulator an MP or – in some circumstances – even the media if they lose their job or are victimised for doing so https://www gov uk/government/publications/blowing-the-whistle-list-of-prescribed-people-and-bodies--2/whistleblowing-list-of-

prescribed-people-and-bodiesIf you blow the whistle to a regulator you must reasonably believe that your concern falls within that regulator s remit and that the information you disclose is substantially true An appropriate regulator in the health sector might be the Care Quality Commission or one of the professional health bodies- a full list of regulators can be found here

Disclosure to the media may be protected but comes with the strictest legal tests and is usually a place of last resort for disclosure You must either reasonably believe that you will be victimised by your employer, fear that evidence will be concealed by them or that your concern is exceptionally serious https://www gov uk/government/publications/blowing-the-whistle-list-of-prescribed-people-and-bodies--2/whistleblowing-list-ofprescribed-people-and-bodies

WHERE CAN I GET ADVICE?

Getting early advice especially when you are considering those external disclosures is important and there are places that provide such guidance You can get support in raising your concerns from:

Protect s free and confidential Advice Line (020 3117 2520);

Your trade union or professional body

Your local Freedom to Speak Up Guardian

If you have already raised public interest concerns in the NHS you may be eligible for the NHS Speaking Up support scheme

If you are concerned about wrongdoing it is important to know that there is legal protection and that you shouldn’t be treated badly or dismissed for doing so

Nicky Hayes s a qualified solicitor and Legal Adviser at the whistleblowing char ty Protect Prior to joining Protect Nicky completed his training contract at an internat onal law firm where he gained experience in Private Equity Employment Intellectual Property Data and Technology and Pro Bono which included a secondment to Protect

Andrew Pepper-Parsons s Head of Policy at Protect overseeing the charities lobbying and research functions He s been with the charity since 2007 and holds a law degree from Solent University and MSc in Policy Government and Politics from Birkbeck College, University of London

HC-One Launches its First Specialist Dementia Care Community

HC-One has opened its new pilot Specialist Dementia Care Community (SDCC) in Meadow Bank Care Home, in Preston, Lancashire Pioneering a new therapeutic approach this service is the first of its kind and is set to revolutionise dementia care at HC-One for people with complex needs

HC-One has developed its SDCC proposition to better look after people who display distressed behaviour Previously these people may have been prescribed anti-psychotic medication and might currently be inappropriately placed or needing 1:1 support to manage their behaviour

The SDCC is an enhanced service which focuses on the welfare and wellbeing of people who are emotionally distressed by their dementia and therefore require specialist care and support The SDCC is designed to provide a therapeutic care setting that incorporates several key elements

Small scale communities and low arousal interior design provide therapeutic living environments that feel homely and less clinical;

Despite the complexity of their behaviour and the severity of their distress the SDCC teams define the person by who they are, and not by the dementia they are living with;

HC-One is breaking the mould of what a staffing structure should look like piloting new specialist roles and skill sets such as assistant psychologists to work therapeutically with Residents giving them a quality of life previously denied to them in traditional care settings;

Bespoke and advanced Learning & Development delivery in partnership with Dementia Care Managers support this model;

On-going wrap around clinical support and advice from the Dementia Care Team;

The SDCC s traffic light' care planning governs interventions at times of escalating distress; Encouraging the creation of a multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) who understand the SDCC s traffic light approach and the type of in-reach support that might be required;

Robust pre-admission framework and criteria to support appropriate admissions to create a sustainable community

The service at Meadow Bank will operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week every day of the year

Service delivery has been built around the needs of Residents to ensure the best care possible can be delivered This includes the service being led by a Specialist Dementia Service Lead due to the complexity of need and specialist training being provided for Colleagues in positive approaches to behaviour, de-escalation interventions and safe restrictive practices

Julie Rennie the daughter of one of the first residents at the Meadow Bank Specialist Dementia Care Community said: "I ve noticed recently that my Dad is doing more He gets involved with Karaoke and doing jobs around the home – the staff keep me updated as to how he is and what he is doing I m really happy that he has put a bit of weight on and is doing well I can’t thank staff enough

Graham Stokes, Director of Dementia Care Services at HC-One said: “I am delighted that our Specialist Dementia Care Community has opened at Meadow Bank Care Home This really is a revolutionary moment in dementia care

“The difference between a standard Residential dementia care setting and a specialist dementia unit is that the former asks what - what is wrong with this person what can t they do what have they started to do - and our specialist dementia unit asks ‘why’ - why is this person feeling this way, acting in this manner, experiencing life in this way? This approach better equips our specialist teams to work therapeutically with Residents of the SDCC

The SDCC will provide a model of care that ultimately gives people living with dementia the care they need and the life they want ”

Revitalise Respite Holidays Launches 2023 Summer Season

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

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

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

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

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

Booking:

Call: 0303 303 0145

Email: bookings@revitalise org uk

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

The Power of Music and Movement

Music is a powerful force that evokes strong emotions and memories making it an effective tool for therapy Older adults can especially benefit from engaging with music as it provides an outlet for creativity and mental stimulation For those who have agerelated memory issues such as Alzheimer's disease dementia or Parkinson's disease music has the power to actually bring back memories slow age-related cognitive decline and improve cognitive processing speed Additionally directing a person's attention away from their pain with music therapy and movement can help ease pain and lessen stress

DRUM FIT

The Cinnamon Care Collection is the first care home group in the UK to have trained and qualified exercise leaders running Drum Fit classes to help improve the mental and physical health of residents Research has found that drumming to music stimulates the prefrontal cortex and improves cognition in older adults with exercise and drumming providing significant benefits for the ageing mind The Drum Fit seated classes are a great way to get less active people moving incorporating lively sing-a-long music and drumming routines that stimulate movement increase energy levels and engage participants mentally

The benefits of drumming include stress relief, increased circulation, decreased pain, improved coordination, mobility, strength and balance The active workouts are suitable for residents of all ages and fitness levels, with Cinnamon hosting classes for residents throughout its care homes Listening to music and drumming helps participants to breathe rhythmically, which can improve respiratory health, release body tension and lift up mood, all of which can positively impact overall quality of life

Commenting on the initiative, Geoff Pride, Cinnamon Activities Support Consultant,

comments this workout class encourages participants to release the popstar within! With exercises to music designed to improve coordination mobility strength and balance residents of all ages and fitness levels benefit from a body workout that also promotes health benefits for the mind Drum Fit is a fabulous addition to Cinnamon’s resident activity programme Adil Romaya 80 (pictured) a Parkfield Grange Cinnamon care home resident, adds, “These classes are very good and I can feel I exercised all my muscles It is great fun too I love it and will make sure I don t miss a class

CARE CHOICE

Every day should be meaningful different and have purpose Cinnamon offers a wide choice of care whether you are fully independent require nursing care specialist dementia care or respite support Most of residents benefit from residential care delivered as tailored support by 24 hour care teams in exceptional purpose-built accommodation Facilities are outstanding, including restaurants with in-house chefs, piano bars, fitness suites hair and beauty salons cinema rooms luxury lounges libraries and private dining rooms Each home has numerous initiatives to make residents feel part of their local community including intergenerational activities such as gardening and reading with local school children and hosting cadet groups

Cinnamon currently has 20 care homes and retirement villages with 3 more under development The retirement villages are in Kent London and West Midlands and Cinnamon operate care homes in London, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon Kent Surrey Worcestershire West Midlands and Yorkshire

For a full list of Cinnamon homes please visit www cinnamoncc com/care-homes

Friendly Horses Help Bring Back Memories for Care Home Resident

Joan Rollason a resident at RMBI Care Co Home Zetland Court in Bournemouth has had a lifetime spent with horses Now, at 99 years old, she still remains passionate about them

When Sue Wiffen, Zetland Court’s Deputy Home Manager for the Dementia area, recently sat with Joan on her bed she noticed that the resident had a magazine about horses on her lap While she was stroking the magazine resident Joan said: You never forget the way a horse feels but I will never feel it again Staff member Sue was so moved that she knew the Home had to do something about it

Staff member Sue Wiffen immediately contacted an old friend of hers who owns a stable yard and asked her to make the yard as accessible and safe as possible for resident Joan’s wheelchair Then without telling resident Joan where they were going her son Mike and staff member Sue Wiffen drove her to the stable yard

The surprise was guaranteed As soon as they arrived, resident Joan’s head turned towards a beautiful black

horse in a field Her eyes shone with an irrepressible twinkle of amazement “Joan had the time of her life ” said Zetland Court’s staff member Sue Wiffen “Not only was she emotional the whole time but she also clearly remembered how to act around horses – much better than we did! She knew how to feed the ponies, lead them and talk to them, just like a horse whisperer ” Kelly, the stable yard’s owner, was also amazed about how resident Joan could tell the height of all the horses at a glance

After spending time with most of the horses and ponies resident Joan wanted to visit the black horse she had spotted when they first arrived The owner said that horse was a bit too excitable but resident Joan was determined to see it Making sure she was safe at all times they all accompanied her to the black horse which was behind a fence

Resident Joan pulled herself up to the fence and whispered to the horse Once she started talking to him the horse was absolutely calm It was amazing!” said Zetland Court’s staff member Sue Wiffen “I can’t believe this is happening to me ” repeated resident Joan several times during the day Zetland Court’s staff members have now created an album of resident Joan’s visit to the stable yard, so she can look at the photos and reminisce

105-Year-Old Win Shares Her Secret to a Long Life

The secret to a long life is the occasional glass of red wine according to 105-year-old Merseyside care home resident Winnifred Kennan

The centenarian celebrates her birthday with her favourite tipple every year at Aaron Grange Care Home Blacklow Brow Huyton with Roby

Having moved to the care home in October 2017, she has marked all five of her post-century birthdays with a big bash organised by staff

This year was no different as the care home was decorated with balloons and bunting a buffet lunch was provided and Win danced away to music from her favourite singer Dame Vera Lynn

She was joined by her family, friends, and fellow residents for the celebration when she also opened her fifth card from Buckingham Palace Win has now received birthday cards from two reigning monarchs with this year being the first from His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort Camilla

Born on 20th April 1918 Win put her longevity down to always being kind loving and caring enjoying every minute and not forgetting a glass of red wine occasionally

She added: “I’ve had a lovely day I’m very thankful for all the love and well wishes I have received ” Win was raised in the aftermath of the First World War having been born seven months before its end

Her father was in the merchant navy during the War and was killed before she was born – leaving a request that she be given the family name Winnifred

During the Second World War Win was evacuated from Liverpool twice once to Cheltenham and once to Wales due to the Liverpool Blitz by the German Luftwaffe

She later married Tobias Tom Kennan and the pair were together for over 60 years before he passed away Win said: “Tom was the best part of my life

Win and Tom lived in Liverpool where he was a tailor and she was an infant school teacher later teaching older girls with special needs at a different school The pair were also members of The Catenian Association and helped raise money for the poor

Win said: We never had children as we were far too busy with work but I am very close to my niece Loretta, daughter to my older sister, Ilene Friends Mary and Frances also are very close to me and I class them as family and love them dearly ”

Amy Muscatelli activities coordinator at Aaron Grange Care Home said: Win is always the life and soul of the party despite her advanced age

“Every year she tells us not to forget a fine glass of red wine on her birthday and she never forgets Even though she has reached an incredible 105 years of age this year was no different

“It has been a privilege to celebrate all of Win s birthdays since she turned 100 It’s always a pleasure to talk to her about her long life And she has a great sense of humour

Forbes Professional Helps Care Homes Ensure Optimal Protection

Laundry equipment is a critical investment for any care home extending way beyond the delivery of immaculately pressed shirts for discerning residents By choosing specialised commercial appliances the healthcare sector can efficiently process the requisite wash volumes whilst maintaining a safe environment and adhering to stringent regulatory requirements The Association for Applied Hygiene and Robert Koch Institute stipulate that combining disinfection programmes with appropriate segregation of clean and dirty laundry is required for infection control

Care homes must also choose a reliable partner for the provision service and maintenance of laundry equipment If a machine breaks down it is imperative to know it will be repaired or replaced urgently as machine downtime can be highly impactful

Forbes Professional carefully select manufacturers in order to deliver the highest standards of product and service A national distribution partner to Miele, they install and maintain laundry and dishwashing machines to care homes across the UK Miele is renowned for producing highly energy water and user efficient appliances Their heat pump dryers reduce energy con-

sumption by an astounding 70% when compared to standard vented dryers making them a great choice for any care home Furthermore the employment of impressive array of hygiene and safety functions enables Miele s intelligent appliances to continually monitor the parameters that are crucial to disinfection Miele washing machines offer thermal and chemo-thermal disinfection programmes and recent models have received the highly coveted Seal in Black as a testimony to exceptional hygiene standards, with special recognition for deactivating more than 99 9% of all viruses

Forbes works closely with clients to deliver a hygienic efficient solution that meets budget and space requirements and fully complies with WRAS and CQC regulations Their inclusive maintenance and repair services eliminate unexpected expenses and reduce machine downtime Forbes enables invaluable support and adaptability so that care homes can respond to changing resident populations or regulatory guidelines and focus on providing high-quality care knowing that their equipment is in capable hands forbespro co uk | info@forbes-professional co uk | 0345 070 2335

Second Alzheimer’s Drug,donanemab, Succeeds in Phase 3 Trial

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has announced that their Alzheimer’s drug donanemab has successfully slowed memory and thinking decline in a rigorous phase 3 trial The TRAILBLAZER ALZ-2 trial tested the drug in nearly 1 200 people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease

Early trial results appear to suggest that the drug slows the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms by 36%

The announcement makes this the second drug to show positive results in the last six months

According to Lilly s press release the trial showed that participants who took donanemab had a slower rate of decline in memory and thinking skills, compared to people who did not receive the drug However, it also caused serious side effects for some participants

As with other drugs that have emerged recently donanemab works by removing build-up of a protein called amyloid – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s – from the brain

The trial results are yet to be published in a peer reviewed journal

Dr Susan Kohlhaas Executive Director of Research & Partnerships commented on the results:

This is incredibly encouraging and another hugely significant moment for dementia research A second drug for Alzheimer s has been shown to slow people’s cognitive decline in a rigorous phase 3 trial We’re

now on the cusp of a first generation of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease something that many thought impossible only a decade ago

The treatment effect is modest as is the case for many first-generation drugs and there are risks of serious side effects that need to be fully scrutinised before donanemab can be marketed and used However this news underlines the urgency of preparing the NHS to make these treatments available should regulators deem them safe and effective People should be really encouraged by this news which is yet more proof that research can take us ever closer towards a cure

Dr Richard Oakley Associate Director of Research at Alzheimer s Society said After 20 years with no new Alzheimer s drugs we now have two potential new drugs in just twelve months – and for the first time drugs that seem to slow the progression of disease This could be the beginning of the end of Alzheimer s disease

“Based on today’s early results donanemab appears to slow the progression of Alzheimer s symptoms by 36 % (as compared with 27% of last year’s breakthrough drug lecanemab)

Bridging the Intergenerational Gap

A music project between residents at a Surrey-based nursing home and a local school was named a finalist in the National Children and Young People Awards Now staff are encouraging other care homes to pursue joint projects after witnessing the benefits it brings to both the young and the old

The Move and Groove project is a partnership between Intergenerational Music Making and the Youth Sport Trust The aim of the Move and Groove project is to accelerate the growth and impact of intergenerational practice and maximise the health and social benefits of young and old alike plus the wider community through an innovative and inspirational intergenerational music and movement programme

The initial six week pilot engaged with 10 care homes and 10 schools around the UK Tupwood Gate Nursing Home run by leading health and social care company Cygnet Health Care were linked with Clifton Hill School a Special School in Caterham for children and young people aged 11-19 with severe and profound multiple learning difficulties

The young people and their teachers visited Tupwood every Friday morning and participated in a music and movement facilitated session with a group of residents

Paula Deadman was Tupwood Gate Nursing Home’s Service Manager at the time of the partnership

She said: “It was a fabulous project and our Friday mornings were full of singing and laughter It was an

absolute joy to see the bonds formed between these amazing young people and our residents ”

Dr Richard Wright is the Lead GP at Tupwood Gate Nursing Home He added: “One of the best parts was the vibrancy and seeing the impact on the students who would leave at the end of the sessions skipping out the door In terms of our residents, it wasn’t just seeing the anecdotal improvements, we were receiving direct reports about the benefit it was bringing It was a joy to behold ”

Sue Clark is the Activity Co-ordinator at the care home and she offered advice for any organisation or service considering embarking on an intergenerational project

She said: It was an amazing privilege to be part of Move and Groove and witness the young and older generation together

For anyone considering the same I would recommend getting in touch with youth groups such as the Brownies schools dance schools as well as approaching others that are relatively local in the community

“There is never any harm in approaching and asking and the benefits for both the young and the old can be huge It had such a massive impact on the residents at Tupwood Gate

“If you plan the event together, ensuring there is support from both sides, it really can be the start of something special ”

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

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

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

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

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

MoliCare®

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

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

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

Head to www careexhibition co uk to learn more and secure your free tickets for the 12th July at Westpoint Arena Exeter

Celebrates 40 Years of Incontinence Protection, Ever y Day

MoliCare® the global incontinence brand is celebrating 40 years of supporting people carers and healthcare professionals with solution-based pads pants and skincare products The product range has been designed to help the everyday needs of those living with incontinence and bladder weakness with the care of the skin at the heart of the MoliCare® brand

Incontinence is a condition that affects 1 in 4 women in the UK For a condition which is so common there is still a sense of embarrassment and isolation that leaves people feeling lonely and unsupported In fact 68% of those living with incontinence feel that it has had a negative impact on their quality of life, and just over half believe that urinary incontinence is a taboo subject Therefore, it is vital that there is an increase in societal support, as well as a wide range of simple solutions for people living with incontinence

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

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

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

A – Absorbency MoliCare®’ s droplet guide makes selection straightforward

S – Size, MoliCare®’ s in-depth sizing guide ensures that products selected, are a comfortable and secure fit HARTMANN, the company behind MoliCare® continues to invest in and develop in their products This

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

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

Amy Jaworska, MoliCare® B2C Channel Manager comments; “as a global manufacturer and expert in the field of Incontinence and Bladder Weakness we are delighted to be celebrating 40 years of the MoliCare® brand supporting people living with incontinence

MoliCare® invests in the research design and development of our premium incontinence products to ensure they meet the highest quality reliability and protection for people living with incontinence We also support loved ones carers and healthcare professionals alike with the right support for the people they care for because the individual s wellbeing and quality of life is at the heart of everything we do

Commercial Kitchen and Laundr y Solutions (CKLS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit www cashslabels com

Essential Insurance Covers For Your Care Home

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

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

BUILDINGS AND CONTENTS INSURANCE

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

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

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

Here are some covers you must consider

LIABILITY COVER

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

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

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

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

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

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

ARE YOU AT RISK OF UNDERINSURANCE?

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

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

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

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

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

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

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

APPEARANCE

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

COMFORT

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

DESIGN AND BRANDING

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

HEALTH AND SAFETY

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

INFECTION CONTROL AND CONTAMINATION

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

RECOMMENDED LAUNDRY TEMPERATURES

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

PROFESSIONAL LAUNDRY SERVICES

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

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

SEPARATING CLEAN AND DIRTY UNIFORMS

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

PRE-TREATING STAINS

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

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DETERGENT

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

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

CiCLO® Fabric Technology

An Innovative Way To Combat Plastic Waste

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

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

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

Our new Landau Forward range is made with this

Your One Stop Shop For Branded Uniforms

innovation CiCLO® technology

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

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

Info@grahamegardner co uk

0116 255 6326

Concealed

High-quality 195gsm 65/35 polyester/cotton

• Generous sizing with action back

Front left and right chest pockets

• 2 lower pockets

Sizes: 8–30

Discounts available dependent on quantities

See

ACCESSIBLE BATHING

Introducing The New Pressalit Matrix Height And Sideways Ad justable Washbasin

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

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

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

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

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

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

dle or intuitive electric power button

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reval - Leaders in Assisted Bathing

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

Assisted bathing systems

Ceiling track and mobile hoists

Assisted showering appliances and wet room equipment

• Shower and sluice systems

Hydro-therapy pools and changing room

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

ise and our unravelled “Know How”

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

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

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

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

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

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

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

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

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

Care homes hospices, community clinics and district nursing come with unique infection control challenges that frequently limit the product availble and their scope for use However social care requires a high level of infection control As previously discussed Government data shows that up to 43% of CDI cases were community acquired There is a clear need for improvement

Whilst we all have a range of cleaning products for different jobs the formulations of the products are all very similar If you look at the ingredients it ll say aqua <5% anionic surfactants (usually SDBS) and

possibly a quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) Whilst these products are reasonably cheap per litre when you ve got multiple different products these costs add up quickly A single ready-to-use product can push this even further often coming in at over £1 per litre Additionally there is a significant administrative burden to consider with COSHH and risk assessments for each product In an environment where comfort is a key priority, it s vital that a disinfectant is compatible with soft furnishings Traditional disinfectants such as chlorine cause significant damage and costly replacements and QACs are not effective against spores However an alternative is now available in the form of Peracide an in situ peracetic acid disinfectant with neutral pH that’s highly effective against C difficile spores and contains surfactant so you ll get an excellent clean and disinfect in 1 process, suitable for use on all surfaces furnishings and equipment

Contact Sky Chemicals on info@skychemicals co uk or 01142 780 222 to discuss!

Swiftclean Support for Care Homes

Running a care home presents plenty of challenges, some of which it is wise to outsource to an experienced and reputable specialist

Swiftclean is a family owned nationwide business We specialise in air and water hygiene compliance with a particular emphasis on ventilation duct cleaning, kitchen extract fire safety cleaning fire damper drop testing laundry extract cleaning and commercial building water systems

Swiftclean has been and continues to be invaluable to general managers and facilities managers of care homes and can provide a package of services giving you peace of mind and value for money

Our specialist teams work in accordance with BSEN15780 and TR19® for ventilation cleaning; L8

and HTM-04-01 for water management; TR19® Grease for kitchen extract fire safety cleaning; and BS 9999 for fire dampers; these are the industry standards which are recognised as key in each specialist area

With all our services excellent work is only half the story In the event of an inspection, you will need to be able to demonstrate that your care home is compliant; it won t be enough for you to know that it is We provide all the required documentation including before and after photographs and post clean and maintenance reports so you can be sure that your service users are safe and you are protected from any liability for negligence

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

Infection Control in Care Settings HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Infection and cross-infection control are critical components of healthcare particularly in residential and nursing care homes The UK has strict guidelines and regulations in place to ensure that residents of care homes are protected from infections and illnesses

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Preventing infections and cross-infections in care homes is crucial for the health and wellbeing of residents The best approach is to adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes infection prevention and control policies staff training and routine risk assessments The policies should be designed to prevent the spread of infections such as hand hygiene cleaning, and waste disposal Staff should be trained to identify and manage infections use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow proper hand hygiene protocols Routine risk assessments should be conducted to identify potential hazards and risks of infection in the care home environment

TRAINING

Staff training is essential for the prevention and control of infections in care homes All staff members should receive training on infection prevention and control which should include topics such as hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection waste disposal and the use of PPE The training should be tailored to each staff member s job role and level of responsibility For example, care home managers should receive more in-depth training on risk assessment infection control policies and staff management The training should be updated regularly to ensure that staff members are aware of new developments in infection control

RISK ASSESSMENT

Conducting routine risk assessments is an essential part of infection and cross-infection control in care homes Risk assessments should be conducted regularly to identify potential hazards and risks of infection in the care home environment The assessments should cover all areas of the care home including communal areas resident rooms and staff facilities Risk assessments should identify potential hazards such as contaminated surfaces equipment and waste and provide guidance on how to minimize the risks Risk assessments should be documented and reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain up to date

LEGISLATION

The UK has a range of legislation in place to protect the health and safety of care home residents and staff members The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 the Management of Health and Safety at Work

Legionella Risk Assessments

Legionnaires disease can cause serious illness and even death it was named after the 1st major recorded outbreak at a conference/gathering in the United States

The bacteria are present in all water and become an issue when the right conditions for them to proliferate exist These are; an ideal temperature and some stagnation the perfect temperature is mid to high 30 degrees C Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 recommends that an initial Legionella risk assessment is carried out and then a suitable water management scheme is put in place and followed This will include monitoring of outlets and water tanks and may include regular water sampling and disinfections The Legionella risk assessment needs to be carried out to BS8580 by a competent i e trained person

Regulations 1999, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Regulations 2002 are just a few examples of the legislation that applies to care homes The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for regulating and inspecting care homes to ensure that they comply with these regulations Failure to comply with the legislation can result in fines or legal action

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

The practice and procedure of infection and cross-infection control in care homes should be standardized to ensure consistency and efficiency The practice and procedure should be based on evidence-based guidelines and should cover all aspects of infection prevention and control For example hand hygiene should be performed regularly and PPE should be used correctly Cleaning and disinfection should be carried out using appropriate products and methods Waste disposal should be done in line with regulations and staff members should be trained to identify and report infections promptly

CONCLUSION

Infection and cross-infection control is a critical aspect of healthcare in UK residential and nursing care homes Preventing infections and crossinfections is essential for the health and wellbeing of residents and the best approach is to adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes infection prevention and control policies staff training and routine risk assessments The policies should be designed to prevent the spread of infections staff should be trained to identify and manage infections and routine risk assessments should be conducted to identify potential hazards and risks of infection

The bacteria is ingested by human beings in the form of an aerosol and then infects the lungs the symptoms are similar to flu and also Covid 19 The mild illness is called Pontiac fever and will generally be flu-like and may dissipate without treatment The more serious illness can involve hospitalisation including ICU and even death Public Health England confirms there were 503 cases of Legionnaires Disease in 2019 for England and Wales – an average of almost 10 cases a week (Latest available data)

The most common sources are from showers or other equipment such as cooling towers that produce an aerosol Stagnation is also a major factor in increasing the risk to mitigate this any low use/seldom used outlets should be run off weekly Temperature monitoring is also advisable both of these actions MUST be recorded In summation: A current Legionella risk assessment and appropriate water hygiene management and monitoring scheme will prevent the bacteria proliferation within the systems and therefore significantly reduce the risk to Staff and public health Steve Dillon (Advanced WMSoC Legionella Risk Assessor) Managing Director Stokefield Water Treatment Ltd See the advert on this page for details

Omnitex Hygiene Products

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

All products are manufactured in ISO9001 and ISO13485 certified facilities

Omnitex Body Cleansing wipes

Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection

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

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Sustainable Products Inter view with High Green Development Trust

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

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

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

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

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

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

didn t come into it

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

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

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

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

What benefits have you had switching to these sustainable products?

How has High Green benefitted from switching?

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

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

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

edencleen from Cleenol

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

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

• RSPO certified palm oil derivatives

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

• Water sampling

• Legionella compliance

• Asset inspection – tanks, calorifiers etc.

• Remedial works

• Swimming and spa pool testing

Tel: 01844 347678

Email: info@chilternwater.co.uk

www.chilternwater.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No animal derived products

Cruelty free

Minimal petrochemical derived products

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

VOC free and phosphate, EDTA, NTA free

Recyclable / recycled packaging

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

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

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

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

Re-booting Dementia Care DEMENTIA CARE

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

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

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

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

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

For several years now we have recognised these growing needs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recognii Offers New Way To Entertain Residents With Later Stage Dementia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CASE STUDY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Focus Games - Game Based

Training for Ever y Situation

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

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

1 Enhanced engagement

2 Improved knowledge retention

3 Safe learning environment

4 Customizable learning experience

5 Collaborative learning

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calming colours

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

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

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

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

Perfecting the palette

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

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

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

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

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

• Staff areas and supply cupboards should be painted in the

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

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

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

On-site conduct and considerations

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

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

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

Fall Savers® are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

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

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works w th two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems

A variety of options including Call button Pager

Floor sensor mat

W reless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR

Lotus Care Technology

The NurseAlert pressure mat has been one of the most successful floor pressure mats due to it being non slip and carpeted which makes it feel very natural under a residents foot Lotus Care Technology Ltd have many other fall saving devices that can give you peace of mind whilst caring for this at risk of falls

Having many years of experience in fitting and maintaining

Nurse Call Systems helps the guys at Lotus Care Technology understand that every home is different and has different needs They can specify not only the best system for the environmental factors in the home but also take into consideration the best products that will make your carers and nurses jobs that little bit easier

Visit www lctuk com for details

CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes

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

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

A published study by the University of Stirling stated that unanswered Nurse Call (Call Bell) alarms can be one of the most common causes of stress in dementia sufferers The University recommends fitting call alarms which alert nurses but do not resonate throughout the whole building Alarms can be particularly disconcerting as they may encourage the person with dementia to respond or investigate what the matter is At the very least the loss of sleep will compromise a person’s ability to concentrate It can affect their attention levels and capacity to cope as well as being detrimental to their overall state of wellbeing Personal paging systems are preferable to bells and buzzers Modern Nurse Call systems can incorporate a number of methods to reduce their impact in a care home These include zoning whereby there are separate alarm types used depending upon the location of the call In these circumstances dementia sufferers and those vulnerable to noise can be located in one “zone” whist less vulnerable residents live in an alternative zone Each zone can operate different call tones warning lights or other methods to alert when help

is required

Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tranquil environment for residents Pagers have been around for many years are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise and can be added to most Nurse Call systems Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning e-medication, etc Many Courtney

Thorne clients are now utilising the “Go” app with their Nurse Call system With the “Go” app, nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home

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

For more information email us at: info@c-t co uk

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks

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

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

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

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

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

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

NMS:

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

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

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

Ssee the advert on the front cover for more details

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Medpage Falls Management Products

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

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

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

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

See the advert on page 2 for details

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

Frequency PrecisionSensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor Those in Care

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

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

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

Phone: 01837 810590

Email: contact@frequencyprecision com

Website: www frequencyprecision com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Don’t Get Lost On Your Digital Journey

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

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

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

As with any journey you need a route plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

records by next year

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

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

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

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

Creating Data-Led Legacy In Residential Care

The possibilities of improving the lives of people living in residential care are vast, but data is key to unlocking this, says Rachelle Mills, Director of Par tnerships & Innovation, KareInn (www kareinn com)

If it is the sector s mission to create better happier more dignified care for its residents then we need to make more impactful use of the data care homes are continually producing to drive innovation forward for better care outcomes

Picture the scene it s a familiar one At the end of their shift, the care assistant says goodnight to residents and quickly writes up the shift notes in key handover documents before going home In the night one resident becomes agitated and the night care assistant, who is new, struggles to calm them down and understand their needs The lever arch folder is stowed away in the admin office and whilst it s easy to see the last interaction digging further to find clues as to why or how this agitation may be happening is not feasible in the moment Whilst the night s events are captured in the handover notes the next morning from the paperwork point of view a pattern is not emerging The day begins again

Leaving a legacy is something many of us hope for – in work with loved ones or in history

In residential care the staff are a huge part of what sets one offering apart from another When those people move on they leave two kinds of legacy Often residents will feel loss at losing someone they have grown to trust and like so that role needs to be replaced by a person of the same standard to keep residents feeling equally safe and supported Secondly there is a legacy of collected information on individuals' preferences,

habits, experiences and medical needs

Half the care sector still operates using pen and paper and 30% of care homes are still hanging on to an entirely paper-based resident care record system It could be so much more useful if the systems used were more fit for the purpose of collecting information and the repurposing of it to improve care

TREATING RESIDENT RECORDS AS A LEGACY – THE GIFT TO FUTURE CARE

This legacy of information for just one team member could be years long and contain observations noted from caring for hundreds of people When residents leave care or pass away the capture of experiences of their emotional and physical needs doesn’t just have to be a record of the care they have received The information can be structured into data and then used for predicative analysis or insight – it s a gift for the future care of others and that s the legacy we must leave behind

Data is simply information that has been translated into a form that is efficient for movement or processing In the social care sector specifically the information is the input we are already gathering for our residents it might be MUST assessments accident and incident forms or how someone has slept all captured on paper forms during and at the end of the shift The problem with paper is it s hard to draw correlations and spot insights for one resident let alone across hundreds of thousands of people which is the volume needed for things like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to work

Once this information is in a more efficient form for processing we can use tools such as data analysis which deal with huge volumes of data to draw insights and yield learnings

PROCEEDING POSITIVELY AWAY FROM PAPER-BASED RECORDS

As part of its Better Care Fund (BCF) policy framework the Government has allocated £100m to accelerate digitisation in social care £50m to improve data as well as £35m for the creation of an innovation and improvement unit This investment is much needed because it encourages the move away from paper-based resident care record systems Regardless of whether it s a storeroom of lever arch files or a cloud sys-

tem of care records, care assistants and their residents are continuing to generate data and it could be so much more impactful data if the systems used were more fit for the purpose of caring We can t change the fact that the paper records of the last few generations of care home residents are mostly inaccessible to researchers and scientists but we can proceed positively and change the modern legacy of residential care

GIVING CARE HOMES THE VISIBILITY THEY NEED

If we recorded data effectively the scene of the care assistant we looked at earlier would be very different When they say goodnight to residents, they take out their phone and record into a dedicated app, noting that one client was agitated because she was missing her pet and that there’s a photo of him that helps her stay calm This information is there for the night shift team alongside a picture of the pet so that they can comfort the woman when she wakes up feeling upset

The care assistant also tells their colleagues that another resident has a reduced appetite, again adding the notes to their personal care record on the app This then becomes a measurable data point against all the other times that meals have been declined When you filter and sort this information a trend could emerge which will then help you action the appropriate care

Care homes and researchers alike get the visibility they need and residents receive better care It s much harder to spot a pattern if its spread over lots of separate sheets of paper but with the right platform in place it can aggregate the data providing actionable insight

ICS funding is available to support the wider adoption of digital social care records (DSCR) across England and to ensure data is recorded at the point of care and can be shared between care settings

The information that we are gathering right now for our residents for their families and for the regulator could be put to much better use Now is the time to create and capture better data and create a modern legacy that changes the future shape of residential care We can be the generation that does not miss the opportunity to better utilise information we can transform it and yield the benefits for the future

• Improve the quality of care

Deliver better outcomes

Pass Profile 2023 TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

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

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect The first product of its type to offer this feature PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration, and is the only one offering it to the home care market

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

CARE

PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM

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

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

Save you time

Increase the efficiency of your teams

The CAREAudits System

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

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

users quality and wellbeing

The system allows care providers to audit or check just about everything and manage all areas requiring actions (or non-compliances) in its Web

Portal Encrypted date and time stamped evidence including photos is seamlessly auto attached and recorded in the system Management see in real time exactly were best to focus their attention and resources and how they are meeting their compliance requirements

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

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

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

• Using medical information to inform care planning

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

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

Get in touch:

www everylifetechnologies com

hello@everylifetechnoloiges com

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

Steven Tegart from Talbot Group likes reporting and says “I wish all my other systems were as easy to extract data for management reports as the CAREAudits Excel links Andrew Wood of Wood Care Group says “It is easy to use and our management team complete audits daily which and very customisable giving you the reporting and monitoring you require to ensure risk mitigation in our services

Customer support is excellent and we have never had any issues ”

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

CAREAudits apps are a part of the Care Plus Innovation Group

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

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

W&P Training

W&P Training supply comprehensive sets of CQC care policies and procedures that are personalised to your business Whether it s Residential Care Homes Domiciliary Homecare Nursing Homes Learning Disabilities or Supported Living – We cover it all

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME POLICIES

Are Your Current Policies Up To Date?

There have been many recent changes to employment law vaccinations covid-19 guidance plus the CQC’s new strategy and regulatory approach W&P s team track these changes for you to ensure customers receive up to date CQC compliant documents

DOMILICIARY HOMECARE POLICIES

Over 130 comprehensive Domiciliary Care Policies and Procedures for Homecare / Domiciliary Based Services that are researched and written to meet all the CQC regulatory, legislative and good practice guidance within the Health and Social Care sector

ASH Healthcare Training

CLINICAL PROCEDURES FOR NURSING HOMES

CQC compliance for new and established Nursing Homes

W&P’s clinical procedures include 70 comprehensive and up-to-date documents for your nursing home These clinical procedures complement our full set of Care Home Policies and Procedures

SUPORTED LIVING / LEARNING DISABILITIES POLICIES

Designed for Supported Living and Domiciliary providers that deliver CQC regulated activities to adults with Learning Disabilities and/ or Autism W&P’s Policies and Procedures for Supported Living Services will assist with your CQC compliance

Looking for Supported living Policies with NO Personal Care? Visit https://www wandptraining co uk/policies-andprocedures/non-registered-care-policies/ W&P s policy and compliance team are constantly scanning and reviewing all the statutory websites and regulatory publications to track the very latest developments in the Health & Social Care Sector

Policies and Procedures are updated every 4 months or immediately if there is a critical change to regulation good practice guidance case law outcomes or just feedback from customers

To find out more about what we offer go to www wandptraining co uk or see the advert on page 2

Ever ything You Need To Know About Mock CQC Inspections

When you redecorate your house you quickly get used to your new environment

Sometimes it takes a visit from a friend you haven t seen for 6 months to remind you that yes you spent a lot of time and effort finding the right curtains to match your sofa

was done today Your inspector will highlight what you re doing well so you can keep doing it and find opportunities where you could improve your service

At ASH Healthcare Training, we specialise in providing a wide range of healthcare training courses to meet the needs of your business Our courses are delivered using a variety of training techniques to make learning fun and informative All of our trainers are experienced highly qualified nurses and professionals with practical experience in their field

With courses ranging from Manual Handling, EFAW to Verification of Expected Death, Venepuncture and Catheterisation training, our healthcare professional training is CPD approved and you will receive

accreditation upon completion CARE HOME ASSISTANT PRACTITIONER TRAINING

The only accredited CHAP training in the UK The Care Home Assistant Practitioner role is still relatively new but is growing in popularity amongst business owners and care staff For business owners it provides a skilled workforce able to support the nurses in Nursing Homes where recruitment of nurses is now a serious problem by supporting the nurses you enable them to do more 'nursing' and less of the paper based tasks that can take them away from providing the care your residents deserve 0844 800 9223 info@ashhct co uk www ashhealthcaretraining com

The same principle applies to mock CQC inspections When you live and breathe your business you simply don’t see it the same way as someone who’s just walked in the door

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

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

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

They gather evidence based on client experiences feedback from your team and other stakeholders, observation, paperwork and process reviews CQC inspectors play a vital role in keeping vulnerable people safe and setting high standards for care Naturally, that’s something they take very seriously But if you’re focused on managing your team and taking care of clients it can be hard to know whether you re ticking all the boxes that the CQC will look at That s why a mock inspection is a great way to benchmark your business and find out how you d be rated if the inspection

If you re aiming for Outstanding don t risk missing out when it s so quick and easy to arrange a mock CQC inspection and find out if you re on track

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A LOW RATING

Your friend has spotted the stain – and what’s worse, it’s even bigger than you thought! Fear not We don t leave you high and dry after a mock CQC inspection We can match you with the person with exactly the right knowledge to deal with that particular stain

Most care providers don’t have the budget for a full-time quality team – and if they did they d probably spend it on more front-line carers – but with Kata Care Solutions you don t need one Think of us as your virtual quality team as and when you need us

Our care quality consultants will create a bespoke action plan to address any areas of concern and help you establish best practices long before your real inspector comes a-calling

If you’ve already had a disappointing inspection we can also work with you to turn things around as quickly as possible And don t worry, we’ll be helping you to establish a repeatable framework and navigate any complex paperwork or ambiguous wording so you feel completely confident that you’re on the right path in the future

So if you don t have any further questions all that’s left to do is book your mock CQC inspection and get your care business on the journey to Outstanding

Visit www katacare co uk to book

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels for Drug-Free Pain Relief

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

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

C&S Seating Ltd

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

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

for repainting

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

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

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

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

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

BIOFROST® Gels:

BIOFROST® Rel ef Cold Gel for pain relieving cold therapy

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

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

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

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

See the advert on page 3 and the front cover

New Vision Signs and Graphics Ltd

environment

We offer a full survey service with designs drawings, location plans, manufacture and delivery or installation

door signs, lift directories, as well as directional and wayfinding signage

Kodak

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

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

and

Anglia Crown - Popular Dishes for Ever yone

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

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

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

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the

Raising the Standard of

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

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

The Stair Climbing Company maintains one main

See the advert on page 13

Stair Climbing Solutions

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

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

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

www thestairclimbingcompany com

See the advert on page 13

Make First Impressions Count with Major Plants

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

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

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

We know that busy businesses have enough work

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

Please get in touch!

0800 111 4014 – info@majorplants co uk

Or see the advert on the front cover

panied by whipped cream garnished with seasonal fresh fruit

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

Nutrition and Hydration Digest (2017) requirements

VEGAN SUITABLE CHOICES

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

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

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

Making the Most of the International Recruitment Fund

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JJ Recruitment has the large database of well qualified applicants with experience in the health-care industry such as health care assistants senior carers and nurses from overseas We also have an expert team of solicitors for the necessary legal proceedings and advices

WHY JJ?

We have very minimal processing fees

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

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

SERVICES

WE PROVIDE

We will help arrange your sponsorship license

We will source the best candidates

We will fully screen each candidate

We arrange accommodation

What to Consider When

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

INVESTMENT

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

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

FINANCE

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

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

ASSET/SHARE PURCHASE

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

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

a Care Home Business

DUE DILIGENCE

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

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

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

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

PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCE

The Eden Alternative - What Is It?

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

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

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

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

Loan from OakNorth Bank

2 000 in the UK and 20 000 worldwide

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

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

The key advantages to the Eden approach are:

It improves occupancy

It improves recruitment and retention

It improves team and resident wellbeing Geoffrey Cox LLb MSc

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

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

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

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

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

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

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance

Global assists clients throughout the U K who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase development and refinance We have organised over £1 8bn for clients in the past 30 years providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt ease cashflow and develop businesses further